2018 Fairfield, CT/Westchester, NY Hunter Show Barns

[textbookammy]

I have searched but not been able to find a recent (within the past 2 years) thread with updated info regarding show barns in Fairfield/Westchester counties.

I am looking for references - ISO a show barn for an amateur hunter rider needing a good pro to help bring along a young hunter. I am not interested in a barn that lives on the road, such as Heritage.

I’m aware of board running $2.5-$4K and am more focused on solid training programs, no drama and horse-friendly facilities.

Here’s what I’ve got so far, any help filling in the blanks is greatly appreciated!

JT - who is the hunter trainer that rides and gives lessons now?
Lionshare - I don’t think Peter has a hunter trainer in place but correct me if I’m wrong, I need to stop by the farm and ask.
CEO - Kate Oliver seems great but unfortunately they don’t have an indoor.
44 North - Michelle Grayson is super nice but not a name I’m familiar with. Input is appreciated.
Ox Ridge - not a fan of the turnout and now they’ve sold off the field it’s a no go for me.

Thanks for your help!

[SnicklefritzG]

The facilities at JT farm are really nice. I grew up in that area and saw that place develop over the years. It keeps getting better. The Toons are the ones there now. They have nice turnout and plenty of rings to ride in.

[SpiritInTheSkye]

Check your PM’s!

[mfglickman]

Check out Justamere Pony Farm, Ryan Petronelli. Located in Ridgefield at the former Ridgefield Equestrian Center.

[sarcam02]

@mfglickman

Check out Justamere Pony Farm, Ryan Petronelli. Located in Ridgefield at the former Ridgefield Equestrian Center.

I concur with this vote. I’ve seen Ryan work with many young ones and he is great!.

[dia916]

I would add Barbara Filippelli Valley Pond Farm in Pawling, NY. She is stabled at Kirby Hill Farm.

[ssandstr]

Westlane. (In North Salem). August Farm.

[izzy_2]

Whipstick farm

[Amy3996]

Another vote for Barbara Fillipelli - Valley Pond Farm based out of Kirby Hill Farm in Pawling, NY. I grew up training with her, she helped me find my first horse. She’s taught me just about everything I know about riding and caring for horses. The facilities at Kirby Hill are second to none. Board runs about 2K/month, but that includes high quality grain, free choice hay, good turnout, and all of the services and amenities you could want. Huge indoor arena, two outdoors, access to polo field and trails. No drama, impeccable care. Extensive experience bringing along horses and riders of all levels. I’ve watched her turn out some incredible young hunter/jumpers. Travels to all sorts of shows - Old Salem, Gardnertown,HITS on the Hudson, Vermont Summer Festival, Stepping Stone, etc. If I hadn’t moved away for college, I’d still be boarding and training with her.

[Headsup123]

Also https://www.bexleyfarm.com. They are relatively new to Bedford location-but certainly not to bringing along nice hunters. They are on the same horse-friendly property (venerable Sunnyfield Farm in Bedford) as Lionshare so you could visit both at the same time. They meet all your requirements so would highly recommend you check them out.

[BGZ]

Kate Oliver is fabulous even without the indoor!

[Leave_No_Doubt]

Another vote for Kate Oliver. You may also consider Cynthia Williams (New England Farm) or Brooke Baldwin (Riverside Farm); both are great with AA’s. I’ve been out of the area for a few years now, but I’ve heard great things about Patty Peckham at Arcadia as well.

[jumpergirl88]

I would definitley check out Bexley farm as well!

[ryegal]

Lisa Sherman at Stratford Stables is great! Amazing with kids, great trainer for all three rings. The barn has an indoor, outdoor and impeccable care. PM me if you have questions

[Cw123]

I’ve also heard good things about beyeart farm in north Salem with Emmy tromp. One of the working students at my barn used to train with Emmy

[OneTwoMany]

Do lots of searches.

Make lots of inquiries.

Do keep an ear out for the possibility of prior doping violations.