Sharing my experience with Duke Petting Farm to save you from having to go through the same thing…read more I was having a big cowboy themed party for my boys joint birthday party. So I thought how fun would it be to have a cowboy horse & a petting farm. I Talked with Deb before even booking the party to make sure all the kids would be able to ride the pony. At first I asked for a horse because most of the kids would be around 10-11 years old. I was told a horse would be too hard for the little kids but she would send me a large pony that would be perfect for my age range. I told her no one would be over 120 pounds. She even asked me to put it in an email and I did. I am sharing that email in the photo section. I confirmed this with the owner several times before the party. Fast forward to party day when the problems all began. She sent 2 girls to work my one hour party. The one girl that ran the petting bunny area was EXTREMELY rude to all the little kids. Even rolling her eyes at them when they asked what kind of balloons she could make. She yelled at them multiple times when kids 3 years old were petting the baby bunnies. To a point of me and several parents going in the bunny pen to help. It was so embarrassing that people at my party were being treated this way. Several of the bunnies kept escaping. She yelled at the 3 year old birthday boy when he went to get a second handful of food from the food bucket they bring. She said "you already fed the animals." We tried to talk to her to help change her bad mood but it was the entire time and super disappointing as this was a kids party. The other thing I would like to warn you about is that TONS of the kids were turned away from riding the pony. The girl working said they were too tall. One of the girls was a tiny 10 year old weighing no more that 65 pounds. If height was a requirement I should have been told that before the party. Like I said I discussed this with her multiple times. So only a few little kids got to ride over and over. When you pay over $500 for someone to bring animals to your party you expect at least kind service. I contacted the owner before coming to social media. She said the girl working the party was only 14 years old. While she did say she would talk to her she made all kinds of excuses. I think it would be better to have an adult working something like this. She told me the bigger pony they had used at a different party that day and had problems with so they switched to this one. I understand things happen in life but those are not a customers problem. While I couldn't come to an agreement with the owner I thought I could at least warn all my friends or anyone thinking to book for a party! Stay far away. I wished I would have booked somewhere else. After having the party I had several people recommend Tyler's exotic animals. They said he is much more kid friendly. Just super disappointed that so few kids got to ride the pony & that the other worker that ran the balloons/petting area treated everyone so rotten. It was an awful experience and I have booked lots of big things for events. Never have I had to deal with this kind of unprofessionalism. Truly disappointed.

It's a bit out of the way for folks living in town but it's a farm after all!!!! Debbie and her…read moreteam of volunteers are absolutely amazing!!!!! I took my 10 year old out here for some riding for her birthday, the offer lessons for a fair price and they also do this thing called "Mini-Mondays" where younger kids get to do fun activities and dive into the agricultural world. They get up close and personal with the animals while learning valuable life lessons such as showing respect to all creatures, kindness, forgiveness and other things we all want instilled in our kids! My girls just wrapped up softball and we're so excited to sign up for volunteering at the farm!!

I'm a big fan of Free Spirit Farm! It's been a lifelong dream of mine to own a horse, and the next…read morebest thing is riding frequently and learning to ride properly. That's what I get to do here. I've ridden many of the horses and ponies and have always felt safe. Shae owns the barn, trains the horses, and teaches lessons. All of her horses are loved, well-cared for, and do well with riders at all levels. She is a patient instructor, cares about her clients, and is passionate about her business and horses in general. She's also a certified saddle fitter. Weather-permitting, lessons are outside year round. From the outdoor arena, there's a lovely view of a beautiful grassy field where the horses love to graze with a gorgeous tree-lined backdrop. During inclement weather (when it's simply too cold or rainy), there's a very nice, large indoor arena. Lessons are private and semi-private and priced fairly. Shae teaches all ages. I am super happy at this barn. I think the world of Shae as an instructor, trainer, business owner, and person. You're in good hands here, and if you enjoy it half as much as I do, your life will be brighter when you take equestrian lessons at Free Spirit .

Cheryl enjoys sharing her knowledge through instructing riders of all skill levels whether it is…read moreone lesson or a group setting. Cheryl assist riders to reach their goals developing a deeper understanding of riding.

this one stinks and their teaching is horrible my child and me got our money taken by herread more

What a wonderful place! My daughter talks about it all year long! She attends summer camp and…read morecouldn't have more fun. She learns a lot too! The farm and barn are so big. You can tell they truly care about their horses and the people who come to ride. They make you feel like you're at home, it's like a big family. Everyone is so nice and they all know my daughter. I know we will continue to bring her to horse camp for years to come and soon enough look forward to riding lessons! Thank you MVF!

Makes fake profiles about his competition. Hits his horses, let's horses go without feed and hay…read morefor days at a time if its convenient for him. Doesn't regularly vet his animals, cuts corners, IS NOT A RESCUE AND LIES ABOUT HIS CHARITY WORK. He's never done anything charitable in his life. His only "rescue" he shot in the head after letting reach hypothermia in a creek bed because he wanted to ride a lame horse. Throws rocks at his jack russel, hits horses in the face with buckets. This guy shouldn't own animals. When he confronted me at local bar in Fremont about why I life and to get the current scoop on his ex horse trainer Lori. He said I QUOTE "I YELL AND HIT ALL MY ANIMALS" My response was "well it's not ok for you to tell or hit mine. These animals are my children and ANYONE who interferes with their well being will never be ok in my book " He then proceeded to tell me how good his life was , and how drama free he is since I took his trainer and only horse boarders with me - But look at him how happy are you if your dedicating 40 hours a week into being a little internet warrior? How drama free are you if you come up to fight with people who don't wanna touch you with a 10 ft pole? Let's not get into his questionable mental health or bad hygiene. There's truly a million and one reasons you shouldn't go here or bales & tails. One being that none of these people are licensed or have any formal education. Just been riding horses for some years and labeled themselves as know all equestrians. Go to Tesoro QHs out of auburn, or private lessons with margret off of Copeland rd, she is a IEA certified instructor ! Does trail riding also. My heard of horses are happier ad healthier than ever since moving stables. My senior is fat again, no one is skiddish. I have a yearling who's already broke to death it's seems - a rider. 60 acres of pasture , and my team of vets has done an amazing job with routine care of my animals! Something both Jeff and Lori don't know much about. Jeff tried to sell me on a EPM story for a 30 year old lane horse. Then, tells me at the pub the vet said it it was worms. Must have a confused or high vet if he changes diagnosis on a basis. Major didn't die from worms or EPM. He died from weed killer because Jeff is TOO LAZY to weedwack. What a stand up guy, truly

JT is great. Greeted us as soon as we arrived, had everything ready for us and horses were great…read more Loved the experience from before booking all the way through leaving. JT was excellent communicating with dates/times for booking, clear on deposit and what to expect on our trail ride. He had obviously checked everything on the trail before we arrived, horses were ready to go, he was safety conscious with requiring helmets for younger riders and offering to the adults and clear riding instructions to make sure we all had a great ride. Trails were in great shape, had many options for where we ride, and options for walking and trotting. Kids loved giving treats to the horses after the ride. Will definitely ride here again.