Terrible Experience for Our Kids - Avoid This Camp!** We had been looking forward to Horse Savvy Training Camp in Poway, CA, all summer, expecting a fun and enriching experience for a group of four girls (ages 9-11) who are all friends Unfortunately, it turned out to be a very disappointing and an upsetting experience. The camp was being ran by a teenage girl as the owner was not around. The problem was that girl let her authority go to her head and behaved like a drill-sergeant. The camp was incredibly hot which is of course not their fault however there was no shade other than a tree. There were no umbrellas or sail shades to help provide relief from the sun. The staff consisted of a teenage girl who treated the camp like a boot camp, bossing the girls around rather than encouraging them and making the camp an enjoyable experience. Our daughters were literally in tears when we picked them up after the first day. This was heart-wrenching for us as parent as these girls had been looking forward to horse camp all summer and this was going to be their favorite week. All four girls have previously attended horse camps elsewhere and had wonderful experiences, but this camp was entirely different. Instead of having fun, they felt as if they were being yelled at, bossed around, talked down to, and take orders from one counselor in particular. On the first day they were ordered to pick up papers that were not their mess and the counselor rudely yelled at these young girls, aggressively threw art supplies like scissors and glue sticks across the table. Basically an extremely bossy attitude and not a good fit for a young girls camp. We contacted the owner who was shocked and said she's never heard of such complaints. We agreed to try again the next day. The following day was a little better, but Wednesday was back to the same short fuse negative attitude just like Monday. The girls were forced to participate in a game where they would get wet. Some of the girls asked to not get wet but they were forced to play. Not everyone likes getting wet in their clothes but they were demanded to play along. Another girl with dust allergies was forced to clean a dusty area even though she asked to not have to due to her allergies Another girl was forced to pick up horse poop even though she asked not to. This was a terrible experience for all four girls from three different families. We had to pull them out of the camp after day three and requested a refund. The owner said she was only willing to pay us for the two days we hadn't used (Thrs & Fri) which she did. She refused to reimburse M-W. We will never be going back, and I strongly advise others to avoid this camp if you want your children to have a positive and enjoyable experience. The camp is upsetting and for a young girl not the positive experience one would envision. There are better choices when it comes to horse camp that's for sure. read more

My daughter did 2 weeks of Horse Camp and she absolutely feel in love with riding. This camp was extremely empowering and helped my daughter with confidence and anxiety. The bond she made with her horse was pretty special and the skills she took away are invaluable. We are immensely grateful for the summer program. read more

My 6 year old daughter attended 2 separate weeks of horse camp at Horse Saavy this summer. I've been waiting years to have her do a horse camp and I felt like she was ready. My daughter has been riding on her own for some time now but really lacked confidence. Horse Saavy's camp gave her the confidence boost she needed. The counselors were amazing with my daughter. They placed her on horses based on her riding abilities and it really helped her feel comfortable. And she was able to ride both English and Western and rode multiple horses. The horses were perfect for every age and skill level. I truly felt comfortable leaving her everyday, knowing she was in a safe environment. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the camp and came home happily exhausted everyday. The day was filled with fun activities and she gained so much horse knowledge. I highly recommend Horse Saavy to anyone that asks about riding lessons or horse camp. read more

Jamie and Emily are one of the hardest working individuals I have met! They are devoted to their business and spend almost every waking moment ensuring their clients are taken care of. Their goal is to provide challenging and effective lessons for all age ranges and levels (youngsters to adults). The barn families are very welcoming, inclusive and are willing to help if you have questions or concerns. It is refreshing to have a local barn that is a low-key and people are not pretentious. Emily is the primary teacher in Poway and holds English clinics in Ramona while Jamie holds classes and barrel pattern practices in Ramona. Summer camps are fantastic here! English and Western lessons are available at Horse Savvy so all are welcome. We are very lucky to have found Horse Savvy and I can't wait to see the evolution of my child's riding in the coming years. read more

Horse Savvy Training - At the arena in Poway :) - Horseback Riding Near Me

My husband and I are incredibly impressed with Horse Savvy Training in Poway. It was important for us that our daughter learn "soup to nuts" everything about caring for and riding a horse; Not just showing up to get on after the groom prepped her horse. That's not how we do things. Erin & Emily have not only provided incredible instruction and our daughter has progressed beautifully but they've also created a kind and welcoming culture where all of the girls, some boys too, work together and help one another. Our daughter's love of riding and wanting to be at the barn every single day are unsurpassed. This is a testament to this great place and the vibe they've created. Thank you, Erin & Emily and the Horse Savvy Training Team! read more

