Dressage (or hunter with good dressage) schools near Toronto, Canada (classes with school horses)

[trynix]

Hello everyone,

I’ll be spending around 30 days in Toronto this summer (starting mid July) and would like to take some dressage classes to enhance my technical riding and understanding (I otherwise normally take showjumping classes). I plan to take at least 3 classes a week, if not more, for the duration of my stay.

Any recommendations on good dressage schools near Toronto that provide classes on their own horses?

On the other hand, I could also take hunter classes if instructors have solid dressage background, as that’ll compliment my showjumping while also enhancing my technical. Any thoughts on this (or recommendations of such schools)?

Additionally, any good horse riding equipment shops nearby too? Will need to get additional breeches, as well as dressage whip and some spurs.

Thanks!!

[alibi_18]

Classical and fun, on really well trained horses : https://www.grelofarms.com/

[BigMama1]

Although there are a number of barns that advertise “dressage” lessons, there are very few that actually have dressage trained school horses.

If you are i terested in competition dressage, Stephanie Jensen Equestrian offers lessons on mid and high level schoolmasters. If competitive dressage isn’t a must have, then Grelo Farms is a good bet - classical Portuguese school with very well trained horses.

Otherwise your best bet might be an eventing barn. As for tack stores, there are a lot in the GTA. Greenhawk is the biggest chain, and lots of independently owned stores.

[trynix]

@BigMama1

Although there are a number of barns that advertise “dressage” lessons, there are very few that actually have dressage trained school horses.

If you are i terested in competition dressage, Stephanie Jensen Equestrian offers lessons on mid and high level schoolmasters. If competitive dressage isn’t a must have, then Grelo Farms is a good bet - classical Portuguese school with very well trained horses.

Otherwise your best bet might be an eventing barn. As for tack stores, there are a lot in the GTA. Greenhawk is the biggest chain, and lots of independently owned stores.

Thanks for your feedback!!
Regarding eventing barns, any recommendations on ones that have decent dressage too?

[demidq]

Myrddin Farms near Georgetown is an excellent Eventing barn with good school horses. It’s about 1 hour north west of Toronto, tho, Bahr’s Saddlery is a great independent tack store with higher end offerings. It is on the way to Myrrdin!

[Lusoluv]

I highly recommend Grelo Farms! More than just a riding lesson. You can also stay and watch other lessons and/or other horses in training, long-lining, etc. A great dressage experience!

[BigMama1]

For eventing barns Bronte Creek Equestrian is very good

[alibi_18]

@BigMama1

If competitive dressage isn’t a must have, then Grelo Farms is a good bet - classical Portuguese school with very well trained horses.

Just to say that despite being more of the Portuguese tradition, his daughters and some of his students did/do compete at dressage shows with good results.

It was a great complement to my competitive riding/training experience and knowledge.

[SecondInCommand]

Where in Toronto will you be staying, roughly? It makes a big difference as to which side of the city to make recommendations for.

Bahr Saddlery (west) and Baker’s (East) are great local tack shops to check out with tons of great selection.

[MissAriel]

I’m not sure about how close it is to where you will be, but Tiara Equine is another option. Meagan does event, but has ridden at the FEI levels in dressage.

http://www.tiaraequine.com/