Lesson Barns in Southern NH....Thoughts on these

[KingRocker4Life]

Hi all! I recently found out that my trainer and lesson horse will be moving from NH to SC because they own a home there and are retiring.:eek: So I need to find a new lesson barn by January. I know that that is relatively far away but the next 3 months are going to be VERY busy for me and I need to start contacting and visiting some stables sooner than later.

I have googled some that I think are good based on there website. But anybody can make a pretty website and then have a crappy barn and program. Here is a list of the few I found:

Classic Bay Farm
CoComeau Equestrian
Atkinson Riding Academy
Fox Creek Farm
Walnut Hollow

Basically, I want to know if any of y’all have heard or have riden or are riding at any of these lesson barns and what you guys think of them. If you haven’t riden at any of these, what barn in southern NH would you recommend? What barns would you stay away from at all costs? I am looking for a place that is relatively small, lesson oriented ( but travels to rated shows ), offers both private and group lessons with a max price of $50-$60 per lesson, and offers leases.

Any recommendations are welcome!

[4LeafCloverFarm]

Adding the general location of the barns in the title of your thread would be helpful for the most responses.

[Scribbler]

If you trust and like your departing trainer, ask them for recommendations to a barn in your area. They would be the best person to suggest a good match for you.

[OneTwoMany]

I agree with the above posts. Put the general geographic area in your first post. And ask your trainer for recommendations.

[findeight]

Third asking your current trainer where you should go for your specific needs better then we will. They’ve got more real information.

[GoneAway]

@KingRocker4Life

Hi all! I recently found out that my trainer and lesson horse will be moving from NH to SC because they own a home there and are retiring.:eek: So I need to find a new lesson barn by January. I know that that is relatively far away but the next 3 months are going to be VERY busy for me and I need to start contacting and visiting some stables sooner than later.

I have googled some that I think are good based on there website. But anybody can make a pretty website and then have a crappy barn and program. Here is a list of the few I found:

Classic Bay Farm
CoComeau Equestrian
Atkinson Riding Academy
Fox Creek Farm
Burnt Meadow Stables

Basically, I want to know if any of y’all have heard or have riden or are riding at any of these lesson barns and what you guys think of them. If you haven’t riden at any of these, what barn in southern NH would you recommend? What barns would you stay away from at all costs? I am looking for a place that is relatively small, lesson oriented ( but travels to rated shows ), offers both private and group lessons with a max price of $50-$60 per lesson, and offers leases.

Any recommendations are welcome!

Burnt Meadow is located in Freedom, which is over a 1 hr, 40 minute drive from Manchester. Recommend you narrow your search to stables that are physically located closer and do ask your instructor for recommendations.

[aascvt]

I can help. I’m from NH. Do you mind me asking what level of riding you’re doing or hoping to do? How far are you willing to drive?

[KingRocker4Life]

@Gone Away ok. Never mind about Burnt Meadows then.

[KingRocker4Life]

@aascvt , Thanks!. I don’t know exactly what ‘level’ I am but I consider myself an advanced beginner. I can walk/tot/canter on my own with and without supervision. I know 2 point and am starting to learn how to jump. I want to start showing every other weekend or so on the flat and eventually Show Jumping or Hunters, depends on the barn I am at and how I am taught. I am interested in learning how to ride with Biomechanics as I don’t like controlling the horse with a big bit or spurs or with fear. I like learning how my body position effects my horse. I have ridden many different horses, about 15 in my riding career. I am currently riding a 17h Clydesdale/paint cross. I am willing to drive, at the most, 45-50 mins each way.

[ryansgirl]

What part of southern NH are you in?

[Dutchmare433]

PM me.

[KingRocker4Life]

i am in Manchester nh

[jetsmom]

Look at Senator Bell Farm in Chester. Beautiful grounds, nice cross country course, a couple of arenas, multiple paddocks. Took an eventing/cross country lesson there (I’m a h/j rider), a few yrs ago and had a ball. They also have an indoor arena.

[aascvt]

PM’d you!

[skydy]

You want a barn with lesson horses, correct? You won’t be bringing a horse with you?

You’ll want to ask any barn you are considering, straight away, if they have lesson horses and if they allow students to show their lesson horses, as well as what you will be expected to bring with you for lessons.

You will most likely be required to bring your own helmet.

[KingRocker4Life]

@skydy of course!

[BostonHJ]

Senator Bell Farm - https://www.senatorbellfarm.com/ . I rode a fellow COTH-er’s horses there for a bit and it’s a beautiful facility with nice people.

[GoneAway]

Senator Bell is an excellent choice with great reputation and would be a good place to not only get a good foundation, but also would offer a lot of options for your growth in the future. Used to show there a lot as a teenager.

[KingRocker4Life]

There website doesn’t give me much info. How much are there lessons? Do they offer jumping lessons?

[4LeafCloverFarm]

@KingRocker4Life

There website doesn’t give me much info. How much are there lessons? Do they offer jumping lessons?

(from the web site)

Lesson Pricing:

One hour private: $50
Half-hour private: $35
One hour semi-private: $40
Half-hour semi-private: $25