I have been riding here ever since I was 5 years old, i have had great experiences at this barn. it is one great place, I am on show team and it really helps me inprove my riding skills and abilities. it is a fantastic barn and I just love everything there. I wish I could give it a higher rating. read more

We really wanted to like this place. I've debated whether or not to write this review but my daughter hasn't been able to shake the bad feelings she has and neither can I. Initially we were impressed by the "everyone belongs" talk but the owners seem like they are annoyed and tired of children. They were impatient and annoyed at riders for simple mistakes like dropping a crop while mounting or needing to adjust stirrups. Lots of sighing and eye rolling and groaning and snark. The teaching method (in a beginning level class, not high level competition riders) was constantly things like "WHY ARE YOU DOING THAT?" and "THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR YOU TO BE DOING THAT". In my daughter's words "they don't help you fix your problems, they just yell at you for having them." The indoor is very small and dark and it's almost impossible to properly space out 6 horses/riders (esp. with jumps set up) and the kids were constantly being yelled at for not spacing their horses properly. Many of the horses are lazy and my daughter and other kids were yelled at constantly for not getting their horses more forward- these horses were often on their second or third lesson of the day by that time. We chatted with some adult students who expressed similar frustrations about the horses being lazy. We also witnessed a teacher repeatedly berating a young rider with disabilities who was clearly struggling with her physical coordination. To be fair, there ARE multiple instructors here and not all of them are like this. When we didn't purchase another lessons package, intending to just quietly walk away because this was not a good fit for us, we were called into the office before her last class and held hostage for 45 minutes. I was lectured and talked down to, and they kept repeating that she wanted a more "difficult horse" because we expressed concern about the laziness issue. I was told that if she couldn't get the lazy horse to go forward then she's not a good enough rider and shouldn't have been in that class (even though one of the trainers evaluated her and placed her there) and we were told that nobody should be in a beginning jump class (jumping crossrails) unless and until they have mastered flying lead changes! Without knowing us at all or having ever seen my horse or seen me ride, I was also lectured about my horse who was scheduled to be put into training with the trainer on staff (ended up not happening due to medical issues). I was accused of not knowing anything about horses or my horse because "most people who put their horses in training think their horses are great and they overestimate their abilities and underestimate their training needs". (She doesn't know us. At all!) When I mentioned that I was planning to sign up for some private lessons on my horse, *with the trainer* during the time he was in training there, I was told that I should not be allowed to ride my own horse while he is in training because I would "mess him up". There are some good people working here, but overall it felt like an abusive relationship. My daughter is terrified to take riding lessons again anywhere. I sincerely hope someone will take this review to heart and do some soul-searching to make their farm a welcoming and positive environment as they say they want it to be. We love horses and horse people and want to see everyone succeed. read more

I had an AWESOME experience. I went there for summer camp and immediately knew this was where I wanted to go. I started taking lessons and now I volunteer and I'm on show team. Everyone there Is so nice and they always make sure that you are safe. They have amazing stable hands and great trainers. It's a great place for experienced and inexperienced riders. All of the horses are so nice and there Is always someone to help. Wildwind is like a family to me and is the best out of all of the stables I've been too. I came there with very little experience and within 4 months I was already showing. My riding really has gotten better. The office gets back to you super fast and has a super friendly environment no matter your age. read more

I've been stabling at Wildwind for almost a year and they take such good care of their horses. They're also very organized, their feed room is more orderly than any barn I've been at. The staff, and everyone there, is so friendly! Also they care about their boarder's feedback. They've sent out surveys about riding times to make sure there's are designated times for boarders among the classes. Also I had an idea for a clinic and they actually took the feedback, we'll have it this coming week! Overall, highly recommended! read more

