Moving to Indiana - where do I ride?

[lohsela]

Help! My husband and I are relocating to Indiana this summer... I'm from Connecticut and have been to Indiana many times but haven't seen nearly has much hunter/jumper farms as there are where I live now. Currently we're looking at a home in La Porte and I plan to keep my horses at home, but I want to trailer in for lessons with a top quality trainer... does anyone have any recommendations? Also, I will be looking for a vet and a horseshoer... so any recommendations on that as well...

Thanks so much! :winkgrin:

[RumoursFollow]

I sent you a PM. :)

[grandprixjump]

Chicago..:lol::lol::lol:

[ImJumpin]

Wow, you would not be close to anything in LaPorte. Chicago area is an option, traveling to Fort Wayne would be another where you would find a couple top quality trainers, or up to Niles, MI (I think it would be the closest option for you) to Horsesport: http://www.laughinplacestables.com/

[DreamBigEq37]

Are you locked into moving to Indiana? :lol:

In all seriousness, though, there's not much available in Indiana, and Chicago is probably your best option. It depends what you want to do, of course, and whether showing is something you want to do. I am from Ft. Wayne area and in order to show seriously had to drive 2 1/2 hours to a trainer. There's just not much around.

A little more info on what you're interested in doing and how far you're willing to travel might help :)

[RumoursFollow]

There might not be anyone here that goes back east for indoors but I certainly resent the implication that there is absolutely no one of A show quality in NW Indiana. I don't think any of us claim to be the next George Morris (or even one of the big name Chicago trainers) but I do believe one can receive top quality instruction from someone who is not. We all start somewhere you know. I don't mean to be snarky but as someone who has hung a shingle and put myself out there as a professional in the land of western and 4H, I am somewhat offended by this thread.

[ImJumpin]

There might not be anyone here that goes back east for indoors but I certainly resent the implication that there is absolutely no one of A show quality in NW Indiana. I don't think any of us claim to be the next George Morris (or even one of the big name Chicago trainers) but I do believe one can receive top quality instruction from someone who is not. We all start somewhere you know. I don't mean to be snarky but as someone who has hung a shingle and put myself out there as a professional in the land of western and 4H, I am somewhat offended by this thread.

Didn't mean to offend, and perhaps should have asked for clarification on "top quality." When I think of top quality, I do equate it with trainers who do go to the big shows and who have been to indoors, etc. I agree that "quality" instruction can be found in unexpected places from people who are not BNT. Perhaps the OP had that sort of quality instruction in mind.

OP-- care to clarify? Are you looking for a BNT that can take you to the BIG shows, or are you looking for a decent trainer that has a good quality program that you can expect to learn from but aren't interested in a big time show barn atmosphere? If it is indeed the later, then I agree, there would be more options.

[enjoytheride]

Imjumpin, I don't think Rumors was referring to you but rather the "give up and move to chicago" poster! There is a new show series in cloverdale that has B, A, and AA shows, Trader's point is here every year, and the Indianapolis fairgrounds hosts an A show. There is also Foxton, 50west, Bridle Oaks, and Sport Horse Inc for C and schooling shows. There are several local trainers that go to Florida every winter and if yours doesn't you can always meet somebody down there.

Since the OP is in LaPorte she might find herself showing in Chicago, I am not familair with how far away the facilities I just mentioned are.

[DreamBigEq37]

There might not be anyone here that goes back east for indoors but I certainly resent the implication that there is absolutely no one of A show quality in NW Indiana. I don't think any of us claim to be the next George Morris (or even one of the big name Chicago trainers) but I do believe one can receive top quality instruction from someone who is not. We all start somewhere you know. I don't mean to be snarky but as someone who has hung a shingle and put myself out there as a professional in the land of western and 4H, I am somewhat offended by this thread.


Sorry, RumoursFollow, I wasn't at ALL implying that there was not quality instruction to be had in Indiana.. I was referring to showing, and that's why I asked the OP to clarify what she is interested in. For someone interested in doing A shows and particularly the bigger ones, the truth is there just isn't much around, although it depends on the area. Obviously Indy has more. I'm from the Ft Wayne area, where there simply aren't any barns who do the bigger shows. If she is interested in finding a good trainer to work with and wants to learn and do smaller shows, I am not saying she will not be able to find a situation like that. There are good trainers around, although not nearly as many options as other areas of the country, but there are not as many "big show barns." That's all, sorry to offend.

