Cheryl enjoys sharing her knowledge through instructing riders of all skill levels whether it is…read moreone lesson or a group setting. Cheryl assist riders to reach their goals developing a deeper understanding of riding.

I'm a big fan of Free Spirit Farm! It's been a lifelong dream of mine to own a horse, and the next…read morebest thing is riding frequently and learning to ride properly. That's what I get to do here. I've ridden many of the horses and ponies and have always felt safe. Shae owns the barn, trains the horses, and teaches lessons. All of her horses are loved, well-cared for, and do well with riders at all levels. She is a patient instructor, cares about her clients, and is passionate about her business and horses in general. She's also a certified saddle fitter. Weather-permitting, lessons are outside year round. From the outdoor arena, there's a lovely view of a beautiful grassy field where the horses love to graze with a gorgeous tree-lined backdrop. During inclement weather (when it's simply too cold or rainy), there's a very nice, large indoor arena. Lessons are private and semi-private and priced fairly. Shae teaches all ages. I am super happy at this barn. I think the world of Shae as an instructor, trainer, business owner, and person. You're in good hands here, and if you enjoy it half as much as I do, your life will be brighter when you take equestrian lessons at Free Spirit .

Called to ask for some advice around my children and their ages and experience, trying to see if a…read moreride is a good idea. The lady on the phone asked me if I know how to use a website, and told me she would text me the website URL. I told her I had gotten her phone number from the website, I had already viewed their offerings, and I had some questions. She told me she was busy and I should go to the website to make any reservations. I reiterated that I had some questions around comfort level with horses, etc. She hung up. I get that you have a website. I am a developer who writes websites. But if you have a potential customer who has some questions around the services you offer, you should not be curt nor rude, and should not hang up when someone wants to ask whether you can give a ride to their 6-year-old.

This was an amazing experience! All 4 people on the hour long trail ride were novice riders. They…read moredid a great job of teaching how to control the horse, and support on the ride. The ride itself is amazing, you go through meadows, forests. If it's dry you will get dusty, be prepared. Most importantly in my review, their horses are treated well. Given regular medical and dental care, resting between rides, strict weight limits are different for each horse, they are really well cared for. They rescue 80% of their horses. Geriatric horses are sent to pasture not sent to auction. Just wanted to put that out there for fellow animal lovers.

My four and six year old take lessons from the owner, Heather, and they have the best time! It's a…read moregreat indoor arena, super affordable, and everyone is so nice. They've learned so much and look forward to it every weekend!

If you are looking for a place to learn to ride this is your place. Heather (her and her husband…read moreown the farm) does an amazing job. I can not speak enough about her. She is calm and reassuring. My 11 year old son goes to her and he looks forward this every weekend. It is the best feeling watching him improve every lesson. Rain or shine with the indoor arena and the outdoor arena you will have not problem.

this one stinks and their teaching is horrible my child and me got our money taken by herread more

What a wonderful place! My daughter talks about it all year long! She attends summer camp and…read morecouldn't have more fun. She learns a lot too! The farm and barn are so big. You can tell they truly care about their horses and the people who come to ride. They make you feel like you're at home, it's like a big family. Everyone is so nice and they all know my daughter. I know we will continue to bring her to horse camp for years to come and soon enough look forward to riding lessons! Thank you MVF!