This barn is dangerous for any new rider. I do believe there is a physical danger that is unnecessary but my biggest issue is the emotional side of this barn. When you put a new rider on a schooling horse that is not a "point and shoot" the possibility of failure is great due to the rider just trying to find their seat. Of course once they have a solid seat a horse requiring work or a "move-up" horse is ideal. What I have personally observed over and over again is naughty ponies without correction with inexperienced riders trying desperately to figure it out. The trainer we had is not a trainer but a rider which is really important. Another emotional pitfall, the barn will have a rider on the same horse and this creates a bond mostly for the rider as the horse has many riders throughout the day. Then the instructor, which I personally witnessed, tells a parent that their daughter is amazing on this pony but they are going to be placing it up for sale. Now mind you this is a schooling pony that is not very good a jumping as I observed. The trainer says that they expect to get 15,000 for this pony but are willing to sell it to the parents for 13 with a contract that they will agree to board at the barn for two years. I am sitting biting my lip as I hear this trainer playing on their ignorance. Thank goodness the dad said, no thank you. I have been a horse owner, rider, parent, observer, and Pony Club supporter for years, so my observations are not without merit. My most recent communication with this barn after still receiving emails- I was told that Wildwind is not a good fit for our family due to my speaking up about your trainer Ariel allowing a continuously rearing horse in the lesson as my daughter's mount without doing a quick hands on inspection. I made every effort to inform the barn of my concern as having been involved with horses since I was a kid, I am aware that this behavior is dangerous especially with new riders. After the incident another family came up to Sarah and I to inform us that the horse repeated this behavior at a schooling show. Since I was told not to come back and my conversation with your staff indicated that the rearing of a horse is not possible since it has never happened in the past, I just hope that some little new rider does not suffer a serious injury. My daughter is a good rider and knows how to sit a rear but not everyone could of stayed on. Please take me off this email list. read more

Please, consider another riding center. This one puts way too many children on horses in way too small of a space. It feels like the instructors are not monitoring the kids and horses closely enough. I've sat with some very anxious parents and have seen way too many kids fall off. Kids are given the reins without appropriate supervision far too soon. I understand that people will fall off horses, but these are elementary school kids taking lessons for the first time. My eight year old had his horse panic one night and throw him off, and was almost bucked off when another horse go too close to the horse he was riding; his horse bucked and kicked numerous times before an instructor haphazardly made her way over. The children riding in the ring that evening kept telling the instructors they were scared, and it was indeed a scary atmosphere, and the instructors did not do anything to address that. Unfortunately, from what I observed over multiple weeks, these incidents seemed par for the course for this particular stable. I was told by a colleague to choose another stable. I wish I would have listened. If you do indeed choose this stable, be vigilant. If you get nervous, intervene. We won't be returning. read more

We enrolled my child in the Tiny Tots program for three sessions as recently as 7 months ago (during 2011 and 2012). My child enjoyed the experience each week, but I was never pleased. The attentiveness of the teachers was never enough. Even though we were there for so many weeks, so many sessions, no one ever bothered to learn my child's name. (There were about 8-12 children enrolled each session.) The instructor (who had experience in western riding instead of english), who was no longer there, was completely inattentive. EACH week there would be instances where my child would circle the arena with one boot out of the stirrup and legs at an improper angle. Those errors would go unnoticed until I said something. The last straw was when the boot slipped out of the stirrup on the opposite end of the arena, went unnoticed by the instructor (who was chatting with another employee), and then when the children were told to trot my child bounced off the horse and landed on the ground. My child was guided by children who appeared to be as young as 10 years old, who were also completely inattentive at times and did not communicate with my child. The replacement teacher was not much better. Although, for an interim, the high school aged young woman who led the class was hands down the best teacher we experienced there. After leaving Wildwind we found Happy Hooves in Dexter. They pride themselves on having adult teachers and private lessons. The relationship my daughter is building with her instructor and the same horse every week is phenomenal. The cost difference is nominal. Don't bother with Wildwind. Go somewhere where your child isn't a number and his/her safety matters! read more

