Keely took me on even though my horse bishop had issues as a high level hunter jumper used to a…read morevery strict regime Keely is a horse whisperer Bishop is a completely different horse as a result of her care, understanding and solid horsemanship that I have found you can not teach - you either have it or you don't While she is in the middle of rebranding - you can't go wrong working with Keely and indeed she will achieve greatness. She is that good

My daughter rode with Keely at Valley View Equestrian for a year and a half. We sadly had to leave…read morethe barn because we relocated out of the area. Keely is patient, kind, is an engaged teacher, and you can tell she LOVES her job and students. She is so knowledgeable about horses and helped my daughter build her self esteem and confidence with riding. We highly recommend her!

My 2 daughters have been with Horizons East for over 3 years. They had gone from riding academy to…read morecompetitive training riders, and each of them has grown beautifully as a rider as well as a person. Here is why.. First, the coaches are skillful and caring. Not only their priority is always safety, but also encouraging riders to properly care for the horses. They pay attention to each individual rider's skill and help them progress. This sport is physically and mentally challenging. My girls have had their struggles, but the coaches have been patient, guiding them through, and gone above and beyond to help them succeed. My girls have grown their confidence and learned their ways to cope and push through their challenges. I truly appreciate and respect them. Thanks to Sam, Barbara, Dacota, Nikki, Shannon, Tiffany, Heather, Rena, and Terri! Second, HZE has different levels of horses that fit the riders' skill, from a beginner to advanced rider who want to lease or own a horse. The horses are in good care and Sam is very knowledgeable and attentive when it comes to horses' well being. They also have IEA team, and are very experience at horse shows. Last, but not least, HZE has a very friendly and relaxed environment. My girls enjoy spending time with their friends at the barn and help out with what they can. Advanced riders are always willing to help, so are their parents. They have flexible schedule, no weekly fixed schedule required, and very accommodating to reasonable changes.

I had some plans for my daughter's 11th birthday that got cancelled last minute so I was looking…read morefor the next best thing that my daughter would enjoy, riding a horse. It was Saturday and I needed the plans for Sunday. I was really praying for someone to make her birthday memorable. I called over 20 places with no luck. I received a callback from Horizons and she gave me hope. She really wanted to do something to make it happen and she did! We were able to visit the Ranch, learn so much from an Amazing team. Tiffany is very knowledgeable and friendly. She was able to help us feel comfortable around the horses as this was our first time. Her ability to involve us in caring for the horses so we feel more confident allowed my kids to enjoy their joy ride on them. This was very memorable for all of us, especially my daughter who loves horses. Thank you to the Horizon team! You guys do such great work !

Brenda runs an amazing program out of Shiloh West. You can tell she truly cares about the success…read moreof her clients and health of her horses. She is a very talented dressage trainer and has great other talented trainers working for her. I have been leasing a horse through her program for a few months and highly recommend her and her facility.

We haven't rode with these guys yet but I have to give them 5 stars just for their demeanor and…read moreattitude from what I've seen so far. We popped in to see if we could ask about some of their horses for lease and were able to talk to Brenda as well as her trainer Kyana. They were so nice, informative and welcoming and that's a breath of fresh air from the reception we've been getting at other barns! We're searching for a new trainer since ours is moving and they are on the top of the list. We've been with the same horses and barn for a long time and switching to a new place can be intimidating, we didn't feel uncomfortable and they offered to let us watch a lesson. We will be circling back around to them when the time comes! The barn is also COVID conscious masks being worn which is appreciated.

My 4 1/2 yr old horse obsessed daughter has been taking lessons here for the past 2 months and is…read moreabsolutely in her element!! She has trained with both Lucy and Jen who are great with her. They not only teach riding technique, but expect the riders to help with grooming and tacking the horse. My daughter is thriving here and practices "posting" at home. They're also very good about safety- the helmet I bought my daughter didn't fit right and they took the time to adjust and fit it, and finally ended up letting her borrow one they had until I can get to the store and get a proper fitting helmet. As a momma who knows nothing about horses, I am more than appreciative. I bring along my 1 yr old to the lessons, and everyone at the ranch is very kind and welcoming.

I've been riding at Highland since September 2012. Highland has amazing instructors (Jen, Lucy and…read moreSarah) who can teach using a number of styles, techniques and disciplines within the English style of riding. I started out riding their sweetest school horse (Star) and now riding an Advanced level Selle Francais Warmblood (Leya, who was on track to go to the eventing Olympics, and is owned by the barn owner, Sarah), competing consecutively is meter classes at A-rated shows this past summer. I even now own a German Riding Pony that I've been training, and he has the best cute and quirky little personality. Highland has a great atmosphere and some of my closest friends have been made there. Everyone I've ever met at Highland has been kind and friendly, and (something very helpful when you first start out riding or at a new barn) always ready to help. There is always someone around, whether it be an instructor or another student, who is willing to help with whatever you need help with. The instructors also listen to your goals and try to put you on horses and doing exercises that will bring you closer to your goals. Highland's horses are also amazing, usually a little older but who have had competition experience in the past, so they know what they're doing. All of these horses have great, friendly personalities that make riding even more fun, anywhere from sweet and shy to funny and friendly. Highland also has some goats on property, and when the babies are born (usually every spring or every other spring) they are just so cute to watch grow up, and to play with. I would not be the rider I am today without Highland.

