QLD owner and trainer Marketa Matthews always has the best interests of the horse in mind. Daily…read moreturnout on beautiful green pastures make for very happy horses. She moved her business to this new location in August 2014. She lives in an apartment connected to the main barn, and personally checks on the horses multiple times every day. Marketa specializes in the type of riding known as dressage. The United States Dressage Federation says, "Dressage is a French term meaning "training" and its purpose is to develop the horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to work making him calm, supple and attentive to his rider." Marketa helps riders to have fun and be safe while learning to get the best performance from their horses, regardless of the horse's and rider's fitness and athleticism at the time they start working together. Her calm and patient teaching style builds confidence in both horse and rider. She has helped me to be a better partner with my horse, and has inspired me to get more fit myself as she brought my horse along in fitness and training. Most exciting is that she has taken me from being terrified of horse showing to looking forward to the next show.

I have known Charlie and Marketa Matthews for many years, and can't say enough good about them and…read moretheir dressage facility. I've had my horse there since the first week they opened. QLD is the ideal mix of professional quality and attention to details (such as spotless stalls, high quality hay and feed, impeccably maintained huge pastures, and top of the line footing for the indoor and outdoor arenas) and a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. The barns are very well maintained, always very clean and inviting. Lounge area is well-maintained with many amenities. Tack rooms are brand new and even during hot, humid St. Louis summers, there is no humidity inside them. I appreciate that my expensive tack stays in perfect condition. Marketa is an exceptional trainer, positive and knowledgeable for both horse and rider. My horse and I have thrived at QLD. The atmosphere is happy and positive and focuses on learning and supporting each other. We host clinics monthly, including those taught by Olympic trainer Michael Barisone and the amazing teacher/rider Jennifer Kaiser. Charlie works like a horse (!) keeping on top of all the various projects around the farm, as well as maintaining the polo barns/horses. We also have fun together, enjoy training in the arenas or hacking in the open fields, and know our horses are always well cared for. Charlie and Marketa live on the property, so there is 24/7 supervision of the horses. No more driving hours to fill my horse's water buckets in summer, or check on him in winter. No skimping on hay or shavings either. I know that my horse has the highest quality care, and this gives me 100% peace of mind.

What a great place to learn English riding. The trainers are great. The girls do a great job…read morekeeping the stables. The cats own the joint. Such a convenient place with patient coaching to learn to ride. If you're in the area and are looking for equestrian professionals this is the place.

Great place for my friend to retire. Wonderful safe place to enjoy your equine friend. Never had…read moreto worry about her care , they were very tentative. Sugar Creek Ranch staff and owners are wonderful, like family.

Very nice facility and the horses are well cared for. They have an indoor arena with fans to keep…read moreyou cool. They also two outdoor arena's and trails for your riding pleasure. Fantastic facility to enjoy riding.

Couldn't say enough about this place! Horses are so well taken care of, and the owner is truly…read morepassionate about caring for these animals and making sure they get the very best!

I started going here to take lessons about a year ago it's a fantastic place. Very friendly staff…read moreand people who really care about horses. I recommend this place to anybody who is wanting take lessons or board their horses.

I couldn't help but notice that any negative reviews were under the OLD management. Danyel and Matt…read moreNEW management have done wonders for this facility in so many ways. The knowledge, love and compassion that they have for each and every horse there is impressive. They bring new life to this facility that it was in desperate need of. They are the hardest working barn managers that I have ever met and I have boarded my horses for over 20 years. They have put their heart and soul into making sure that this barn is safe, pleasant and well maintained. They are professional, knowledgeable, compassionate, empathetic and go the extra mile in everything that they do. The care that they provide is amazing. I guarantee you that Danyel knows every horses name and special needs on that property. She takes a lot of pride in the services that they provide and it shows. The facility is very clean. They also offer lessons and training which I highly recommend. Danyel personally trained one of my rescue horses that came from horrific conditions of neglect and abuse. When we first brought him home you couldn't even get close to him without him striking out. He was terrified. After 90 of him being with Danyel she was riding him bareback around the property. He went on to become an amazing horse. She was gentle and kind with him and asked him all the right questions. He responded to that. I highly recommend her for training.

I had my horse at valley mount ranch from August 2024-February 2025. we moved closer to my house…read morefor a few months then came back to valley mount. we LOVE the atmosphere at valley mount ranch. There is very little-no drama and everyone I mean EVERYONE is so so kind and respectful. we have never had any issues here. Danyel and Matt are the best people. they are the only people(along with my boss) that I 100% trust with my horses. 100% reccomend valley mount.

We love Debbie and her team. They spent time with us and shared how they love their horses- you can…read morefeel the love and care on these magnificent animals. Go see them and experience true loving people with Debbie and her crew! Sr. Esther

This is a diamond in the rough! My little girl is excelling with riding and learning responsibility…read moretoo. Debbie is a kind and patient teacher. We love coming here and would recommend to anyone looking for quality lessons.

Kraus Farms has been a wonderful location for boarding and riding. I began riding here last summer…read more I have never taken professional riding lessons before, but wanted to get more into English riding (verses the western riding I have done all my life). I have enjoyed my lessons thus far and have really improved, and continue to learn and improve at each lesson. I also began boarding a horse here this fall/winter. The staff has been great to work with for every need I have come to them with regarding my mare. She has been cared for just as I expected. The trails are convenient and the indoor and outdoor arenas make for a very nice area to ride. The lesson horses are all safe and they have varying levels of horse for the varying levels of riders. The horses are in good physical condition and are well taken care of.

Kraus farms takes advantage of the nearby conservation area and treats it as their personal…read moreproperty, ruining the experience for others. They're profiting off of public land payed for by tax payers and ruining the ecology of the area. They also contracted road repairs and stage all of their materials in the parking lot, it's been almost a full year of them blocking almost all of the parking.

Very attentive and caring staff. Great facilities that are continually updated and improved.read more

The best barn in the area! Horses are very well taken care of, everything is neat and tidy,…read morebeautiful land, improvements are being made, and the people care for your horse. I have never felt more happy about where my horse is staying. I am glad to have Painted Ridge Farms!

Strathalbyn Farms Club is nothing but professional. You might get lucky and spot a barn cat too!…read more We've attended business dinners here several times and tonight's dinner truly showcased how top-tier the service is. It was slightly rainy weather and the staff greeted us at our vehicles with umbrellas to walk us inside. We were very impressed by the hospitality. Staff is extremely attentive offering appetizers and to refill empty drinks as people mingle. The food selection varies each time we've been but we were blown away by the medium rare cook on the filet this time. Delicious! This is the perfect club to host any formal event including weddings, work events, etc. The year-round members enjoy boarding horses and the hunting here on this beautiful property.

Horrible experience working here, the manager JT was a child predator, and went on a date with one…read moreof the servers, Molly gee, and she was 16 at the time! What does that tell you about this "private country club"? And there mom, also dropped meth, and the other manager Dan, picked it up and threw it away like it was nothing, and continued on with his shift, great manager and leader!