I took my daughter to Wildwind for horse camp. Usually, we go to a dressage barn. Her home barn has a very holistic approach to horseback riding, and since we were new to the horse world, we thought that most English riding barns would also display the same characteristics. But we were wrong. Let's start out from the beginning, dropping off the papers for horse camp about a month in advance. We called to sign her up for horse camp and it seemed like they had very good service. When we arrive at Wildwind, we go to the office and when we walk in, it smells like pure cat urine. We counted about seven cats just in that small room. We decided that we would still attend horse camp regarding the cat smelling office, since they had a very spacious arena. When we arrived at Wildwind, the staff seemed very nice and welcoming to me and my daughter. As this being the first time that I am leaving my daughter unattended, I was obviously very nervous about the whole thing. As my daughter does have a phone, she was keeping us updated throughout the entire time. The rest of this review is from my daughter's perspective. When I was first assigned to my horse, they just told me I had that horse and didn't tell me where to find him. I noticed that when I was grooming him, he would press his abdomen area in and out in a tight motion. I asked one of the trainers (which all trainers seemed very young) walking by about what was happening with his breathing, and they told me he has a breathing problem, but is on medications for it. When I was grooming him and I went to do the hoof pick, he wouldn't pick up his hooves for me which, if you are unaware, is basic ground manners for a horse and should be one of the first things they learn. I asked one of the employees and they said that I didn't need to hoof pick him. Horses should be hoof picked at least once a day to maintain their hoof health, so I was already questioning about this stable. When I started to tack him up, the trainers just told me to tack him up and gave me no information on where the tack room was. When I asked them, they told me where the tack room was but didn't tell me where any of the tack made for the horse would be. They told me that everything is labeled. They also used "community saddle pads" which were already very dirty, and quite moist. When I grab the saddle and bridle, and I get to my horse and get the saddle and everything on, I noticed that the name tag on the bridle is for a different horse. When I ask a trainer, they tell me that it's fine and that it was just an old horse's bridle that they hadn't gotten to changing the tag. When I tried putting the bridle on, he would swing his head around avoiding the bridle. A girl asked me if I wanted help putting it on him, so of course I accepted. Before I know it, she is hitting the horse. When I told her to stop hitting the horse her reply was, "Well some horses deserve to be hit." Of course I told her that no animal deserves to be hit. This barn obviously isn't teaching their riders horsemanship. Finally, someone finally got the bridle on him. Please keep in mind that it took about an hour to get the horses tacked up here, since it seemed like they were trying to have the least amount of riding time for us, whereas at my home barn, it takes 15 minutes at most. 1 hour to get tacked up is FAR too long. My trainer for horse camp was Marie, she was very rude and would constantly yell at the children about spacing when we weren't even able to use the entire arena, because "she fell off the horse and her entire body hurted." She would constantly yell at kids for things like holding the crop in the wrong hand, or in my daughter's case, not digging her heels into the horse. While at our home barn, we do not kick the horse with our heels, we tap with our calves. She even told me that when she rides my horse with spurs because of how stubborn he can be. I was wondering why they would give me a horse that needed to be ridden with spurs. When she decided that she was done screaming at us about spacing, stirrups needing to be adjusted, and things like dropping a crop that every beginner makes, we picked up a trot. I started with a light flutter with the calves and saying trot, as I would at my home barn. Marie starts yelling at me for not using my crops, or as she puts it "we don't use crops like you do in dressage with your little tippity taps, we use it to chase the horse here." When I hit the horse with the crop, he seemed quite reactive to it. (By reactive I mean a big flinch and picking up speed a bit, but later slowing down) When he finally got anywhere close to a trot, the horse would start coughing, jerk his head down and almost pull me off him. So I only got about two laps of trotting in, with the horse steering terribly. The horse wouldn't canter whenever I asked, and Marie was screaming, growling and hitting the horse. This was a very tramutizing place. read more

My daughter loves this place! It's reasonably priced and they let the riders to groom and prep the horses before they ride, which by the way not all barns do. My daughter loves it so much there that she even volunteers there a few tomes read more

