Good barns in Philly Area?

[Anyplace Farm]

My friend is moving to Radnor, PA. She needs a good, top drawer (translation A-rated) barn. She's an adult who bought a young jumper. She's not needing to compete at this stage of the game, just needs a good pro who will manage and ride the mare while she is on travel, etc.

She can't do a crazy commute. A half-hour would prob be tops.

Anyone have suggestions?

[JMurray]

You should post this to the Hunter/Jumper Discussion area. Plenty of A show trainers and barns in the Delaware Valley, but I have been out of that loop for awhile so not confident I can name all the names.

[notimenomoney]

I would recommend Reinbow's End Farms. John Muldoon is a excellent trainer and rider. He has several jumpers including my daughter who just started pony jumpers in January. My daughter never could have done as well as she is if it wasn't for him. The barn is in Chester Springs near RT 401. He does both hunters and jumpers. There are two outdoor rings and an indoor. John and his cleints compete every weekend at B thru AA shows (including FL in the winter) and has several assistant trainers that do the local circuit. Several times a year, he brings in a BNT to do a clinic for his boarders. Actually we are having a clinic this weekend. He also host the local hunter show circuit 3 times a year on property. PM me for more information.

[fleur de duc]

there are plenty around here ...

doug king comes to my mind first for a good A-jumper trainer out of Royal Crown Stables .. I have all his contact info if youd like it, just pm me.

he also has a gorgeous WB imported from germany .. i saw it at my last show .. hes for sale if anyone is looking:D i couldnt justify that (nor afford it!)

[Equinoxfox]

hey there Gurl. I see you are already on the go here. LOL. what is going on have not seen you since WIHS.. It was fun to hang out . must do it again soon. Chat later... Best of luck with this ... :yes:

[Wedonit]

I don't know a whole lot about jumpers but I'm sure your friend will have no problem finding tons of options. Lisa Jaquin is near where she is moving, I believe. Someone more knowledgeable about the jumper scene could confirm or deny. I'm sure she'll love it here -- many nice facilities and shows. :)

[vxf111]

If she's moving to the Radnor area, she's really going to be looking in Chester County, not Philly.

Most trainers in this area do hunters and not so much jumpers (the local CCHSA doesn't even have jumpers at the regular hunter shows). Trainers who I actually see riding in the jumper classes and/or with students doing jumpers include: Melissa Michelson, Lisa Jacquin, Doug King, and Patti Stovel. I show in NJ now and I go to shows with jumpers and I don't see those familiar hunter trainer faces from the CCHSA circuit. Not much anyway. Honestly, I am sure a lot of Chester County trainers will tell you they do jumpers, but the truth is that's a tiniest, tiniest percentage of what they do.

I am not necessarily recommending these folks, just confirming that they do jumpers.

Kevin Babington is serious, bigtime jumpers. One of the vets I use rides with him and has had great success. He's not in Chester County but depending on where she ends up living, she might find this is an option that works.

I would encourage your friend to do her research. There is some wheat. There is a LOT of chaff. LOTS of chaff.

[vxf111]

P.S.- What clinic is this weekend at Reinbow's End? I didn't see it advertised anywhere.

[Anyplace Farm]

Thanks guys. She has this weird predicament, though -- she bought a jumper, but she does not currently do jumpers. She was just a gal who got back into horses after a very, very long hiatus. Prior to that, she rode QH and rode western -- did Congress and all that. So, its kind of hard to figure out would she be better off in a jumper barn or a hunter barn. I just want to help her get into a place where there is a really good professional who will simply keep her horse rideable while she's on travel. And then, if she decides to show, that she'll have some good guidance while doing it. Right now, she's still in the 'my pretty pony' stage.

[lcw579]

I second Doug King at Royal Crown. He's local and does the jumpers, has his own Grand Prix horse and runs a nice barn. There are also people there who like to hack out and such so while it is a competitive barn it is also a good place to just go ride your "pretty pony" too.

[spoiledsweet]

If I wanted a top-shelf trainer who offers great facilities and can capably do jumpers OR hunters within 45 minutes or so of Radnor my list would be pretty small:

Kim Zindel/Sissy Wickes
Patty Stovel
Joanne Copeland
Troy Hendricks

IMO these are the best in the area. Kevin Babington would be great if she really does want to focus on jumpers - not sure how long it would take to get to him from Radnor, though. Lisa Jacquin is in Radnor, but I'm not sure whether she works for a private owner or has clients or what.

