Gorgeous barn and endless trails and pastures to explore. Well loved and cared for horses. Kids…read morelearning responsibility WITHOUT staring at a phone. Well-run shows and great support from trainers ensuring that riders meet their personal riding goals. A great place to spend time with horses and friends.

This post is in response to Gary and Carol Maguire's comments AND to celebrate 25 years as a…read moreboarder, student, and finally, dressage instructor, at MacNair's Stables. Unlike the Maguires, I was not a first time horse owner and had boarded at several different barns in two states. The care and concern for the horses at MacNair's is exceptional. As an instructor, I have had the opportunity to visit many boarding stables in and around the Raleigh area. MacNair's stands out with the many opportunities and facility highlights that are available on the 150 acre grounds. While primarily a hunter jumper teaching facility, you will find dressage, eventers, trail riders, western, and endurance. There are many horses on the property that are stabled in two separate barns as well as pasture boarding. There are two indoor riding arenas, one dressage arena and two large sand arenas as well as large grassy areas and miles of trails. Children can begin lessons at the age of 8 and there are a few riders in their 80's. There are about 200 lessons given on the farm every week with numerous trainers. With that in mind, the Maguires mentioned "arrogance" which affects ring use. With 200 students in one week, group lessons will have priority over ring space. One rider, on his own, cannot expect to have a ring to himself. There are many places to ride. The stalls are thoroughly cleaned each and every day as well as the water buckets. If an owner comes hours after the stall has been cleaned, there should be manure and urine there. If not, something is wrong. If the water buckets were just cleaned and an owner comes to the stall, there will be a slight delay as the buckets will be filled one at a time. There will be a short window of time with an empty bucket. This is normal. The Maguires mentioned a bacterial infection with their horse. Their horse had a bone fracture and had to have a surgical procedure at the vet school. Any time there is a surgical procedure, there is a chance of infection. This is true with human or horse. Roundup is used, by the owner only, in areas that need weed control. Its use is strictly administered, as directed, for farm use with horses and cattle. As far as the comments from the Maguires about "cliquey, uppity, arrogance, superiority" - I must say that children, friends, family, complete strangers, and many others continue to come to MacNair's in order to participate in the whole horse learning experience that I have come to love over these 25 years. These people have become life long friends and mentors to me. To finalize, let me tell you about our lesson horses. Some are now in their 30's and continue to thrive under the care of the fine staff at MacNair's. They are healthy and sound. They are well taken care of. They love the job of teaching young and old the special bond between human and horse. And to you, the Maguires, may God richly bless you and keep you as you continue your search for perfection in your next horse adventure. Amen!

If you're looking for a laid-back no drama facility to board your horse, relax on amazing trails or…read moretake lessons, then look no further than Hidden Spring Farm! Lighted arena with great footing, dressage ring, open field jumps and great trails. What more could you want?!? Full board to pasture board, they have you covered! You and your horse become part of the family. No matter your skill level they have you covered with lessons from beginner to advanced.

We did a spring break sampler for After School Art and More here and I was really impressed at how…read morewell they worked with the kids. The age group was for 5-11 year olds. My son was the youngest (turning 5 in a month). The kids were able to pet and interact with the goats, pig, cats, dog, lamb and chickens. They brought a pony out and did really well at exlaining the safety issues on a level the children could understand. I wasp also impressed at how hands on they allowed the young kids to be while still maintaining a safe environment. The kids were able to groom the pony, including combing and brushing it, and were able to pick out its hooves while the educator held the horse's leg and made sure they didn't hurt the horse. This was a great way of teaching them to be responsible for an animal while still letting them enjoy interacting with it!

My friends and I went to the advanced horse camp this past week. Our instructor Paige, who taught…read moreus Thursday and Friday was absolutely amazing!!

I've been riding at Castle Farm for a little over three years. I needed a barn that was a closer…read moredrive in Knightdale/Raleigh and this was a good fit. While you have the opportunity to do horse shows (eventing; hunter/jumper; dressage; drill team), it definitely does not have the snobby "show barn" vibe like many places. It really is a team/family environment and I've made some wonderful friends here who I do things with away from lessons. Horses have a way of bringing people together! Heather (owner/operator) has been doing this for decades and is incredibly knowledgeable both in horse care and riding itself. She gets to know each individual student and their quirks/personalities. You won't just be sitting on a pony walking around a ring...you will learn the ins and outs of horsemanship and equitation. I appreciate that Heather takes the time to explain the mechanics of things rather than just pointing you at a jump. Safety is the top priority (closely followed by "Did you have fun?") for both riders and horses. I have ridden off and on since I was around 10 and I can say that Castle Farm ranks #1 for this of anywhere I've been previously. Lessons (group and private) are available for children and adults every day except for Thursdays and Sundays. There are around 15-20 horses, all of them with individual personalities and for riders of varying skill levels. The farm has a medium sized arena/stadium jump ring, a large field with various cross country jumps, another field with stadium jumps, and a grassy dressage arena. Come check it out!

I rode at Castle Farm in high school it is an amazing environment! I was also one of the feeders…read morefor Heather she is great! She fosters a welcoming and friendly spirit there i learned a lot from her. Even after i left the Raleigh area she had been a tremendous help for me as a resource she has given me so much advice over the years. i am truly grateful for all the experiences she facilitated!

