Strong Tower Ranch is an awesome place that helps kids who need it the most. They have day camps…read moreand horsemanship programs and offer sponsorship for those who wouldn't be able to have this type of opportunity otherwise. I've known several kids who've had wonderful experiences there, and return year after year. Many have gone on to become mentors and leaders at the ranch and in their communities. The Ranch also rents the property for private gatherings. The property is gorgeous with a lake (beach, swimming, fishing, kayaks, paddle boats, and canoes), open fields, horse pastures, trails, pavilion, kitchen, nice restroom and shower facilities, bunkhouse, RV and tent sites, and much more. There's even a beautiful butterfly garden! Over the years, our family has rented the property for graduation parties and family reunions, and I've attended several special events there. I highly recommend them for their kids' programs and private use of the amenities!

From the owner: Strong Tower Ranch is a Christ-centered refuge offering hope and mentoring to youth, especially…read morethose at risk. Our Mission: We feature horsemanship and day camps with the goal of providing quality programs that are entertaining, character building, and rehabilitating. "Strong Tower" reminds us that we have a mighty fortress in Christ. We want children, teens and adults who come here to find love and refuge from a harsh world. We are non-denominational, non-profit and dependent on prayers, financial support and volunteer help. How Can We Serve You? Located on 107 acres in Foristell, Missouri, we are prepared to host programs and events for area families, churches and civic groups. The Horsemanship program serves children from age seven and up, teens, and adults. The Day Camp program serves children ages 8-14. People come to volunteer expecting to be a blessing and leave saying they received more than they gave. The training for those who serve in programs is very valuable, especially to young people (15+) who wish to develop leadership skills. If you would like more information about our programs, summer mission trips, volunteer opportunities, or property reservations, send us a message.

Beautiful facility. Barn recently updated. Great place to board horses, take hunter/jumper lessons,…read moreand get involved with A great community of people. The staff have extensive knowledge of horses and are quick to spot problems if they arise. Lessons are fun and riders learn the safe ways to interact with these beautiful animals. A wonderful family atmosphere. Not a high pressure barn but opportunities to lease, purchase and show are available. Lesson horses are well taken care of and enjoy their job.

Wonderful Riding Academy, grounds and arenas are beautiful. Staff are so friendly. Class sizes are…read moresmall.

Our guide was so informative and made sure the three of us had proper fittings. Horses were very…read morewell taken care of and friendly.

Amazing ride! The horses were beautiful and well cared for, and the property was absolutely…read morestunning. Tanya was so knowledgeable and welcoming!

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.

Meramec Farm is just the perfect setting for a trail ride. Carole's farm is beautiful. She has…read morea lot of land that offers my type of ride you want. We rode for 2 hours through pasture and woods. I would recommend Meramec Farm to any novel or experienced rider just be prepared to follow her rules. We didn't stay in one of her cabin but the people who were there seemed to be e housing their time there. The rates are more than reasonable.

This was our halfway point for transporting my 2 show minis across the country. I had found Meramac…read morein Bourbon online about 2 months in advance. Carole was absolutely accommodating. Her knowledge of the land, her horses, and her farm is amazing. She took meticulous care in making sure we were taken care of. Cabins are clean and ample for the space-- MUCH better than any hotel room. Full eat in kitchen with all of the amenities. So fun to wake up with the family and have breakfast. Trail riding was a blast, but be prepared to follow directions from Carole and her guide to ensure your safety on horseback. The best part was waking up to horses grazing right outside your door. Very relaxing to read a book by the stream and enjoy the fresh air. I will certainly keep this place in mind if/when I ever find myself back in Missouri. Breathtaking views, off grid living in wild country. Highly recommended.

The National Equestrian Center has become such an important part of our lives. My daughter shows…read moreher horses here, and this facility has helped her discover a passion that gives her confidence, motivation, and a reason to stay active. One of the things I love most about this community is the friendships that have grown here. The girls who compete are incredibly supportive of one another. They may be competing against each other in the ring, but outside of competition they cheer each other on, encourage one another, and have built genuine friendships. It has been amazing to watch that kind of sportsmanship and community develop. The facility itself is always well maintained and clean. It's clear that a lot of care goes into creating a welcoming environment for both competitors and spectators. The center also has a positive impact beyond the facility itself. Many people travel from out of town to compete, stay in the surrounding area, and support local businesses, which brings a lot of value to the community. The concession stand is another highlight. It is so much more than the typical event food you might expect. There are a variety of options, and the food feels thoughtfully prepared rather than just standard prepackaged items. Between the concession stand and the local restaurants nearby, the events bring a lot of business to the area. We absolutely love the National Equestrian Center. It's more than just a place to compete--it's a place where riders build confidence, friendships are formed, and the horse community comes together. It has become a huge part of the equestrian world, not only locally but also for competitors who travel from all over to be part of these events.

I wish I had been here for a horse event. However, I did get to visit this center for The Vintage…read moreMarket Days. It's a great place for the Vintage Market, because this place is huge. I love horses, so it was fun to just be around a place that I knew horses are. I had to walk through the back doors to enter the event, so I got to walk all the way down the stalls. What a great place for horses. It was so clean and organized. Now as for the Vintage Market...had a great time! It was the tenth year anniversary so everything was decorated so cute. There was a live band and lots of food trucks. I had a wonderful time! The Equestrian center is a fantastic place for horses and for events!