And like vxf said, there is a LOT of chaff. A LOT. There are loads of threads on barns in Chester County, btw. Definitely do a search. In fact, one of them should probably just get a sticky at this point. :lol:

[vxf111]

There should be a sticky, LOL. I can come on and play everyone's "roles" on "looking for a Chester County trainer" thread and save them the trouble. We're like a broken record ;)

[vxf111]

In others news, I know very little about Troy but have heard universally good things. Does he do the jumpers? Everyone I've talked with who was/is a client of him does hunters. For future reference, does he do both?

[spoiledsweet]

As far as I know, Troy is capable with the jumpers as well. He has a great reputation. It is nice to see another good, solid trainer set up shop in Chester County. I hear he has already filled all his stalls (or maybe has one left?).

[spoiledsweet]

Actually, re-reading the OP's updated information, Casey O'Connor Bounds/Banbury Cross might be a good choice. She and the other trainers are very nice and Casey does a great job in the saddle, including with greenies. I don't think there would be a lot of pressure to show.

[Best View]

Troy did not fill all of his stalls...

[Showponymom Aefvue Mid Atlantic Division]

P.S.- What clinic is this weekend at Reinbow's End? I didn't see it advertised anywhere.

Louise Serio is doing the clinic, I don't think it was advertised as it didn't have many openings, the boarders filled it immediately. If fact my daughter is taking both days on her new pony.

[vxf111]

Wow, that should be super. Lucky Jaime. How can you mention a new pony and not share pictures?! I cry foul!!!

P.S.- If I ever get the pictures from the person who took them, I will send them to you. Our barn Halloween day was last week. Freckles was a pegasus unicorn native american pony ;) She was quite adorable. I think she won the award for cutest :)

[blton9th]

Plenty of barns around this area- there are some great barns. Also a lot of mediocre barns too. You just have to weed them out!

I love www.desforfarms.com (http://www.desforfarms.com) great brand new indoor. Full service.
Do your homework, and surely you will find a barn that suits your friends needs!

[Anyplace Farm]

As far as I know, Troy is capable with the jumpers as well. He has a great reputation. It is nice to see another good, solid trainer set up shop in Chester County. I hear he has already filled all his stalls (or maybe has one left?).

I know Troy and trained with him at The Barracks when he was here in VA. Great guy. Now, I'll have to dig up that thread that gave his new contact info. Anyone know if he has an indoor. My princess needs an indoor.

[vxf111]

That changes a lot, because quite a few places up here don't have an indoor (beats me how they manage!). Troy has an indoor.

[spoiledsweet]

My understanding is that Troy has already filled his share of the stalls at Journey's End (good for him!) but can obtain more at that facility if he needs them. It is a lovely place and it does have an indoor, as vxf said. Definitely worth a look.

And yes, vxf, we do find ourselves saying the same thing over and over, no? :lol:

Joanne Copeland does not have an indoor, as she winters in FL. Kim and Sissy do. If Patty S. is still at Sharon Keifer's in Mohnton, then she also has an indoor available. Patty does the Ocala circuit, so she is gone for most of the winter as well. Kim and Sissy do WEF but I *think* they take turns flying home for clients who choose not to journey south. Both Banbury Cross locations have indoors as well. They typically stay home during the winter as most of their clients want to remain in PA. Not sure whether the OP's friend needs an indoor...

[Showponymom Aefvue Mid Atlantic Division]

Wow, that should be super. Lucky Jaime. How can you mention a new pony and not share pictures?! I cry foul!!!

P.S.- If I ever get the pictures from the person who took them, I will send them to you. Our barn Halloween day was last week. Freckles was a pegasus unicorn native american pony ;) She was quite adorable. I think she won the award for cutest :)

Pictures are coming soon! He is a large palomino! He came originally from Larry Richards in Western Pa. I am glad Freckles got a good home, can't wait to see the pics.

[lcw579]

That changes a lot, because quite a few places up here don't have an indoor (beats me how they manage!). Troy has an indoor.

You young people are such sissies! :lol: In the old days an indoor was a rarity and a luxury. Turn on the lights, bundle up and off you go. No big deal. Just slap some vaseline in their hooves when it snowed. ;)

Anybody know who is at the place that was briefly Meridian Farm? I think it was also "the other Whitehorse farm" for a bit - it is right next to the Nolen housing developement called, you guessed it: Whitehorse Farm on Whitehorse right off 252. Seems like there has been a lot of turnover there. Inquiring minds, like mine, want to know!

[nelson]

Another suugestion for jumpers is Stephen Pack, Serengeti Stables in Jamison. He is in Bucks County, but Jamison is not a bad ride at all from Radnor, in my opinion.

[clearound]

I know Troy and trained with him at The Barracks when he was here in VA. Great guy. Now, I'll have to dig up that thread that gave his new contact info. Anyone know if he has an indoor. My princess needs an indoor.

