Search for Good Eventing Barn in SE PA Area (Bucks County, PA)

[YZmittens]

I am an intermediate level rider that's been away for a good 5 years. I live in SE PA (near Philadelphia, PA in Bucks County) and work in Northern NJ (East Hanover, NJ, parallel with NYC). I finally have the money and time to get back into things and would like to find an eventing barn that may have a lesson horse or two, but which mostly has boarders. I'd like to buy a horse in the next few months but get back into the riding now. I would like the place to have an indoor ring and trails, if possible. I am really interested in a trainer that has top level capacity but isn't away all the time competing; prob need a year or so back into things before I would be at an advanced level anyway. Experience with OTTB would also be a plus. Location - as I drive pretty far 3 days a week, I'm trying to find something that would be on my way home from work (i.e. bucks county or perhaps immediately over the border in NJ) but close enough that I can go there on the weekends and days when I work from home without it being a hassle (I'm 3 hours one way from work so a lot more driving sucks).

Obviously quite a bit of detail, but I'm looking for something specific and don't know what's out there. I keep doing searches online, but am not really finding the right stuff, mostly very beginner level places with pony parties and no boarding ....

Thank you to anyone with information that can help!! :)

[KellyS]

Where are you in Bucks (eg, lower, central, or upper)? There are a few of us who live in the area and could provide suggestions. :) However, I'm more familiar with the central/upper Bucks county area.

[YZmittens]

I'm in lower bucks (611/Easton rd area); I go to work up 202 through bucks or cut over to 95 and run up that way - any locations generally around there (or in between 202 & 95) would be great :)

[KellyS]

I'm not terribly familiar with that side of the county. My husband works in Solebury Township (surrounding New Hope) and used to work in Upper Makefield (near Newtown). He would be familiar with any farms in those area; I can ask him. Would you come as far "west" as the Doylestown area?

[scubed]

It is my understanding that there is a new place, not too far from what used to be Pleasant Hollow that might meet your needs. You might check with Jane Cory Jane@PleasantHollow.com who knows the area very well.

[KellyS]

It is my understanding that there is a new place, not too far from what used to be Pleasant Hollow that might meet your needs. You might check with Jane Cory Jane@PleasantHollow.com who knows the area very well.

I'm pretty sure that's Travelda Farm (I've taken lessons with Jane there). Beautiful new farm. :) It's about 10 minutes from where we live in Haycock Township. Probably at least an hour drive from the Newtown/95 area. My husband's commute from the upper end of Solebury Township (north of New Hope/Route 202) is 45 minutes one way. Depending on traffic, probably 45 minutes NW of Doylestown (I work in Doylestown and my commute home is a minimum of 30 minutes, usually longer in rush hour).

Here's Travelda's web page:
http://www.traveldafarms.net/

[Roney]

Not to hijack, but I'm also interested in hearing answers to the OP question. I'm helping my mom looking for a lesson barn for my for my little (8 yo) sister in this general area, too - they're moving back after many years, although they'll probably end up more in the Hellertown / far northen Bucks Co. vicinity. She's been taking H/J-oriented lessons for a few years, but I'd love to get her into more of an eventing/Pony Club type program (since I'm an eventer myself :)). The only place I knew of was Pleasant Hollow, and I haven't been able to find much else on my own.

Looks like Travelda farm (while lovely!) doesn't have a lesson program; anyone have any other ideas? Thanks!!

[KellyS]

Jane may have horses available for lessons at Travelda; I do know she moved her horses there after Pleasant Hollow sold. Try her at the email above. She may have suggestions as well since she's been in the area for so long. :)

[YZmittens]

Doylestown works for me - I drive by the intersection of 611 & 202 (just went through a few mins ago :)

[KellyS]

Well, we'll have to catch up one of these days when you're coming through Doylestown! :)

The one farm I can think of off the top of my head is Mile View Farm in Doylestown (It's just off 313 going toward Dublin). Indoor and lovely outdoor; I think it has pretty good turnout and amenities. However, no trails and I don't believe they have an eventing trainer. However, I haven't boarded there in years.

There is also Groveland Meadows Farm north of Doylestown. I've never been there, but I do know some eventers that board and train there.

If you find a place that doesn't have trails, you could always join Bucks County Horse Park (Revere, PA) and trailer there on the weekends (about 30 minutes from central Bucks). Plenty of trails; we do most of our driving conditioning up there.

It may be a good idea to cross post on the H/J forum. There are a lot more H/J barns in the area.

[dignified]

I keep my horse at an eventing barn in Bucks County. It is located right off of 412. I actually live of 202 and the drive is not bad at all. We have an awesome indoor, a cross country course, and great turnout. You can PM me for more details if you want.

I also recommend Jane. I have ridden with and absolutely love her! I also have boarded at Travelda and I was happy there. The only downside was I wish my horse got better turnout there. But the facility is nice. It is more of a boarding barn with lots of dressage people, but all are nice!

[takethestage]

The dressage trainer that was at Travelda has since moved to my facility...

But a friend of mine boards there and loves it. My understanding is that its a lot more hunter/jumper oriented now and that it's easy to bring in an outside trainer. It is a boarding barn though, not a lesson barn, but you might be able to find a lease situation.

[Flying Hippotamus]

I loff Jane but another place I was thinking of more for Roney is Pferde farm. The trainer Tanya was one of Jane's students. It is right on rte 412 on the way to hellertown. The farm is the one that just built all those great X-C fences in the field. The story was that Buck was going to be working there some also, I don't know how often. Tanya has a nice lesson program for kids too. They just had a Steven Bradley clinic there in beginning of the month. here is the link for contact info:
http://www.usea2.net/calendar/event_view.php?eid=259&instance=2009-2-1

Also to the OP I board at Groveland Meadows that KellyS mentioned. Not really a lesson barn anymore. PM me and I can give you info to where the trainer moved to. Also if you are looking for an occasional ride, I'm always looking for some to help me keep my 2 horses ridden.

[dignified]

Yep! I am at Pferde.

[scubed]

I don't have contact information for her, but you can probably get it from USEA, Caroline Fenkel keeps her horse somewhere near Doylestown and really likes the barn where she is.

[YZmittens]

I sent a message to Jane - i'll post the info on any other barns when I get it.

I'd definately like to meet local horse people - last time I was involved it was in Georgia (worked at Stevehaven Stables (H/J barn) and trained next door) ... Maybe I'll try to stop by your farm Kelly? :)

[KellyS]

Would love to have you stop by! You can send an email to kelly.soldavin@gmail.com and I can give you my cell phone number. :)

AND...I grew up in Georgia (Marietta/Cobb County)! Small world. :) Moved up here to go to college, met my husband, and stayed.