I grew in or near a city...sort of a city slicker. I do enjoy getting out into nature and I like animals. So, with grandkids on Spring Break, we thought we would give them an experience. Judy and George from Eastfork Stables, did just that. They showed us grooming, getting on...and off (yes there is definitely a right and wrong way to do both) a horse. They even taught a city boy, like me, a think or three about horsemanship. Above and beyond their knowledge of horses and their mannerisms, Judy and George are incredibly patient. The kids (and the grown-ups) had a fantastic time in the hills around Eastfork Lake. Take a step...and a breath...away from the city and just relax and enjoy. GREAT getaway! read more

Was discouraged to schedule riding horses with a group. Stated riders have to have lessons. I explained that we do know how to ride horses. I was told to go to Kentucky state park. He was not interested in scheduling and practically hung up on me, when saying good luck. I wouldn't send anyone there for lessons! read more

You know how you run across people who are working in the field they are truly gifted for and meant to be in? George and Judy are the real deal. True skilled horsemen and gifted teachers. My daughter is 9 years old and has had several beginner lessons prior to today. None of the lessons we took else where included much about safety. George began the lesson thouroughly educating us about how to be safe with the horses and what to do if you run into trouble. The fact that he covered these things first was a sign of his dedication and care for his students and for the horses. He was a fun instructor who is actually teaching, and teaching from a lifetime of experience. He and his wife gave their full attention to the class and work great as a team. Their knowledge and experience is inspiring. George and his wife are naturally gifted teachers. We got more out of this lesson than out of all our previous lessons combined and multiplied. My daughter smiled so much and felt proud after her lesson and excited to come back. She even asked if we could just camp out there & stay! She also said on the way home, "Mom, on a scale of 1-5, the other lessons were a 1, and this lesson was a one million!" The facilitators are friendly, the place is beautiful, the horses well cared for, and the price is a steal for what you will gain from the lessons here. I can't say enough positive things about our experience and about East Fork Stables. In addition, I really like the way they schedule the classes. Calling on Friday morning to set it up only takes a few minutes. This is great in case of bad weather or other possible interruptions. If you are looking for a super educational, fun, and safe horse back ridding lesson this is the place. read more

East Fork Stables & Lodge - Horseback Riding Near Me - Batavia, Ohio

Impossible to schedule. They only book one week at a time. You are instructed to call on Friday mornings at 9am. By 9:15am, they are no longer answering the phone and are booked. I have called every week since Christmas! read more

Great stable! I've been riding here for about 14 years. They teach defensive riding for both English and Western disciplines. The instructors George and Judy make sure to provide the safest experience for both you and their horses. Their farm overlooks the beautiful East Fork Trails. Always have had a great experience. Great for all ages. Highly recommend! read more

See all

Let me preface this review by stating that the old man that runs this stable is an absolute atrocious human being. We had been to this stable many times for my daughter's riding lesson and explained to them that we have custody of our daughter every other weekend. We understand that lessons may be more beneficial if they could be weekly, but unfortunately, we don't have that luxury based off our custody agreement. Our daughter truly loves riding horses and we wanted to find a place that could accommodate our unique schedule. We would pay whatever the cost for them to work with us. We hoped it was East Fork based off the lessons she's previously had, but we were wrong... very, very wrong. First off, you have to call at exactly 9AM SHARP the Friday before a weekend to get on the books. If you're a working individual and can't make those accommodations (like my husband and I), you're out of luck. Want to call the Thursday before? Ha! No way. 9AM SHARP not a minute sooner or later (the grumpy old man will even tell you this!). This is an incredibly inefficient, archaic system that does not allow any room for marginal error. Otherwise, they tell you to pound sand. We purchased a 10 hr riding package in February 2020 pre-COVID, hoping to use 1.5 hours every other weekend over the course of 3-4 months to use up the package in its entirety before its expiration. Unfortunately, due to COVID and the state shutting down, entry into OH was not allowed for my husband (he is military and forced him to stay in our immediate area of VA). We had to operate under these strict orders for 3 months. Fast forward to present day, where life is starting to somewhat normalize, we try to book our daughter a lesson using the package we had purchased. We were told no. And not just a "sorry, we can't make those accommodations", this old man went into a diatribe about how he hates inconsistent riders that come as they please (he even described it as "50 First Dates" the movie, implying my daughter will always forget what she learns), that they weren't making any exceptions for anyone regardless of the pandemic, and that they dissolved all of the 10hr packages (without prior notice, btw). I feel cheated. My daughter feels cheated. And instead of trying to work with us, civilly, the man does nothing but talk over you while you try to explain your side of the story. I don't expect anyone to make exceptions for us because we are in a difficult situation, only seeing our daughter every other weekend. But. Not honoring because of COVID...? That's benefitting off the worlds misfortune. And that's shameful. read more

George and Judy are absolutely amazing. I don't have any riding experience and was pretty nervous, they put me at ease, and taught me so much. The stables are beautiful and you can tell they truly love their horses, it was a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend them. read more

I booked a beginner lesson for my two daughters, ages 7 and 12. I was thoroughly impressed by George and his wife Judy. They were kind, immensely knowledgeable and are salt of the earth type people. George shared a wealth of knowledge and information about defensive riding skills. This is the type of place that will teach you how to actually care for the horse, not just ride it. We will absolutely be back. read more

My sisters and I were looking for something fun to do and we remembered attending East Fork Stables for camp during childhood. We called and booked a lesson for the following day. George, our instructor, was beyond incredible and helpful throughout the entire lesson! We especially appreciated the emphasis he placed on safety before, during, and after riding. (For example: Before coming into contact with any of the horses, he demonstrated the safe ways to mount, dismount, and ride. Not only to protect his customers, but to ensure the safe treatment of the horses! The prerequisite lesson on safety lead us to feel more confident/relaxed during the rest of the lesson, which subsequently enabled us to enjoy the experience even more!) After our lesson was over, George spent extra time with us to show us pictures posted around the lodge and tell us the history of the Stable and some pretty neat stories about some of the horses! We were so pleased with our experience and would recommend 100% to anyone interested in having some safe fun! George, if you see this, thank you so much! We can't wait to come back! read more

It had been years since neither myself nor my girlfriend had ridden horses. We were both impressed by our instructors knowledge, attention to detail and overall patience with us as it took us a while to catch on again. Lol. George and his wife Judy really made our experience a truly amazing one! read more

I was looking for a last minute horseback riding intro for my three young kids, and East Fork was able to oblige. I appreciated the informative yet humorous introduction to the need for safe, defensive riding skills. We don't live in the area, but if we did, I would definitely take my kids back there!! I took the lesson too and would recommend that for any parents. read more

George is a very patient and kind instructor with loads of knowledge and experience. His training style is direct and on point. I think I learned more in 1hr than I would have in 5hrs someplace else. He obviously cares very well for his horses and his prices are fair. Can't wait to get back! I learned a ton and more confident than ever! read more