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Looking for a place in MD/NoVa for lessons; contemplating a barn switch...long...
Topic Started: Jan 21 2008, 05:25 PM (880 Views)
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(sorry, this is going to be long, kind of rambly, and might make me sound whiny)

I've been taking lessons at a barn out near Marshall VA for about a year now (I don't have a horse on my own right now, so I ride in their lesson barn). I live in Silver Spring, MD (really closer to Laurel than downtown SS), so this is quite a drive for me - an hour and 15 minutes on a Sunday if I don't get caught in traffic.
But it's been worth it, as I really, really like the woman who runs the school barn . She's great, has done wonders with my confidence, and is a really nice person (by far the nicest person I've ever ridden with).

I started out riding on Saturdays in a class with other adults, who one by one disappeared, so my lesson did as well. I got moved to Sundays at 11:30, which honestly isn't the ideal time for me (traffic is miserable on the way home by time I leave the barn but beggars can't be choosers. My current class is a really mixed group of people. I've been riding almost 20 years, used to show A circuit ponies & childrens hunters as a junior, and am currently comfortable around 2'6", depending on who I'm riding (I have trust issues from a few accidents), but I want to get up to 3'. There's one guy in my class about at my same level. Then there are two women who just started riding in the spring, and one of the women's 10 year old daughter who is at the SS level. Ms Trainer generally does a good job at working our lesson so we all learn something and get to jump at where we're comfortable with. I don't always get to jump as high as I'd like, but she keeps things interesting for me & the guy in the class by giving us tougher courses than the other three ride (roll backs, bending lines, etc). It's not ideal, but it keeps me entertained and I get to ride, so I try not to complain.

Another not ideal part is that I tend to get shuffled around from horse to horse. I'm short, so I usually ride one of the ponies, which is fine as I like the little guys. Unfortunately, most the ponies in the barn are for sale and just when it seems like I get used to one (which is important to me, as I have trust issues) it get sold and I get shuffled on to something else...I rode a different horse/pony every week for two months this summer. I would like to start riding horses because a) I'd get to jump bigger and b) if I ever buy something of my own, it'll be a horse so I can show and I need to get used to the size. Ms. Trainer knows this, but all the available horses are used by the other adults in my class, who obviously can't ride the little guys, or in the lesson right before mine and can't really go twice in a row. Right now I'm riding a little medium pony who is a nasty stopper...she has her moments where she's very fun, but most of the time she's incredibly frustrating (and riding a stopper does not thrill me). I haven't fussed about riding her because I've been glad to have a consistent ride for once. But again, she's for sale and may not be around much longer (though she's a hard sell since she's slightly evil), so if she sells I really don't know who there is for me to ride.

So anyway, the barn has hired a part-time instructor to teach a few nights a week and when Ms Trainer is at shows. He's an Eventer (this is a h/j barn) but that's not really an issue for me. Ms. Trainer is down in Jacksonville for a few weeks so Mr. Eventer is taking over her lessons. He taught my class yesterday and I honestly have to say I've never, ever felt like I've wasted my money for a lesson until then. No matter who has taught me, what I've learned, who I've ridden, or who I've ridden with, I've never felt like walking out of a lesson. As mentioned above, our lesson starts at 11:30. We literally sat in the middle of the ring until 12 while he rambled on and on and on about himself and tangent after tangent of his philosophies. Fine, that's great, but honestly...I don't care. I pay my $65 a week to RIDE, not to sit on a pony. Once he shut up, we got to trot & canter on the rail for 20 minutes, after which he pulled us back to the center of the ring and talked for another 20 minutes (and answered a phone call). Then he so graciously allowed us to trot three piles of poles on the ground (which were smaller than the beginner ladies in my class have jumped since the summer), and then sent us on our way. I'm sure he didn't know what to do with us all since we're a weird mix and not his students, and that's fine, but at least just sit there and watch us hack for our lesson time...plus, it was freezing and standing there in the cold wasn't making me or my clipped pony happy.

