Barns near Richmond, VA for adult lessons: 2016 edition

[Jam1692]

I know there have been threads on similar topics before; however, those threads include links to barns that no longer exist!

I would greatly appreciate any tips on locating a good place to take beginner Hunter lessons (as an adult with minimal experience) within 15-20 drive from Short Pump. My goal is to stay with the same barn for a number of years and improve my skills.

Places I am considering:

Swift Creek
Manakin-Sabot
Pine Crest Farm
Haverhill

Thank you!

[Sarah616]

I sent you a private message regarding some barns.

[anmoro]

Not 100% of her location, but if you have Facebook, look up Luanne Johnson and Willow Springs Farm. From lunge line to A circuit she is the it trainer. At one point, I drove up from Virginia Beach to take a few lessons.

[Jam1692]

Thanks for your post. Her farm is about 30 min. drive from me and a place I wouldn’t have considered since there a handful of decent facilities within 15 mins. I’ll check it out. I’ve been asking around and visiting farms and am trying to decide what matters more at this stage (because I have kids and a demanding job): finding a good trainer or finding a barn close to my house!
Either way, the trainer will be forced to return to basics with someone like me. It will be a boring lesson for her or him. I may buy packs of lessons and try out a few different places. I am really new to this. My last formal lessons were through my university’s equestrian program years ago. No trainer shopping.

[cbv]

Are you sure you have the address of Luanne’s current place? It is close to 295 and 33. It is 30 minutes from downtown for me. Feel like it must be closer to Short Pump. She has school horses and is very patient with re- riders. PM if you would like more info.

[KateUCET101]

Although not on your list, I’d highly suggest checking out Stillmeadows Farm. It’s an easy 20 minute drive from Short Pump. They have an established riding school with quality lesson horses and teach quite a few Adult Ammys in various stages of riding ability and aspirations. I’m an AA myself and enjoy the evening adult group lessons (although they also do privates). The trainers change up the courses + come up with new exercises weekly and compete regularly at the Grand Prix level (something that all of the other barns you’ve mentioned lack). There’s plenty of opportunity to lease/buy and/or horse show if you decide that’s something you want to participate in (both local and on the Rated circuits). Definitely come out and check the place out!

[Jam1692]

Thanks again for your thoughtful responses and the PMs I’ve received. Still Meadows Farm and Hampden Row are both highly (and frequently) recommended by locals and willing to work with adult beginners. People in my neighborhood who ride have also recommended Haverhill and Pine Crest, and I’ve most recently discovered Willow Springs.

So I have a lot of excellent options and am now just trying decide which one to pick! Am thrilled to live in an area with lots of quality training programs.

[chunky_munky]

Coventry might be the closest that i know of. Nice place, nice people, lessons. Not sure that Swift Creek still exists, but look into Stillmeadow.

[Jam1692]

Think I may pick a barn and buy a one-month lesson package and then do the same at other barns to see which one I like best. (Or just stick with my first choice if all goes well.)

[Sarah616]

[QUOTE=chunky munky;8914607]
Coventry might be the closest that i know of. Nice place, nice people, lessons. Not sure that Swift Creek still exists, but look into Stillmeadow.[/QUOTE]
Swift Creek does still exist, but under different ownership and a very different program.