I grew up boarding with Cottonwood. My brother got our first horse, HyTech, for Christmas when I…read morewas about six years old. I'll admit, we didn't know a whole lot about horses and invested in our sassy gelding based on appearance. Not the smartest when it comes to owning a horse. Regardless, Cottonwood accommodated us beautifully throughout our struggles, helping us develop HyTech on the ground, in the arena, and on the trail. I was young when it all started, but I never remember any issues. As I got older I was put into lessons with the one and only Anne Lloyd, a certified English trainer. She is not for the weak minded. She will yell at you, but it's all in good intention. Safety is her top priority, and when she feels the situation is dangerous she'll let you know. Loudly. It may be embarrassing at the time, but having seen firsthand what horse accidents can turn into I'd much rather have a red face than a bloody one. She's a strong believer in foundations and will not let you jump until your groundwork is up to her standards, a sentiment lost to many American equestrian trainers. After all, how can you confidently maneuver a course with jumps when you can't do it without them? She requires all of her students to do at least one dressage show before they can do a jumping one; a requirement that I hated but reluctantly carried through and see the benefits to. Anne encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone but never endangered me. She cares about her students beyond their training and her compassion for the riders shows. In middle school HyTech sustained a traumatic leg injury. It was hard to watch. He's an active horse and loves his pasture mates, but we had to keep him on stall rest. The barn staff was extremely helpful. They were constantly checking up on him, encouraging a speedy recovery, and when he was finally allowed out of his stall Tara helped us regain his ground manners. Unfortunately HyTech's injury made me detach myself from riding. I went a couple of years without taking lessons or going to the barn at all unless necessary, leaving the responsibilities to the rest of my family. When I turned 15 I was quickly reintroduced to the establishment when an inexperienced rider purchased a less than well-behaved Welsh Cobb. I was asked to help keep him exercised and (hopefully) improve his behavior. Anne welcomed me back into her lessons and I grew to like my lesson mates quite a bit. Anne teaches based off of the horse and the rider, and became accustomed to his mannerisms and quirks as well as mine. More and more of the cottonwood staff began investing their time in little Jack. He was being ridden consistently by myself, one of the trainers, and his owner. To me, the effort they put into this horse was beyond exemplary costumer service. Unfortunately, Anne deemed Jack unsafe and encouraged me not to ride him anymore after several lessons in which he made no progress and insisted on running around like a maniac. Again, Anne's priority is the safety of her students. I fell out of lessons again after my departure with Jack, coming out mostly to ride in Chatfield State Park with my mom and her friends. The trail access is incredible and there are plenty of options once you get into the park. Some more challenging than others. My advice: if there are model airplanes, DON'T RIDE THERE! I've seen people from other barns trailer into the park on many occasions (I work at the park), and it's extremely convenient that all we have to do is walk down a hill to have access that many people have to trailer to. The location couldn't be better. Tara and Erica are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to horse ailments and injuries, a quality necessary for anyone in the horse industry. I've always been able to ask them for their help when one of my horses seems off. As a young rider, it's scary to be by yourself with a sick horse, but Tara, Erica, and Beth are all easily accessible and will help get the vet on their way if necessary. Tara called the vet for me when Jack was collicing (I was 16 at the time) and Erica just recently helped me sort out a rather disgusting eye injury on our mare, Rabi. I've rejoined lessons for what seems like the hundredth time just recently, and it feels like I'm coming home. I can say nothing but positive things about my experience as a young rider growing up here. The staff feels like my family. Cottonwood is more than just a barn: it's a community.