What a great warm friendly barn. My daughter 8 started as a beginner a year ago. She has really progressed in her riding and had to learn to care for her own pony, groom and saddle it and take care of it before and after class. Professional teachers really connect with young riders, keep them moving at a steady pace forward. Great horses and ponies, when the become better they move on to tougher horses. Did 2 shows at the barn last year were fun for everyone. This year it looks like we might give an outside show a try. We don't get pushed to buy a horse which we like. She just moved into classes with Ariel and is having a great time. She now has a group of friends at the stable. They have had strict rules through out Covid and kept everyone safe. Great place for families and they have a really nice show team, my daughter is hoping to join. read more

Love this stable! The staff of instructors is outstanding. it feels like home to my daughter.

Wildwind is an excellent riding stable for all ages. I was looking for a hobby after having my second child and Vikki, Cindy, and Ariel provided a fun environment for a beginner adult to learn. My daughter then started riding in Tiny Tot lessons at age 4 and now loves her weekly walk/trot/canter classes. The barn is like a family! read more

I've been at Wildwind all my life and absolutely love it here. However, I'm making this review because I wanted to praise them for how they handled the COVID pandemic. When they reopened, multiple measures were put in place to ensure everyone's safety. They have communicated with their clients well through the entire thing and are always trying to improve by talking to health departments and connections in COVID units. So proud to be a part of this barn! read more

Great family place, 5 year old 14 year old and mom. Horses and instructors for all of us, from my youngest daughter who loves Dominique and wants to grow up and be her, to my 14 year old who loves the new Hunter/jumper and dressage rider Ariel. She is a great show trainer, makes the kids hard and do all their own work, but winning is never ahead of taking care of their horse and their teammates. It's not a million dollar barn, but the staff are million dollar people who care about all of us and take great care of the horses. Recommend to anyone wanting to learn all about horses be safe and have lots of different programs no one else has. You should see the senior citizens class riding and making a entire group of new friends. read more

This pit deserves a -10, but unfortunately, cannot do that. The horses literally stand out in disgusting turnouts of sucking mud and manure, summer and winter. no grazing or shade. Way too many horses for the turnout. Horses get scratches, and other health issues, with little regard for their well being, and they blow off the owners, when they say something. Cindy, one of the owners, is well known as a psycho in the horse world. If you do not know her, she talks a good game, but once you get to know her at all, one learns it's all a big facade. She's totally dishonest and hurtful. Enjoys being that way. They have a reputation for selling horses that are not healthy or well cared for. will promise the horse is up to date on vetting and such, but when they arrive at new home, will be found to be loaded with worms and other parasites. She's also well known for throwing temper tantrums. Vikki, another owner, who is fairly competent in handling horses and teaching, has let herself be rolled over by Cindy,and will aid and abet her in lousy, highly suspect decisions. As for Sarah P's review and experience with her daughter, this sounds 100% in the mark. Would never even let someone i cared about know this place exists. Friends don't hurt friends like that. Feel sorry for the horses under their control. Poor things. They look miserable in the turn out. Some people should never be allowed to have animals in their care. These are prime examples of such. Do yourself a favor and stay as far away from this place as you can. read more

I signed my granddaughter up for tiny tot lessons. She has learnt much more about horses all while having fun. She loves it at this barn because there are a lot of younger girls, boys and children of whom she can relate to. I like how they split the teaches into half. One half in the barn learning different horses and putting saddles on the miniatures. They also take the kids outside to show them how to lead their horses (miniatures ponies). Then the second half of the teach is spent riding of which they play creative games to teach the kids how to steer their horses, stop and trot. The horses are very tame and a great match for the kids. I highly reccomendation this stable for little ones read more

