I can't say enough good things about my experience at IB Stables in Noblesville! A true gem of a…read morestable and historic treasure just 30 minutes north of Indianapolis.
I am a beginner and have been taking lessons there since early Fall of '22, and I have been extremely impressed with everything so far. The lesson prices a very reasonable for all you receive, and the expertise available to you for all the services they offer is unparalleled.
Likewise, I have enjoyed getting to know Iris and the rest of the family and spending time in a barn and stable that has so many decades of rich, family equestrian history. The walls in the original, wood paneled, office in the main part of the historic, century old barn, are lined with photographs of the champions bred, raised, and trained there over the years. You will not find anything like this anywhere near Indianapolis with this rich a history! If you are looking for a real working stable, this is the one.
Sadly, farms, barns, and stables like this are going by the wayside due to urban expansion and changing needs. This grand old barn may not look like the newer stables with the fancy, newer looking trimmings, but she's magnificent for her age! They also have a large, wonderful, indoor riding area, which allows you to ride year round plus all the other amenities the other stables offer and more. They have the trust you can expect, the service you deserve and the experience you need, that will win you over.
I wanted to take lessons from someone with lots of experience, since I wanted to learn all aspects of horses and horseback riding. I didn't know anything, but I didn't want to just show up, pay to ride a pre-saddled horse and go through the motions for an hour, and IB Stables provided exactly what I was looking for.
Iris's family, along with her daughter Audra, who raises winning show horses, are the owners of the stable, are a constant presence during my lessons in the evenings. Iris raises wonderful, champion bred Doberman's and there is also a giant tom turkey who struts his stuff for all the chickens in the barn areas too! All they need now are some mini cows!!
The first time I came to the stable to inquire about lessons, Iris, the owner, sat me down and asked me first, why I wanted to learn to ride, what previous experience I'd had and what I wanted to learn. This showed me that they care about ME and not just about taking my money, giving me a standard lesson, and sending me off till next week. They care about everyone who walks in the door that wants to learn to ride or board a horse or wants to use the other numerous, world-class, services they offer. That is why I chose to take my first ever lessons with them.
I fun to arrive early and to watch some of the other lessons, which are mostly filled with younger kids. I have watched Iris during her lessons, and at times she can be very firm when giving instruction. Likewise, I too, have received that same firm instruction. But don't be too quick to criticize. You must remember that horses can be dangerous and weigh upwards of 1000+ lbs. Safety is always their number one concern. But, their horses are experienced lesson type horses, well-trained, patient, gentle.
Every week I show up for lessons, I see the horses being cared for in ways I never thought horses needed! The ferries are there all the time, along with chiropractors and veterinarians etc. Iris and Audra are always making sure everything is attended too, and they do not skimp when it comes to the horses they own or are under their care.
I hope this review helps, and I am truly grateful for the western style riding lessons I have received and love the feeling of family this stable brings. Thanks so much, Iris and family. I look forward to many more years of riding thanks to you.