I came to this barn confidently jumping 1-meter classes, and I left scared to even canter. My…read moreexperience here completely shattered the confidence I once had, and I truly wish I had left sooner. I took lessons for about a year and a half, and while things were great at first--even leasing a horse so I could start jumping again--everything quickly went downhill. The horse I leased was kept in a pasture with aggressive horses that wouldn't let him eat. He became extremely skinny and exhausted. I repeatedly told the owners he needed to be moved, but they ignored me until he was literally skin and bones. Later, he developed a lump right where the girth goes. Again, I told them, and again they ignored me--until it got so bad he needed surgery. If they had bothered to listen at any point, it could have been handled easily. I watched multiple horses come in healthy and happy and leave with behavioral and physical issues. It was heartbreaking. Another major issue, and the reason I ultimately stopped riding here, was the constant problems with billing. The moment I started asking basic questions about what I was being charged for, the owners turned rude and nasty. They even accused me of not paying--until I had to show them the actual receipt because they can't even keep track of their own finances. They constantly told me I owed random amounts of money they couldn't explain and then magically changed the totals later like nothing had happened. They constantly hounded me nonstop about paying on time, yet every time I went in to pay, no one was there. I called, showed up almost daily, and still couldn't find anyone, but they continued to harass me about being "late." Their invoices were so confusing that it was impossible to understand what I was being charged for. And the amount for one lesson a week somehow changed every single month. When I finally decided I was done, my statement said I owed $65. But when I went in, suddenly I owed much more. When I asked for an explanation, the owners immediately came out and started being rude and attacking me, even though they couldn't explain their own system. One of many incidents I will never forget involved a new student in one of our lessons--a girl who was clearly on the spectrum and trying her best. Instead of being supportive, Tara, one of the owners, barged into the arena and interrupted our lesson even though she could have used any other arena. And began openly making fun of her and mocking her in front of everyone. It was cruel, disgusting, and completely unprofessional. That girl never came back, and I don't blame her. I wouldn't be surprised if that experience pushed her away from riding entirely. This place is disgusting and horrible to the horses and to the people. I cannot recommend this place to anyone. And I hope to find a new barn where I am treated with respect and where my skills--and the horses--are truly cared for.

I have boarded my horse here for 6 months now and I can say without a doubt that I never worry…read moreabout the level of care my horse is being provided. Coal Creek Stables is run by horse knowledgeable people who truly care about both the horses and their boarders. In addition, the quality of food is excellent and they don't charge extra for basic things like shavings, turnout and grain. We don't have issues with drama which is a huge plus for me. It's a fun and welcoming environment where I thoroughly enjoy spending my time. When my horse was injured Michelle and Alex were so quick to notify me and even arranged getting the vet out to see her. They held her for the vet and took pictures to ease my mind. I truly cannot thank them enough for their level of care for these animals.

I can say without any hesitation Coal Creek Stables is a great barn. I currently board a horse and…read morepony there and throughout the past three years, I have witnessed firsthand the care the animals receive. The barn is fun, the quality of feed is great, the stalls and pens are clean, and the arenas are worked often. The members of the family that own and run the barn are good and caring people. They show respect and kindness and promote an atmosphere of community. I value the trail access and both the indoor and outdoor arenas. My fellow boarders are friendly and come from many different equine disciplines and backgrounds. There are several good farriers and a veterinarian that are at the barn regularly. The board rates are competitive and fair and they don't charge extra for essentials like trailer parking and appropriate amounts of feed. I have full confidence in Coal Creek Stables and the care offered to my important animals.

12 years and grateful daily for the care and support of this outstanding family business! Owner of…read more2 horses boarded here.

The owner of this place couldn't give two craps about the animals or his customers…read more I called multiple times to get information on boarding and nothing The place looks like trash. I wouldn't even bother. Just move on to your next option

Top quality horse care, training, staff and facilities. Great lessons, and school horse program!…read more"A" shows and local shows attended. Something for everyone. Heated indoor and barn in the winter. Great turnout, happy horses, and awesome clients. I have kept my horse here for years, and he loves it!

I can't say enough good things about Savoy. My horse receives excellent care from the entire staff…read more The trainers are super knowledgeable and truly care about both the horse and rider. I have grown so much as a rider and a person. The boarders are great and supportive. No drama. The facility is gorgeous and always well maintained. Come join our family!

