Looking for Quality Barn Options in Greater Nashville Area

Hi there! I live in a Northern climate and have had enough, so am job hunting in Nashville and Atlanta (starting in Nashville as I like the city/area). I know exactly zero horse people in the Nashville Area, though, and haven’t turned up too many ‘A’ show-type h/j barns during my online searches. I feel like I must be missing something, but maybe not! I’d love some thoughts/recommendations. Places I’ve seen recommended here before, plus ones I’ve found elsewhere, are:

Hunter’s Court
The Jaeckle Center
Stony River
Martin Klein (not sure where he trains from or if he’s still active)
Cornerstone Equestian
Everbright Equestrian
Fox Creek Farm
Camwood Farm (although I’m unsure about them actually existing based on their website)

I’m looking for excellent horsecare at a well-maintained facility with training options for a hunter-type horse who loves his turnout and hay, and often requires bubble wrap and vet care. Friendly atmosphere with minimal shenanigans is always preferred! I know that stuff doesn’t come cheap nor within city limits, and I am willing to pay and drive to get it. Any place lacking an indoor or good turnout, or with a daily limit on hay, is probably a no-go for us.

Feel free to PM me with comments. I appreciate any an all advice!

Most of the better ones are around Franklin on the South side of town where the country stars live. That’s where the money is and that’s where you find the better barns most places. There’s an A show facility called Brownland just outside Franklin, it’s NOT fancy but they run a nice bunch of shows every year. Perhaps you can drop by one of them to spectate and get to know the locals before picking anything out.

Its a great area, you’ll like it.

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A barn client relocated to Nashville a few years ago and boarded for a while at Walnut Trace Farm. Sounded pretty low-key, with good care. She’s now boarding two horses and riding with Matt Piccolo at Arrow Hill Farm and loves it.

She originally boarded at Brownland but the horse she had at the time was on layup so can’t really comment on the training. But as findeight posted, just about everyone shows there at some point.

Hunter’s Court will not work long term, as they sold the property. I do NOT recommend EverBright Equestrian. Martin Klein still teaches, but he is no longer at his own facility (I train with him when he’s in town, he’s wonderful). He does do some training and lessons at Stoney Point in College Grove, so that might be an option. The Jaeckle Center is great as far as facilities. I thought Walnut Trace was more dressage, but I could be wrong. If you NEED an indoor, that’s tougher, as they are a bit more rare here in middle TN. Jaeckle Center has one. Hunter’s Court has one. Roberson Equestrian has one, but they are more dressage. I think Martin teaches there some as well. Good luck. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. :slight_smile:

The Jaeckle Center is well worth checking out. Very nice people, and a great facility. They have a very nice indoor too. As mentioned above, Hunters Court is no longer a good choice for a long-term boarding arrangement.

Old Hillsboro Manor, also in Franklin, has a ring set up with jumps and outside instructors come in. They have a covered arena, but not for jumping. Can’t speak to the atmosphere.
Walnut Trace has quite a bit of jumping and it’s actually in Nashville. But no indoor. A good place, though. Kind, caring people.

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Camwood Farm is a relatively new place. You may want to check them out too.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback thus far - much appreciated! It’s too bad about Hunters Court, because that sounded like a good option. I’ve also come across Whirlwind Farm and Brookstone Farm, if anyone knows of them.

Thanks again!

There is Tracebridge Farm off Old Hillsboro Rd that has beautiful facilities, care, and turnout but not an indoor. Camwood Farm has been under construction and if it isn’t open yet will be soon. It is being built by one of Stephanie Hall’s clients and looks like it will be a stunning facility with an indoor and more than one outdoor. I also hear wonderful things about Michelle Zimmer at the Jaeckle Center.

Whirlwind Farm is very friendly, and may be a good choice for you. Well worth checking out. I had forgotten about them.

As a fellow northerner who spent college with her horse in Middle TN, you probably don’t NEED an indoor. We never had one and it was a rare day you couldn’t ride, especially not if you of any sort of hardy stock :slight_smile: So don’t cross no indoor places off your list just yet!

I rode with Michelle Zimmer in college when she lived in Kentucky - I would suggest her. I don’t know anyone else in the area so I’m no help to that. I’m friends with Michelle on facebook and the facility looks amazing!

@twelvebelles where did you end up landing? I’m moving in July, with a large AA hunter, and trying to find a solid place- seems like a lot of the places I’ve toured so far have teeeeenie tiny stalls, and sub-par facilities. I’ve found two or three I like, but curious your thoughts! Thanks!

Hunters Court moved after the original
leroperty was sold. They have a new home.

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We originally looked in the Nashville area when scouting out a trainer to start our stallion under saddle. We ended up finding the perfect match in South Ky at Oak Grove Farm and equestrian center. The owner/trainer is Harriet McCord. The facility is top notch, plenty of turn out, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, theraplate, etc. She host clinics and does travel to shows as well.
Top quality care in a relaxed atmosphere. Well worth the drive and very reasonably priced for all the amenities.
https://www.facebook.com/oakgrovefarmandequestrian/

https://www.oakgroveequestriancenter.com/

Depending on your location whether you are south of Nashville, you might consider Highland Manor Farm. We are located just south of Nashville, in Columbia. USHJA Certified Trainer available for lessons and training, beautiful outdoor all weather ring, showing (as well as shows on site), and many amenities for horse and rider. www.highlandmanorfarm.net