618-236-6376
7511 Rolling Acres Ln Belleville, IL 62223
| Recommended: | yes | 0 | no | 0 |
Funny how my previous two reviews have been removed and the only positive ones are from a teenager, Jim W- her husband, and a boarder who received free board to do minimal work..... not recommended at all. Clueless to medical care and what to look for. Clueless to all rated disciplines and especially does not care about have safe, even footing for rated h/j and dressage. People just have nowhere else to go.
Posted 10/08/09 | Report Abuse
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I have seen much worse stables, including the one just next door to Richland. The people who have left during the time I have been there are either unable to afford it or are looking for an elite trainer and/or barn. Richland as it is now has a fantastic h/j instructor there for at least 2 evenings each month. However, he, too charges a great deal (worth it but still hard to afford on top of the board). I do wish they had an instructor geared toward the greener horses and riders, who would charge less. As it is, there is plenty that I can work on without instruction for the time being. A beginning rider/owner would probably have a tough time getting a start there. Also, the facilities could use more attention but if you are willing to work with a less than professional level of care for the facilities, there is much to be recommended about Richland's care of the full-board horses. I do know that when the current manager began leasing the property, soon after that she found herself caught up in divorce proceedings, which obviously would be very distracting. As for staff, she has recently hired two young men with good experience and are very pleasant and helpful. There are many self-care boarders there but they are proud of their horses and work hard to keep their stalls and horses neat, clean, and happy. In fact the only folks I would label as "deadbeats" there have been some of the full care boarders. However, I would be happier if the turnouts and indoor rings received more attention, e.g. more frequent watering, harrowing, and drainage repair. If I had the money I would look for another place but it would be hard to find anyplace better that didn't charge about $100 to $200 more per month.
Posted 02/26/09 | Report Abuse
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I was very disappointed in this barn and left because of "hidden" charges and poor service. I recommend looking around a little more for better care and staff with a lot more experience.
Posted 02/11/09 | Report Abuse
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In my humble opinion you have to have a certain level of horse and business knowledge to take on such a large facility. Here, hobby knowledge at best is insufficient. Some how all of the reviews stating the lack of care have been removed. Be warned of constant change; in staff, clientele, trainers, and pricing. I am an easy going self sufficient boarder and chose to move because I was uncomfortable with care.
Posted 06/16/08 | Report Abuse
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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It seems to me that this review area has become a sounding board for people who are holding grudges and ranting for personal reasons. I do not recognize the initials of these negative review writers. I do not believe they are real. I have been a boarder at Richland for almost 2 years and am very happy.
Since the owner of Richland has taken over the work herself the quality of care has risen many fold. Yes, the price has gone up for board. But guess what, the barn is full, the horses are thriving and the boarders seem happier than ever.
I would recommend Richland to anyone. But you need to get your name on the waiting list as the barn is full!
Posted 05/17/08 | Report Abuse
2 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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After having to deal with the constant rate increases and poor management, I moved my horse and would not suggest this place at all. A lack of experience and poor business practices have plagued this place for 12 months. Definitely my last choice. Find another barn, You won't go wrong.
Posted 05/15/08 | Report Abuse
3 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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I also moved my horse. This barn is as dysfunctional as it gets. The owner and her boyfriend have no track record when it comes to Equestrian events. Cynthia is not a trained Equestrian, rider, and has no horse savvy. People and workers come and go and Cynthia does not care. No stability at all. Cynthia is more interested in her appearance then managing an operation of this size. Her and Jim W would be better off running Hollywood Tan.
Posted 05/14/08 | Report Abuse
3 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Come and check it out for yourself, seeing speaks louder than words. Its great to have a place so close with fuel prices on the rise. Recommended for the mature horse owner.
Posted 03/28/08 | Report Abuse
1 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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I'm not sure where the one review came from but I have been keeping my horses at Richland since day one and it is an exceptional facility. The horses are cared for very well. Conditions are kept clean and safe. Improvements are ongoing. In a major market increase[hay/ grain/ bedding at record highs] Richland maintained steady prices without reducing the quality of care. Richland as good as it gets. My opinion is based on 34 years of horse experience and I am also a licensed thoroughbred horse trainer.
Posted 03/25/08 | Report Abuse
2 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
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This place is great. I was there when it first started. They are the nicest people and they got me started working with horses. I haven't been able to visit in a while, but I know the owner and she is a great person and is probably running in it with perfection. They were the first place to give me a job with the animals I love.
Posted 01/25/08 | Report Abuse
3 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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