As someone who has been riding for more than 20 years and has been around horses my entire life, I…read moredon't write reviews for barns lightly. I've also worked in veterinary clinics that treat horses and large farm animals, so I'm very familiar with what proper horse care, safety, and professional management should look like. Denver Equestrian Riding School truly stands out. The horses here are absolutely wonderful--well cared for, happy, and clearly loved by everyone on the staff. It's obvious the team puts the horses' health and wellbeing first. They are attentive to the horses every day, and having a highly respected veterinary group located less than two miles away provides another layer of confidence that the horses receive excellent care. The facility itself is fantastic--well run, organized, and welcoming. Whether I'm in a private lesson or a group lesson, the instructors are knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely fun to ride with. They create a learning environment that is both safe and encouraging, which is something every rider should look for. What really makes this barn special is the atmosphere. Everyone--from the staff to the riders--shares a true love for the horses. It feels less like a facility and more like a community. There's a real sense of family here, where people support each other and enjoy being around these incredible animals. If you're looking for a place that truly cares about the horses, the riders, and the overall experience, Denver Equestrian Riding School is exceptional. I'm grateful to ride here and always look forward to my next lesson.

Attended Horses and Happy Hour on July 19, 2024. It was not a pleasant experience, and I didn't…read morefeel I received value for my money at all. I mentioned many times that my "horse" (the owner corrected me and said it was actually a Pony) was tired and did not want to do anything but walk in a straight line back and forth inside the arena. The pony refused to pick it up to a trot or even a cantor. I do know how to ride a horse, and the owner of the facility was rude and kept chiding me and asking me if I was afraid and questioning my ability to ride a horse or pony. I repeated myself to my assistant and to the owner, who both brushed aside my comments that the horse was tired and did not want to or could not perform. I don't think they should have used this particular animal in the first place, since I overheard them saying she had been in a show earlier in the day, and her eyes even looked exhausted/sleepy. Her name (the horse) is Mystery. I think they should have picked out another horse for me when I voiced my displeasure and it was apparent that this horse did not want to follow my instructions, or anyone else's. I did not want to have to resort to being mean or cruel to the animal to "force" it to do anything. I had to brush my own horse before and after this farce of an experience. Very highly Not Recommended. Also, our entire time inside the arena actually on the horses was about 30 minutes. Thirty minutes on a horse, even if that horse or pony was in good shape, is still not a good value for 145 dollars. The happy hour was awkward and comprised of the owners standing in the middle of the room; the conversation was about them, and a bit more about them.

This is a fantastic equestrian facility. The owner is very nice an they take great care of the…read morehorses. My girls live meeting all the other girls who ride at this barn. Time to ride!!!!

Lauren is an exceptional trainer and coach. My daughter has learned so much with her this year…read more She runs a professional business which is something rare in the horse world. She knows her stuff both on and off the horse very well!

Lauren is exceptionally committed to providing quality education when it comes to riding,…read morehorsemanship and care of horses. She has numerous times helped folks through difficult situations where they were limited by resources, and was able to provide creative solutions. Can't recommend more.

I've been shopping around for a place to get back into riding again. I decided I wanted to focus on…read morehunter/jumper English riding and Molly Rinedollar at Helicon was recommended by someone in the western show world. I had visited other barns and other trainers before Molly, and when i stepped foot at Helicon I felt like Goldilocks winning the powerball! The "just right porridge" being Molly as a knowledgeable, positive and encouraging trainer, the "just right chair" being quality, smart, responsive lesson horses to learn from, and the "just right bed" being a wonderfully maintained facility. They have a great community of talented riders and horse lovers. You can tell the horses get so much love. This barn is laid back, safe, and price wise more than reasonable. It's the perfect place for beginners all the way to the most advanced riders.