Greater Richmond Area barns

[hunterprincess89]

I know there have been threads like this in the past, I apologize, but I wanted a current one. For what it’s worth, I ride hunters, and live near the University of Richmond. I work in the Southside of Richmond. I would like to keep my driving to between 30-35 mins/way. Included is a list (maybe unreasonable, but hopefully helpful) of things I need in a barn

I have ridden at both super fancy, large show barns that force showing down your throat and are full of snobby people with no personality, and smaller barns that provided good care, had nice people with a friendly atmosphere, but could have had better facilities. I am having trouble finding what I am looking for as it is a mix of both –a small (8-16 stalls), nice/fancy barn, with a reputable name and trainer, but with the people and mindset of the latter barn (showing is great, but it’s not our only goal, people are friendly, etc).

MUST HAVE-
-Good, consistent, quality care; knowledgeable horse staff who can identify lameness, illness, body clip, etc.
-Nice, well ventilated, clean facility – fancy is good… snobby is not.
-Full care board. That being said, I like to groom my horse, and am not a fan of the “show up and get on your tacked up horse” idea.
-Staff who live on site overnight.
-Ability to turn out my horse individually… I will pay more for this if necessary.
-Nice fencing in fields… preferably wood fencing
-Uses Woodside Equine Clinic, or if they don’t will allow me to choose my own vet
-Room for trunks/storage… no trunk limit – I.E., one trunk per horse.
-Top notch trainer(s) or the ability to provide/bring my own
-Good quality hay fed frequently
-Large, ventilated stall, amply bedded, able to hang salt licks, toys
-Holding for vet/farrier if I’m not able to make appointments due to work… willing to pay more if necessary
-Good footing and rings equipped with jumps for hunter courses
-No school program… current barn has become overrun with school horses and school kids
-Wash bay(s) with hot/cold water and grooming bay(s)
-Lighting in the outdoor, if there is no indoor
-Ability to feed my own feed – I will provide
-Summer/winter clothing changes – would prefer to be included in board, but must have

WILL COMPROMISE-
-Would like to have home shows hosted by the barn, but is not a must have
-If I could bring my own farrier, that would be great, but if the barn supplies another reputable farrier, that would be fine too.
-Not big on barn hours, days for the barn to be closed. As long as barn hours are reasonable (not closed at 7 pm), it should be okay.
-Would like to be able to jump outside of lessons, but not a deal breaker.
-Indoor is nice, but not a deal breaker.
-As stated, I would like to have blanketing charges and trailer parking included in board, but if not, it would not deter me.
-Not a fan of the lesson requirement, but can compromise if the trainer is someone I can see myself working with.

[Va2Ga]

Did you look at Hampton Row? Or Ada Cosby both are near Richmond. My farm maybe just out of how far you want to drive. I’m near Fredericksburg

[hunterprincess89]

I actually have an appointment with HR this week. Worried that it might be too much of a show barn for me possibly, but the facility is beautiful and Jan and Eric are great.

Do you have a good number for Ada? Is she still at Walnut Knoll?

Rosemount is gorgeous but unfortunately a bit too far for me!

[Va2Ga]

I don’t have Ada’s number but yes still at Walnut Knoll. Thanks sorry I’m a bit to far. Someone on here I would think has Ada’snumber

[hunterprincess89]

Thanks so much!!!

[Dubarry]

Have you looked at Coventry in Ashland?

[chunky_munky]

Coventry may be a good fit.

[Simbalism]

I heard the other day that Coventry was for sale. Not sure if that will affect current boarding? Ada’s place is a nice facility on the smaller side. I think she has about 12 or 13 stalls, wood fencing, decent sized outdoor ring with jumps. Fairly close to route 288 and route 6 in Goochland.

[hunterprincess89]

Yeah, I heard Coventry is for sale too, and I’ve had to move out of too many barns due to that reason. I’d like to stay away from that. I’m going to see Ada’s barn tomorrow which sounds very nice, but I am concerned that she mainly does the A circuit as my horse and I currently just do the CHSAs

[hunterprincess89]

Also, does anyone have a number for Megan Gross? thoughts about her training or the barn where she is located out of?

[gotrocks]

What about Applegarth? Sarah West and her mother are first rate horse people. PM me for contact info if you’d like.

[hunterprincess89]

[QUOTE=gotrocks;8346171]
What about Applegarth? Sarah West and her mother are first rate horse people. PM me for contact info if you’d like.[/QUOTE]

Sarah sounds great; I’ve actually talked to her before, but I don’t believe anyone lives on the premises

[izzy98]

When I was at U of R, I boarded at Tuckahoe Plantation Stables, which might be a possibility for you. Great care and nice facilities but no required lessons/training and allow you to bring in your own trainer/vet/farrier.

[snowedunder]

I think Megan is currently full. The barn she trains out of is on the smaller side.

Applegarth is nice but the main ring was not lighted as of the last time I visited. I do believe they put lights on a smaller ring that was suitable for hacking or at least there were plans to. Sarah is great to work with.

[Dubarry]

Watermark Farm in Beaverdam/Ashland area?

[chunky_munky]

As far as Coventry is concerned, don’t expect a commercial horse facility to sell overly quickly. It rarely happens. I would still look into it as they have a nice indoor and host plenty of shows. Though there are plenty of other good options in the area, there really aren’t that many with indoor arena in that area that I am aware of.

[Simbalism]

I recently looked at Watermark farm near Ashland. The barn is fairly new, but had an air of slightly unfinished. The wash stall is outdoors, can’t remember if it had hot water or not. It is fairly small, maybe 8-10 stalls. The ring was large with jumps and nice footing. Not sure what types of shows they go to. It didn’t suit for me as I like to trail ride and there were not really any trails( one short loop thru the woods).