If I could give this trainer no stars I would. Not only was she very rude to my friend who is very knowledgeable about gaited horses but she promised her deposit back when she called her way less than 24 hours after she gave it to her. She Then allowed the horse owner to call and refuse to refund her deposit! We both heard Tiana say it was refundable. A vet check wasn't even discussed until after this statement. Very unprofessional because Tiana was representing the horse, not the owner. Legally the deposit should be returned. My friend changed her mind with in a 20 hour period. This trainer was also Riding in tennis shoes. Not impressive or a good example to her students. She was rude & abrasive to my friend which was totally unacceptable. read more

Tiana Wells is not for everyone as one reviewer obviously expressed. However, she is as straight up a person as I have met in my 21 years living in the Valley. I would say that her tolerance for difficult horses is much greater than for difficult people. My experience is one of our twelve year old going on her fourth year riding with Tiana. Our daughter cannot think about doing anything other than being at LisRobin Barn all weekend, every weekend with Tiana, the horses and a great group of girl pals that share the love of horses and each other. We appreciate the passion, responsibility culture and knowledge that Tiana brings to her girls. The girls learn how to WORK, how to show respect the ol' Virginny way and what it means to love and care for an animal. (I would recommend reading the additional filtered reviews - I can assure you that these are not "reviews for hire" - these are from folks like me that are concerned that one negative review will harm our friends at LisRobin. To get the real picture, I'd advise heading down to the Barn some Saturday to see for yourself.) We are blessed to have such a wonderful program right here under our noses. We could not ask for a better mentor and a healthier horse environment than we have with Tiana Wells and LisRobin Barn. From a very happy Dad... read more

My daughter & I have been happily at LisRobin Ranch for a couple of years. We have leased a few horses as we got to know Tiana, the horses & the barn. It has been a wonderful place to grow and learn and be safe with a horses. My daughter would be at the barn 7 days a week if I let her & if Tiana was there! There is a great group of children & adults who share friendships & a love of animals. There is a strong sense of safety in and around the horses and respect for their teacher, Miss Tiana. I appreciate the feeling of a club with the members and animals. The horses and facilities are clean, orderly and healthy. We think LisRobin Ranch is a wonderful place for your horse and you the rider & animal lover! read more

LisRobin Farm - the safest, cleanest barn we have been to. Our horse's stall and all of the common areas are ALWAYS kept clean and free of safety hazards. Tiana Wells, Trainer/Barn Manager - The strongest horsewoman I have met. Honest, giving, straight forward, exudes integrity and loyalty. Horse health and rider safety are the priority! Tiana Wells is sought out by fellow equine industry folks because she is the best. She commands respect and a proper decorum at the barn and I would not want it any other way. My 14 year old would spend all day everyday there if she could! She is a better person because of her time at the barn and being with Miss Tiana. Our family owes Miss Tiana so much for the time, effort and love she has shown our horse, our daughter and our family as a whole. She has no ego! (Although she could back it up if she had one!). Miss Tiana has an affinity for horses and has spent her entire life as an elite horsewoman in the industry. I am thankful for that and quite frankly I think she is under appreciated! Quote from my 14 year old "I love the barn and Miss Tiana. Even though she is strict, she builds my confidence and I am learning to be a strong horsewoman like Miss Tiana." read more

