Researching for a friend: kid is 6 and did a trail ride and now wants a pony! Any good beginner barns near Simpsonville, SC? Parents are not horsey at all, so program needs to teach good horsemanship for all 😀 I’m in TN and have no idea what the lesson barn scene is there.
Not a ton of options.
Hidden Creek Farm is in fountain inn, probably 15-20 minutes. They don’t have a solid long term established program to my knowledge but the horses seem pretty rock solid and the beginner trainers are patient. The arena gets mega swampy with rain so be prepared for cancelled lessons if there is a hard rain.
Southside Stables is right in that area but I don’t know anything about it. I think it’s kind of weirdly tucked into a neighborhood on a shotgun lot if memory serves. They may only have an indoor ring but don’t quote me.
Wild hedge is somewhat close. I’ve heard the woman is a bit quirky but it’s been around a long time. I think this might be the most casual backyard style of all of them.
Persimmon Pond isn’t too far away. Their ring isn’t enclosed and borders a road, which is a no go for me with any rider, especially a beginner.
Lazy R is a new farm within probably 20 minutes. I don’t know anything about it but came across it on facebook or instagram.
All of these are multiple discipline casual style barns. To find a nice local hunter barn or an A barn you’re probably looking at 45+ minutes for Traveler’s Rest, Campobello, Landrum, etc. It’s kind of a tough area.
@Gracelikerain - thank you so much. I’ll check those out. They don’t mind a drive. Doesn’t need to be a certain discipline as long as it’s safe and can teach the basics.
I know the people who run Persimmon Pond and they are affiliated with the United States Pony Club (USPC). The child would definitely learn more than just the basics – she would learn how to take care of her mount Pony Club style. Persimmon Pond is in Greer, which is fairly close to Simpsonville, SC. Denise Ritacco and Casey DeLap are the instructors.
Another place to try is River Bend Equestrian Center in Greenville. Janna Ritacco is a National Examiner for USPC and she also teaches horse care and all the proper protocol. And yes … Janna is Denise’s daughter-in-law.
Both places are very child-oriented. I know absolutely that there is a little girl around 6 years old at Persimmon Pond. I would tell your friend to visit both places, just to see what they think. Or, in the alternative, you should call these places and talk with them since you are the more horsey person. You should be able to get a good feel over the phone.
SCM1959
I forgot about Riverbend. I would definitely recommend checking them out. It is more of a drive but a well-regarded program and Janna is very respected in the community.
Thanks again! I’ll check out the newest ones listed. Of the earlier list, there was a disturbing trend of kids without helmets. Big red flag for me
I rode at Wild Hedge over 25 years ago, and learned good horsemanship but can’t say anything about how it is currently as I’ve been out of touch with her for many years. Agree that Jana Ritacco at Riverbend has a well-regarded program, but that might be quite a drive from Simpsonville.