Sharing my experience with Duke Petting Farm to save you from having to go through the same thing…read more I was having a big cowboy themed party for my boys joint birthday party. So I thought how fun would it be to have a cowboy horse & a petting farm. I Talked with Deb before even booking the party to make sure all the kids would be able to ride the pony. At first I asked for a horse because most of the kids would be around 10-11 years old. I was told a horse would be too hard for the little kids but she would send me a large pony that would be perfect for my age range. I told her no one would be over 120 pounds. She even asked me to put it in an email and I did. I am sharing that email in the photo section. I confirmed this with the owner several times before the party. Fast forward to party day when the problems all began. She sent 2 girls to work my one hour party. The one girl that ran the petting bunny area was EXTREMELY rude to all the little kids. Even rolling her eyes at them when they asked what kind of balloons she could make. She yelled at them multiple times when kids 3 years old were petting the baby bunnies. To a point of me and several parents going in the bunny pen to help. It was so embarrassing that people at my party were being treated this way. Several of the bunnies kept escaping. She yelled at the 3 year old birthday boy when he went to get a second handful of food from the food bucket they bring. She said "you already fed the animals." We tried to talk to her to help change her bad mood but it was the entire time and super disappointing as this was a kids party. The other thing I would like to warn you about is that TONS of the kids were turned away from riding the pony. The girl working said they were too tall. One of the girls was a tiny 10 year old weighing no more that 65 pounds. If height was a requirement I should have been told that before the party. Like I said I discussed this with her multiple times. So only a few little kids got to ride over and over. When you pay over $500 for someone to bring animals to your party you expect at least kind service. I contacted the owner before coming to social media. She said the girl working the party was only 14 years old. While she did say she would talk to her she made all kinds of excuses. I think it would be better to have an adult working something like this. She told me the bigger pony they had used at a different party that day and had problems with so they switched to this one. I understand things happen in life but those are not a customers problem. While I couldn't come to an agreement with the owner I thought I could at least warn all my friends or anyone thinking to book for a party! Stay far away. I wished I would have booked somewhere else. After having the party I had several people recommend Tyler's exotic animals. They said he is much more kid friendly. Just super disappointed that so few kids got to ride the pony & that the other worker that ran the balloons/petting area treated everyone so rotten. It was an awful experience and I have booked lots of big things for events. Never have I had to deal with this kind of unprofessionalism. Truly disappointed.

It's a bit out of the way for folks living in town but it's a farm after all!!!! Debbie and her…read moreteam of volunteers are absolutely amazing!!!!! I took my 10 year old out here for some riding for her birthday, the offer lessons for a fair price and they also do this thing called "Mini-Mondays" where younger kids get to do fun activities and dive into the agricultural world. They get up close and personal with the animals while learning valuable life lessons such as showing respect to all creatures, kindness, forgiveness and other things we all want instilled in our kids! My girls just wrapped up softball and we're so excited to sign up for volunteering at the farm!!

Crystal was awesome with our granddaughter during her Happy Hooves riding lesson. She was…read moreknowledgeable, encouraging, patient, and kind. We highly recommend Happy Hooves!

We have been extremely pleased with instruction at Happy Hooves these past two years. Crystal is…read morevery knowledgable, experienced, and just a kind and respectful person. She is also safety-conscious and attentive, which makes Happy Hooves the best choice for new &/or young riders. We were new to the world of horseback riding when our daughter expressed interest. We started at another facility that had a young rider program (Wildwind) that packed several young children into one lesson. Lack of safety and attentiveness to individual riders were huge, ongoing issues... For about the same cost, Crystal provides one-on-one attention and makes sure your child is safe and feels respected. Your child will also likely ride the same horse each week, allowing a bond to form between rider and horse. We love HH!

Wyn Farm is any riders paradise. This farm sports fabulous facilities, immaculate barns and arenas…read morealong with rolling acres of cross country. The lesson program is perfect for anyone from beginners all the way up to the show team. Give the barn a call to set up a tour and sign up for lessons. You won't be disappointed!

Wyn Farm is a horse riders paradise! Family owned and operated, they offer private and semi-private…read moreriding lessons (English saddle only) for both kids and adults, board horses, and host competitions. Over the last few years, the owners have expaned their facilities to include an indoor arena, four outdoor areas, a cross country course and a dressage ring. It's a great resourse, and just 20 minutes from Michigan State University. Our children love taking riding lessons at Wyn. The horses are well trained and Jordan is an amazing instructor. We'll be back!

Amazing place to board your horse. Sara is very knowledgeable and very helpful. Stalls are clean,…read moreand everyone's horses are loved and cared for. All of the barn staff is knowledgeable, kind, and helpful. The facility and grounds are beautiful and very well maintained, and the boarders are so kind. I've been at this barn for almost 3 years now and this barn has become so much like a family to me. I would highly recommend this place if you're looking for a nice barn to keep your horse at. This is by far one of the best barns in the area.

I have been riding and boarding at great escape for years! Wonderful facility with knowledge staff.read more

My daughter has been riding at GES on and off for several years. The quality of instruction is…read moreexcellent with a focus on developing properly and safely. The other riders are friendly and this is a NO DRAMA barn (which as a mom of a teenager...I appreciate!!) Robyn is wonderful with my daughter who also suffers from anxiety. She is patient and understanding. My daughters skills have increased 10-fold under Robyn. In addition to riding, there are fun events, shows (if you choose) and horsemanship training for those who want to take their knowledge to the next level. I highly recommend GES.