Wildwind has been nothing but an amazing experience for me. Staff are friendly and are always willing to help. The instructors are fun and on point, and the owners of the stable are as well. The horses are friendly, loved, well cared for, and the stable is clean. I hadn't been on an english saddle in 25 yr and my experience with Wildwind has been great. I especially recommend this stable for kids that are interested in riding lessons. Wildwind also has great summer programs for kid's. read more

My family has been riding at Wildwind since they first opened. Never have I had a more welcoming and family like environment. All the staff are very helpful and the instructors are amazing. I have gone from a Tiny Tot to a jumper and it is all thanks to Wildwind. read more

My 2 daughters age 6 and 12 have had a great time with all the people an animals at Wildwind. The 6 year old rides in the Tiny Tot program for young kids. Its wonderful, 6 kids in a class each with a helper, a great teacher. and they learn about the horses to. Very safe and comfortable as a parent being here. My 12 year old has been riding this winter in a special show team program. They took cuts in all the fees just to cover costs so the kids could all be able to afford to go. It has been a great experience. We don't own a horse but the school horses have been competive. Ariel the Show trainer is great and brought the program forward a lot. The staff from the owners to the instructors and stable people make it a great home away from home for our family. We had been to 2 other stables before Wildwind and none compare to how we have been treated here. read more

Charity was a great instructor. She knew a lot about horses and was so kind and gentle with them. I learned a lot from her and now have some things to practice on. I was afraid at a couple lessons and she calmed me down. read more

This is a wonderful facility where everyone belongs. Kindness reigns! The instructors are skillful, and the animals are well cared for. I would recommend this equestrian center to anyone of any age who is interested in trying out a new activity, or who wants to improve their skills. The senior adult riding class is unique, and a great way to get in shape, maintain an active, health lifestyle, and enjoy comraderie. They also have specialized classes for individuals with special challenges. I love Wildwind Equestrian Center! read more

This is a hard review to write, but people need to be warned. I have been riding at this barn since 2013 for an Eq Team. Stopped riding regularly in September 2015. Came back in March 2019. Not only was I welcome back with hate and rumor spreading, but the owner Cindy was outright rude and cruel. She actually banned me from the barn and threatened to call the police if I returned. It was because I was a victim of rumors saying that I am cruel to horses. These rumors were the farthest thing from the truth, but I was never given a chance to explain what was the truth. Cindy Richards were rude and cruel. I will never recommend this place, purely because of Cindy Richards. She is awful and only in the business for the money. She doesn't seem to care about the horses, and I have never seen her in the barn with the horses. Vicki is good and Kim was nice. But Cindy Richards ruined my second home forever. And I will never forgive it. If you want a place that cares, go anywhere else. This was heartbreaking and I don't want anyone else to go through this cruelty. read more

Have gad a great time with Wildwind Staff and classes. Our instructor with the Tiny program has been great. Professional and fun. Horses and ponies are in great shape. Yes there is Mud, yup it's there for sure, but don't see what they could do about it. I've seen vets there that assured us the mud was not hurting the horses, that the stable handled it we.. 5 star for ponies and staff one point off for mud read more

The stables are ran by a young group of girls that the owners Cindy and Vicki choose. The younger trainer is often more concerned with walking into the office and speaking with her friends then focusing on the riders that are there for a class. The classes are usually 6 people and then additional riders from the barn interrupt the classes to do practice rides. The observance room is filthy and the stench is outstanding to the point that I can't even stomach to watch my daughter ride. The pastures are muddy and the horses are not groomed and properly cared for. They buy cheap hay that can easily be full of raccoon fecies for there boarded horses. This barn has a very high turnover for students and boarders. I am shocked that there are not more negative reviews. It won't take long for anyone to realize unless you are in the "Wildwind gang" you will be treated poorly and only there to fund the financial needs of the barn and gang. Don't buy into the "Where everyone belongs" trust me it is a bold face lie. They will use you to clean the barn, volunteer for there overly priced camps, convince you to buy their additional clinics and will not give you an ounce of chivalry. Beware. read more