Boston area beginner

[grilla]

I’m looking for an adult beginner friendly barn in the Boston area. (I don’t mind riding with/around kids, but don’t want an instructor/environment that struggles to tolerate adult beginners). I’ve taken lessons 1/wk for about 3 years. I’m not interested in showing, but I am interested in becoming the best rider I can be as a middle-aged person who works full-time. Would like to increase number of lessons/rides per week (how many depends on time/$), and am looking towards a lease if I can find the right place. Have been riding what I’ll call “dressage fundamentals”, but would also like to explore other disciplines (small jumps, maybe western, trail riding).

I live south of Boston, but don’t want to rule out other areas entirely. Feel free to PM.

(Sort of an offshoot from this thread but that one sounds geared towards someone with much more experience):
https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/f…trainers-barns

[She_s_Pure_Gold]

How far south of Boston are you? What discipline are you looking for? Lots of barns in that area, depending on what you are looking for and how far you are willing to travel.

[grilla]

Rt. 44 is probably the farthest south that would realistically work for me. So, Plymouth over to Taunton, up to Norfolk back around to Boston is my “south of Boston” range. I’m trying to prioritize adult-friendly and driving distance over discipline at this point. I’d prefer to try something other than a dressage-only place, though. Western, learning to jump, trail riding all appeal to me.

[She_s_Pure_Gold]

I don’t know if they have school horses or not but Valinor Farm in Plymouth is a great facility. I’ve done their adult eventing camp with Erin Risso and she’s a great instructor. If not too far out of your travel range, definitely worth an inquiry! Gorgeous setting. They focus on eventing and host shows and clinics.

[cheval_convert]

I don’t know if Dream Horse Canadiens gives lessons but they are located in Whitman.

[SharonA]

I’d recommend asking on the current version of the Equinesite Yellow Board. It doesn’t get alot of traffic these days, but there still should be people who might be familiar with barns in the area that you’ve mentioned.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2269880253069564

[She_s_Pure_Gold]

There’s a group called Massachusetts Horse People on fb also that would be a good resource.

[grilla]

I appreciate the suggestions. I’ll check them out.

[Ruth0552]

How far North/West would you want to go? There are a lot of places in the North Shore area and a lot in the Concord/Carlisle area. There’s some barns in the Lincoln/Sudbury and Bedford areas too but I’m not as familiar with those.

[grilla]

From my perspective, it’s not the necessarily the distance, it’s the traffic. So, I’m not exactly sure beyond what I described above and I won’t really know until I drive it and I’m willing to drive a little farther/longer for the right place. Concord/Carlisle might work, but I’m really not asking for all barns within that area. What I’m looking for is word of mouth (this public board online version of it) recommendations for a barn that has a good population of adults/adult beginners and offers a fun/relaxed learning environment. Having lesson horses matters, but specific discipline doesn’t at this point.

[Ruth0552]

Yeah, I know what you are asking for. There are a limited number of places to ride AT ALL within a certain distance of Boston, which is why I was asking about how far you wanted to travel.

I will say that Erin Renfro, out of Water’s Edge Farm in Concord, is a gifted instructor and has a lot of horses. I’m sure she would have one that would suit your needs, and her instruction is insightful, encouraging and positive. There is a great group of adult ladies and older kids at her barn that are all welcoming and kind. Many own their own horses and board there but I think there are also a number that just come for lessons.

Adult beginners aren’t all that common and I’m not sure you’ll find a place that focuses on it? Definitely try posting on Massachusetts Horse People on facebook though, if there is a place someone on there will know.

[coffeehag]

I’m in Quincy MA and can provide some recommendations. I’ve heard great things about Reunion Farm down in Plympton, I’m currently riding some trouble horses at University Equestrian and they’ve got a great facility as well. Transparently, you won’t have any luck at Canton Equestrian–they’re booked out for like a year. I’d leverage some Facebook groups for sure.

[Grey623]

Look at Beland Stables in Lakeville, should be within your geography. I’m pretty sure they have lesson horses, they certainly have a lesson program. I haven’t taken lessons there, but have trailered in for dressage shows, and it is very organized, friendly and professional. Lovely facility.

Grey

[grilla]

Thanks for these! I’ll be looking into a couple of them for sure. Appreciate having comments on the instruction at Water’s Edge Farm because that’s certainly part of the equation for me.

[cheval_convert]

You could check out Dorbill Stables in Bridgewater. I haven’t been there in years but I took lessons with Patty and she was a good instructor.

[SharonA1]

If you don’t find something more convenient, you might check out Jess Halliday Eventing, though it’s out in Sutton. My impression is that she works hard to make things welcoming, even for beginner adults. Also, you might explore down into Rhode Island.

I know you say you don’t want to rule out places other than south of Boston, but, with traffic getting heavy again, I would totally and completely recommend that you rule out places other than those south of Boston.