In my opinion and based on my experience, I don't recommend this barn under any circumstances. I had high hopes for this business also known as Riding Club of Austin, but, in three weeks time, I realized I had made a mistake. Week one went well. Thanks to the barn manager, Kari.
Week two best described as a nightmare. A large lesson horse, known to be a kicker when he has ulcers, an unsupervised eleven year old girl and the need to walk by said horse resulted in one of the scariest moments of my horse life. The unsupervised kid saddled the cranky horse, for the first time for a first ride, and used only one of the quick release clips instead of two. I could only travel one path to get away from the barn, didn't know anything about the kid or horse and the lack of safety measures in place. The sour horse stepped off the concrete pad, pinned his ears back, pivoted his butt around to target my calm sweet horse and kicked her in the rib cage. Horrifying! I scream! No one on staff came to see what happened. Never had a horse target and kick attack one of my horses, in three states over the course of forty years in the horse world at clinics, horse shows or commercial barns!
I complained to management. The trainer, Lauren, didn't bother to get up from her chair, in the arena, to check my horse. After all she's in the arena, surrounded by staff, chatting. That's more important. She commented, "She's probably okay. Besides, she's fat enougth that it wouldn't matter." Cruel, hard-hearted, unprofessional and insulting! No one, not Lauren nor her staff ever apologized for what occurred; yet, the little girl apologized even though she doesn't own the horse. Hmmm...Kids can be so wise. To put a finer point on the situation, I express my concerns to Lauren - no apology.
I give the benefit of the doubt - chalking it up to an anomaly. I want to see if the next week is any better. It isn't. It's worse. I'm sitting on my mare after a private lesson discussing homework. Lauren leans over to her buddy and says, "Don't worry. You'll get to ride her horse sometime." What! What! I never approved THAT nor would I approve THAT under any circumstances, especially for a young horse in training. Is she going to make more money with my horse by using her as a lesson horse without my knowledge? Don't know. That happens at some barns. Also, on a teacher student level, I'd describe her lessons as unproductive. Her demeanor as instructor best described as totally demeaning, unproductive and unprofessional. Thank God I've had the privilege of working with some of the finest coaches and trainers that dressage has to offer with great results. For that reason, it makes it very easy to spot the ones that don't belong in my life or my horse's life.
BTW, from the beginning of my conversations with Lauren about placing my horse there. I told her that I didn't want anyone else to ride my horse except me or her. She can't use my house or my prize-winning legacy show car either. My horse is my property! Now, all trust has been lost. I give my notice, pay my balance, pick up my horse and leave as fast a possible. Honestly, I lost a month's board, but I would've paid 12 months of board, without a second thought, to fulfill the contract and leave!
Finally, as a former equestrian center owner, I have to say that safety, very few rules, a lack of supervision especially with legions of children, usually unworldly about horses, and a disconnected trainer in charge undermine the potential and quality of this business. read more