Today was the first day of equestrian camp at this location for my son. When we arrived at the camp, we were greeted by a student who was working on learning how to care for and train new riders. After a brief introduction, my son then went right into his lesson. When I arrived to pick my son up at the end of camp today, he was filling a horse trough and helping with the grooming of Skittles; the newest horse at the stable. This camp/ stable provides lessons without the "fluff". Sydney (the owner) is very direct, open and honest about what it takes to learn to ride and care for a horse. Within the first day, my son learned how to care for a horse as well as was able to trot on a horse without an equestrian saddle. *COVID protocols are followed during the pandemic read more

See all

I love Idylwood Stables! Sydney is a wonderful human being and has so much passion for horses and training. She truly cares about her students and boarders. The number one priority at Idylwood is the happiness and health of the horses. They are treated like royalty! Her training style is very positive and encouraging. She will continue to challenge you, ultimately making you a more confident rider. I have tried almost every barn in the Austin area but none of them have that "barn family" feel like Idylwood! Feels like home. read more

Idylwood Stables - Sydney always has awesome horses available for lease! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Idylwood is a wonderful place to learn all aspects of horsemanship and develop riding skills. Sydney and the other trainers really take the time to get to know you, individualize lessons for you, and find the perfect horse for your ride. The facility has three large rings, which makes it perfect for all disciplines and abilities and it never feels crowded. I've really taken my riding and love of the sport to the next level at Idylwood! Highly recommended for the beginner to the advanced rider! read more

Idylwood Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Loved it! Great, in depth, friendly lesson, covered areas, uncovered areas, cute pond for a picnic, ideal location a short drive from the city avoiding traffic. Would do it again! read more

I've been riding at Idylwood for a little over a year and I absolutely love this place. SIDE NOTE BEFORE THE MAIN REVIEW: If you have never been around horses, you should really try it out. It's an exciting, athletic, surreal experience to balance on top of these massive creatures, collaborating with them to move around together, changing directions and speeds, jumping over poles, and flying across grassy fields. But this review is more about the stable itself than riding horses. REVIEW: I'm one of those people who periodically likes to try out new hobbies and study new subjects and I've had a huge variety of teachers in my life. I'm also a guy and an adult so not the typical demographic for horseback riding in modern times (as it turns out). But I am quite experienced with assessing the *quality of instruction* for a new activity or field of study. I was completely new to stables and riding horses so I don't have anything to compare as far as stables goes - my impression from fellow riders is that many stables can be a little snooty and perhaps dramatic. Idylwood is what you might describe as a more "down to earth" kind of environment. It's not pretentious at all. The staff and the riders are all genuine, friendly, laid back (yet very sharp), kind, and encouraging. Don't let me give you the wrong impression, however - after you are patiently shown the initial ropes, expectations are high and you are no longer hand-held. The lesson instructions are precise, detailed, and customized to your experience level. The head trainer and assistant trainers are absolutely top notch and know how much to push you to improve steadily while keeping you and the horse safe. Riding horses is a serious and potentially dangerous activity. It is also very rewarding, challenging, and fascinating. If you have a young child, they will never forget the experience for their entire life and this will get them started on the right foot. If you are an adult you will wish you had started earlier and you will appreciate the vast knowledge of the trainers as well as the intellect and quality of the horses you will have the opportunity to ride at this stable. Idylwood is the perfect introduction to this experience whether a temporary or a life-long pursuit. read more

Idylwood Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Austin, Texas

This stable is AMAZING. I've been riding with Sydney for at least 10 years, probably longer. I have learned so much about horsemanship and equestrian sports, and horse care as well. She cares about every person there, and the horses are valued animals that all riders take very good care of. I couldn't ask for a better group of people or a better instructor to keep coming back to. read more

YUCK! This place is NASTY! Poop everywhere, skinny horses with missing shoes, the barn smells awful (dirty stalls), and flies like you wouldn't believe. This place is not safe for horse or rider. Don't waste your time. read more

This THE stable to ride and train at if you want to be a total equestrian. Sydney Kornman is a firm but fair trainer who will bring out your absolute best. Don't let the rural atmosphere dissuade you. HERE is where you will learn horsemanship from the ground up. You'll learn to appreciate your horse, not just as an animal, but a teammate and partner. The rates are absolutely the best you'll find in the area (or any area). They charge by the hour, but I'd say you get a "by the lesson" rate that isn't over until the lesson is learned. I started as a very novice, adult rider and progressed to a confident and growing/learning equestrian. Complete with a dressage ring, fenced arena and open arena. We often train on the open ground to gain additional skills. There are opportunities in the arena and in the open on the expansive acreage. A small stream, wooded area and hill all exist to provide challenge and variety to your rides. I cannot overstate the quality of the experience you will receive here. There are opportunities to pitch in and help, to socialize with other riders and to be a part of Idylwood...to feel the pride of being part of something. This is not a "show up and ride" experience. You will get out of it what you put into it. What you put into it will provide rewards for today and the years ahead. Arrange a visit. You won't be sorry. read more

