TRUTH KEEPS BEING DELETED. If it was false....I would be sued for slander wouldn't I? Why someone would publically lie is beyond me. They do nothing more than welcome scrutiny. I understand volunteers & riders want to support the program but w/ all due respect, they don't have horse knowledge or insight about what goes on in the horse community. My name is Jacqui & though some like me, some don't. I "OWN" what I say. I have known Kellie S. for approximately a decade. We were friends for numerous years & I volunteered at the therapy program from ground zero lasting about a year. Kellie herself gave me the title of " #1 volunteer" from the countless dedicated hours I put in as well as the new volunteer trainer. I allowed this program to full lease my horse from ground zero. He was used in their ribbon cutting ceremony when the news came as well @ in their advertisements & videos (I too was in videos). I chose to cut ties from Kellie & organization several years ago & never looked back. My "inside" knowledge of what happened there (while connected to facility & Kellie) is something I am going to share. It was never my intention to comment or involve myself in ANYTHING Kellie or that property does but she made an untruthful statement which forces me to comment. Kellie specifically wrote "My daughters have never hurt an animal out there." I don't know anything about chickens, rabbits & other injuries claimed (heard about beagle) but I can confirm one injury that cant be denied. My horse Lando was the horse I mentioned as being used in the therapy program. Fact.. Kellie's daughter caused severe harm to my horse with witnesses present. My daughter (Jade) and myself came to the barn on a Saturday morning to volunteer for the therapy program as we usually did. What we horrifically discovered was Lando had a massive open wound to the right side of his body. He was bleeding,weak & in severe pain. I questioned Kellie & she told me she had no idea what happened. I ran to the stall but found nothing to cause injury. An adult approached me & told me exactly what they witnessed the previous night (Friday). Witness stated Kellie allowed her young daughter to drive cushman in the pasture, in the dark. Witness stated Lando wouldnt move so daughter purposely hit him w/ cushman & pinned him against fence. Informed that her daughter screamed after impact making Kellie aware of incident. Immediately went to cushman & found on corner of metal bucket Lando's blood,hair & FLESH. I was livid & thought Kellie was my friend yet she lied claiming she had no knowledge of injury. I confronted Kellie & told her witness came forward & asked why she didn't call the vet knowing Lando was injured. Her response, & I quote "I have no money." I demanded she call the vet immediately. When female vet came she looked at the injury & said to me "I don't know if I can sew this up."(because injury was jagged & part of Lando's missing flesh was on cushman) Kellie stated to vet she didn't think it was as bad as she (vet) made it out to be. Vet gave Lando approximately 100 stitches to the best of my recollection between stitching of the muscles & flesh. Vet ordered 2 weeks complete stall rest & wound to be cleaned twice daily That night SURC had a Halloween party. I approached her daughter in front of 2 witnesses. Daughter admitted she purposely slammed into Lando because "he wouldn't move." Next day at horse show Kellie rode up & was yelling at my daughter for approaching her daughter the night before(witnesses present). I inform Kellie I approached her, Jade was one of the 2 witnesses to her daughter's admission. Kellie then tells me that her husband demanded Lando be moved out immediately because of the massive vet bill incurred. I inform Kellie vet bill was due to her child's actions & I wasn't moving Lando UNTIL 2 weeks of stall rest expired & he could be returned to me in partial condition of what he was 2 days prior. I find out that 4 days later her barn is doing pony rides for her church & that she took Lando those 4 days to use. No concern that Lando is injured, putting a girth on the wound & vet ordered 2 week stall rest. A witness who was leading the horses during 4 days stated that on Sunday Lando was in such bad shape Kellie brought him back to the barn early. Once I found out I pulled my horse from her barn & cared for Lando at my barn. Kellie then told people that I owed her money & that is why she kicked me & Lando out. I have NEVER owed her a dollar! In fact, Kellie still OWES me $200 for the matching headstall I sold her which matches the show saddle (both items formely owned by Jorma's previous owner) I sold her. Don't get me started about the other topics (money, horse "Kellie" injured while trailering, Melissa on cell phone, feed, etc.). They say, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." Unfortunately, that isn't always true abroad. You don't want to go there. read more

