Show barns in San Antonio, TX?

[TBRedHead]

I’m moving to San Antonio next month from South Carolina, and will be horseless for the first time in many years (it’s my old guys time to go.) I want to be ownership free for awhile, just leasing, and just focus on riding and showing.

What hunter/jumper barns are available in the area? I’m looking for an active barn that shows, preferably that does A/AA circuits. I’ll be in NE, so anything in that area, but I could go NW or SE.

Thank you!

[Belmont]

Hi! Welcome to SA!

I live in New Braunfels, and I currently drive about an hour to ride with Rachel Gray at Grays Equine. She does A/AA, has amazing lesson horses, and is super down to earth. The barn as a whole is very friendly and inviting. She lives on property. She is located in N. Boerne/Sisterdale area. Not sure how much of a hike that would be for you. She is doing amazing work with my horse and I. I couldn’t recommend her more. She is actually packing up and headed down to Katy this week for an A/AA with four or five clients. She always has enough clients showing to make the trip, it seems. She has a lot of hunter clients, but she also has a few jumpers and knows her way around them.

There are other barns closer to NW SA. I have my own opinions about some of the barns that way and closer to me, which is why I chose to drive to Rachel. However, I would be happy to recommend you someone closer than Rachel if you would like.

Oakwell Farms is another great barn that does the big shows. I believe that their assistant trainer is home the most, as the Owens are usually at shows. I have not had a ton of time around them, as my horse is 100% not ready for A/AA stuff. Russel Equestrian is up i10, closer than Rachel, but they are more jumper minded. Wild Sunday Farm is also your way. I don’t know Charles McDaniel personally. My trainer speaks highly of him, though. All of these people will more than likely be closest to you, and they attend the A/AA shows around us. Other posters will chime in that know them better!

San Antonio isn’t a mecca of A/AA shows. You will find that the A/AA shows are 3 hours away or more (if you go to Tulsa, Tyler, etc). We do have a nice schooling show series that is pretty low key at the Rose Palace. We also have puddle jumper series that are VERY low key and great for young horses and riders. We don’t have a ton of English tack shops. I know of one in Boerne. There are a couple people who satellite out here, but they are often at bigger shows. However, for it not being surrounded by hunter/jumper stuff, we still manage to have a good bit of A/AA show barns around the area.

Also PM me if you have more questions! I would love to talk to you.

ETA: Hill Country Riding Academy is also closer (Bulverde). I love Steph Cook. She is so much fun and a great person to be around. She does do the A/AA shows, but I think her barn mostly has kids, teens, and a few ammy’s. Twisted Oak Farm is also in Bulverde, but I don’t know them personally either.

[HunterMolly]

I would highly recommend Oakwell Farms. Whitney and Frankie Owens are great riders and trainers. They do all the big AA shows in Texas, plus Gulfport, Brownland, Kentucky, etc. They also have an at home trainer that stays to teach when they are not there. Big Frank sometimes travels with the team (Candy passed away about a year ago). They would far and away be my choice in that area. I live in Dallas but I actually sent my niece who lives in San Antonio to ride with Whitney, and it has been an great, positive experience and has given her a solid start and foundation in riding.

[BABYGREENTB]

[QUOTE=HunterMolly;8326286]
I would highly recommend Oakwell Farms. Whitney and Frankie Owens are great riders and trainers. They do all the big AA shows in Texas, plus Gulfport, Brownland, Kentucky, etc. They also have an at home trainer that stays to teach when they are not there. Big Frank sometimes travels with the team (Candy passed away about a year ago). They would far and away be my choice in that area. I live in Dallas but I actually sent my niece who lives in San Antonio to ride with Whitney, and it has been an great, positive experience and has given her a solid start and foundation in riding.[/QUOTE]

I rode with Frank & Candy when I was in high school - Whitney & Frankie were close to my age. They are a really wonderful family and do a great job with their horses & clients. Highly recommend them as well.

[CRTXLaw]

Oakwell - the Owens family. I have not ridden with them personally (I have been based in either Houston or Austin), but have heard only great things from many people.