Riding in Madison, WI

[Omnia]

I’m going to be visiting Madison soon for a grad school interview. I was hoping to get a sense of the riding options in the area. I competed in eventing and dressage, and did Pony Club during high school, but stopped riding as much during undergraduate. I’ve been riding about 2x a week now, but it is an hour plus drive each way because of where I live. I’m hoping if I move, I would be able to find an easier riding commute.

I’m not looking for anything fancy, just a barn where there would potentially be grad-student affordable leases or lessons, and something that’s not too far of a commute. I mostly ride dressage now, but occasionally like to jump (as in, I’ve jumped twice in the past six months).

Thank you!

[Toblersmom]

It’s been years, decades, really, so I don’t know the state of the barn and program at this time, but I used to ride at Prairie Sport Horses when I was in my residency. Felix was a really neat guy, great horseman, great eye for finding “diamonds in the rough” if you are ever looking to buy on a budget. It’s a hunter/jumper barn, but he really wanted his riders and horses to be well-rounded.

[betsyk]

Use your Pony club contacts! they are very likely the exact people who can help you find what you’re looking for. Yes, the madison horse community has grad student friendly barns and leases!

[ChunkyMonkey]

@Toblersmom

It’s been years, decades, really, so I don’t know the state of the barn and program at this time, but I used to ride at Prairie Sport Horses when I was in my residency. Felix was a really neat guy, great horseman, great eye for finding “diamonds in the rough” if you are ever looking to buy on a budget. It’s a hunter/jumper barn, but he really wanted his riders and horses to be well-rounded.

Seconded! I rode with Felix way back when, he’s a great guy, superb at seeing potential issues in sale horses, and down to earth. When I rode there, there were a bunch of options for lesson horses. Not sure what he has in the barn currently though.