Its funny to me that there are sooo many 5 star reviews of Tianna. AND that they are all in April of 2012, right after the low review was posted. HHmmm... anyone think Tiana may have been asking people to give her positive reviews... Almost anyone that you run into in Sonoma who knows of Tiana has the same things to say about her and they are NOT a raving 5 star review. Well, I would have to agree with M.S. I boarded my horse at LisRobin Farm a few years ago and Tianna is one of the meanest most egotistical people I have EVER met. Her barn is perfect. She runs it well, however its with and Iron Fist. She is also one of the most unsocial able people I have ever met. She has no idea how to have a mature conversation with someone if there is a problem. She just gets angry, aggressive and starts to make nasty remarks and yells. If you are looking for a place to board, stear clear of LisRobin, and more importantly Tiana, Unless of course you dont mind having no say whatsoever in how your horse is taken care of or what goes on with your horse. And for heavens sake you had better not have any issues that you need to talk to Tiana about. True: 1) She does require to be called Miss Tiana by her students - Umm, were in California, not Virginia anymore Toto. 2) She does curb her attitude when parents are around - Because most of the time she is mean to the kids 3) She does have people read a fifty year old laminated article about her riding as a child - This is very strange to me. What relevance does it have? It only serves to boost her ego and "prove" her skills to people. Just weird 4) She isnt nice to her workers. She has personally told me how "stupid they are" and she frequently yells at them in Spanish. 5) She treats everyone, even adults, like the children beneath her feet 6) She is a good trainer and has good students read more

Wow. Interesting that there are no Yelp reviews on LisRobin Ranch and Tiana Wells. I did find several reviews when we were searching for boarding prior to moving to town, but on a different website. Turns out that the other site (which had only positive reviews) is actually under full control of the barn managers. What use is that for the consumer? First of all, unless you are in the competitive realm, most of us enjoy our horses as way of stress reduction after a long workday. This review is for those of you out there that enjoy animals for the sake of having them in your company. A little competition is fine, it is fun, but if you do not make a living showing then you must actually just love horses. Right? Otherwise why would you take on the significant expense and trouble of owning them? One of the most important decisions any horse owner can make is where to board. You want a place that takes good care of your horse. You also want an atmosphere where drama, caddishness, and spite; are not going to dampen your peaceful haven. I will preface my comments by first stating that I am entrepreneur and understand that all businesses have to make money. The difficulty I have is when making more money exceeds the importance of taking care of the client. Sure some of the most profitable companies in the world have grown large because they can churn out products and people without care... as long as there is someone ready to buy another run of the mill "hamburger", customers will be bountiful. This is not the philosophy I agree with. We met Tiana Wells (barn manager) and immediately could tell she knows horses. True. She even goes as far as to show all newcomers the laminated 50+ year old newspaper clipping of her riding a horse as a teenager. Miss Tiana (as she demands to be addressed) has spent her whole life dealing with horses. She even has a group of young girls that ride on her team. The team has some very talented riders. Tiana does curb her irritable nature around the parents of the young girls, as they may simply take the children to one of a myriad of qualified trainers in the valley. Unfortunately, Tiana is simply one of those that just enjoys the company of horses over people. She forgets that it is the adult boarders that keep the barn open. She also forgets that competitive riding is not for everyone. When we were new to the barn, the kids loved it there. After a couple of months, the quality of the lessons declined. My children no longer wanted to go. The last straw was when my son and I waited 20 minutes for Tiana to arrive late, and she did so without an apology. With the kids' loss of interest, Tiana's lesson income declined. We were no longer "liked" by her. We even paid for "work-time" with the horses, but that was simply not enough. My wife rides. I have only taken a handful of lessons so my experience is limited, but I still like to accompany her and groom the horses. When our friend (who has shown through Level 4 dressage) was not allowed to ride our horses because she was not enrolled in the lesson program with Tiana, I was fed up with the power struggle of the barn. The barn is Tiana's world. It is pathetically sad, but her ego overpowers any pity I can have for her. I recently met the owner, John Shine. His ego exceeds that of Tiana. I now see why they have a working relationship. On our last contract day at the LisRobin Ranch, our transporter could not make the trip due to a bad storm. We stayed one more morning. Upon meeting Mr. Shine and explaining the situation, I told him we will be leaving by 11am, which was within the hour. His response was pay double the prorated day use (only in cash), or take our horses to the road and wait for the transport there. Although the fee was menial, I was not willing to give the A**H**E a dime. We waited on the street with our horses. Can you believe that?! My family is comprised of animal lovers. We have a world of business, school, community events and friends that fill our week to its limit. The horses are an important part of our lives, but they are not our only commitment. If your world expands beyond the horse barn, then this place is not for you. There are so many choices for boarding in the valley. It is worth a little drive if the quality of the service meets your expectations. After visiting several other locations, I realized that the filth and dilapidation of the LisRobin Farm is far below the standard of most of the locations in Sonoma Valley. Tiana claims that "no one ever leaves her barn." We are owners of the sixth horse to leave in six months. Hmmm. Look elsewhere! read more