Troy does have an indoor ring and does train both hunters and jumpers. In fact, last weekend after I lessoned on my hunter, I lessoned on a jumper that he has for sale. It was a blast.

I probably sound like a broken record on these boards by now but he is a breath of fresh air, not only in Chester County but as far as trainers in general. If you need his contact info., feel free to send me a PM.

[Mav226]

Kevin Babington is a really great guy: http://www.kevinbabington.com/

I interviewed for a nanny position with him years ago. I didn't get the job but got to watch a few lessons and he was a wonderful trainer.

[notimenomoney]

Your friend should take a drive to some of these barns that everyone is suggesting. Several of them are a little bit of a drive from Radnor.

[fleur de duc]

You young people are such sissies! :lol: In the old days an indoor was a rarity and a luxury. Turn on the lights, bundle up and off you go. No big deal. Just slap some vaseline in their hooves when it snowed. ;)

Anybody know who is at the place that was briefly Meridian Farm? I think it was also "the other Whitehorse farm" for a bit - it is right next to the Nolen housing developement called, you guessed it: Whitehorse Farm on Whitehorse right off 252. Seems like there has been a lot of turnover there. Inquiring minds, like mine, want to know!

I dont have an indoor .. heck i dont even have a footed ring at my place! lol I have my "turf ring" (aka the side pasture) that I use mainly for riding, but thats it. I do trailer out (or will) to radnor to school in the rings, but other than that... I havent had an indoor for quite some time now .. and well, I dont miss it too much. I think it is strange that so many ppl think its a necessity. Suck it up and just ride:lol:

as for meridian .. I know kristy price had it for like a month, but that fell through quickly .. last I heard someone private was taking it on and just having their own horses and some friends there.

[joyful]

Lots of great suggestions - it's hard to help people you don't know, everyone is different. As of today Troy has one open stall, he may be reached at 561-319-6756,, or kimberview.stables@gmail.com. Indoor has great footing. Journey's End Farm has been cleaned up and is beautiful! Take a drive and check out these places!

[Anyplace Farm]

You young people are such sissies! :lol: In the old days an indoor was a rarity and a luxury. Turn on the lights, bundle up and off you go. No big deal. Just slap some vaseline in their hooves when it snowed. ;)

Anybody know who is at the place that was briefly Meridian Farm? I think it was also "the other Whitehorse farm" for a bit - it is right next to the Nolen housing developement called, you guessed it: Whitehorse Farm on Whitehorse right off 252. Seems like there has been a lot of turnover there. Inquiring minds, like mine, want to know!

Reason why my girlfriend needs an indoor is, she's 44, a mom and an exec who works some really tough hours and travels a ton. So, when she can finally ride her horse, she needs to be able to ride no matter what.

[Anyplace Farm]

Your friend should take a drive to some of these barns that everyone is suggesting. Several of them are a little bit of a drive from Radnor.

We will -- we'll check them out.

You guys all rock. I've been getting some really great suggestions and input.

[lcw579]

Reason why my girlfriend needs an indoor is, she's 44, a mom and an exec who works some really tough hours and travels a ton. So, when she can finally ride her horse, she needs to be able to ride no matter what.

My post about being a sissy was tongue in cheek and directed at Veronica ;)

I know lots of people my age who need an indoor for the same reasons your friend does. I was decades younger when I didn't care. :)

[Showponymom Aefvue Mid Atlantic Division]

You young people are such sissies! :lol: In the old days an indoor was a rarity and a luxury. Turn on the lights, bundle up and off you go. No big deal. Just slap some vaseline in their hooves when it snowed. ;)

Anybody know who is at the place that was briefly Meridian Farm? I think it was also "the other Whitehorse farm" for a bit - it is right next to the Nolen housing developement called, you guessed it: Whitehorse Farm on Whitehorse right off 252. Seems like there has been a lot of turnover there. Inquiring minds, like mine, want to know!

Is it the place where Dominique Damico is now? I think Kristi Price (Meridan) is now at Fox Run with Nancy Bodine.

[Showponymom Aefvue Mid Atlantic Division]

Reason why my girlfriend needs an indoor is, she's 44, a mom and an exec who works some really tough hours and travels a ton. So, when she can finally ride her horse, she needs to be able to ride no matter what.

Tell her to stop by Reinbows End with John, he has several adults that have crazy schedules and is very accommodating in his lesson schedule. I have seen him teach at 9pm at night so someone can get a lesson.

