Chester County, PA

[HunterJumper789]

Hello all -

Moving to Chester County, PA (bordering DE) in the next few weeks for DH’s job. I have searched old threads, but they are indeed “old.”

Searching for a H/J barn for myself - a 2’6" rider with 3’ dreams. I own my horse and he will be moving with us so need a place with an open stall. I typically show about 10-12 times a year - a mix of day and week away shows. FL is not the cards for me financially or time-commitment wise.

Any specific barn recommendations? I need full care, but not full care with grooming/training (although that is not necessarily something I would rule out depending on cost). I enjoy taking lessons 2x week and usually pay for a pro ride 1-2x week depending on my work schedule. Ideally, straight board would be $1,200 or less; more room in budget if grooming/training rides included. I would like an indoor and outdoor and plenty of turn out. Thanks!

[evtrmom]

Hello! welcome to the area If you are on Facebook, check out the chester county riders page too. I have heard good things about RG Equine in West Grove http://www.rgequine.com/
Chester County is quite large so def look for things in the southern part, Chadds Ford, West Grove, Kennett Square , Unionville, Cochranville areas. Owl Ridge Farm is in northern DE but may be more than what you are looking for.
@Xctrygirl may have some good suggestions for you too!
Good luck!

[comingback]

Check out Integrity Farms/Jen Berry. Great turn out and hacking. She has taken some customers to Florida but has others that stay home as well.

[Beacon6]

Owl Ridge(Shana Aultschler), integrity (Jen Berry) and Bentbrook (Mary and Melissa Morrill) would be my recommendation for hunter stables nearest Delaware and close to your budget. All with indoors and local and regional showing

[Tini_Sea_Soldier1]

Malvern Saddlery is not too far from there and a great resource, as well.
My Mom lives in a retirement community in that area near Target and Fresh Market. It’s a lovely place to live and if you want a great brunch, check out Terrain in Glen Mills. Happy to suggest other spots if you want to PM me, but don’t want to derail this thread.
As far as straight full board vs training board, I’ll be honest, if you want pro attention via lessons and pro rides 3x per week, I suspect the full training board option might make more sense. Factor in the months where it’s 5 weeks vs 4 weeks and you’ll find that you might come out ahead with the unlimited package solution vs the a la carte.
Brandywine horse shows were a thing for a few years and a really nice show, but unfortunately, it looks like they wrapped up towards the end of 2022 and are no longer happening.

[westfoldfarm]

Jen Berry at Integrity Farms is wonderful. She is located in Unionville which is very close to the DE line. I kept my horses with her for years before I bought my own place. She takes wonderful care of the horses and has great turnout and hacking.

[Xctrygirl]

I’m the worst hunter in the world, but I do think Jen, Shana or Louise Serio could help you out.

Jen is in Unionville.
Shana is in Greenville, De at Vicmead Hunt Club Stables
Louise is in Kennett Square.

ANY of those are above par.

Welcome to the area and don’t be a stranger!!!

Emily

[ComingAttraction]

I agree with Jen Berry! You will love her.

[phoenixrises]

Another vote for Jen Berry at Integrity. Super welcoming ammie group and lovely location.

[phoenixrises]

Louise will be nowhere near 1200 a month though and I’m pretty sure you have to go to Florida.

I’ll also throw in Kathrin Hewitt. She’s doing the lessons for Jen while Jen is in Florida and she’s lovely.

[Xctrygirl]

Kat is fabulous too. We compete together and share the same bday.

I think she might be full though at the winter barn, and the rest of the year barn doesn’t have an indoor.

Em

[fourfillies]

I’d look at Louise, a friend of mine is there and it’s not as far off your budget as you might imagine. Mary Morrill and Jen Berry are great. I believe Mary stays home for the winter. I don’t think Jen does. Louise does WEF Nov-April. That is very pricey but again her home program is not crazy over the top and she is amazing. Rachel does many of her rides at home and she’s a wonderful sympathetic rider. I’d at least make the call.