Took my 4 year old son for his first ever riding lesson. He was so excited, all he talked about…read morethat week was his riding lesson. He loves animals, feeds our neighbors horses, and has ridden ponies on a few occasions. I am not sure that Kristy (the instructor) has much experience with young children. Kristy had very little patience with my son who was a bit shy at first. She was very pushy and appeared irritated with my son when he wasn't responding to her instructions fast enough. My son is a very energetic, friendly, bright, and outgoing boy. He did not refuse to do anything, it just took him a minute to figure out what she was asking him to do. Kristi,never attempted to slow down and give him time to respond. At one point, she told my son "wow, I guess you don't want to ride today" when he was hesitant about scraping the horses hoof. She seemed like she was in a hurry and he wasn't moving fast enough for her. It was a very stressful experience and I could see my son's excitement slowly change to sadness. He told me after it was over that he doesn't want to ride horses again. It was pretty discouraging. I'm sure Kristi does a very good job with more serious riders and older children, she seems to be very knowledgeable. However, I would not recommend taking a 4 year old child to her.

Christy Woods did and EXCELLENT JOB with my 5 children AND husband, teaching them ALL to prep,…read moreride, and cool down 3 horses. She was able to INCLUDE THEM ALL, multi-tasking teaching and riding, separately, 3 horses at the same time. We were only in Three Rivers for 3 days and Christy was able to squeeze us in, for an experience my family will never forget!! My girls are 5, 9, 11, 13, & 18, with my 41 year old husband the biggest kid of them all!! They all learned SO much about handling and riding, AND CARING FOR the horses, which was really the girls' favorite part! So much attention to detail!! They ALL have a newfound respect for the animal, and riders. We are SO thankful to Christy, for the memories made, the signed book, and the wonderful way she handled every unique member of my family, as individuals. With different levels of fear, and ability to understand, she was somehow able to make it enjoyable for all of those participating!! She was firm, but understanding, she didn't force anything, and she has a WEALTH of knowledge!!! For a bunch of novices, never having had this type of experience, even one full of fear, (the 18yr old! who ended up riding!!), we were not sure what to expect. The education was SO paramount to the ride, as understanding horses made for a safe, fear-free ride, as well as knowing what the horses expect from us humans. We learned so much! A BIG 'Thanks!' to Christy, and her beautiful, well-trained, patient companions, Dollar, Jackpot, and Cowboy!! Hope to see you again someday!!