I am looking to move to the Dallas/ Fort Worth area and need some trainer recommendations. Looking for A show barns.
Thank you!
Peter Petschnig Performance Horses in Pilot Point. Hands down.
Nice and honest people running their program. Horses are turned out great at shows.
I think the spelling of his last name is “Petschenig”
Thanks :). Typing too fast!
no problem, he is a client of one of my friends
Lots of options… can you share a little more about what you want/how much you hope to show/what your horse is like/where in Dallas you’ll be living? The metroplex is the size of several small New England states so…
Narrowing down the area would help. Lots of options but could be 2 hours away if you are across the metroplex.
Thank you for your response! Plan on living in/ around Grapevine.
I do not currently have a horse. I was half leasing a 2’9” horse last summer/ winter but she was sold. I just started up again after about 4 years off. Can’t not afford top of the top, but looking for a competitive show jumping bar with quality horses.
Will be in/ around grapevine.
That’s helpful! There aren’t many competitive barns in the area with lesson horses last I was there, but it’s been a while and things certainly may have changed.
I rode with Debbie Divecchia at Windswept Farm throughout my junior years/college. She’s in Argyle (where you’ll find many barns), which is a very convenient drive from Grapevine. Nice mix of amateurs/juniors, great facility, and a very solid program that works around what you can afford and what your goals are. Also great at matching/finding horses on a budget.
Awesome, thank you so much for your help! Uh, I know it is soo hard to find a competitive barn with a lesson program. But I would really like to get my seat back, before leasing or purchasing, so I don’t get jumped off by a nice hunter lol. Thanks again!
As mentioned above, Argyle and Flowermound will have a ton of options are probably your closest options.
Going the other direction, towards the east/northeast…
Prospering Farms is in Prosper. Susan Horn has a pretty big school horse line. I know she has two very competitive IEA teams, not sure what her older students do, but she has great horses.
Spellbound Farms in Van Alstyne does the A circuit. I’ve taken lessons on horses at their farm. They also tend to have lease options at times. Beautiful, brand new facility. Very adult re-rider friendly as well.
Another one, though I know nothing about it and have only seen it, is tucked back in Southlake at the north end of White Chapel Rd. Showtime Farms. The are strictly hunter/jumper/equitation.
Again, I know nothing about the trainer there, I just know the farm is there just north of 114.
Welcome to the metroplex!
Thank you so much, I really appreciate all the input! looking forward to joining the area!!
1 Like
they have nearly direct access to the trails on the south side of Lake Grapevine
Yes, they are across the street and down a little bit from Bob Jones park which is next to the Walnut Grove Trail Head. I saw the farm when I was out running the equestrian trails one day.
Lauren Eisele has a nice program with lesson and lease horses available.
1 Like
Lots of really good options in the area, it’s going to come down to what you want to do and what personalities you enjoy. Could you share any more about your goals and what kind of program you’re wanting? Hands on? Hands off? Strict instruction vs light hearted?
I will say, there aren’t many options for lesson barns around any more. And, depending on your budget, you might want to poke around on the local level DFW circuits in the 2’9’’ and 3’0’’ hunters if that’s your thing. Cheaper way to access horse showing, and there’s a higher volume of “local level” lease horses available than “A show quality” leases - in my experience.
There are a couple of folks that I would definitely stay far, far away from - investigate your recommendations before jumping in full throttle. 
1 Like
I also am looking for a show barn in the DFW area. Specific area doesn’t matter too much as I can live where I like and that will be determined largely by the barn location. But, I am leaning toward the north side of Dallas. Looking for a show barn. I have a 9 yo Warmblood who is still fairly green (he underwent a career change when I bought him 18 months ago) who will eventually do the 3’6" A/O hunters and probably Derbies. Would like the flexibility to not have to go to every show, but be able to pick and choose. Not interested in show results as much as I am having a happy, well-cared-for horse in a low-stress environment. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
*edit: Meant to reply to @cabbru12 specifically:
My favorite personal pick would be Rebecca Sanoja in Wylie. I haven’t ridden with her in a number of years, but she has always been the epitome of professional and her teaching is very much comprehensive, by the book - happy, sound, sane horses with solid building blocks at each level. Her barn is on the smaller side, so not sure what her plans are as far as new clients and the show schedule this year - but I’d highly recommend her personally: http://www.bryherstonefarm.com/
Woodhill (Matt Cyphert) and Elmstead (Britt McCormick) have always been held in very high regard in the area, but I don’t personally have experience riding with either or keeping a horse with them. I don’t know their policy of how often you need to be out on the road with them or at home.
PM me if you have any questions! Happy to help! Welcome to DFW!
