Horseback riding lessons

Was wondering if anyone could recommend a great barn for 9 yo DD to take horseback riding lessons at. I am hoping to find a place that isnt incredibly snooty/cliquey (an issue we had with gymnastics lessons!!! ) or overly competitive. Right now, DD isnt interested in competing though I know that could change. I would like a place that teaches how to care for the horse (grooming, tacking, etc) rather than just how to ride.

We are in Suffolk County near Port Jefferson. Willing to travel a bit for a really great barn if the lessons can be on the weekend.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

Re: Horseback riding lessons

i am certain there is an equestrian center in port jeff station. on Boyle Road?

Found it....(it was buggin me!)

Old Town Equestrian Center

Message edited 1/22/2014 4:10:25 PM.

Re: Horseback riding lessons

I live in the area and was going to recommend Old Town Equestrian. I know someone that takes her daughter there, and is very happy.

Horseback riding lessons

Oh, cool! Good to know, I will look into them as a place to start... Thanks!!!

Re: Horseback riding lessons

Thomas School in Melville. My kids have been riding there for years. Great bunch of girls there most of them become inseperable. One great thing about here is they teach you to take care of the horses. Intially they tack the horses for you but there are always people there willing to help you learn to tack and then they assign you your horse for your lesson and you have to groom and tack. the barn is open and accessible for you to wander through where as some barns you aren't even allowed in.

also starting in 6th grade they have an IEA team. Iea team is a great way to compete without spending a great deal of money. You would take a weekly lesson at Thomas's and shows are at different barns around the Island. you basically pick the shows you want to do and go as a team to the different barns and compete using their horses.

Message edited 1/22/2014 9:48:39 PM.