[`reppy]

Another vote for Sissy Wickes and Kim Zindel. Although they do go to FL in the winter they have people at home who can ride and work with the horses and they do come home during the winter to teach and ride. They have a HUGE indoor ring and their barn is beautiful.

[LD1129]

Dominique is out of Ashley Meadows show barn last I read. She has ramble on farm. I heard a rumor *RUMOR* That Kristi Price was renting the Whitehorse barn (not sure the name) and left or got kicked out. Not sure as I said *RUMOR* :lol::lol::lol:

Is it the place where Dominique Damico is now? I think Kristi Price (Meridan) is now at Fox Run with Nancy Bodine.

[LD1129]

Heard that they are fabulous with everything from horse care to training. I really have never heard anything bad about them ever which is strange in Chester County :yes::yes::yes: I dont think you can go wrong with them.

Another vote for Sissy Wickes and Kim Zindel. Although they do go to FL in the winter they have people at home who can ride and work with the horses and they do come home during the winter to teach and ride. They have a HUGE indoor ring and their barn is beautiful.

[lcw579]

Dominique is out of Ashley Meadows show barn last I read. She has roundabout farm. I heard a rumor *RUMOR* That Kristi Price was renting the Whitehorse barn (not sure the name) and left or got kicked out. Not sure as I said *RUMOR* :lol::lol::lol:

Heard the same thing about Kristi. I do know she isn't there anymore - I'm wondering who is there. I drive by and crane my neck but I just can't tell! :lol:

[Showponymom Aefvue Mid Atlantic Division]

Dominique is out of Ashley Meadows show barn last I read. She has roundabout farm. I heard a rumor *RUMOR* That Kristi Price was renting the Whitehorse barn (not sure the name) and left or got kicked out. Not sure as I said *RUMOR* :lol::lol::lol:


Dominique left Ashley Meadows (no surprise there) and went to a very nice place on Whitehorse and Kristi is now at Nancy's. This happened for both of them within the last few months. Kristi was down my way for a few years in Atglen, so I don't know if she was on Whitehorse before or after the place in Atglen. But if you look at Kristi's website she has four different locations she is at. http://www.meridianstables.com/ :confused:

[ladipus]

yes they have one of the biggest indoors probably in chester county,and probably one of the nicest facilities....you can check out : www.pointofviewstables.com Troy shares this facility w/ Pixie Denver -they're both based out of Journey's End Farm in Glenmoore,pa chester county....you can tour the facility...and at least get an idea of what it looks like...i do believe Troy's is called KimberView...but both he and Pixie(Point of View Stables) are sharing the facility.

[vxf111]

I'll step up and self-identify as a sissy. No worries! Er, it's my hothouse flower horses that are sissies. :)

I would really encourage your friend to stop by and check all the places out. I'd stop by once to watch a lesson and once unannounced ;) There's a whole lot of kool-aid being swilled in Chester County. That being said, there are some great places and some wonderful trainers mentioned on this thread and others. I'd just be a little careful. As a somewhat absentee owner myself (can't be there during the workday due to my work schedule) care is HIGHLY important to me. Several places mentioned on this thread are, er, lacking in that regard. I am sure your friend will find a place that is a good fit, especially if doing jumpers isn't the utmost concern-- but just finding a good, safe, comfortable barn is.

[Anyplace Farm]

My post about being a sissy was tongue in cheek and directed at Veronica ;)

I know lots of people my age who need an indoor for the same reasons your friend does. I was decades younger when I didn't care. :)

No offense taken! :)

[Anyplace Farm]

yes they have one of the biggest indoors probably in chester county,and probably one of the nicest facilities....you can check out : www.pointofviewstables.com (http://www.pointofviewstables.com) Troy shares this facility w/ Pixie Denver -they're both based out of Journey's End Farm in Glenmoore,pa chester county....you can tour the facility...and at least get an idea of what it looks like...i do believe Troy's is called KimberView...but both he and Pixie(Point of View Stables) are sharing the facility.

Perfect! Thanks for the link! While we'll look at most of what people recommended, I'll most likely want to point my girlfriend in the direction of Troy, since I know/trust him. Plus, his barn is only about 20 mins from where she'll live. What a facility!

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and PMs!

[lcw579]

Not to be a downer, but 25 years ago Troy may have been 20 minutes away - now, not so much. :no: Thanks to all the McMansions and corporate centers traffic around here is awful. That's why I am always late - I constantly underestimate how long it is going to take to get places because I forget to factor in the inevitable traffice. :mad:

Is your friend working out in the burbs or is she working in the City? That may influence her choice too...

[jewll27]

Another suugestion for jumpers is Stephen Pack, Serengeti Stables in Jamison. He is in Bucks County, but Jamison is not a bad ride at all from Radnor, in my opinion.

