Toledo Ohio horse scene

[Fig]

I was wondering what the hunter jumper scene is like in Toledo Ohio. I went to University of Findlay for a couple years and my husband has received a great job offer in Toledo that we are considering. I have visited and I know it is not really pretty but was wondering where are good places to board there. We will have a larger budget with the new job.

I would like to finish my degree at Findlay just to finally get a Bachelors, so a barn on the south side of Toledo is preferable. Requirements for the barn are an indoor and hopefully the ability to jump outside of lessons as I have my own projects usually and am used to being able to school on my own. I would like good turnout and a fair instructor on site but these are negotiable. I prefer quieter barns but am fine with busy barns as well. I have no idea about pricing in Toledo but housing looks super cheap so I am assuming it is the same for boarding.

Are there any schooling shows up there? I don’t plan to show a lot on the rated circuit at this time but like to take greenies to local shows.

This relocation is all up the air so I am not being flaky if I post a different thread on a different location, just curious.

[LookmaNohands]

It is better in Virginia. That’s where I moved to from Toledo.

[Mukluk]

When I was there I took lessons at Fox Meadow Farms in Michigan (not too far a drive). They are known to have a very good program. I don’t know about the southern part of Toledo. If it were me I would pick almost anywhere other than Toledo. But different strokes for different folks.

[Mukluk]

If you really want to fit in in Toledo, you will need to get at least one concrete goose and then dress it up for various holidays. It’s what they do.

[findeight]

think most of the serious show horse folk keep across the border in Michigan. Dont know any specifics about the more relaxed barns closer to town, not that I can recommend positively anyway. PM me for defails if you want.

BTW the jumping alone might be an issue with most barns that have actual show type jumps. Usually means a resident trainer and more serious program.

[Fig]

Yes, the jumping by myself is a give or take depending on pricing of lessons. I saw one barn that had free lessons included and that would actually be ideal so I could have some help with setting :lol:

I really don’t like Toledo but the offer is amazing; 2x the salary my husband is making currently which would possibly allow me to show a lot more, which is currently hindering my career progression. (I will also be looking for a riding/teaching job if possible) I am currently employed as a young horse trainer and want to teach, but most barns want a rated show record which I have close to none.

[Fig]

@Mukluk hahaha, you made me smile! I had a boyfriend who lived there and I really disliked the look of Toledo, granted I was there in the dead of winter. It sounds like it isn’t the classiest of places :lol:

[StevieandMelissa]

Just sent a painstakingly detailed PM of the boarding here in Toledo. I hope it proves helpful.

[Mukluk]

[QUOTE=Fig;8330146]
@Mukluk hahaha, you made me smile! I had a boyfriend who lived there and I really disliked the look of Toledo, granted I was there in the dead of winter. It sounds like it isn’t the classiest of places :lol:[/QUOTE]

I am a native Californian who was there for about 8 years for an internship and work. I since moved back to CA which is more expensive but closer to family. There are a few things I do miss about Toledo (I lived in Sylvania which is a pretty nice area).

1. The variety of beautiful birds- I had a bunch of bird feeders.
2. They have really nice metro parks for hiking and running. There is also one that allows horses and has miles of trails.
3. Great places to swim. Olander Lake and the quarry- water so clear you can see the bottom.
4. Kayaking on the Huron River (Ann Arbor).
5. Cost of living is much less than many other places

The things I did not like.

1. Grey skies for most of the year
2. Humidity
3. Politically and Religiously conservative (did not work for me, but might be a positive for others).

Wishing you the best of luck. If you move there, be sure to get a concrete goose!!!

[Fig]

I grew up in suburban Atlanta and am currently in Kentucky and the price of housing in Toledo is wonderful, as are boarding costs. I am in an interracial marriage which has brought some unwelcome comments in Kentucky so hopefully that won’t be a problem in Toledo. I also lean to the left but consider myself a moderate. Politics don’t bother me too much. I would love to go swimming at those places; I really enjoy neat swimming holes.

I’ll have to keep an eye out for a concrete goose :winkgrin: