We had a really disappointing experience with Windfall Equestrian. My family visited to see a horse…read moreand that same day, we made it clear that we wanted to move forward with purchasing him and would pay in cash pending the vet's clearance. We were simply waiting on final feedback from the vet and felt confident about the next steps. However, we were later told that the horse had been shown to another interested party who ended up placing a deposit. At no point during our visit or follow-up were we informed that a deposit was required to secure him. We absolutely would have placed a deposit immediately if that had been communicated. We were told an email had been sent, but it was missed during a busy workday. Given how time-sensitive these situations are, a quick phone call would have made all the difference--especially since we were only contacted by phone after the horse was no longer available.  Overall, the lack of clear and timely communication was extremely frustrating and left us heartbroken. We hope this feedback encourages better communication practices in the future so other families don't have a similar experience.

I started taking lessons with Windfall just under two months ago. I can honestly say, over these…read morepast few weeks I've learned more and progressed further in my riding journey than I have in my entire life!! Jennifer, Grace and Bri are all tremendous instructors -- very detailed and attentive. They all do such an amazing job explaining things -- each lesson something new "clicks" and I have a breakthrough! The horses are also fantastic and high quality. I can't wait to see where my journey takes me at Windfall!

I hardly ever write reviews. I had to take the time to write about Exclusive Equine. This place…read moreis great. Took my son Aiden there to see if he liked horses and the experience as an early Christmas present. We wanted to see if horse riding lessons were a good fit for him after checking a trial lesson and meeting out. First off, the place is clean, well lit, and up kept both indoors and out. Horses have ample space, and it is very welcoming. You can tell safety for rider and horse is number one. The horses are well cared for, and they seem happy to be there they are cared for like the family you want to be with. We worked with a trainer there named Anna. She had a great way of working with and understanding kids. My son has anxiety and is reduced verbally, especially when in a new situation or having anxiety. We thought horse riding might be therapeutic for him and something fun with good lessons and skills.. Anna understood him and worked closely with me if she had any questions about his communication and comfort and just in general. My son had a great experience with Anna and her horse Ray. She was knowledgeable, happy to answer questions, and was so easy to work with. When he was a bit hesitant about the helmet or any part, she knew just how to easr him into it and when to change direction. She tailored the experience and lesson to what the rider (in this case, my son) was both comfortable with and skills wise, what he was safe to try in the trainers experience. It is well adapted to rider and includes parents' input and even participation when appropriate when minors are involved. Which I found really important and a big consideration . When many other places treat it as this is our lesson plan with X amount of weeks and this will be met in this way by these intervals its fit in the box or don't. Exclusive Equine were honest if they thought that riding and further lessons would be a good fit for the rider or if they needed more information to give recommendations . if it wasn't a good fit or they thought a different type of lesson structure was better for the rider interested, they were honest about that as well. They weren't just trying to get butts in the door. They didn't treat those unexperienced with horses or those that might need adaption to ride as less then. They are happy to see if and how the student may need extra lessons to reach the goals or a tailored plan. I'm not saying this place is or isn't for all kids of special needs. I. Our case itnis a good fit. I appreciated that we weren't ruled out or treated as incapable of labels. They based it on how the student did with them and the horses and if they thought they could safely learn or not. Other places both involve horses and not hear a label and treat us less than from the start. My son noticed this and was uncomfortable from the start, as was I. It wasn't ability based at all at other facilities . Being respected and being based on the ability of my son and trainer was such a breath of fresh air. This is true about life experiences and activities for us in general, not just in asking about horse riding. My son found a joy and seems to have good balance skills and comfort for horses. We found this all thanks to Anna and Exclusive Equine Center. We have decided to continue lessons. Hopefully, Aiden will continue to enjoy and show skill for horse riding and care. It was also therapeutic for him . He got upset when he had to stop at the end. I can not say enough good things about this place and our trainer. It all started with their respect for us from the minute we contacted them and throughout the whole experience. They showed respect for kids as well, which made the kid eager to be respectful and comfortable from the very beginning. The respect and care of the horses play a huge role. A happy, calm horse makes the riders more comfortable. My son also loved the resident kitty cat he got to meet.

From the owner: Welcome to Exclusive Equine Center. Just 20 miles Northeast of St. Paul in Hugo, Minnesota lies…read moreExclusive Equine Center, a first-class, full-service horse boarding, training, and breeding facility. Our experienced staff is here to assist you in all phases of horse involvement: From lessons, horse leases, and horse ownership; to breeding, raising, and selling, Exclusive Equine Center is a place to gain confidence, memories, and lifelong friends.