Im not looking to bicker, but most times of day, Jamison is a hike from Radnor. I used to commute down there for school and I hated it, took an hour to get there and almost an hour to get home. I guess it depends on the person and what they consider a hike too though.

[2016 RoyalCrown KTug]

I third Doug King. He is a great trainer, and not only does the big jumpers, but had some great hunters as well. There is no indoor, but it is literally 3 minutes from Radnor Hunt and about ten form Radnor. The ring only freezes usually once every winter. And the poeple who stay home when he goes south ride everyday. It is a great place to ride! Definately give him a call.

And yes, that young WB someone saw is very fancy and a beautiful mover ;):D

Doug's cell is 610. 639. 8880

Gillian

[Showponymom Aefvue Mid Atlantic Division]

I'll step up and self-identify as a sissy. No worries! Er, it's my hothouse flower horses that are sissies. :)

I would really encourage your friend to stop by and check all the places out. I'd stop by once to watch a lesson and once unannounced ;) There's a whole lot of kool-aid being swilled in Chester County. That being said, there are some great places and some wonderful trainers mentioned on this thread and others. I'd just be a little careful. As a somewhat absentee owner myself (can't be there during the workday due to my work schedule) care is HIGHLY important to me. Several places mentioned on this thread are, er, lacking in that regard. I am sure your friend will find a place that is a good fit, especially if doing jumpers isn't the utmost concern-- but just finding a good, safe, comfortable barn is.

Veronica, I consider us friends and I hope we will still be, but I hope you are not publicly saying that your horses were not being taken care of. Since you only boarded at one place in Chester County that I know of, how would you know of how horses are cared for at other facilities.

[`reppy]

Another vote for Sissy Wickes and Kim Zindel. Although they do go to FL in the winter they have people at home who can ride and work with the horses and they do come home during the winter to teach and ride. They have a HUGE indoor ring and their barn is beautiful.

Heard that they are fabulous with everything from horse care to training. I really have never heard anything bad about them ever which is strange in Chester County :yes::yes::yes: I dont think you can go wrong with them.

It's true. Kim has been riding my horse and I've been taking lessons with her and I cannot say enough good things about the experience! Kim is a wonderful rider, as is Sissy, and they are both so professional. Their horses all seem well taken care of and happy, their clients are all very nice and their reputation is one of the best in CC. I've been extremely happy with the whole experience.

To the OP- As others have said, please do your homework, I've heard good things about most of the trainers on this thread but, there are great trainers in Chester County and a lot of not so great trainers. Please be careful :). I've seen way too many friends get screwed over by people around here.

[Anyplace Farm]

Not to be a downer, but 25 years ago Troy may have been 20 minutes away - now, not so much. :no: Thanks to all the McMansions and corporate centers traffic around here is awful. That's why I am always late - I constantly underestimate how long it is going to take to get places because I forget to factor in the inevitable traffice. :mad:

Is your friend working out in the burbs or is she working in the City? That may influence her choice too...

She said they are putting her up in Radnor. I think the offices are in Philly.

[vxf111]

Veronica, I consider us friends and I hope we will still be, but I hope you are not publicly saying that your horses were not being taken care of. Since you only boarded at one place in Chester County that I know of, how would you know of how horses are cared for at other facilities.

1. I never named any names on this thread or any other. All I did was suggest that someone looking for a barn check into the care?! How can anyone possibly quibble with that?! Surely you'd agree, before you board somewhere you ought to check and see if the care is up to your standard there. Half the other posters are saying the same thing?!

2. I may have only boarded at one place in Chester County but I looked at MANY before choosing that placed, visited others where friends board, and showed at some as well. I got to see the horsemanship/care are many places, not only the place I boarded! Some places mentioned on this thread and some not. Some was excellent. Some was lacking. And I'll leave it at that. One trainer mentioned on this thread I visited and rejected out of hand because the place was awful! Yet I see that trainer recommended regularly. You don't have to board somewhere to know/see that things are lacking. When things are bad, a visit can be enough

I also consider you a friend. Different strokes for different folks. The place we boarded at together was not a fit for me. I have never said a bad word about ex-trainer who I like very much as wish the most success for. Even though other clients of his like to give me the cold shoulder and badmouthed me a bit after I left ;) Can't control other people! Don't really care.

I don't see how that has anything to do with general advice that 'there's good and there's crap in Chester County' and 'check out a place well and don't just assume things are fine.' I don't really see how either of those pieces of advice necessarily has anything to do with my own personal experience?! I have never posted a bad thing about our former trainer and I have suggested him to people when I thought his program fit what they were looking for (when the OP posted and said she was looking for a serious jumper program, I would not have recommended him for that because that's not really his niche).