Blue skies of maple view is the best barn in the WORLD! This stunning stable has changed my life…read moreforever in the best way possible! The horses are so gentle, well cared for, sweet and loving! Summer camp at Blue Skies is one of my favorite times of the year! The best way to describe it is a cowgirls heaven! Each day you get to ride horses, learn about horses, and draw horses, and then take a refreshing dip in the pool!!! I have been riding at Blue Skies for six years and every moment I have been smiling! Ms. Deborah is one of the kindest, most loving and patient people I have ever met! She is so passionate, caring and truly the heart of Blue Skies! This delightful barn has an amazing community, full of kind and loving people who share their appreciation and compassion for these amazing horses! When someone asks me if i could go anywhere in the world, my answer is always Blue Skies! If you are looking for a phenomenal, non-competitive, welcoming and unforgettable barn, than Blue Skies of Mapleview is your place!

I love this place! It feels like home to me with Deborah and those that I've met here. Everyone is…read moreso warm and welcoming. Deborah and Zoe really know what they are talking about, I've never been to a barn with so much respect for the horses and others and it's wonderful. I've learned so much here and found some a deeper respect and love for these beautiful horses.

Pasture Boarders Beware…read more Jim's barn is beautiful with gorgeous indoor and outdoor arenas. There is a tack room for boarders, and slots for tacking up as well as several wash stalls. He has one person working for him, Pancha, who feeds all the horses, cleans stalls, and generally takes care of things. The horses in the barn seem well cared for. The pasture has 2 run-ins that seem in good shape, and 17 acres to spread out on with seemingly good grass. The water trough was a little questionable... There is only one other horse on pasture board and it's his horse (RED FLAG). There are lessons on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays - if you want to ride on those days, outdoor arena only. Feed for pasture boarders is grain in pans 20ft apart. I expressed that I was concerned about that because one of my 2 eats significantly more than the other, and the one who gets less will steal food. Jim stated (his idea) that there was a paddock in the field where one horse could go in to eat so he wouldn't steal food. He stated that I would have to pay his help extra for her time. I made sure to tell him that one of my horses was 18hh. He didn't seem to have a problem with it and asked more questions about his breeding. I asked if he would feed supplements and he said yes. I also asked about using an open stall temporarily while I tacked up one of my 2 horses and he said yes as long as I cleaned up after myself. I moved in and everything seemed fine. Jim was very pleasant and easy to talk to. I felt very comfortable with him and our decision to move there. I watched a few lessons - he was very kind and patient. I helped Pancha feed the horses that evening and the next morning so that they could get used to their new routine and one of them going into the paddock. We talked the whole time (in what little Spanish I know) and she even was showing me pictures of her family. I brought my horses inside to ride and put one in the "preapproved stall". I gave him a flake of hay to munch on while he was waiting (it is explicitly stated on the website that grain AND HAY are included in board). While I was tacking up my other horse, Jim walked in and told me "you're expecting too much as pasture board horses and you need to leave". I tried to fumble through a question as to why and he simply stated that I expected to much and Pancha was not comfortable working around my horses. I said ok, I'll try to find another barn as soon as I can, but it may be next week sometime to which he replied "the sooner the better, you need to get out". I told him that I had given a flake of hay to my horse and offered to buy a bale (EVEN THOUGH HAY IS SUPPOSEDLY INCLUDED IN BOARD per the website) and Jim stated that I was stealing..... I immediately packed up my trailer and left after being there less than 24 hours. He went from being very friendly and easy to talk to, to INCREDIBLY rude and hurtful in a very short period of time. I think the real issue is that I was too much of a presence in the barn. I never saw any other boarder there, and in the boarders tack room, pretty much everything was covered in dust. He is obviously used to doing things his way and in his routine, and I was interrupting that. I also don't think he really wants to deal with pasture board horses. So, if you have a horse that you need stall board for and don't plan to ride often, this is the place for you. They will be well taken care of. I think if you just want lesson, this is also a great place to come. Otherwise, stay away.

Jim is a terrific teacher He is particularly patient and gentle in his criticism. The facilities…read moreare terrific, safe and convenient for those who live in Chapel Hill and Durham. Although Jim is best at teaching English but he was willing to take me on as an older adult who just wanted to refine his Western riding. Kind man with a good manner

My daughter greatly enjoyed her lesson there recently. They had a beautiful set up as well as being…read moreknowledgeable and compassionate with their horses.

I started riding here a few weeks ago. Ole Strigel is the owner and chief operator. He…read morespecializes in buying / selling high end sport horses from Europe for clients in the US. The facility bar none is the best in the area. The barn is immaculate and the riding ring's footing is a synthetic material which is incredible. It offers a smoother experience for the horse and rider. Situated on 20 acres in Durham it is one of the most beautiful barns I have seen. In terms of training - best suited for adults who are serious however you don't have to be advanced. I could barely walk / trot when I started and he already has me working over cavalettis and counting strides between jumps. If you are ready to take your or your horse's hunter / jumper training to the next level there is no better facility. It is an honor and a privilege to ride here. Great for: Horse Back Riding Lessons, Horseback Riding, Horse Boarding, Horse Riding Lessons, Hunter Jumper, show stable, Equestrian Center, Equestrian, show barn

Fabulous facility. It is easily the premier hunter / jumper show barn in the Raleigh / Durham /…read moreChapel Hill area. No better place if you are looking to take your riding to the next level. Ole has experience on the international level - but has the patience to work with beginner level riders. The barn is beautiful and the farm is a real treat. I love spending time here.