BHE is awesome!!! The staff is great, an indoor arena case it's raining, best barn in Castro…read morevalley!!!!

I recently moved my horse to BHE from a barn in SoCal and I have been so very happy I did! Kate and…read morethe trainers hear TRULY CARE and I can tell how much time they've spent with my horse. My horse has had a chronic problem with white line disease in his hoof and BHE has not only brought in an excellent farrier (shout out to James McCracken!!) but the team has treated his hoof TWICE A DAY! and he's finally on his way to recovery. Like most owners, I just don't have the time to be at the barn every day and I rely upon the team to take care of my horse. I am so grateful to have found a barn that makes a point of giving each horse what it needs (and without upcharging me for every added thing) rather than just tossing some hay in their stalls and leaving the owner to figure out the rest. BHE has an extensive staff of experienced people who work beautifully together and go out of their way to provide the kind of personalized care I would do on my own if I could. I will also ratify what others have said about the atmosphere at BHE. I am relatively new to the horse world but I have definitely experienced the snooty, catty, gossipy behavior that gives it such a bad rap and BHE IS NOT that. Any time I have spent there has been such a pleasure. If you're looking for a barn that will be the "happy place" for both you and your horse, I think you'll enjoy being part of the BHE family.

As I write this, I'm approaching two years with Lisa at Burgeon Sport Horses -- and even now, it's…read morehard to put into words what this experience has meant to me. Burgeon didn't just bring me back to riding. It brought me back to myself. When I first came to Burgeon, I had been out of the saddle for five years. I came in with no guarantees -- just a deep love for horses, a willingness to work hard, and a quiet hope that maybe I could rebuild something I thought I had lost. What I found here was so much more: a trainer who believes in her riders, a program rooted in integrity, and a place that truly changes people from the inside out. Lisa is more than just a talented trainer -- she's a mentor who meets each rider where they are and helps them rise. Whether you're a complete beginner just finding your seat, or an advanced rider refining your skills, she sees the potential in every student. She doesn't just teach lessons -- she teaches you how to think, how to listen, how to partner with your horse. She builds confidence with patience, celebrates every step forward, and always holds space for growth. The program at Burgeon is built with care, depth, and real horsemanship at its core. The horses are happy, well-conditioned, and respected. Lisa pours herself into every ride, every student, every decision -- and you feel it the second you step into the arena. It's about the work -- the quiet, powerful kind that builds a rider not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too. For me, this journey has been transformational. I've gone from being unsure and full of self-doubt to finding a deep confidence that's changed my life far beyond the barn. I've grown stronger -- not just as a rider, but as a person. I've learned how to trust myself again. How to be patient with progress. How to take up space. I've found community, purpose, and a sense of belonging I didn't know I was missing. Every lesson, every ride, every hard day and breakthrough moment -- it's all shaped me. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Burgeon Sport Horses is the kind of place that stays with you. It's for people who are ready to work hard, grow with intention, and build something real. I feel so incredibly lucky to be a part of it. Lisa has changed my riding, and she's changed me -- and this is still just the beginning. -- Maddie S.

Lisa is a knowledgeable, professional and well-organized horse trainer and a person of integrity. I…read morerecently purchased a horse from her and throughout the process she was honest about the horse's strengths and, most importantly, areas where the horse needed development or might not suit what I was looking for. She gave me time and sufficient opportunity to assess the horse's suitability. This clearly demonstrated that she was most interested in making a good match than making a quick sale. I am very pleased with the horse I bought from her and it was an enjoyable process to boot!

If you're looking for a top notch trainer, look no further. Stacie is amazing, my daughter fell…read moreinto the cracks at another barn, just recently she has been riding with Stacie and the improvement Is AMAZING! Stacie really has a way of explaining and showing the proper way to ride that my 10 yr old can understand. Another big bonus is everyone at the barn is like family can't imagine anywhere else to be.

I was referred to Stacie when I wanted to find a good trainer to help start my young horse…read morecorrectly, as well as give me lessons on my senior horse. While I do not consider myself her traditional client, having two horses with opposite training needs, she has really enhanced my experience with both. She creates a barn atmosphere that is hard working and efficient, and makes learning fun. This is the most enjoyment I have had with horses in more than 10 years, and it is so rewarding to see how well my horses are doing. I am now taking lessons and am enjoying refreshing my riding skills as well. Whether the lesson is on one of Legacy Farms' well trained horses or on my own, it is really nice to test what I can do and feel myself riding correctly again. It is also great to watch other members of the barn ride and support everyone at shows. In this barn I found a trainer I can trust and care I can count on for my horses, I could not recommend it more highly for hunter/jumper enthusiasts of all ages.

Lovely people, would recommend for beginners to advanced riders. We have been through many trainers…read moreand David's group is very motivating and positive no matter the level of rider

Wonderful place. Beautiful facility at Ironhorse equestrian Center, but that's just the start: the…read morereal jewel in the crown here are New Heights' owner David Acord and lead trainer Maaike Martin. David is warm, responsive, enthusiastic, and supportive. And Maaike is the hands-on, every day, day in and day out remarkable resource for training, teaching, guidance, and general all-around amazing barn management. I came to this barn after two years at a place that - let's just say - operates on a different set of values. The experience here has been joyous and transformative. Maaike has helped me advance my technique, develop confidence in my abilities, and supported my goals. And David is there all the way along to encourage and reinforce. I cannot express my gratitude sufficiently.