[vxf111]

She said they are putting her up in Radnor. I think the offices are in Philly.

Oh boy, that is going to stink for her, commute wise! :(

[lcw579]

Well, now we need to know if she is driving or taking the train. :lol: 76 is a bear and your time in and out of Philly can vary greatly. If she's going to be working a lot she might be better off in NJ with Veronica!

[nelson]

I work in Center City, live in Merion (which is about 10-15 minutes closer to the city than Radnor is) and board my horse with Jerry Zero in Harleysville in Montgomery County. It takes me about an hour to drive to the barn from work in rush hour traffic. I try to get there twice during the work week, but it is tough. I think I am alot like your friend because I work long hours, travel a fair amount, and just generally do not have not a free moment ever. I am lucky because Jerry is very accomodating and really works with my ridiculous schedule. He is also a fabulous rider and horseman. Without someone like him to keep my horse going and progressing, we would be a major disaster, to say the least. ;-)

I would think it would take longer than an hour to get from Center City to most of the barns in Chester County that have been mentioned. That being said, almost anywhere with a good trainer is going to be at least an hour from Center City in rush hour traffic (I am speaking of PA barns here - I am not sure how long it takes to get to the closer NJ barns).

Those are the facts of life in Philly, but we are World Series champs, so it's all good.

[vxf111]

Those are the facts of life in Philly, but we are World Series champs, so it's all good.

GOOD POINT!!! :)

[GreyHunterHorse]

If she's commuting into the city she's probably best taking the train. Then, she has to drive from the train station, if she can find parking......yuck.

I did the West Chester train to center city then train back home then drive to barn in Pottstown for a year, and it was a bear. I also drove several months to a trainer near NJ, and the drive was about the same. Some days good, some days awful.

Nowadays I still live in WC, commute to Princeton, NJ and then drive back out to Pottstown. I do this 4-6 days/week including weekends. I think I **may** have ingested some of the aforementioned Chester County kool-aid, no?? :winkgrin::yes:

OP -- you have my recommendations via PM. Good luck to your friend!

Have to edit to add -- its worth the grief because of my wonderful trainer and facility. BUT, I know it may not be for everyone so I'm just not gonna go there. :)

[DOME]

Hi-

I am Dominique Damico, and I have in fact left Ashley Meadows (last April), and currently run my business, Ramble On Farm, out of a farm on Whitehorse Road in Berwyn, PA.

Kristi Price and Meridian Stables were there previously, but relocated last fall.

Our long awaited Indoor is finally complete.

Thanks!

[Showponymom Aefvue Mid Atlantic Division]

1. I never named any names on this thread or any other. All I did was suggest that someone looking for a barn check into the care?! How can anyone possibly quibble with that?! Surely you'd agree, before you board somewhere you ought to check and see if the care is up to your standard there. Half the other posters are saying the same thing?!

2. I may have only boarded at one place in Chester County but I looked at MANY before choosing that placed, visited others where friends board, and showed at some as well. I got to see the horsemanship/care are many places, not only the place I boarded! Some places mentioned on this thread and some not. Some was excellent. Some was lacking. And I'll leave it at that. One trainer mentioned on this thread I visited and rejected out of hand because the place was awful! Yet I see that trainer recommended regularly. You don't have to board somewhere to know/see that things are lacking. When things are bad, a visit can be enough

I also consider you a friend. Different strokes for different folks. The place we boarded at together was not a fit for me. I have never said a bad word about ex-trainer who I like very much as wish the most success for. Even though other clients of his like to give me the cold shoulder and badmouthed me a bit after I left ;) Can't control other people! Don't really care.

I don't see how that has anything to do with general advice that 'there's good and there's crap in Chester County' and 'check out a place well and don't just assume things are fine.' I don't really see how either of those pieces of advice necessarily has anything to do with my own personal experience?! I have never posted a bad thing about our former trainer and I have suggested him to people when I thought his program fit what they were looking for (when the OP posted and said she was looking for a serious jumper program, I would not have recommended him for that because that's not really his niche).

I am sorry that this got twisted, it just seemed the way I read it that it was personal. So with that lets go forward. I agree that you do need to do your homework when moving to an new area and a new barn.

As for the trainer not doing jumpers, actually there a few jumper boarders now and he does have a jumper program at this time.

[vxf111]

I wish him the best of luck, I genuinely do. I can't make him or anyone else believe it, but it's true. I am happy where I am now and you are where you are... not everything is for everyone. Truce.