AGAIN YELP HAS REMOVED A POSITIVE REVIEW FROM A CONSUMER. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME AND THERE IS NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST. I PAY FOR A SERVICE FROM SADDLE UP RIDING CLUB. THEREFORE, THERE IS NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST. FEB 22, 2013 | 02:11PM PST Hi Dianne, We wanted to let you know that we've removed your review of Saddle Up Riding Club. Our Support team has determined that it falls outside our Content Guidelines (http://www.yelp.com/guidelines) because it appears to represent a conflict of interest. We hope you will continue to participate on Yelp while keeping our Content Guidelines in mind. Removed Content: "My 11 year old son has been at Saddle Up Riding Club for almost 4 years now. He began as a Therapeutic Equestrian. Saddle Up was the only barn that would accept my son. He began to ride and excelled. He was challenged on different horses. My son was instructed so well he had no problem riding any horse he was assigned to. He competed with Therapeutic and Regular Equestrians and did well. He was then mainstreamed into Regular Equestrian Barn Time lessons. My son tries to be the first one to sign up for the barn time so he is sure he'll have a ride for the day. It helps the instructors to plan how many riders will attend, how many horses will be needed and how many groups of instruction will be held. The instructors at Saddle Up are so patient and caring with new riders and encouraging of experienced riders. They always find a way for all riders who come to the barn to ride, even if they are not signed up for the day. It's a challenge sometimes but the instructors are phenomenal! My son really enjoys barn time because he is learning to groom, tack, take care of the horse's needs and (there are more than horses at this barn) and lessons on different aspects of the care in a barn. There are Farm Interaction Days once a month where the public is welcomed to see a barn, interact with the animals, ride the horses, enjoy some fun and games, feed the animals and of course have a little snack for yourself. It is a wonderful opportunity for anyone of any age. As a parent I can say Saddle Up has been a GODSEND. I also am amazed at Saddles Up's involvement in the Community. They also work with our Veterans. Many kudos to Saddle Up Riding Club for all you do!!" "There is an accusation that these reviews are created by directors or instructors at the facility. I have included my picture to show I am who I say I am. I am the parent of an equestrian at Saddle Up Riding Club. There are no reasons for false, positive reviews to be generated by staff. There are many, many riders, adults, children, parents, grandparents, friends and visitors that have and will continue to write positive reviews. We are human. Just like any other place or situation, there will be days that things do not go as well. At Saddle Up most days are hectic but positive and productive. Saddle Up tries to accommodate everyone and their needs as well as the animals' needs. They are a nonprofit 501c3 organization. Monies, donations, fundraisers and grants received ARE used for Saddle Up. Riders, parents and visitors that are at the barn frequently see where the monies are going and it is to the benefits of the organization. To some who really don't know this barn, Saddle Riding Club struggles as a non profit organization just like most. But it is a positive environment with well cared for facilities, animals and riders. It saddens me that their are negative reviews. Positive and negative reviews have been written. All say come see the facility for yourself. I would suggest this. The barn, people and animals speak for themselves." read more

My name is Alisha McGinnis-Laird. I am the new operations manager at Saddle Up Riding Club. I just started working there in 2013 but I helped Kellie realize her vision of Saddle Up in the beginning and I have been a part of this horse community for over 30 years. People know me and know that I put the horses first. I may not be everyone's favorite person out there but who can say they are? Personally, I don't care if you like me or not, my job is to protect the horses, the children and run the programs at Saddle Up. I can't answer for what happened in the past because I wasn't here during that time. I would question those boarders, that if the horses were so badly abused when you were there why did you turn a blind eye to it? Why did you have so much praise for Saddle Up when you were a part of it but now bash it? I am not challenging anyone's experience with Saddle Up, good or bad. I am just posing a question to ponder. Like I said, I can't answer for your experience because it's your experience. I can only tell you my opinion and experience. Kellie is a good person with a huge heart. Many people come to her for help and even if she's scratching her last dollar, she will give it to them. She trusts in the good of people too much and she was being taken advantage of when I came in. Some boarders were robbing her blind on a daily basis! Stealing feed, money, tack, it was a free for all. When asked, she would say that God would provide and if they needed it that bad then they could have it. I say, I'll cut your hand off if you steal from me! We differ in opinion there. I have watched her try to figure out somewhere to put a horse on that property so that a young girl can have her dream at a low cost. We are full by the way and are not accepting new boarders right now but Kellie would take all the girls in if she could. Maybe drama follows her around, maybe she's a sucker, but her heart is on her sleeve. She wishes no ill will on ANYONE. I am no saint. I won't throw stones. I do try to live my life by what is true and right. People make mistakes. People can put trust where it doesn't belong. Running a business that has grown this large in such a short amount of time takes lots of time and man power. I know because I am usually at that barn making sure everything is done and everyone is tucked in for bed till eight at night. No one is perfect and balls can get dropped but everyone is doing their best. I will continue to do my best for the horses that live at Saddle Up. Kellie's, mine, boarder horses they are all a part of my family. I will continue to provide great programs for children to learn about and ride horses. Some may be older, but that doesn't mean they are not useful. A body in motion tends to stay in motion so the elderly tend to enjoy their work. Kellie and Melissa provide the therapeutic riding programs and from what I have seen they do a fantastic job with special needs children and our veterans that make me so proud. Maybe if we start holding each other up instead of tearing each other down, this world will be a better place. If you have a question or concern, bring to me directly. I will do my best to help you in any way that I can this is the last time I am coming on yelp to view what has been written. Thanks for your concern and attention to this matter. read more

What "GW" and "Former Boarder" are saying is just the tip of the iceberg! I used to bring my 9 year old daughter there. I've given the place several chances over the past 3 years hoping that maybe they cleaned up their act or had changed management or something. They never did. They do change instructors a lot but they are all pretty much the same. They have some of the rudest, crudest instructors! The place is absolute chaos. Kids run around unsupervised, screaming, doing whatever they want. Kelly constantly screams at the kids and threatens them. She has no patience with them and clearly has no control. The animals are treated really badly. And not just the horses. They have/had other animals there. When I was there they had pigs there that had big open sores on theirs ears that never healed and were teaming with flies and god knows what else. One time they had a rabbit that was clearly dying. They let it sit in the hot sun in it's cage for days while maggotts ate it alive. I've seen more than one chicken get buried there. One I heard had it's neck broken by Kelly's daughter. It was left to suffer for days. The straw that broke the camels back for me was when I arrived one day to drop my daughter off for camp. It was really, really hot that day. I went inside the office to find the sign in sheet and found Kelly's dog laying there half dead. One of the volunteers told me that Kelly had backed over the dog with her horse trailer (full of horses) and her truck. Instead of taking the poor animal to get treated by a vet she dragged it inside the office and left. It had been laying there for 4 hours when I saw it. I called the ASPCA on her that day. I don't know whatever happened to the dog because I never went back after that. The horses were a whole different story. I don't know about their feed or any of that but I know they are worked to death and that they are man handled. I've seen them get punched, kicked, have their mouths pulled on to the point where they bleed. Kelly and the others would say "oh they don't feel it" or "they are such big animals, you have to get their attention". It's really disgusting and to be honest I can't believe they haven't been shut down. People keep buying into the sob stories of how it's all about the kids and horses...it's not. It's about the almighty dollar. Once you are on the mailing list you get email after email begging for money to buy this or that to benefit the "program". I've seen a lot of donations go in but the equipment or whatever they were trying to raise money for never appears. I don't know what happens to the money but it doesn't go to the barn. Maybe thats how she pays for the big house she lives in right on the beach! read more

BEWARE OF SADDLE UP RIDING CLUB....(for some reason review continues to be deleted. Re-posting will continue.) I agree with GW 100% !!!!! I would not recommend Saddle Up Riding Club to my worst enemy. As a former boarder, with remaining ties to the barn, I can honestly tell you it is the WORST place. GW described the horses' just as they appear. I have witnessed the horses used for the therapy program and a lot of them are lame a majority of the time but they continue to get buted (pain meds) so they can still be used. They are ridden lame and I have even witnessed green horses used in the therapy program with stud chains being utilized. I have witnessed therapeutic riders being thrown from these horses and that cannot be denied. Melissa (not sure of last name) who manages and teaches the therapeutic riding uses her cell phone during the lessons which is absolutely NOT allowed and against NARHA regulations. The horses at the establishment (and calling it such is being kind) are lacking in grooming, care and at times proper feeding. The majority of these horses are "donated" to the program and when they become too broken or can't be utilized you can find them on Craigslist for sale never mentioning the issues that they had coming in or have now leaving the program.The horses at Saddle Up are fed coastal / tifton hay which is nothing less than a a filler. It is equivalent to eating ice berg lettuce. No nutrients! It is also documented that the SPCA has been called to this barn numerous times. Check out their website and view for yourself the quality of their horses. It is said, and many, many would agree that donations are utilized improperly since there are outstanding vet bills, horses eat poorly yet Kellie (program creator) can take her family on vacations and continue to take her teenage daughter to very expensive horse shows to compete in. Let's not forget SURC has also come close to getting evicted many, many times due to excessive late payments. SURC has a bad reputation in the community and that is probably why Kellie is stepping out of the limelight and just brought in a new Ops Manager to run the place. Don't just take our words for it........step onto the property and I promise you that you will be writing the next negative review. read more

