Horse Country Farm

I took lessons at Horse Country Farm and worked for the owner along with some other kids. It was a horrible experience.
Firstly, it is unsafe. The "bridge" you have to cross to get to the farm is extremely dangerous, and one slip can cause you to fall headfirst into the river below. Also, it is impossible to walk past the horses' stalls. All of them stick out their heads and bite whoever walks by.
Second, the place is, literally, falling apart. Some of the horses' stalls are so muddy and broken up, and the ceilings are so low, that the poor creatures can neither stand straight nor have any room to lay down.
The owner may seem nice at first, but once you sign a contract to come there and work and take lessons, she's an entirely different person. The owner is very mean to the kids and horses. She yells, swears, and sometimes throws things (i.e. rakes, pitchforks, buckets) at the children. The horses are also abused. If they don't listen, she screams at them, kicks them, or whips their bodies, and faces. (I was a witness to this). During the winter, the horses' water buckets are frozen solid. Nobody changes the water. They wait until somewhere to mid-day for it to melt. I'm no expert, but I think even I know that horses shouldn't drink ice cold water.
The tack and equipment are not cared for. They are filthy and some lay around on the floor.

I cannot say that I didn't learn anything there, but I believe I could have learned MUCH more during that period of time in a different place.
I do not recommend this place to anyone who cares about horses our their children's well-being. Personally, it is extremely stressful seeing such wonderful creatures in such drastic conditions. These horses deserve a better place to live, with a nice caring home and an owner that loves them.

Posted 06/18/09 | Report Abuse

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I went against my gut feeling about this place too, I thought this would be a good experience for my child like a toughing it kind of experience because my childs work ethic is a bit lagging. I brought a family member with me that knows a lot about horses and was I shocked. These horses are malnutritioned, and neglected. They have water blisters on their backs, you can see their ribs and their manes are matted and filthy. The stalls are falling apart as is most of the fencing. There is garbage/scraps all over. And the suspension bridge??? How could that be insured? I do not think it can. It is not safe! The facilities are not adequate for horses, let alone horses used for a business. I am curious if these people are even updated on their licensing and insurance, if they are, a community out pour is necessary to alert a review of this place. This place is dangerous and should not be supported by anyone. Turn these people in!

Posted 04/03/09 | Report Abuse

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My daughter was enrolled in a summer horse camp here a few summers ago. It was a good experience, but the owner/staff did seem a little more gruff even towards the kids that I would have liked. While they kids came out of their end of camp show feeling good, I still wondered if I had done the right thing by bringing her.

I could very well not have all information, but this is the vibe I did get. Didn't expect nurturing but also didn't want the staff to be unapproachable.

Posted 03/31/09 | Report Abuse

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