I echo Tom W's 1st and last paragraphs exactly. I am a lessee of two horses out there on which my daughter and I both take lessons. Things I love: -The straight up nature of Tianna's communication with adults and kids (and horses) -The respect she has for the girls on her riding team. -The respect she demands and receives from the girls on her riding team. -The real work those girls do around the barn -How much those girls love it and the loyalty they have to Tiana. -Tiana's down to earth approach to a sport that is usually anything but. -Tiana's refreshing intolerance for any BS. -Tiana's never ceasing focus on safety. Things I am awestruck by: Tiana's way with horses. My daughter loves it there and I do too. It is a great respite of activity and respect in world that often is lacking in both. read more

An old friend of mine John Shine owns Lisrobin Farm in Sonoma and I am so surprised he puts up with this arrogant, rude, and dishonest trainer to be at his place of business. The horse I looked at was not in very good condition at all. He had huge sores on his elbows and his feet have not been trimmed in well over 10 weeks. I tell you this is not a place I would ever do business with. I would certainly not trust the care of my horse to be anywhere near Tiana Wells read more

If only the horses at LisRobin Farm could talk like Mr Ed . . . I think they would all say how happy they are to live there. Whether it be a rehab'ing horse off the track, a horse living out her golden years, a cherished riding companion and pet, or schooling ponies . . . this is a great place to be in Sonoma Valley. The horses get turned out on grass daily (wet weather season pending), are fed twice a day, have their stalls cleaned twice a day, have their worming and vaccinations kept current, and most important, are looked after by a seasoned barn manager: Tiana Wells and her crew. Of course, if you board a horse there he or she is ultimately your responsibility so far as care and exercise, but you can be assured that Tiana knows exactly how each horse is doing. As for riding instruction and schooling, I can only speak for is myself. When I first came to the barn I was an absolute beginner, never ever haven ridden a horse English style until my first lesson three years ago. Now I am jumping and cantering and, if I wanted to get more serious about competition, I know I could bring home a ribbon or two. I owe it all to Tiana Wells, who I trust with my life as I continue to challenge my riding skills and confidence. Tiana has been riding and working with horses most of her life, and teaching students to ride a good portion of it...needless to say she knows horses. The kids Tiana teaches learn important skills, both on and off the horse. They not only learn the fundamentals of good riding (hunter jumper) but also smart horsemanship: how to care for their horse . . . how to clean and care for their tack and equipment . . . and most importantly, respect. For the horses. For other riders at the barn. And for their teacher. Mr. Ed would be happy at LizRobin, as we all are. read more

It is sad to me that some people do not get what an amazing package they are getting when boarding at LisRobin Ranch and riding with Tiana Wells. As someone who has owned and shown my own horses 20 years, working with and for quite a few well known Eventing and Hunter Jumper trainers, I feel qualified to make this statement: The cleanliness and safety of the barn, in conjunction with the professionalism and integrity Tiana has are hard to find in the horse world. All stables/trainers have to deal with boarders (like M.S.) who like to make their own rules, tend to make waves and move from barn to barn and trainer to trainer. Badmouthing people is what is "pathetically sad", not Tiana Well's "world" as M.S stated. I have been very satisfied with LisRobin and Tiana since moving there 2+ years ago and my horse has never been healthier! read more

