I’m moving to Fredericksburg this summer and would love recommendations for somewhere to board my horse. I don’t need anything fancy, but would like to find somewhere with a hunter/jumper trainer who can accomodate beginner lessons (for my horse crazy daughter who is begging to ride) through advanced. It probably goes without saying, but I’m also looking for somewhere where my horse will be well cared for. If there are any recommendations on places to avoid - please send these via private message only. Thanks!
You will want to include which State. Lots of places called Fredericksburg.
Not sure if Ann Garnett-Wheeler at Rosemount accommodates beginners but she is would be a great place to start.
I’d second Ann, her place is fabulous. Carol Hawley at Whitestone does a great job with beginners. Hazelwild also has a great beginner program.
I second the recommendation to look at Hazelwild. I rode and boarded my horse there for 4 years when I was in college and really loved it. They have a big program, IEA, IHSA, theraputic, lessons, shows, etc., lots of turnout, and Theresa is a very good and nice trainer.
Ann Garnett at Rose Mount is a no nonsense, no drama, great trainer as is Alyssa Berfield who is her assistant. Several youngsters have started in the Rosemount program and are competing at top levels now. Ann also continues to ride and compete. If your serious about hunter/jumper training, Rose Mount is the place to go. The cost of training is up front and no hidden fees. Plus the horse care is the best in the area with plenty of turn out and oversight. Ann is a heck of a horse woman and encourages riders to work their horses frequently. Three outside rings and two schooling rings plus a huge indoor as well as green area to hack. There are both local and A level shows on the property.
Hazelwild is a decent mid level place with a more casual, seat of the pants feel. It’s not as closely managed as Rose Mount and while it’s a good option for younger kids, it’s not as geared toward A shows or upper level competition as Rose Mount if that’s the direction you want to go. That being said, probably 50% of the riders in the area rode at Hazelwild at some point. The place is iconic. There is an indoor as well as two outdoor rings. Facilities are older but very ridable. Also there are areas to hack out and lots of opportunity to ride. Local shows held on the property. The trainer shows at some A shows.
I cannot recommend Whitestone, though the trainer there seems very nice and the facility is quite good looking. They will nickel and dime you to death and the horse care isn’t up to snuff. You’ll end up paying a lot for vet care and training, but not riding much because the horses are fed a lot but aren’t worked or turned out properly so they are fat, out of condition and prone to injury. I’ve seen over ten horses come out of there and they weren’t in good shape, mentally or physically. You are discouraged from riding your own horse when the trainer isn’t there (she’s there often just 4days a week) and not on weekends and there is only riding in the ring. There is one large maintained ring, and a schooling ring that isn’t maintained year round. Local shows are held on the property. The trainer goes to some local shows but does not seem go to A shows any more.
If your interest runs toward cross country as well as H/J, Kara Drewry at Three Springs Farm in Spotsylvania is a good choice. I’m not sure what the horse care level is but I haven’t heard anything negative coming out of there. There’s lots of freedom to ride, though the facility is older. There is an outdoor ring that I believe has had recent work and an indoor ring that is smaller. There is a field to hack out in if horses aren’t turned out in it. Not sure which shows the trainer attends. EDIT: Kara is no longer at Livingston but has moved to a new location I haven’t seen so I don’t know what the riding areas look like other than there is more opportunity to ride out.
Kelly Fenton Taylor at Meadow View Farm in Stafford is the quintessential kid starter trainer. She takes kids to local shows and other activities. The focus seems to be more on horsemanship, a range of activities and learning the basics than on just pinning in classes. There is an outdoor ring and as mentioned, she attends local shows. Again, no negative reports about care and I know she’s a responsible horse woman.
And finally, there is Woodpecker Farm. I’m not as familiar with the trainer or the facility, but they attend many shows in the area as well as have local shows on the property. I believe there is some fox hunters involved with that farm and trails to ride.
My advice to you is to look at these farms and see which one fits your needs the best.
Also a thought: In my experience with different facilities and VA weather - an indoor ring will allow riding on all but the coldest days. Outdoor only will cut your riding opportunities by at least a third.
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Mojune is spot on and said everything about the first top three barns that I was going to say. I have shown at Rose Mount and Hazelwild as well as have worked at Hazelwild and Whitestone so I know quite a bit about them though it was years ago but management is still the same. A good friend of mine is friends with Ann from arose Mount and lives right down the road from her - I used to keep my horse at my friend’s place and Ann would let us drive over to use the indoor to get the babies accustomed to it. I met a few girls who worked at Rose Mount when they would come to my friends’ to help with barn chores so I have heard a lot about how their jobs go and therefore the care of the horses too. If you have any specific questions that you might want to ask then feel free to PM me.
I have not heard anything about Bayberry in quite a while so I have no idea if it is still running but they are also an option geared towards beginners/kids I believe.
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Everyone, thank you for your insights into barns in the area! It sounds like there are several good options to choose from.