[LD1129]

Congrats :) on the indoor I am sure you will enjoy that this winter!! :):)

Hi-

I am Dominique Damico, and I have in fact left Ashley Meadows (last April), and currently run my business, Ramble On Farm, out of a farm on Whitehorse Road in Berwyn, PA.

Kristi Price and Meridian Stables were there previously, but relocated last fall.

Our long awaited Indoor is finally complete.

Thanks!

[lcw579]

Thanks for checking in DOME - I'm sure the other drivers on Whitehorse will appreciate the fact that I will no longer be rubber necking to see what's going on down that driveway! :lol: Although all bets are off if anyone is jumping in that field up front!

[vxf111]

Is anyone at Ashley Meadows as trainer, now that you've left Dominique? Congrats on the new place, I am sure it'll be great-- especially with a brand new indoor.

[dab]

Anyplace: When is your friend moving? Many of the jumper trainers in Chester County are headed south for the winter --

I believe both Troy Hendricks and Pixie Denver at Journey's End are showing closer to home this winter -- If your friend's busy with a new job, I suspect having a trainer who's staying home this winter would be a benefit --

[Anyplace Farm]

Anyplace: When is your friend moving? Many of the jumper trainers in Chester County are headed south for the winter --

I believe both Troy Hendricks and Pixie Denver at Journey's End are showing closer to home this winter -- If your friend's busy with a new job, I suspect having a trainer who's staying home this winter would be a benefit --

She'll need to move the horse in Jan. I've already spoken to Troy and he said he'd have a stall for her. I think we're all set!

[1963pony]

[edit]

Do your homework before you look into RBE.


Veronica

I think I came to Reinbows End after you had already left but I just want to say that it's a shame that people treated you like that after you left. I think sometimes people don't really realize how they make other people feel. I had the same situation at my former barn although both my daughter and I were treated very badly. Water under the bridge now and all get along good again.

One thing I do want you to know is that the treatment you received was not generated at the barn. I've never heard anything bad said about you. I actually hadn't even heard your name until being on the forum and I've been at REF for almost year now (and I'm there everyday).

I travel to lot of shows with John and one thing that I really like and being in Chester County and knowing the way people can be, am surprised about is how friendly John is with his former clients and other trainers. On several occasions John has even coached and/or gotten the horses of former clients at shows when they have asked him to because their trainers were unable to come to the show. He is truely a great guy and refreshingly honest. You never have to worry that you are being lied to which I think some trainers have forgoten how important honesty really is!

[notimenomoney]

[edit]

Do your homework before you look into RBE.

Maybe you should do your homework before you make comments like that. I am very happy there and I know many other people that are also. It's people like you that put posts up here like this and then hide behind thier screen name that give this forum a bad rap!!!!!

[1963pony]

I've done my homework

I'm glad you are happy there. *** Comment deleted by moderator--personal attacks are not allowed ***

-----------EDIT-----

BTW, why is it you can only say good things about people on these boards, even if the bad things are TRUE TRUE TRUE?

[Heineken]

1963...what goes on in one's PERSONAL LIFE does not have to directly affect their ability to care for your horse. I've been through divorces, deaths and many other life changing events with barn owners and it has never forced me out. If you have an issue about "what is going on at Reinbow's End" then a) be good enough to use your name, b) don't allude to rumors but not fill in details, c) don't slander people you obviously don't know at all.

Hillary Hytken(who boarded with and rode with John for more than four years and still considers John and Shannon friends)

[1963pony]

Hillary,I just don't think its right to recommend a place to unsuspecting people on a message board without providing some insight as to the good and the bad at a facility.

[edit]

Knowing what I know, (not rumors, fact) I could not recommend this place to someone on the internet without telling them the whole story. So I am surprised other recommend it so freely.

[notimenomoney]

1963pony

So willing to make false comments but so childish that you have to do it while hiding behind a screen name. What you think you know and what is the truth are miles apart. It's time for you to crawl back under your slimmy little rock and disappear. Hopefully the people on this forum are way above the crap you spew.

[1963pony]

1963pony

So willing to make false comments but so childish that you have to do it while hiding behind a screen name. What you think you know and what is the truth are miles apart. It's time for you to crawl back under your slimmy little rock and disappear. Hopefully the people on this forum are way above the crap you spew.

Thank you, but I know the truth (do you?).

I don't think its responsible of you to recommend this place and only share the positive with people. If you have decided to stay that is your decision. But I think its only fair to serve up the good with the bad.

