First, though I understand this is an open forum. I don't understand why you would barn bash someplace you haven't ridden in 10 years.
Instruction-Nearly impeccable. Yes, they normally have your horse tacked. If you want to tack yourself. ASK! You can arrive early and tack. If you have problems, the stable hands will be more than happy to help you and if you have any questions your instructor will be more than happy to help you in the ring. If you want help the next week. Ask! Your instructor will come back and help you prior to your lesson.
It should also be noted that the stable is Dressage now. Nearly all of the lessons are private. The horses are EXCELLENT. They are very appropriate. I know all of the lesson horses there and have ridden almost all of them. I have yet to see a pony, nor any horse over 30. There is one horse around 25, but she is an absolute schoolmaster. We have been working on getting her to do a flying change. We also work on our lateral movements each week we ride together.
The other horses range from one they just started to lease up to upper dressage horses. They also have a couple of horses they use for the beginner riders, though I would call most horses there bombproof. FYI they had one horse on free lease and instead of keeping her sent her back simply she wasn't a "good" fit.
My instructor has taught me more in two years, than most of my whole riding career put together (I'm 36 and besides law school and a couple years after have been taking lessons at various places since I was 12). She points out so much both what I am doing right and wrong. She points out every single muscle in my body and how it effects the horse, my position, etc. During our walks, she tells me about the barn "news" to keep me up with other things with horses. Every question I ask her about horses she knowledgeably answers. She is wonderful. I have also watched other lessons with her and people with both more and less experience and she seems just as helpful.
Ownership-o.k., the guy scares me a bit, but it is only because security is very tight. I have never seen them sell anything there. In fact, I asked about buying new riding gear and my instructor was very helpful of where and what to buy. Even suggested that I keep the stuff I have until I can get what will best fit my body type and riding.
Facilities: The stalls are impeccable! Sometimes I joke that the stable hands must follow the horses around with a wheelbarrow. The indoor is very large with mirrors (I don't like to look at myself), but have to say they are important for dressage training. The outdoor is huge. They have built a mounting block platform which is excellent very nice. The barns are always clean and neat. Since I have moved back to Chicago, I have been to about 6 barns regularly (either to volunteer or lessons) and this is by far the cleanest.
As for the viewing room, it has a running water bathroom, which I appreciate, which is clean. Yes, the room won't be in Better Homes & Gardens, but it is far from "Ghetto" and not dirty.
My only complaint is they are very stringent about keeping your lessons. Not just skipping, but missing when you are sick. However, their waiting list is LONG. read more