I am moving to Pittsburgh shortly and was looking for recommendations for Hunter jumper programs, preferably North or West of the city. I am looking for a program that has some lease horses available. I am leaving my dream job as an assistant trainer for a full service hunter jumper program (husband’s work transferred him) and am looking for a job as well, but want to at least lesson in the mean time. I would love a barn that shows on the rated circuit as well as local stuff (which I’ve heard is not heard of in Pittsburgh?) and that brings in clinicians occasionally.
Red Star Equestrian at Horse on Course in Saxonburg or Bargee Farms in Allison Park are your best bet.
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It’s been a while since I lived there but Bargee was where I rode when I did. A circuit type barns are few and far between but Bargee is legitimately one. The horse scene was always very weak while I was there. I am guessing WEC has revived it a little? But depending on where you’re from it may be a culture shock. Too bad because otherwise Pgh is a lovely place to be.
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Sergent Stables in Indiana PA might be far, but might be something to check out. The trainer I rode with when I lived down there works there as of now and has at least a few students who do rated shows pretty regularly. According to their website, they do have show horses for lease as well.
I can third (?) Bargee. No clinics, but they are full-service and do the A circuit. You do not HAVE to show though. Cedar Run is in the same neighborhood and also nice.
Is Barberry still there? Do they have trainers?
Thank you everyone so much for the suggestions! My husband’s work will be on the west side, so we are trying to find housing a bit downtown, north of the river, so I have access to the North East side.
Bargee is probably your best bet. Rockin Horse also does h/j but it’s geared much more to kids doing local shows at north park or horse on course.
Barberry still exists and is a very nice boarding facility. Cindy McCullough (who owns Blackburn Farm right down the road) trains people there, but I don’t think they have lesson horses. If you are limited to riding lesson horses I would agree that Bargee is your best bet.