[lohsela]

I don't know if I should get discouraged or excited!!! I plan on having a farm and an indoor at home... and opening my facility to boarding for sure... I currently ride and show Modified Adult Hunters and Eq right now (I showed 3' and 3'6" in my JR years, but have not shown that much in my adulthood, plus my horse is pretty green right now... I want to get him going at 3' for next year). Anyway, I'm doing a lot of local showing plus I am planning to do HITS, Vermont and hopefully M&S Finals this year (Bit O' Straw). So what am I looking for? Someone to keep me there... although I've been rideing for 20 some odd years so I basically old need a tuning up every now and then... so shipping once a month to a trainer is not out of the question. Going pro is not out of the question either... although I would like to get at least one more year of showing at 3' under my belt. Anyway, for those that PMd me that's so much for the info and everyone please keep the tips coming. I love riding and CT is such a prominent place for that I really think Indiana is going to be shell shock for me :eek:!!

[heygirlhey33]

I have absolutley no clue about showing in IN, but my horse (who happens to be onethe best childrens hunters ever) came from Nora McDonald.

We currently have 3 indianan clients at our barn in cleveland as they were disapointed with the trainers at home.

[ImJumpin]

Sorry, RumoursFollow, I wasn't at ALL implying that there was not quality instruction to be had in Indiana.. I was referring to showing, and that's why I asked the OP to clarify what she is interested in. For someone interested in doing A shows and particularly the bigger ones, the truth is there just isn't much around, although it depends on the area. Obviously Indy has more. I'm from the Ft Wayne area, where there simply aren't any barns who do the bigger shows. If she is interested in finding a good trainer to work with and wants to learn and do smaller shows, I am not saying she will not be able to find a situation like that. There are good trainers around, although not nearly as many options as other areas of the country, but there are not as many "big show barns." That's all, sorry to offend.


There is one that does and another that would if they had clients wanting to do so (certainly did them in the past when they did have the clients).

But Ft Wayne is a bit far for the OP.

OP-- thanks for the clarification. I think you'll be able to find that level in your area-- at least a few to choose from. If Castle Heart Farm hasn't already been mentioned (I *think* that is the name)-- that would be another one in that area. The trainer from that facility does post on the chronicle-- CHFarm or something like that.

Heygirlhey-- I know who you are refering to, and I think they might have been more upset with "barn drama" than trainers at a certain level.

[CHF]

Well, welcome to Indiana Lohsela!

(And thanks Imjumpin for thinking of me! :D )

I moved her from California, and as one who was on a "coast" it was a bit of a culture shock regarding the training available in the area. It is getting better, but definitely not that easy to "pop on over" to a big show for the weekend. I used to be within 30 minutes of some of the best shows in the west coast. I have to travel a bit more now, but that's ok. :D

I run a small but competitive show barn in Hebron, Indiana, which is about 45 minutes from Laporte. We have pony kids and adults and some that do jumpers too. We have a great time and it is very family oriented. Come on over and visit when you get settled in! :yes:

Laporte is about 2 hours from Foxton, 3 from Cloverdale and 2-3 from the Chicago shows. The chicago traffic is a killer, though, as is the tolls! So we stay this side of the border and head south (Traders, CCE in Indy and Cloverdale, Foxton etc.) They have been mentioned and are all nicely run and full of lots of great people, too!

Having your own farm is really nice, and you certainly can haul out to trainers in the area. I do "travel" to a few barns for lessons in the area, as well. At least having your horses at home you won't need to "search" for a place to board your horse right away. That can be a chore in itself. :yes:

You will find that the folks are pretty friendly and are willing to help and answer questions etc. If you need anyone to show you around when you get here, just give a shout! I have been in the area for about eight years and it has grown on me! Laporte is a really nice area too!

Feel free to come and visit sometime when you get settled in! Good luck with the move and hope to meet you sometime soon! Feel free to PM with any "specific" question you may have! :winkgrin:

[TakeAJump]

you have a pm