I rode at Silver Horseshoe Stables for around 8 years.Throughout my experience, I noticed more and more that the care for the horses there was almost non existent. My last winter there, the horses were turned out in extremely deep mud that had frozen over and created very uneven and hard ground. The horses would refuse to even walk over to us for treats. None of the lesson horses had blankets, and the weather here in the winter is almost constantly below freezing. There are only 4 paddocks for over 30 horses, so they were always overcrowded. I cannot remember a time where the horses weren't fighting. Some horses would be rearing, biting, kicking, and grabbing each others halters. I've been there long enough to know around 6 horses that have died, one was due to colic that he got from his water freezing over and nothing being done about it. The owner, Rich, buries the dead horses in the arenas and they are forgotten about. The horses hardly got hay, and were fed cheap grain. Animal services were called many times while I was at the barn. Rich sent a horse to auction because it was in terrible condition, and he didn't want animal services to see it and shut them down. The horses were forced to jump ridiculous heights beyond their abilities. There was a 30+ year old horse, Rusty, who still jumped 3+ feet in lessons when it was obvious he wasn't of the condition. Horses were also used in lessons back to back up to 4 or 5 times, even if they had injuries. I can't remember a lesson horse that was sweet. All of the horses were vicious and angry all the time, I don't blame them. Definitely not safe for children. They were very skinny, and their hooves were overgrown. Everytime a new horse arrived, within a week, it would look like skin and bones to match the rest of them. He buys untrained and young horses simply because they are cheap and sends them away after they throw riders off. When I was there, the lesson horses didn't even have bedding and stood on slabs of wood. I could go on and on about the horrendous horse care, but I have to bring up the awful community of people as well. I was constantly looked down upon by riders on the show team and the instructors had little patience, some of the riders in my lesson were yelled at when they were scared to do something. Rich was always drinking and I hear from people that very recently left, he would teach lessons while drunk. I do not know if this is true, but I would not be surprised. Besides the bad care, the lessons just aren't great quality. The instruction is lacking. When I switched barns, I almost had to start over because everything I had been taught was incorrect. When I first started, my goal was to jump and do jumping shows. However, I was not allowed to ride english my first 4 years there. They force new riders to ride western until they are "good enough" to "advance" to english. I don't agree with this method. No discipline is easier than the other, they are two completely different things and it should be up to the rider which style they begin in. They would make horses in a western saddle jump, which is not safe or comfortable for them. The lessons are also very overpriced. For example, a 1 hour private is over $100, which is terrible considering the self-taught training. At my new barn, my instructor was trained by and worked under olympic level and grand prix riders for years and I had an hour long private session for $55. Because of how expensive, private sessions were rare, which lead to every rider being crammed into a group lesson. My group lesson sometimes had up to 9 riders, which is too crowded for their size arenas and the amount of horses they have. I know some of the people who left 5 star reviews. And in my opinion, their opinion is tainted. There isn't many affordable barns in CT, so there isn't many options for some people. Because of this, and how long they've been there, they don't want to admit to themselves how bad of a place it truly is. I know this because the same thing happened to me. I had been there for so long, that I was making up excuses for the bad care because I was a kid and didn't want to believe it. Now that I am gone and am an adult, I can say with confidence how terrible it was. I am ashamed to say that I rode there. Long story short, if you're looking for lessons, go somewhere else, a 20+ min drive is beyond worth it. If you're looking for somewhere to put your horse, definitely find another place. I DO NOT RECOMMEND. read more

We have been with Silver Horseshoe Stables for more than 8 years. Both of my children and I ride, including formal lessons both in one of the 2 arenas (indoor and outdoor) and in Eisenhower Park, which consist of shared trails owned by the City of Milford (originally dedicated horse trails) and the outdoor equestrian ring located above the fenced dog park area. The owner and lead instructor always has our best interests and safety in mind; especially in the park where dog owners let their dogs off leash in spite of the city ordinance leash law that is posted clearly in the park. All off leash is restricted to the fenced in dog park area which the horses do not access. Lessons are well run and have just the right amount of people. In the case of a larger lesson, certain aspects are split up between groups for safety. The lesson horses are well cared for and are matched to each rider's ability. They have a large turnout on the property and are often stabled at night. The instruction is always supportive, reassuring and makes you want to do better. The atmosphere fosters learning. The barn has gone through a series of renovations, including new outdoor wash stalls, new lighting & new box stalls for the lesson horses. Improvements have been started on the indoor arena and the railings for the outdoor arena have been replaced with sturdier fencing. All stalls are cleaned & given fresh shavings each day. We are now owners of a horse that was purchased through Silver Horseshoe after leasing from them for several years. The experience was simple, painless & a pleasure. We couldn't ask for a better place for him. During our time leasing, the owners helped educate us on how to properly care for the horse. That same support is still offered freely now that we own. In addition to the lesson horses, the border horses are treated well with turn out all day (weather permitting) and stalled at night. Good quality grain & hay are provided for all the horses. The owner is always willing to spend time with us to help in anyway he can. He will help exercise them when we are not able to and provide recommendations when needed. We, along with other students, participate in shows and hunter paces. The stable has also implemented a Show Team for Hunter/Jumper competitions, which is in their 2nd year. The stable has also formed a Barrel Racing team which completed its first year successfully. His instruction and that of his other instructors has brought us to a new level. We are very pleased with them and would recommend to anyone. read more

A train wreck of a stable. Horses are in no condition to be ridden and not safe for our children. I've heard of many people (teens and children!!!) getting into accidents resulting in concussions, broken limbs, and more... The helmets they own have not been removed from the shelves after serious falls and some are as old as 10 years! It's amazing they stay in business.. I've also found to be an awful lot of bullying at this stable between the students and even between the instructors! I'm at a total loss for words. I wanted my daughter to be happy and it was such a bargain I couldn't turn it down. The price is just not worth the amount of distress you'll go through. So if you're looking for a stable for lessons I'd suggest somewhere else. Even 10-15 dollars more with get you far better than this. read more

Sure hope your kid has a thick skin because the wanna be Kevin Costner (Richard Crandley) has the mouth of a truck driver and the temper of Yellowjacket. I strongly suggest you look elsewhere for lessons or learning how to ride. Their whole system is a failure being situated next to a open and very public dog park, exposing dangerous situations to all. The owner Richard, Dick... I forget what they call him, seems to think he "rules these here parts" You're not the law, and this isn't the Wild West. Wrong state Clint. My suggestion to the owner is saddle up out of Milford and stick a bar of soap in your mouth. After that call a therapist. read more

My daughter has taken horseback riding lessons at Silver Horseshoe Stables for the past three years. She has worked with both Rich and his daughter, Rhiannon. My daughter absolutely loves going there. They have been kind and encouraging and my daughter has grown tremendously in her skills and confidence. I recommend them wholeheartedly. read more

Really great people own this place. Haven't regularly worked with them, but everytime I have the need I know exactly where to go. As an adult who was previously afraid of horses, I cannot say enough good things about this place and these people. read more