H/J Trainers in Columbus, OH for beginning adult

[Ponyplusaninch]

So a dream I didn’t even know I had came true, and my SO has become very interested in horses and riding. He had his second lesson this past weekend with my previous (absolutely wonderful trainer) in Kentucky and got the hang of posting. His idea was to keep coming down to Kentucky for lessons, but that’s a little impractical, so I’m now trying to find him a barn near him.

I’m looking for a trainer who has a lesson program that can accommodate a 6’ 190lb athletic male. It would be great if the barn was on the eastside of Columbus. It does not need to be an A circuit program, just someone sensible. If basic horse care was in the mix of lessons, that would be fantastic as SO does want to learn about horses outside a book. His ultimate goal at the moment is to w/t/c on his own so he can keep up with me going trail riding. He surprisingly prefers English to Western. A bonus would be if the person cuts a deal on lessons by buying bulk. I think we’d be looking at a weekend warrior who does a couple 30 minute lessons each week or one hour lesson once a week.

Names that have been passed onto me but I would love to hear others’ opinions on as I truly do not know the OH riding scene that well:

Diane Masters
Jamie Mills
Lindsay Yinger
Pamela Graham

Any other names? Am I hoping too much? Ultimately it’ll be his decision whether or not he likes the instructor, but given my years of trial and error, I’d love to find him a suitable barn right off the bat where the only thing to worry about is if he likes the instructor and not some other kind of drama or scandal.

[findeight]

School horses might be a problem. Many no longer have them or have Ponies since they mostly do kids.

Check the Western barns too. Knowledge is knowledge and time in the saddle is priceless. There are a couple of places in Cincy if he wants to drive that might work. Mostly general boarding barns that do lessons.

[Ponyplusaninch]

[QUOTE=findeight;7931322]
School horses might be a problem. Many no longer have them or have Ponies since they mostly do kids.

Check the Western barns too. Knowledge is knowledge and time in the saddle is priceless. There are a couple of places in Cincy if he wants to drive that might work. Mostly general boarding barns that do lessons.[/QUOTE]

This is what I was afraid of, but I’ll start calling and inquiring. Cincy is completely out of the question (Pittsburgh is actually closer to him), even with gas as cheap as it is. I know good lesson programs are out there because I’ve ridden and worked at barns in the last few years that have them. Might just be a matter of location. I’ll see what I can find western-wise, too. This is QH country, from what I’m told.

[jn4jenny]

[QUOTE=Pony+ an inch;7931869]
TThis is QH country, from what I’m told.[/QUOTE]

It is, but it’s also a big town for H/J. As findeight said, the trick is finding lesson horses that accommodate a fellow that size.

Jamie Mills, whom you listed, may be a good choice if you’re looking for quality. She’s very popular with adult ammies who are new to H/J, and she’s got a pretty elaborate practice ride/half-lease program for her adult clients. http://www.empressvalleyfarm.net/

Also, try Joan Promen at Bookmark Farms in Pataskala. She has a large H/J lesson program and is very used to beginners. http://bookmarkfarms.com/services/riding-lessons/

If you’re truly as flexible about discipline as you sound, Sid Griffith Equestrian Center may have a suitable lesson horse. They’re more of a Western/QH barn, but they’re also home to Ohio State’s IHSA team and OSU’s riding lessons for the phys ed department. http://www.sgec.net/registrationintro.html

Unfortunately, Pam Graham passed away earlier this year.

Will also PM you info about my former trainer, who took on a similar client a few years ago. (Horse boyfriend, now a horse husband, BIG athletic dude whose main hobby was windsurfing but he wanted to trail ride with his girlfriend-now-wife.) I have no idea if she’d do it again, but she had/has a potentially suitable horse and would be a good match for these goals.

[gymangel812]

second bookmark. they are beginner friendly with some large horses. they also teach some basic horse care with the lesson.

[walktotrot]

Lurker but first time poster. Thought I’d offer some advice since I am also located in central Ohio!

I third Bookmark Farms since I am familiar with the trainer and she is very nice and they are open to lots of beginners and lessons.

Lindsay Yinger is also great, not as many lesson horses at Yinger but always potential lease options and she teaches the basics well.

Another option could be Alisha Metcalfe at Sylvan Stables, she is very good with providing a solid foundation for beginners and she actually trained Lindsay when she was younger. I used to ride with her and she always had plenty of school horses. (http://www.sylvanstables.com/)

I also agree that Sid Griffith could be a great option. They are a Congress QH barn so they have tons of quarter horses. They have a super nice facility and because they host OSU’s IHSA team they have a ton of horses. I have been there multiple times and have always been very impressed with their horses and trainers so I would definitely recommend them.

Other options could be Hunters Creek in Westerville (http://www.hunterscreekequestrian.com/Home_Page.html) they are beginner friendly with lots of nice horses. You could also look into Limerick Lane (http://www.limericklanefarm.com/), their trainer Maureen Fagan is super nice and they have some lesson and lease horses available I believe.

Because Congress is so close we definitely do have a lot of nice Quarter horse and Western barns. If you are looking into Western I would highly recommend Autumn Rose, owned by Sid Griffith’s brother Ollie (
http://www.autumnrosefarm.com/Autumn_Rose_Farm/Welcome.html). My little sister actually started riding there. They have tons of great lesson horses and a variety of trainers. They are primarily Western, but they also have English horses, tack & trainers in case you decide to switch over which is cool. I think they would be a great place to start.

Also Dare Equestrian (http://dareequestriancenter.com/index.asp) is good for Western but they have English as well… less lesson horses than Autumn Rose but great training so that is always an option as well!