We absolutely love Horse Savvy!! Would give ten stars if we could. Our Daughters have been riding here since 2019. Emily and Jamie are excellent trainers and came highly recommended. All the horses are well trained and loved by all the kids. It is a very friendly and safe environment and wonderful for kids and the parents. On another note this was our saving grace during these last two years of the pandemic as there were not any other activities available for kids. They were able to enjoy lessons and attend multiple camps during the summer. We highly recommend Horse Savvy! read more

BRAVOS AND BOUQUETS to Horse Savvy. My granddaughter had her first lesson from Erin this afternoon. She had ridden Western style a bit but had no experience riding English style. My daughter, her younger daughter and I sat at one of the picnic tables and enjoyed watching. Erin was a wonderful teacher and I was impressed with the process from grooming Beau to riding posture and beginning to trot/post. My granddaughter enjoyed every minute and we, the gallery, did too. Gigi S read more

Could not imagine riding anywhere else. I first started riding with Horse Savvy in 2012 and will never ride anywhere else. Over the years I have fallen in and out of riding horses (college and grad school pulled me away), but every time I come back I am welcomed back with open arms. Jamie and Emily are both extraordinary teachers and genuinely care about their riders. It is evident that teaching people to ride is much more than just a business to both Jamie and Emily, but it is their passion. read more

My Children have been ridding at horse Savy since 2014. They have learned so much from their trainers. I'm so appreciative of the levels of confidence they've gained. read more

Don't listen to the crazy person with how "scary" Erin is and how "rude" Jamie is. That mama bear needs to stop sheltering her children and if she doesn't want to be yelled at for her own ridiculousness in front of her children she should probably take her phone off speaker. Erin is short of exceptional. She gets on kids because she is their coach. Your child is sitting on a 1000pound animal it's her job to keep them safe while allowing them to have fun. My 12 year old LOVES Erin and my 6 year old can not only follow all her directions but adores her. As far as Jamie goes I consider anyone running a successful business during these times a true Saint. Jamie doesn't need defending she has a wait list that speaks for it self. However if I was defending her I would say the best words to describe her would be kind, relaxed, funny and generous. If you don't believe me or ALL the other normal people who have given 5+ stars then check for yourself. No one should ever trust a keyboard warrior. read more

Jamie is AMAZING!!!!! My daughter started riding with her just over four years ago. Jamie has a gift that she shares with so many! She pushes the kids that need a little push. She cares for all of her students and matches the horses with the riders capability. She has a right hand person, Emily who is amazing with the beginning riders and helps train all who ride with Horse Savvy. Horse Savvy offers both English and western riding lessons. The barrel program is hands down one of the best! She goes out of her way to take kids to races and jumping competitions. The summer horse camps are ones the kids love and go back year after year. We are so thankful to be a part of the Horse Savvy family! read more

I have two daughters, ages 6 and 8 who have been taking riding lessons at Horse Savvy Training for over a year now and we couldn't be happier with the skill and knowledge they have gained from Horse Savvy. I find them to be extremely reliable and knowledgeable. It's been a learning experience for the whole family and I feel lucky we have found such a great partner in a sport that my children are so excited about! read more

My older daughter first started riding at Horse Savvy three years ago. In that time, she has learned so much about riding, the care of horses and stable management. Jamie, the trainer at Horse Savvy is exceptional at her job -- she knows just the right way to motivate and teach each individual child. She teaches the kids how to be responsible, independent, safe and have respect for the horses and for each other. I could not be more pleased with the progress my daughter has made over the last three years. Currently, my younger daughter and I are also taking riding lessons with Jamie and are loving every minute of it. The atmosphere at Horse Savvy is supportive and friendly, and Jamie is always happy to answer the kids' questions and help them reach their goals. We are happy to be a part of the Horse Savvy family! read more

I love this training facility! I can't say enough positive things about Jamie. I was nervous trying it out for the first time but instantly satisfied. Jamie is so great with people and great with the horses. Her experience shows! read more

I have been riding and taking lessons here for almost two years and just love everything about this place. The horses are well cared for and the instruction is beyond top notch. I have learned so much and from someone who is extremely knowledgeable while being understanding, caring and extremely patient and motivating in how she teaches. She is the best! Not enough words to describe how I feel about everything here and because of who she is as an owner and trainer, she attracts the most amazing people who are learning along with me. Could not find a better place if I tried! read more

Horse Savvy Training is my second home. I've been training with Jamie 6 years now, and even though I'm 43, I feel like I've grown up here. Jamie has taught me so much about riding, horse care, and stable management. It's always been my dream to own a horse, and Jamie helped me get here and beyond as she continues to encourage me and push me just when I need it, helping me believe in my riding ability and in my horse. Everyone who boards their horses here or is in the lesson program looks out for one another like family. All horses are extremely well cared-for, as they are family, too. Horse Savvy is a unique and close-knit equine community; my respite from a weary world - a truly special place! read more