would not recommend. The instructors were very unprofessional and put down the kids. The horses…read morebite, and it is not a safe environment.

Heres the good, main instructor knows what he is doing for the most part…read more Heres the bad not always the friendliest environment. The way leaders in this sport set the example for other in this sport is important. I don't think every kid deserves a participation trophy but I will echo a previous review the coach there is tough you need thick skin to deal with him. Not a place where the kiddos can build self esteem in the saddle. Horses are cared for moderately well. But overall as a teen who road here I had good foundation and I thank him for that but the trainer really at times was petty and unkind but much of this area suffers from drama and unprofessionalism it is profoundly sad to me the nonsense that goes on. My recommendation is he is good with the horses and not always the people.

An old-fashioned sleigh with seating for 4 and cozy blankets; a valiant steed adorned in jingle…read morebells; an elegant coachman with top hat and collared overcoat; magical snow flakes and the silence of a snow-covered landscape...these are the makings of an amazing winter sleigh-ride outing with the lovely people at Heberle Stables! I've been wanting to go on a sleigh ride for years, ever since the first time I saw a horse-drawn sleigh in Ellison while xc skiing there. But our fluky winters have made it hard to plan for a weekend with enough snow for the sleigh; when there's not enough snow, you can take a carriage ride, which is just like a sleigh but with wheels. But we really wanted to experience the sleigh. So, over this past weekend, my hubby and I, and another couple friends, finally did it, and it was everything we had hoped for - tons of snow on the ground which made the sleigh ride possible, gently falling flakes which made the experience magical, and the kindness and friendliness of the family that owns the stables, taking care of everything including a bonfire for warming up before and after, and a cocoa station. Heberle (pronounced 'heh-ber-lee') stables are a family run operation. They have numerous horses, an indoor riding ring for winter riding, and sleighs and carriages for Ellison park trips. The family has been working on this piece of land bordering Ellison Park (right at the corner of Browncroft and Landing Roads) for over 100 years. They love what they do and you can tell because every generation is involved and they all seemed genuinely enthusiastic to share their horses and history with us. On the day of our ride, we showed up a few minutes early and parked. Got out and went to the bonfire and started chatting with the patriarch (Bill?) and owner, who was friendly, funny, and full of great historic information about the stables, which allowed our waiting time to pass really quickly. When our sleigh arrived, the seats were brushed clear of snow and we were seated with us facing our friends (so no one has to face the backs of the other's heads), and then Bill put some heavy blankets on us (it was 17F and we had also brought our own blankets but their's were fine.) Our coachman, Jake, one of Bill's sons, was elegantly attired and gave us instructions, explained about the horse pulling our sleigh (named Buddy), and was generally friendly and conversational answering all our questions. The ride went so fast - they are only 30 min - and then we were deposited back by the bonfire where we had been picked up. In all we were there over an hour, between the ride and the conversation, and we all agreed this is the kind of thing we'd love to do every winter! I can highly recommend this place and experience, and I encourage you to check their web page and sign up online. They have 2 horses/2 sleighs and they each do 7 trips per day, so there are lots of options. My only advice would be to watch the weather and if you can get lucky with a snowy day, that's the best!

I am very disappointed with my experience with Heberle Stables and the lack of communication from…read moreHeather Heberle. I first contacted Heather in January 2026 by leaving a phone message and completing the online contact form, which included my name, address, phone number, and email address. I had planned to use the $200 gift certificate from Heberle Stables for my grandson's birthday in January, but I was unable to make arrangements because I never received a response. I followed up again in April and June, leaving additional phone messages. In July, I left one final message explaining that if riding lessons could not be arranged, I would appreciate a refund for the value of the gift certificate. The Heberle Stables website states that gift certificates never expire. I also asked for confirmation that Heberle Stables is still in business. Unfortunately, I have received no response to any of my messages or inquiries since January. I understand that businesses can become busy or circumstances can change, but completely failing to respond to a customer over a period of several months--especially regarding a $200 gift certificate--is extremely disappointing and unprofessional. I would simply like a response and a resolution regarding the unused gift certificate.