My daughter has been going to LisRobin for lessons with Tiana for 7 years now, 1 day a week. Not only has she learned how to ride from Tiana but now at 16 is fast becoming a very confident, mature, compassionate and well balanced adult, in no small part to Tiana and the lessons (including life lessons) she's provided her. Sure, LisRobin may not be for everyone, but that's the case with all things for all people. I am sorry that MS thought so poorly of his experience at the barn. That certainly hasn't been ours. However, I also have to say that I think MS's posting inappropriate in how he highlights people by name with very unflattering and unkind views. That's just plain mean spirited and an indictment of MS and not LisRobin. Perhaps he needs lessons from Tiana. read more

Whoa! I was totally taken aback at the nasty one star review from M.S., the disgruntled former boarder at LisRobin. We have a small boarding facility, Jackalope Ranch, just over the fence from LisRobin. I've had the opportunity to observe LisRobin's operation over the last 16 years, and it's top-notch. I don't know Tiana well, but have the utmost respect for her and look up to her many years of experience. The poster's claim of "filth and dilapidation" are totally unfounded -- It's a really nice facility. No barn can be a one-size-fits-all. Maybe it wan't the right place for his/her kids -- but it's not fair to blast it in this manner. Just hoping M.S. doesn't want to board here! read more

Being the son of John shine and a good friend of tiana I can understand that someone could think this is bias. First off, I take offense to any negative comments about this facility. Getting to know tiana over the past years and seeing the work she does has been better than any of the other managers we have had. Next, the girls that she trains call her ms out of a sign or respect. Tiana is not egotistical and is damn sure not going to take any bullshit. She's old school and been around horses for her whole life. She is a great rider and has trained some great horses for the track and off it too. In Amy business place respect is key and that is what the term ms is for. As for this person who wrote about horses leaving, look at the facts. You throw out there that 6 horses have left in 6 months. 1 left because the girl( Maeve Greenburg) went to college and her horse is at tianas. ( that horse is there for free). Next. Another two have left due to illness. So there are some facts that put the leaving rate in better perspective. Now as as others have said, tiana knows what she's doing. A neighbor of ours had a horse that could not walk and was told that it would never be able to be ridden again. Well what do u know. The horse is now owned by tiana and it placed as a grand champion and is headed to the state fair. Wow. Who would have thought of that. Tiana has brought back many horses that have been at this barn who have been injured. Next, on the topic of the riding and competitivness, tiana wants her riders to perform at top quality. She has trained her team very well, and the ribbons and awards are there to prove it. It is true that competitive riding is not for everyone. Also, the contract that everyone signs when they begin their board states that leasing a horse to the outside public is not allowed. You can tell anyone that your friend is a level 4 dressage rider, but unless you can show it then dont brag. Tiana is a professional, she doesnt take any bullshit and she damn sure will not be the most kind and loving person you will meet, but she gets results. If she is so harsh on her students, then why are almost all that have been riding with her for years still here. I think that in this generation, kids are given everything. They dont cut anyone from sports teams, you still get trophies for nothing. Your children need to man up as some would say. Thats were the no nonsense that tiana has comes from. She wasnt given everything and has had to work hard. She was a high ranking worker at the Golden Gate Fields race track and has been working at the ranch for many years now. I hope she never leaves until she cant get out of bed, and at that point im sure that Ginger or I would gladly get her out and bring her down here. Now for my dad. Its true that he can be harsh but its a business and things are cut and dry. Anyone who says that he has an ego is outright crazy. He has also been around horses for a very long time consisting of being on the mounted unit for the SF police department. (back when that was actually useful and a honor to be on). As it was said in another post, he made them leave and take the horses outside for the transport. Well, when someone gives 30 days notice, they are expected to honor that and be out in 30 days. We are known around the area for having one of the greatest barns and we are already filling these 2 empty stalls in less than a week. When someone would be a day late to pick up their horses because of bad weather, (pretty sure anyone who is a transported can drive in the rain), a professional courtesy would be to calll and let the owner and the manager know, not text them later in the evening. A day late is not a free day. the charge for a horse staying a day late ($15) is very small and to argue that it is unfair is obserd. Finally, if you want a horse barn that has no dust anywhere and is made from marble, then this is not your barn. We pride ourselves on the cleaniness and the upkeep of this barn. If you are not able to deal with a little dirt and grime, you might want to get outta the horse business and live in a bubble. And lastly, anyone who uses the word ASSHOLE, which says a little about how they feel about the person, should have the balls to just write the damn word. I would be happy to hear other negative comments. read more

