Hi everyone. First time poster here. I am going to be moving to Houston soon and am bringing my horse with me so am looking for a H/J barn. We show in the 3’ hunters, but we do not show that often, so many of the barns I have looked at are out. My horse is a bit high maintenance and absolutely must have turnout, which I understand can be a problem in the Houston area. I am coming from the east coast, and I have been told that the standards in TX are very different from what I’m used to. Does anyone have any recommendations? The closer to the center of Houston the better, as I will be working in the medical center area.
You have a PM.
I don’t believe Horse and Hound goes to many, if any, shows. Perhaps local one day schooling shows but if the poster intends to do the 3’ hunters, Horse and Hound is likely not the place for the OP.
You may want to talk to this barn: https://elitesporthorse.com/. They are the closest to downtown that I know of where you can still get adequate turnout if your horse must have time in the paddock. They go to all the A shows in Houston, as well as a few away shows, however they seem to have a fair amount of clients who lesson and don’t go to a lot of shows. I believe there is an asst trainer that does the lessons when the head trainer is at shows, so there is no lull in the program while shows are happening.
And you’ve been told correctly, the standards are different here than on the East Coast but if you keep an open mind and an eye on the management of your horse to make sure things are done to your liking, you (and your horse) will adjust. Welcome to Houston.
If you can do a ~30 minute drive, check out Pine Hollow Farm in New Caney: http://www.pinehollowfarm.net/index.html
I’m from Virginia and Houston’s horse care is no different. Some barns are great and others are not…just like in VA.
Anyhoo-We have three types of show barns.
Does the Local Only
Does the Local and a few A shows here in town
Does only the A shows (here and elsewhere).
You will need to determine what sort of barn you are looking for first. Houston has all types.
Houston is a big, spread out city. You can expect to drive 30-60 minutes everywhere, including the barn. Call trainers vs emailing them.
Good Luck!
Sent you a PM 