Zoe was a joy to ride with! So friendly and chatty with great knowledge of the trails and the…read morehorses. I took a two-hour ride on waffles, a joy of a Belgian draft to ride. With my experience level, we were able to do decent bursts of cantering uphill, and Waffles has quite the motor for a draft! there is such a variety of horses and sizes that there is likely a personality to fit any person (within reason). on the hilltop boogie ride, the farm we passed through was beautiful and it was fun to see the other animals. The trails were beautiful as well, with red-tailed hawks soaring overhead, bucks leering at us warily through the trees, and various other critters to spot from the trail. All the staff was friendly, sharing jokes and quips before and after the ride when we passed by. The solo fee is extremely reasonable, as was the price of the ride itself. For those who haven't experienced it, the creek crossing would be fun! I guide beginner trail rides for work in Pennsylvania, and I learned a few helpful tricks and ideas to implement over there. I can confidently recommend this facility, and Zoe as a guide!

I'm in love with this stable! I've been trail riding all over for years and Painted Bar Stables…read morewins the Blue Ribbon! Here's why: Erika, the owner, takes the time to learn about each prospective rider before you come so she can pair you with the perfect horse. So be sure and take the time to let them know in the online questionnaire how you are with horses and riding. I'm a confident rider and got a great horse for me where my husband isn't as confident rider and he was paired with a sweet easy going horse, Faye. Actually all the horses are sweet and wonderful. We did a one hour trail ride. The trail was fun - not too challenging and we even got to stop by a beautiful creek so the horses could take a drink. It's absolutely magical & no better way to see the beauty of this region. Now the horses: They are all beautiful, very healthy and thus happy. You can get to know them on the Painted Bar Stables website! Many are rescued and have been revitalized by being in this wonderful place. I can't wait to return.

Quiet, drama free facility that offers the highest level of care. Fantastic lesson program and…read moreincredibly friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Disappointing Care and Poor Infrastructure Given the Cost…read more Convenience & Trails: The location is highly convenient--only one mile from my house--and provides great access to trails and rideable areas during nice weather. Hardworking Staff: The barn employees work very hard, though a language barrier (Spanish-speaking) can make direct communication about care adjustments challenging. Absent Owners: The barn owners (Jen and her mother Linda) are very hands off. I think I saw Linda 3 times? Jen is only there for lessons. I saw her lead horses in once between Nov '25 and Jun '26. I NEVER saw her help with barn chores. I was there every single day checking on my senior because text messages were often not responded to at all or took a while to get a response. I don't believe there was ever a night check since I was also there between 8-10pm many nights to feed my guy a third meal and there was no one ever there except maybe one other boarder who was also checking on their horse. Facility Condition & Safety: Driveway: The main driveway is in severe disrepair with deep potholes. Temporary stone fixes do not last. Driving even 2-4 mph causes extreme vehicle rocking. Property Grounds: The overall property is rough. It has a lot of potential but an old collapsed barn sits near the entrance. There are many trees and plants growing into some of the unused buildings such as the one that was a tack shop years ago under prior ownership. Feed & Hay Storage: Grain is stored in a wheelbarrow covered only by a bag, which attracts flies even though it's in a feed room. Hay bales are kept in a three-sided shed directly on the ground where the bottom layer absorbs moisture. New hay deliveries occasionally sit uncovered in the rain or snow for a day or two before being moved. Horse Care & Management: Feeding Issues: Basic board includes low-fat feed ($12/bag, 3% fat), which was insufficient for my senior horse. Upgrading to higher-quality Sentinel feed cost an extra $65/month. I frequently had to contact the owner regarding missed meals, missed supplements, or incorrect feedings. Winter Water: During this past severe winter, frozen water sources were broken only in the morning and quickly froze over again. Horses resorted to eating snow. I had to visit every afternoon to bring my horse inside to ensure he could drink water and eat hay. Blanketing: Blanketing is not included in the monthly board. Owners must manage all blanketing themselves, requiring constant weather tracking. Forage Quality & Weight Loss: Pasture grass was sparse in the pasture my horse spent time in during the day. Despite the board agreement stating hay would be provided, the hay left out was moldy. When I provided photographic proof of the moldy hay and asked for it to be removed, the owner ignored the messages. My senior horse began losing weight, forcing me to move him for his own health and safety. Final Verdict (As of June 2026):At $795 a month (plus extra feed fees), the cost does not align with the quality of care or facility maintenance. Adding trail access and proximity were great benefits, which makes moving a massive disappointment, but it was necessary for my horse's health. Side note: There appear to be 2 Yelp listings for this same horse facility.

I rode here for years, and then became a horse owner. I kept him here for years as well. Jen and…read moreall the staff are excellent-they truly care about your horse like their own.