Lesson barns near Elmira, NY/Ithaca, NY?

[pompeiii]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a lesson barn in the Elmira, NY area? A friend is living up there and is trying to find lessons. Only real requirements are safe and english (preferably H/J but is open to anything that’s not western or western english).

She has found a few places that aren’t taking on adult students, but has struggled to find anything else. Looking for a weekly lesson at this point. She’s an experienced intermediate rider, but, isn’t looking to show or do much jumping (2’3" and under would be fine). As I said, she’s currently living in Elmira but would drive as far as Ithaca for lessons.

[ecileh]

There are several barns in Ithaca:

Healing Rein http://www.healingreinfarm.com/

Nice people, good facility, has a lesson program, though I do not know if they are taking new students.

Kelviden http://www.kelviden.com/

(Full disclosure: where I board my horse) Welsh Pony farm, but does have some bigger options for adult lessons. It’s geared toward showing in the Welsh circuit, but they have a couple of trainers who will work with students at whatever level.

If Only Farm http://www.ifonlyfarm.com/

More of a standard show-type hunter barn, but does have adult riders at all levels.

Stoney Brook is actually in Newfield, which is between Elmira and Ithaca: http://www.stoneybrookfarm.info/

Cornell University no longer has a formal lesson program, but the coach of the Eq team does give lessons (and is very good–she was my trainer for years).

[polkadotedpony]

I would second If Only Farm. I did hunter/jumper lessons there when I went to Cornell for college (dressage rider with no good dressage options in the area). The Ithaca College equestrian team used to ride out of that barn, not sure if that’s the case now. Trainer Stacy was nice and a good communicator and the school horses were consistent and pretty good quality (sound, sensible, able).

[ecileh]

Stacey has left If Only, but they do still host the Ithaca College team. I believe she is coaching the Elmira College team, now.

She also owns a tack shop that is pretty darn awesome.

[cleozowner]

Healing Rein has an instructor who is VERY good with adult ammies. I rode there all 4 years of vet school.

[Talk_of_the_Town]

Omni Equestrian in Elmira takes on riders of all ages and skill levels. Cassie is a great teacher and promotes a very friendly and safe atmosphere to ride under.

If you want the phone number just shoot me a PM and I will send it to you.

[pompeiii]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I’ve passed them on. I know she’s contacted a few of them, but there are definitely some new names as well.