I have been riding at Idylwood for over two years now and have enjoyed every minute of it. It is the home to the University of Texas Equestrian Team and it welcomes clients of all ages (children and adults). I have ridden at many barns around Austin and have felt most welcome at Idylwood. I feel like it is not just a place I ride at but community of horse crazy people. What sets this barn apart are the people, learning how to ride as well as take care of horses, and the vast open fields for the horses to graze, run around, and trail rides! The people at Idlywood are so friendly and welcoming I have met so many great people and friends at this barn. I not only get excited to ride when I have a lesson but I get excited to catch up and chat with my barn friends. Before I rode at Idlywood I didn't know much about the actual care of horses although I have been riding for 16 years, but at Idylwood I am able to have a more hands on with the care of the horses and understand how to care for them beyond the standard riding duties. I was with Idylwood when it was at a different facility and I can tell you the horses are so happy with the massive field/pasture they call home. It has tons of grass, trees and hills. It is a great place to go for a trail ride to cool down your horse after a lesson and lots of areas to explore. The best part of Idylwood is my trainer Sydney. She teaches the UT team and the regular clients and tailors her instruction not only to your riding ability, but to what you are ultimately comfortable with. Some riders are jumping 3'+ and others are comfortable staying at 2' and she allows the rider to decide what they are comfortable with. I have had a lot of trainers over the years at different barns and there are not many trainers I have connected with, but Sydney makes that part easy. There is a reason she has retained so many clients for years. She is really interested in making clients better riders and ensuring clients appreciate the art/sport we do. One of her top priorities is safety of the riders. If someone is not ready for a certain jump or course she will have that rider do an alternate jump or course to please all riders in the lesson. If someone is riding incorrectly (not safe) then she corrects it and explains the reasoning of the certain position. The reason I know it is working is because I am falling off less and less over the course riding with her. lol I think the best thing I could say about riding with Sydney is her ability to encourage her riders and inspire them to push themselves to do better. She helps fuel my passion for riding and I can tell that she does the same for other riders at the barn. One last thing I must mention is the sunsets are amazing here. I still stop and stare when I see the wide open grassy field with the pinks, orange and yellows beyond the trees and the outline of a grazing horse. Very lovely! Thanks for reading my review and I can ensure you that it accurate due to my observances over the years and because I have been at the barn for a while and know just about everything there is about this barn. read more

We board our horse at Idylwood and our daughter has been taking lessons with Sydney for a couple of years. We absolutely love the place and the people. It makes me so happy to see the horses free roam acres of land. They always look and act happy, probably because they live how they should, in nature with access to ample amount of quality hay. Sydney is very dedicated to the animals and her students. She will always put the well being of the horses ahead of her own. She has the best people helping her with the stable operation too. Everyone is super responsible, friendly and helpful. It truly is a great community. The facility may not look as fancy as some other barns, but if you look beyond the surface you will see that it provides horses great quality of life, which is really what matters. If your child is interested in taking riding lessons I also highly recommend you check Idylwood out. Sydney and other trainers teach the students true horsemanship, not only riding but also communicating with and taking care of horses. It's a great way for kids to learn to be independent, responsible and hardworking, and for them to gain confidence in themselves. read more

My daughter has been riding at Idylwood for over a year and we are absolutely thrilled on all fronts. She attended a summer camp at Idylwood and we were so impressed with the grounds and quality of instruction that we switched from our local barn to Idylwood that is 3 times further away. The experience is so incredible that we have never looked back. Sydney's training is phenomenal. In the words of my daughter, "Miss Sydney starts out by building your confidence and then, once you feel good, she starts telling you what you need to work on to improve." The kids all seem to love the fact that they are not continually being told "good job" but are getting actually instruction on what they need to do to become a better rider and to continue to advance. Idylwood is not a prima donna barn. This stable is about learning complete horsemanship so your child will have the opportunity to groom, feed and provide care for the horse that they ride. If you have a horse crazy child, this is the place to be. Lessons are not simply an hour of riding. Sydney takes the time to ensure that the riders have a successful experience and that they have the opportunity to go hang with the horse and, as they advance, to "hack" them around the property. We can not say enough about Sydney's commitment to each and every rider. Under her guidance my child has developed, not only as a rider, but also in the areas of responsibility, focus and work ethic. At Idylwood, they don't just produce better riders, they produce better kids. read more

My daughter's been riding at Idylwood for over three years now and she is now an accomplished equestrian, showing and jumping over three feet. We love that at Idylwood, the kids have to catch, groom, and tack the horses themselves. I don't think you should drive a car unless you know how to check its fluids and change a tire and the same goes for horses. The riders really get to know the horses, so they can tell if something's amiss with the horse or tack. It gives them a great sense of responsibility that really helps with building self-confidence. We're so grateful to Sydney and everyone at Idylwood. read more

My 3 boys attended, ages 4, 5, and 7 and they all loved it. It was the perfect mix of structure and riding instruction for the 2 older boys, with free time to explore nature and take advantage of the fun equipment. They made great friends and fell in love with the leaders. I hope they can attend next summer, too. read more

I've been with Idylwood for two years now, and boarded two horses there. I've ridden at barns all over the country, as I've moved a lot in my career, and I absolutely love this place - you can't find the kind of care, commitment, endless dedication, and personalized attention that Sydney puts into each and every horse and rider anywhere. The huge, beautiful pastures are a paradise for horses, whether grazing or riding the cross country trails. It's a paradise for your mental state too - a real escape from the city craziness to just relax and soak up the beautiful setting, without having to drive ages to get there. The community at the barn is so supportive and welcoming that everyone feels at home, no matter your level or the size of your wallet. My own riding and horsemanship has improved so much since I started working with Sydney, as has my horse's training progress. I highly recommend you come check this place out, if you're interested in a happy, supportive, personalized training experience in a gorgeous rural setting! read more