I’m currently in the search for good hunter/jumper barns located within an hour of Tampa, Fl. Please reply with pros and cons of the barn if possible and the price range for lessons. I don’t have my own horse, so lesson horses are a must!
There are a few decent trainers in the area, it really depends what level you are riding at and if you want to go to the rated shows v. schooling shows, etc.
I’m currently jumping 2’3", but want to move up to the 3’6" adult eq. I’m also a college student, so rated shows are out of my budget right now.
If you don’t have the budget for an “A” barn, there are a good number of smaller barns that travel and participate in the local (cheaper) shows.
There are a couple of barns to avoid, I’ve pm’d those to you.
Hello! Adult re-rider with similar question, so I thought it would be easier to add on here. Grew up riding in the Tampa area and now relocating back but no longer familiar with where to ride (previously took lessons at Showcase Farms which seems to be closed.) Any suggestions from the wisdom of COTH? I’m definitely still a beginner at this point (w/t/c and low fences in private lessons), but I’m looking for a barn where I can advance and grow. Hoping to eventually show but that is a ways off. Don’t own a horse so a few good lesson horses are a must.
Will be living in South Tampa but will happily drive for a good trainer, would prefer to head north toward Lutz/Odessa but east out I-4 works too. Main thing is quality instruction as I love understanding the “why” behind what I’m supposed to be doing, and I want to get to a point where I can eventually lease and ride more on my own.
Sent you pm
I had similar delimma in searching for good boarding place in Tampa area. I looked at several places some of which I never made down the driveway before turning around to leave. There were one or 2 decent places I found online but they were either full or nobody returned my phones calls. Happy to give you list of places I checked into. I ended up building my own place.
Thank you! Just responded to your PM. 
Check Keith and linda Powell in Lutz. Also Claire Kellner.
Did you end up finding any good barns? We are moving to the Bradenton area in June and trying to find a place for me and my daughter to ride until we can get a place up and running at home.
I’m also on the hunt for a new trainer in the Tampa area. My horses have pretty much been pasture puffs the last few years while I was in school and I’d like a pro to help me get restarted. I’d prefer someone that’s willing and able to come to me as I have my horses at home, but I can trailer in if necessary. I’d just be limited to weekends for trailering (one of the joys of an hour commute!).
@chunky munky Thank you! Looks like Keith and Lynda are at Keilyn. Their website doesn’t seem to be working, but there is a facebook page with a phone number. Will give them a call. Clair at Kingsmeade also looks like a good possibility too. Thank you!
@RCMUM21 I haven’t found anything solid yet, but I am still calling around and making visits.
@adamar15 best of luck!
Is anyone familiar with Lesley Cox Equestrian in Seminole? Looks like she used to train with Clair at Kingsmeade Farm AND she has a covered arena which would be a huge plus in the summer. I’ll be in South Tampa, so Pinellas County is not too far out.
Check Foxwood Farm in Pinellas Park
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Check out Opportunity Farm in Bradenton, 941 725 8009.
Lesley Cox is great! She just moved her operation to Parish.
Foxwood is pretty awesome. The PCHA shows are pretty inexpensive and super nice.
Foxwood has extremely limited turnout - think, your horse will go out an for an hour every few days in a small sand paddock. Love the Powers but that was always a deal breaker for me.
Adamar, did you find a trainer? Where are you located? I have a good recommendation if you are in south or eastern Hillsborough County.
I am in the Riverview area. Looking for a H/J barn preferably within 30 mins of me. Would y’all PM me all the info that’s been referenced here as good barns and ones to avoid? Looking for: the more turn out the better, accommodating of a special diet, and excellent trainer. Thanks!!
