Mary Ann Funk of Ashwood Farm has posted her farm for sale. She is more of a show barn, but lovely facility and I used to ride there and was just a weekly lessoner and schooled some of the younger horses. I’d at least keep watch on her property as it may sell to another good trainer.
Vermillion Valley Equestrian Center is in Bellvue, about 40 minutes from Manhattan. I really like the family that runs this. I used to compete against the girls when they were kids and their mom is a great horsewoman. It is a bit of a hike depending on what area of Manhattan you stay at… but this is a nice place.
Hye Point Equestrian Center is in St. George, which is right outside of Manhattan about 15-20 minutes depending on what area you move to. It is more of a show barn and a bit higher in boarding costs for the area - but a popular choice and I’ve heard good things about them.
High Horse Stables is another option in Manhattan, KS that has hosted some of the hunter/jumper shows in the past. The trainer is Earl Lenhert. I honestly don’t know a whole lot about this barn.
Dry Creek Equestrian Center was where the Kansas State University team was based at for a period of time. The college no longer has a team so DCEC has now transitioned to Hope Ranch. It looks like they still offer boarding and riding lessons, including hunter/jumper, but I do not know who the trainer is. If you want something more low key and not such a show stable this could be a good option.
Ashley Duda has a facility in Randolph which is about 30 minutes from Manhattan. I don’t think there are a ton of stalls available, but there is pasture board and lots of land. She is an accomplished h/j rider and trainer and I see them at a lot of our shows.
For other thoughts I would contact KHJA (Kansas Hunter Jumper Association) as they serve the middle and western part of the state that Manhattan falls in. They are redoing their trainer and barn directory so it isn’t available on their site quite yet, but keep an eye on it. Newer barns that I don’t know of and don’t show with might be listed in the revamp.