I have had horses since before I could walk. I grew up breeding training and competing Morgans and…read moreArabians. When I went to college I lost touch with my roots. Something felt like it was missing from me. When my daughter showed interest I set out to find the right barn. After many lessons and visits to countless barns I was on the edge of giving up. When Covid hit I decided it was time to buy my daughter a pony. She fell in love with a little guy named Rocky. He had been abused and was very green but they had an amazing connection. I was reaching out to everyone I knew trying to find someone who could take on this huge project. A well respected restaurant owner I had know and worked with for many years recommended I check out Horse Play Ranch and the resident trainer Ms.H. The first think I LOVED is that the parking lot is on the other side of the street from the facilities meaning a safer environment for horse and rider. Ms. H was finishing up a lesson and I listened in. She was so kind in her corrections of the student and helped her student understand the horses state of mind, how the horses thoughts and feelings were being communicated by his actions. I was so impressed she would have had me right there. When she greeted us she paid a ton of attention to my daughter and made her feel REALLY important. I moved Rocky there right away and enrolled my daughter in lessons. My daughter went from shy and scared to confident and bold. It translated from riding to every other aspect of her life. Rocky went from a scared little pony to a sassy little man who can jump, drive and handle any new task with an enthusiastic attitude. Being part of the Horse Play Ranch has been the biggest blessing that I have had in my life. The people are kind and truly love animals of all kinds. The place is beautiful and full of energy. My family and my horses have never been so connected and happy. I can't thank these people enough for everything they do!

I have the absolute best experience every time I am at Horseplay. You can clearly tell all of the…read moreemployees truly have a a lot love for all of the animals on the property. I am always treated with kindness and respect and leave knowing the animals are in great hands. My pony is taken care of and given love when I am not present, and for that I am very grateful! I appreciate everything they do on a day to day basis. I am so happy that I can put my trust into the staff and not worry. I highly recommend boarding at Horseplay!

A 5 start review still doesn't really do justice to how wonderful this barn is. From the owners, to…read morethe staff, to the community, the facilities, the land, the location--it just can't be beat. For those who are looking for a safe, supportive, and trustworthy barn for your equine partner, you have found your forever home in NBEC. As for specifics, NBEC offers ample pasture and paddock turn-out, horses are grouped for optimal fit and wellbeing, hay is super high-quality, the facility is available for year-round riding. This is a no-drama barn with exceptionally friendly riders and a very supportive, team-oriented culture. On-site trainers and visiting clinicians are world-class. Owners are approachable, friendly, and engaged with three of their own horses boarding and competing at the barn (i.e. they are "barn people" through and through). I happened upon NBEC by accident years ago and can't believe how lucky I am to have found it. Horse care and boarding is a big and personal decision, but if any reading this review are in the market, I couldn't more highly recommend including NBEC in your list to consider and tour. (Oh and for context, over the past 4 years I have been a catch rider, fill-in staff, and I now own and board a horse at the facility, so I've kinda been in all barn roles/ seen the ins and outs from the perspective of staff, infrequent lessonees, and horse owners).

North Brook Eventing Center is a beautiful training and boarding facility for jumping and dressage…read moreenthusiasts. Large indoor arena, heated barn, cross country course and miles of trails are just a few of the many amenities offered. The quality of training and horse care is top notch. The boarders who show are serious about competing but are also very supportive of each other. This is a high end facility where boarding runs from $350 to $650 but it is well worth it!

The day after I left Idylwood with my horse, I got a text message from Jaime Benner (Idylwood…read moreowner) with the photo of what looked like a dead horse. The text said "Let me be clear before you write a review...". Well, I'm going to be clear and to the point. I made a huge mistake by bringing my horse to this facility. My horse arrived in good weight and healthy. When my horse left, only a few months later, he was very underweight, coughing constantly with a runny nose and had muscle spasms throughout his body. I would drive up to barn and see my horse just lying in the paddock, depressed. That's the first time he has acted depressed or had a of these symptoms. Jaime will charge you a hefty board fee but will feed your horse dusty and moldy hay, and not much of it either. Her pastures were grazed down to dirt and no extra hay to make up caloric intake. I purchased a lot of extra feed and hay while paying Jaime to feed my horse! As soon as I could leave, I did. My horse quit coughing with in a week and muscle spasms were gone just as quick - the obvious result of having proper nutrition again. There are FAR worse stories than mine. Don't make the same mistake that I did, there are better choices out there.

0 stars, the management needs to learn how to treat customers with respect...please do t visit…read morethere are better places in the area

Best Horse care above all else. Beautiful Trails, lake on property to swim in with horses or just…read morehumans. indoor and outdoor arenas . Care and maintenance a high priority to the owners.

Farm owners and workers are always so attentive and fun to visit with. They've noticed health…read moreissues with my horse quickly, notified me and personally helped as needed. Lovely on site trails and residential dirt roads to ride on. So thankful to be here.