I am the owner of Saddle Up, Kellie Sipos and it breaks my heart to see everyone arguing on this site and bringing up accusations to individuals. " Are we a perfect business NO do we try YES. We do the best we can to offer services to children and adults of all ages, and disabilities. My husband and I volunteer our hours and finances to keep what we have. The SPCA has been called out 4 times and all 4 times, they could not understand WHY as my animals are taken great care of. The dog accussed of me hitting went to the vet that night and was fine, she is a beagle and a drama queen, I spend over 1,000 of dollars on the care of my animals. My daughters have never hurt an animal out there, to accuse them of killing a chicken. The chickens have gotten kicked by horses and killed by racoons, our bunny did pass and I feel terrible that my staff did not notice and tell me as I was not at the barn for over a week due to health problems, that staff member was let go and my daughter and her friend helped to burry the bunny with dignity. I have had many instructors out there and that is because it is a difficult job to teach as many beginners as we do, when I find one that looses there temper with the kids I let them go. I no longer teach barn times as I do not have the patience any longer, first to admit it. Alisha Laird with Pinellas Horse has come on board to run the business so that issues that have happened in the past because I can not be there alol the time will not happen again. To bring my personal life and my facebook name is , well is just sad, I am a transparrent person, our my kids perfect, heavens sake no but at least I don't hide and pretend I have the perfect little family My final comment is just this, God knows everything that has been done at Saddle Up, it was started for His glory. I do it at a humble servant to Him. I am sorry for anyone who has had a bad experience there in the past. Again I know of not a business that is perfect and I have learned when you do so much good for so many people, others just love to pick you apart. Pick away, the only opinion I care about is that of my Lord and Savior. read more

First, GW just showed up knowing they were booked. Their is website http://www.saddleupridingclub.org has an open calendar to schedule for barn time. They do welcome visitors at the barn at any time. Barn time was full, Overfull that day and the instructor cannot give all the individual attention a private lesson can give. These horses are the most loving and gentle animals I have ever seen. James though massive is a gentle giant and was used for therapy and other lessons. How can she speak about horses she knows nothing about? Yes many of the horses are older but they are well cared for and never ridden hard and put up wet. We have searched the Yelp site for any other comment by GW and found that she is a chronic complainer about just about anything. If her children knew about tacking why was it a big problem to find it and put it on? I have seen that tack especially head gear is marked for whom it fits. Saddle up has wonderful programs for all levels of riders. PATH certified Therapeutic riding for children of any disability and a program for Veterans. Our son started out as a therapeutic rider and has since been mainstreamed in to the regular equestrian barn time. There is a Mommy and Me and Horsey too for young children, they do birthday parties, School events, Spooky barn for Halloween, and a Christmas hay ride. There is even adult riding lessons for anyone who is interested. Saddle up competes in BAHA (Bay area Horseman's association) shows. Our son has won may awards from BAHA. They compete in Special Olympics, and hosts its own shows and invites other local barns to compete. Saddle up has been featured on local television and was recently awarded several different grants for its work. Please don't let one sour review from a stranger out of the blue color your opinion of this wonderful barn and the great work they do. read more

"My grandson has been at Saddle Up Riding Club for almost 4 years now. He began to ride and excelled. He was challenged on different horses. My grandson was instructed so well he had no problem riding any horse he was assigned to. He rides at Regular Equestrian Barn Time. My grandson tries to be the first one to sign up for the barn time so he is sure he'll have a ride for the day. It helps the instructors to plan how many riders will attend, how many horses will be needed and how many groups of instruction will be held. The instructors at Saddle Up are so patient and caring with new riders and encouraging of experienced riders. They always find a way for all riders who come to the barn to ride, even if they are not signed up for the day. It's a challenge sometimes but the instructors are phenomenal! My grandson really enjoys barn time because he is learning to groom, tack, take care of the horse's needs and (there are more than horses at this barn) and lessons on different aspects of the care in a barn. There are Farm Interaction Days once a month where the public is welcomed to see a barn, interact with the animals, ride the horses, enjoy some fun and games, feed the animals and of course have a little snack for yourself. It is a wonderful opportunity for anyone of any age. As a grandparent I can say Saddle Up has been awesome. I also am amazed at Saddles Up's involvement in the Community. They also work with our Veterans. Many kudos to Saddle Up Riding Club for all you do!!" read more