So okay, I had a crappy lesson, I can deal with that once. I've chosen not to ride next week while Ms. Trainer is still away, because I don't want to feel like I've wasted my money (I don't have a lot of disposable cash, so my lessons are a luxury for me). But there's a good chance he'll be teaching us again this spring and summer once the show season starts because Ms. Trainer will be away some weekends. When she was away last year, one of the working students taught us which was fine (maybe not educational, but certainly not boring). But she's not teaching anymore, which is why they hired Mr. Eventer. I don't want to ride with him (sure, maybe it'd get better, but I have a bad taste in my mouth about him), and I don't want to have to miss weeks of riding just because he's teaching.

So.......I'm thinking of finding a new barn. I plan on talking with Ms. Trainer when she gets back in town just to see what her plans are as far as being away from the barn during the weekends, but if it will be often, I really don't want to stay there. I really wouldn't mind having a shorter drive to the barn and finding a place that I could either have consistent mounts and/or solid horses to ride.

Anybody know of a good place that does adult lessons and a nice, positive, atmosphere somewhere in the NoVa area or in Montgomery County MD area? I've always ridden in VA since I've been out here, but now that I live in MD, riding up that way would certainly make more sense....

</end rambly post>
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heineken
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You may want to look into Reddemeade in MD. They have an Equishare program which may suit your needs. A few others that would be MUCH closer and worth a call would be Meadowbrook, Tulip Pond, Ben Guanciale's place(I don't know the name...), Walnut Pond. Thats a good start. And all are Mo. Co.
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Ride'emCO
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It may be too far for you, but Clairvaux is fantastic. Terri is a wonderful rider and trainer, and everyone at the barn is really happy. Some kids, some teens, lots of adults (there's even a "Gentleman's Riding Hour" on Tuesday nights), and NO DRAMA. I've been there for 2 years, Terri started my young horse for me, and I am very, very pleased with every aspect of this facility and program.

Incidentally, Terri is in Jacksonville as well, so she won't be available until late Jan.
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BABYGREENTB
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My trainer is here in town for most of the winter, and she is great. We don't really have a "lesson program," it's mostly Adult Ammies with their own or leased horses, but there are some options in terms of horses to ride. She has been great for me...helped me build my confidence after two really nasty falls, and I am back at the 3' thanks to her and my wonderful new horse. Anyways, if you're interested in checking it out, her website is in my signature line.
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Anyplace Farm
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Ride'emVA
Jan 21 2008, 05:28 PM
It may be too far for you, but Clairvaux is fantastic. Terri is a wonderful rider and trainer, and everyone at the barn is really happy. Some kids, some teens, lots of adults (there's even a "Gentleman's Riding Hour" on Tuesday nights), and NO DRAMA. I've been there for 2 years, Terri started my young horse for me, and I am very, very pleased with every aspect of this facility and program.

Incidentally, Terri is in Jacksonville as well, so she won't be available until late Jan.

Terri freaking rocks. That woman does it right at every corner.
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Anyplace Farm
Shunnnnn the unbeliever. Shunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
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BABYGREENTB
Jan 22 2008, 07:00 AM
My trainer is here in town for most of the winter, and she is great.  We don't really have a "lesson program," it's mostly Adult Ammies with their own or leased horses, but there are some options in terms of horses to ride.  She has been great for me...helped me build my confidence after two really nasty falls, and I am back at the 3' thanks to her and my wonderful new horse.  Anyways, if you're interested in checking it out, her website is in my signature line.

Another vote for Val. While I haven't lessoned with her, I ride out there and have gotten to hear and watch several of her lessons. She's extremely patient, has a great work ethic, her lessons have substance, she's clear and she appears to be a confidence builder.
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BABYGREENTB
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It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
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Anyplace Farm
Jan 22 2008, 08:05 AM
BABYGREENTB
Jan 22 2008, 07:00 AM
My trainer is here in town for most of the winter, and she is great.  We don't really have a "lesson program," it's mostly Adult Ammies with their own or leased horses, but there are some options in terms of horses to ride.  She has been great for me...helped me build my confidence after two really nasty falls, and I am back at the 3' thanks to her and my wonderful new horse.  Anyways, if you're interested in checking it out, her website is in my signature line.

Another vote for Val. While I haven't lessoned with her, I ride out there and have gotten to hear and watch several of her lessons. She's extremely patient, has a great work ethic, her lessons have substance, she's clear and she appears to be a confidence builder.

