Boarding barns near Brewster, NY

[Cw123]

Hello- I was hoping anyone who lives in the Putnam County, general Brewster area could share any knowledge they have the below barns and training programs. I have the opportunity to relocate for work, and am in the early stages of looking for a place to board my horse. I show occasionally in the low adults right now and would like a place where showing is available…but optional. my top priority is good care. Nice facilities are a bonus, but not a dealbreaker as long as the staff and training is good, honest and puts the horses needs first.
I would pick a “so so” facility with GOOD horse people & care (think, older barn with maybe a few rough edges but still safe of course), over a brand new stunning barn with horrible staff and care (I’ve fallen in that trap before and swore I’d never let It happen again)

Any knowledge (good or bad) of the below barns would be so helpful ! TYIA

Crossroads Equestrian Center-Jan Golash
Zephyr Farm-Carla Sacco
Buxton Farm- heather hayes
Ives Farm

[ATXmom]

I haven’t had any interactions with Jan or Carla for years but they were both fine from what i remember. For myself, I have personal and positive experience with the barns below - all are near the Brewster area:

West Lane - Heather Gnuewich *daughter rode with her
Country Lane - just moved from Greenwich, Christina, Fred & Emma do a great job
Stratford Farm - personal friends, Danny and Kristin are about the nicest people you will ever meet

[Rel6]

I also don’t have any recent information on the barns you listed (I do feel old though because when I rode at Stratford Kristin was still on ponies).

I would recommend taking a look at Valley Pond Farm (Barb Filippelli) in Pawling if that isn’t too far. She is an R carded and very experienced h/j judge as well as a great horse person and trainer. The facility is also very nice. I’m not sure how often they travel to shows, but worth an ask.

[ATXmom]

I feel like Pawling can be far, depending on exact locations etc. Barb was still going to shows when we were still showing in the Northeast but that was a solid 6-7 years ago!

[NothingSimple90]

I grew up in the area and rode with Jan when I was younger. She was great. Carla has a good reputation in the area. One you didn’t mention, but is lovely is Jenn Giacopelli at Rhiannon Equestrian - nice as could be and a great trainer.

[RW06]

You should definitely look at Jenn Giacopelli/Rhiannon in Brewster. I think her program would fit the bill perfectly.

[Rel6]

Totally fair, but may still be closer than Purchase/Stratford depending on where in Brewster OP is.

[ATXmom]

I think Stratford recently moved to Pound Ridge ish

[Amy3996]

Another vote for Barb Filippelli. Her business is based out of Kirby Hill Farm now and the facility is second to none. Care and attention to detail are also excellent.

[SpiritInTheSkye]

Hannah Isop, Susie & Tracy Freels
Harkaway Farm, Brewster NY

2nd & 3rd generation
Can’t say enough great things about them

[anon67413619]

Barb Filipelli is fantastic and would recommend her.

[patterson]

Barb Fillipelli at Valley Pond Farm is fantastic!

She is an exceptional teacher who has totally reengineered my riding to a much more sophisticated level. Gorgeous facility and superb horse care. Real emphasis on horsemanship as opposed to show riding, but Barb judges very regularly so you get that too. Not sure how the horseshowing works, since I don’t compete, but there is almost always a group showing locally every single weekend, and I think Barb was preparing someone for Indoors as well.

Pawling is maybe 15 minutes fiurther north than the other places mentioned, it’s a straight shot up Route 22 through very pretty country, you’re leaving suburbia and going into the lower Berkshires, I commute from southern Westchester, it’s 55 minutes; I don’t mind it a bit and I’m a big wimp about long distance driving.

Barb is a fantastic person who always goes the extra mile to help her clients achieve their dreams and is hugely supportive as a mentor generally. We have a great group of ladies ( only one little kid, as far as I can tell, she’s already a better rider than I am !), no politics or barn drama.

I looked at most of the other places mentioned and there’s just no comparison. Feel free to PM me for details if you like.

[elizabethhund]

Love , love, love Riverstone North. Kim and Caroline Perlman

[panda819]

Highly recommend Carla/Zephyr Farm. Hard to find a more honest and incredible horsewoman out there. The facility is definitely rough around the edges but the care is great.