I have been to Saddle Up both as a volunteer, and to visit freely. Saddle Up is such an amazing place! They are such an amazing Non-profit; they give so much to the community. I have been a volunteer for the last four years, and have thoroughly enjoyed myself. Kellie, the owner, has the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone. The therapeutic riding program offers disabled children, adults, and veterans a chance to heal both physically and mentally; this program is my personal favorite of all of the various programs offered. The staff, parents,participants, and volunteers make this program a special one to interact with. As a volunteer, I have the seen the many blessings that have come from this program. It has been truly rewarding, especially to see the major differences the riders have achieved through the help of Saddle Up's Therapeutic Riding classes. Saddle Up touches the lives of their riders, volunteers, and the community. I would highly recommend Saddle Up to anyone looking to learn about horses, horsemanship, or just looking for a chance to volunteer. Their programs such as barn interaction, mommy and me, and therapeutic riding all help educate participants in horsemanship, horses, and other barn animals. Saddle Up is a heaven for all and I would recommend it to anyone.- Catherine P. read more

Saddle Up is the best, the bitter hag that wrote the last review seems a bit twisted. The horses are great, well cared for, and not a cobweb in the stalls. I ride therapuetic, and if she thinks the horses are led around on a rope, she needs to come out and get educated. Come out to Saddle Up and see for yourself, definately don't take her word for it, I've been riding there for 4 years now. The benefits I recieve from riding beyond the peace of the barn, the comraderie of riding with my friends and catching up, is a core workout. As a parapalegic, I rarely get the center of my body worked out well at the gym. The natural walking motion of the horse stretches my leg, hip and back muscles. We weave poles, figure 8's around barrels, back up, sharp turns, and go over rails - all of which is a great body workout. We trail ride at Helen Howarth Park or on the trail at the back of the property, each offering a different experience.Great Barn, Great people read more

G.W. from California could not be more wrong! First of all, you don't just "show up" at a barn and expect a lesson. It is not a "walk-in" type of deal. What she also failed to mention is that there were equine therapy classes going on and the barn was already very busy taking care of disabled adults and children! Saddle Up not only takes wonderful care of their horses, the horses are loved by their riders, therapists and many volunteers. Therapy riding does not just include "pulling a horse at a walk". There are many facets to it. Perhaps G.W. needs to attend a paralympic or special olympic horse show to see these horses and riders in action. These horses have been given a new purpose in life, no matter where they came from. read more

In January 2013, Saddle Up Riding Club partnered with Pinellas Horse and brought Alisha Laird on board to run the programs and barns to enforce a cohesive learning experience. The horses care and comfort are top priority. If they are not happy, the riders are not happy. We now have three levels of quality instructors to better serve you! Please give the new and improved Saddle Up a try! Whether you are interested in the show ring or just riding for pleasure, Saddle Up is the place to safely learn all there is to know about horses. read more

I ride at Saddle Up as part of a therapeutic riding group for Veterans. Over the last two months I've been treated with respect by the instructors and volunteers and always feel safe and secure while riding. While my prior experience with riding was limited to trail rides at Fort Huachuca , AZ I have not once been asked to ride a horse not completely ready to go. This program allows me to ride while working my muscles to improve my condition. I strongly recommend it for anyone looking for exercise and peace. read more

I have been at Saddle Up as a rider, volunteer, and veteran for over 3 years. The instructors are well educated and very caring about the horses and riders. I started at Saddle Up with no experience whatsoever and feel confident if I so desire work at any barn in the area. I have read the review dated 1/28/12 and really wonder if there weren't some other issues this rider/parent did not address. I have never had any bad experience while at Saddle Up, and would recommend this organization highly. read more

Saddle UP has meant the world to my autistic adult son. For over 5 years this has been a weekly experience - second to none! They are very kind and thoughtful, always including him in activities and competitions. Kellie and all the others have helped him mature and certainly have improved his life in many ways. Please visit and pass the word onto anyone who knows a disabled person! read more