Next time you're out introduce yourself. :)

I really can't express how grateful I am for Val as a trainer...she is really great, and very ethical and honest to boot!
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Jersey Fresh
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I just posted on this same topic a few days ago after applying for a job in Rockville, MD.

Hey BabygreenTB-I was looking at your trainers website since it seems like what I am looking for. If you board there is the $450/month full training on top of board? So it would be a total (board, training, lessons) of $1300/month plus $15/pro ride? I was bit confused.
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BABYGREENTB
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Jersey Fresh
Jan 22 2008, 11:21 AM
I just posted on this same topic a few days ago after applying for a job in Rockville, MD.

Hey BabygreenTB-I was looking at your trainers website since it seems like what I am looking for. If you board there is the $450/month full training on top of board? So it would be a total (board, training, lessons) of $1300/month plus $15/pro ride? I was bit confused.

PM sent, don't want to hijack :)
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Indy
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BabyGreenTB....where is Val's barn located? I couldn't find an address on her website...
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heineken
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She was training out of Stonegate Stables in Aldi but may have moved to her own place?
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BABYGREENTB
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heineken
Jan 22 2008, 11:37 AM
She was training out of Stonegate Stables in Aldi but may have moved to her own place?

No, we are still at SGS. We don't list the address on the web site because it is a separate business from SGS, Val's business is independent and we are leasing stalls.
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RHowell
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I third, or fourth both Terri and Val. A couple other options are the Listrani's farm in brookville maryland (is that near you) which is RIGHT next to Rachel Kennedy's who is great, but doesn't have lesson horses that I know of.....THEY ARE GREAT....and Ginia Wilbrandt who now pretty much stays at home and teaches lessons while Winn is on the road. I can pt the number or you can get it off www.meafarm.com. Ginia is very nice and has recently acquired another lesson horse who is awesome. Meadowbrook is also an option, but i think they always have a waiting list. Or if you want horses to ride without lessons I know of tons of people who need help exercising horses.

Good luck.
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Anyplace Farm
Shunnnnn the unbeliever. Shunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
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BABYGREENTB
Jan 22 2008, 10:01 AM
Anyplace Farm
Jan 22 2008, 08:05 AM
BABYGREENTB
Jan 22 2008, 07:00 AM
My trainer is here in town for most of the winter, and she is great.  We don't really have a "lesson program," it's mostly Adult Ammies with their own or leased horses, but there are some options in terms of horses to ride.  She has been great for me...helped me build my confidence after two really nasty falls, and I am back at the 3' thanks to her and my wonderful new horse.  Anyways, if you're interested in checking it out, her website is in my signature line.

Another vote for Val. While I haven't lessoned with her, I ride out there and have gotten to hear and watch several of her lessons. She's extremely patient, has a great work ethic, her lessons have substance, she's clear and she appears to be a confidence builder.

Next time you're out introduce yourself. :)

I really can't express how grateful I am for Val as a trainer...she is really great, and very ethical and honest to boot!

What is your first name? I'm still only getting to know people by first name. We might have already met. I'm Jana.

I typically am out there Wed & Fri nights during the week and Sat/Sun during the days.
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BABYGREENTB
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It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
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Anyplace Farm
Jan 26 2008, 01:51 PM
BABYGREENTB
Jan 22 2008, 10:01 AM
Anyplace Farm
Jan 22 2008, 08:05 AM
BABYGREENTB
Jan 22 2008, 07:00 AM
My trainer is here in town for most of the winter, and she is great.  We don't really have a "lesson program," it's mostly Adult Ammies with their own or leased horses, but there are some options in terms of horses to ride.  She has been great for me...helped me build my confidence after two really nasty falls, and I am back at the 3' thanks to her and my wonderful new horse.  Anyways, if you're interested in checking it out, her website is in my signature line.

Another vote for Val. While I haven't lessoned with her, I ride out there and have gotten to hear and watch several of her lessons. She's extremely patient, has a great work ethic, her lessons have substance, she's clear and she appears to be a confidence builder.

Next time you're out introduce yourself. :)

I really can't express how grateful I am for Val as a trainer...she is really great, and very ethical and honest to boot!

What is your first name? I'm still only getting to know people by first name. We might have already met. I'm Jana.

I typically am out there Wed & Fri nights during the week and Sat/Sun during the days.

It was nice to finally meet you today!
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