07/02/09

I do love my horse and do board here and love it!

by 1220345

I normally do not write reviews and I do believe that everyone is entitled to their opinion and when it comes to the care of your horse--that is a choice that only you can make. But I found this review to be rather blasphemous and unfair and I must say that hiding behind anonymity is a cowards way out. Again, everyone is absolutely entitled to their opinion--but they need to stand behind it. And I do mine--as a long time boarder at After Hours Farm I must say I disagree with the harsh review put forth by "anonymous." My name is Cathy Esperti and I have boarded there for over 10 years and have taken lessons there for much longer. I not only ride my own horse but many of the school horses--all of which are well cared for, NEVER overused as it the case at many other barns, and because of this are happy, healthy and great fun to be around. So many great personalities with so much to offer and learn from. I have boarded and ridden in California, New Mexico and down on Long Island and have been to many barns in my time. Never have I seen such commitment to horse care as I see at AHF which is why I am still there. The horses are turned out EVERY DAY for a few hours and there are three turnout areas. Horses are matched by personality and no more than two are turned out together at a time. They are fed 4 times a day, grained a minimum of 2 but more if it is necessary to maintain good health--and at no extra charge. Stalls are very well bedded and cleaned every day. In the winter horses are blanketed --again at no extra charge based on temperature and blankets are adjusted and changed according to owners posted instructions. And all the horses receive hot water at every feeding which they love.

The outdoor riding ring is very large and is dragged on a regular basis and is very good footing with numerous interesting and well built fences to work over. The back hunt course is well groomed with good footing and provides a different riding experience with different fence opportunities. The indoor is small and because Barb chooses to use this as a turnout area to the benefit of her horses as well as the boarders, she has battled with keeping the footing pristine. But I will say that it is very ridable and I am sensitive to the footing I ride my horse on. While "anonymous" refers to lameness issues--I don't know of a barn that doesn't have these issues--let's put some perspective around this. Barb is a very compasionate and caring trainer and horse owner and as a result has many horses that are in their 20's as do many of the boarders. With age--as we all know--issues arise. And she bears no expense to provide them with the care and loveing environment that they deserve. Each horse--whether hers or yours--is carefully monitored and their health is of her utmost concern.

So I am not an A-rated rider but I am a good rider and I love this sport. I will ride until it is humanly impossible for me not to. And the care and well being of my horse is of utmost importance to me, which is why I board at After Hours Farm. But do not take my word for it or the word of "anonymous" -- come out and see the barn, talk to Barb and make the decision for yourself. And if you love your horse--you will come and look. Choosing a barn and a trainer are personal decisions. Her training methods are based on Sally Swift and George Morris and continue to be highly relevant and highly regarded today. In light of full disclosure, I am also friends with the trainer but that friendship grew out of a great respect for her training, her care of her horses and of mine. So make the decision for yourself and where ever you wind up--I wish you great riding.

• Pros: horse care is beyond compare
• Cons: small indoor--but still very ridable

11/10/08

IF you love your horse - DO NOT board here. God bless this trainer but it's time to face the facts.

by hunter21

I Know this farm intimately so I'll remain anonymous. This facility is its "own little world" - instructor is VERY rigid and barn has alot of quirky rules / restrictions. While all horses have ample hay, water, bedding...the facility and property are NOT equipped for more than 3-4 horses MAX. Yet, THERE ARE OVER 20 horses here! There is a turn out paddock that is entirely mud, water, and manure and less than 1/4 acre in size. THAT IS IT. As most equestrians know - you can keep horses on small acreage but ideally you should have 1 acre of fenced area per horse. Turnout is rotated in this tiny paddock - most get only 1-2 hours/day. Stalls are very small, dark, and uneven - no rubber mats. Not an environment for horses to be horses. The indoor is very small and is ROCK HARD, uneven, and extremely dusty! Hay is ample but below average quality. 2-3 horses get turned out in the indoor arena nightly, which compacts the footing - its like concrete- it never gets raked. The pattern of lame horses is constant. I've noticed many structural issues with arena/barn- also poor drainage and poor manure management. There is a mountain of manure right next to building. Facilities are a fire hazard. Awful turnout, bad footing, and hazardous structures- this is a bad place for any horse. The tiny 1/4 acre paddock for 20 horses doesn't cut it. I think many of the horses here have developed vices over time due to the constraints of the facility. I was always worried that the building would catch fire or collapse on the horses. I feel bad for this trainer - she has tried to patch things up but income is not enough to do it right. She loves the horses but unfortunately her training is circa 1975. Lessons are packed into the tiny indoor every night. Sometimes 6 horses at once. Good luck finding space to ride in winter. I'm very sorry to be so honest, but I truly hope this helps someone. I have no grudge.

• Pros: Trainer does love the horses. That is it.
• Cons: Unsafe facility for any horse, 20 horses - 1 tiny paddock. small arena, awful footing

03/08/08

cool

by greenpea123

madd clean but the insructors alittle uptight. really serous but knows what shes doing so shes great in the long run. the horses are awesome and then place is spotless

• Pros: everyone is soooo nice!
• Cons: instructor