I have had the pleasure of keeping horses at LisRobin for the past 12 years and Mr. Shine has never been anything but courteous and friendly. He and Tiana Wells run an orderly, clean, and friendly barn. After my horse and I met Tiana for the first time, 10 years ago, she gave me several pieces of advice. One of them probably saved my life the very next day! Even though my daughters no longer ride horses regularly, because of other interests, they are always welcomed back to the barn if they want to "catch a ride" WITH OPEN ARMS. My older daughter had some serious spatial planing issues. Tiana worked out a lesson plan that eventually alleviated her balance and movement issues and turned her into a talented hunter jumper. I myself, am not a competitive rider, and that has never been a problem in this laid back barn. Tiana works with you to realize your individual goals. Even as a timid rider, Tiana's training has enabled me to enjoy numerous trail rides, gallop my daughter's thoroughbred along the beach, and take several fairly challenging riding vacations. I have continued to ride through several injuries (non-riding related) and at present Tiana is bringing me back once again. As far as the negative review from M.S. I can only say that I have met this family in passing at the barn. However, I have had ample time to observe their horses. When they brought them into the barn they were severely underweight, literally almost skin and bones and had multiple health problems. They had supposedly been underfed at their previous barn. As conscientious horse owners, how could they let their horses fall into that condition without noticing? After one month in Tiana's care they were well on their way to recovery. She can turn around the most difficult cases. The day those horses left the barn they were sleek, healthy, happy horses. Those horses weren't the first horses in desperate need to cross her path and they won't be the last. Just last week I heard her on the phone trying to figure out how she could fit in just one more rescue/lay-up from the racetrack. Yes, she loves horses. She also loves her riders. I know, I've been one for a long time. LisRobin Ranch is a wonderful place for both. read more

Tiana Wells, the barn manager and instructor/trainer, is highly knowledgeable about horses and horsemanship. She runs the barn with practical efficiency; the horses are very well cared for. Tiana sets high standards for herself and those she works with, and she will let you know when you fall short. But students who are willing to work hard will learn a lot from her. My son has been taking riding lessons from Tiana for seven years, and she is his favorite teacher. read more

I have personally known Tiana since I was 6 years old...and I am 20 now...so 14 years. She has taught me everything I know about horses. She is an amazing horse woman, definitely one of the best I've ever met. I have ridden horses for a couple other trainers in the area throughout the years and none of them are as good or as knowledgeable as Tiana. If you/your child want to really learn how to ride, go to Tiana. I've been to more shows than I can count with her, and won enough ribbons to cover the walls of a bedroom. And she does not make her students call her miss Tiana...they do it out of respect for her...I don't call her miss Tiana and I never have...although I do respect her very much...and she has never tried to force me or even asked me to call her more than Tiana. Furthermore you should know I was not asked to write this review...I didn't even know Lisrobin had a page here until today when I happened upon it searching for tack stores. This review was not prompted by anything other than my personal need to inform everyone of my opinion. She is the best riding instructor I have ever had, and having known her almost my entire life, she is also a good friend. As for her being tough on the kids, you're dealing with huge animals, it's dangerous...if kids are messing around or doing something wrong, they need to be told, and she doesn't yell at them...I have been her student for 14 years...I would know. She runs a successful barn and a successful business, her students know how to ride and the facility is amazing. If it wasn't for Tiana, I wouldn't have the skills or resources to own my amazing Thoroughbred mare, and Tiana has gone above and beyond to help me with her since the day I brought her home. Tiana is a great instructor and a great person. Whether you are looking for lessons or a place to board your horse, look no further. read more