Crowley's Commission Sales

Locally, if you ask any horse person about Crowley's, we all say "ugh.. what a dump" but to be completely honest we all frequent it anyway, myself included. This is not a hunter/jumper lesson barn. This is a sales & auction barn where cowboys walk around wearing spurs and smoking like chimneys. This is not a place where I would ever board my horses but if I said I never bought one there I'd be lying to you.

The trail rides have certainly improved over the years. I can remember navigating past trash (even a laundry machine and old tractor tires) while on trails, but that was years ago. One of their trail guides in 2009, Joe, would certainly keep the kids entertained by singing songs and telling jokes. Night riding is really fun too, great way to see some local wildlife and enjoy a nice bonfire. Trail Riding: 4 stars.

I do agree with another poster that 99% of their horses are in need of farrier (and veterinary!) care. I saw one trail horse that looked as if he'd gone a year without a single trimming, and another horse in the barn with a gaping untreated wound that was clear to the bone - they weren't interested in tending to it either. They have the "horses are livestock, not pets" mentality.. Some of the trail horses stand tacked all day, sometimes without water... I'd give them a 0 for Horse Care.... At least they don't put 2-3 horses in each stall anymore.. ugh!!

I would buy horses at their auctions - and I have. The auctioneer may tell a dirty joke once in a while, but it's a nice atmosphere considering what it is. Why would you bring your kids to a horse auction anyway? It's not a darn petting zoo.. Anyway, if you know what you're doing you can find some really great buys. English horses usually go for much less than Western horses there considering the crowd - I saw a gorgeous jumper go for $275, a real steal. One big problem at their barn though: strangles! Ugh! The good news is that kill buyers don't frequent this sale, and most of the buyers are decent with farms somewhat locally. But a word of advice: don't buy a horse at auction just because they're cheap when you don't know what the heck you're doing!!! 3 stars for Auction.

Where else can you go for a leisurely trail ride with the kids for $30 each? Find a great horse for very cheap? And go for a hay ride to kick off the fall season? If only the Crowleys cared more about their horses I would be 100% happier with the place.

Posted 11/06/09 | Report Abuse

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Crowley's, while better then it has been in the past, still disappoints. The trail horses are consistently underweight and in need of farrier care.

The auctions are what I'd expect--filled with all sorts of people, buying horses nobody wants. Good deals can be found if you know what to look for.

Posted 10/16/08 | Report Abuse

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I have been here for trail rides and for several hay rides over the years. The hayrides were fun and they had a huge bonfire afterward. The trail rides were dissapointing though. Our guide seemed disinterested and the trails are just OK.

Posted 02/03/08 | Report Abuse

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We have gone to several of the auctions at Crowleys and once on a trail ride. It reminds me of the Old West with some rough-riding cowboys and crude language at auction time. I brought our young daughter to a Sat auction and was quite embarrassed at times with the auctioneers remarks. Also, the horses that are in the barns for sale some times are very marked up . The place makes our family so sad that we will not go there any more to put it bluntly.

Posted 01/19/08 | Report Abuse

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Crowley's Horseback Riding Stables is a great place to take kids to learn how to ride. The staff is patient and the horses are gentle. The trails are always enjoyable to ride on. Prices are fair.

Posted 11/16/07 | Report Abuse

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