[april03]

1963pony

You might want to check your sources before you go around telling lies. You have no clue what the truth is from your petty little lies and gossip. You should stop hiding from everyone and just state your name, but you are obiously too much of a chicken to face the rest of these people. John is a great trainer and his personal life has nothing to do with horses. Besides real horse riders don't waste all their time on this thing, they go out and ride horses. This fourm was not made to bad mouth people, it was made to help people! Stop hiding!!!!

[Shirland Farm]

HAHA, isn't this old news about RBE anyway? Plus I heard its all been taken care of and no horses were harmed ;) So to Hillary's point, yeah it really shouldn't matter (although I would want to know about what was going on before I moved my horse there, just b/c I would want to avoid drama)

[Showponymom Aefvue Mid Atlantic Division]

I am an instructor, employee and boarder at RBE for the past five years and I am quite happy with the atmosphere and the care of my horses and ponies. Someones personal life is just that PERSONAL.

1963pony, you make your first post and the only posts here slamming on someone, so why won't you use your real username (because it quite obvious that you are using an alter) and sign your real name in your signature line?

ShirlandFarm, you said it was taken care of and no horses were harmed. What do mean by that? You don't board there, you live in another state. So how would you know what is going on in another barn. Oh, wait because someone told you something probably second hand.

April 03 said it the best, you should be riding and not worrying about other people and their personal life.

I find it very interesting that people trained by John do very well in the zone2. Let's see: His wife has been either first or second in the zone for A/O's for the past few years and sold one of the top A/O horses to another rider. A large pony that is training with him won the Green Larges last year and the Regular Larges this year, Quite a few ponies are doing well in the Children's (a couple in the top 20 with limited showing). He has taken a rider and her pony jumper in its first year to the NAL finals at Harrisburg. When we go to the rated shows, we are usually Champion or Reserve in the divisions we show in. He has personally taken my daughter from leadline to doing the Childrens in 4 years and she is only 10. She is catch riding for him and also has two other ponies. I could not be more pleased with her progression as a rider. Also odd that the people who left him went from winning ribbons to not winning with a new trainer. Those are facts not speculation.

Louise Serio just gave a clinic there and commented on how well everyone rode and how nice everyones ponies and horses were. Once again facts.

So both of you should put the speculation away and mind your own business.

[Shirland Farm]

hey, just wait a second. I had six horses at John's for probably as many years. I am still friends with people who board there and I don't consider them liars.

[Shirland Farm]

oh and since you asked, when I said, "no horses were harmed" I meant it as a joke to lighten the mood and to drive home the point that his personal life is irrelevant to how he cares for horses.

-jane

I am an instructor, employee and boarder at RBE for the past five years and I am quite happy with the atmosphere and the care of my horses and ponies. Someones personal life is just that PERSONAL.

1963pony, you make your first post and the only posts here slamming on someone, so why won't you use your real username (because it quite obvious that you are using an alter) and sign your real name in your signature line?

ShirlandFarm, you said it was taken care of and no horses were harmed. What do mean by that? You don't board there, you live in another state. So how would you know what is going on in another barn. Oh, wait because someone told you something probably second hand.

April 03 said it the best, you should be riding and not worrying about other people and their personal life.

I find it very interesting that people trained by John do very well in the zone2. Let's see: His wife has been either first or second in the zone for A/O's for the past few years and sold one of the top A/O horses to another rider. A large pony that is training with him won the Green Larges last year and the Regular Larges this year, Quite a few ponies are doing well in the Children's (a couple in the top 20 with limited showing). He has taken a rider and her pony jumper in its first year to the NAL finals at Harrisburg. When we go to the rated shows, we are usually Champion or Reserve in the divisions we show in. He has personally taken my daughter from leadline to doing the Childrens in 4 years and she is only 10. She is catch riding for him and also has two other ponies. I could not be more pleased with her progression as a rider. Also odd that the people who left him went from winning ribbons to not winning with a new trainer. Those are facts not speculation.

Louise Serio just gave a clinic there and commented on how well everyone rode and how nice everyones ponies and horses were. Once again facts.

So both of you should put the speculation away and mind your own business.

[AlternaPony]

OP has hooked her friend up with Troy based upon recommendations and the thought that his facility and program will suit her best. She's made a decision. Can we please......let.....this.....thread.......DIE!!

Nobody in Chester County is going to agree 100% on a trainer. People have opinions. Fact of life. Some like some farms some don't, obviously. Let it go please.:D

[Anyplace Farm]

Any chance anyone wanting to discuss this further can spinoff into another thread? Things have gotten a bit off course.

Regardless of what is said, the decision has been made to team up with Troy. I realize the intent of most of the comments was to benefit us in making a decision but it's now morphed into something else.

[Molly Sorge]

I'm closing this thread because the OP's original question has been resolved.