Ironstone Farm

This place is my home away from home! When I started here in 2008, I never thought I would become this attached to a single place!

They are really understaffed here and rely much on volunteers to assist in the lessons.
I send many of my staff to the farm to transport individuals to receive therapy and the farm staff pressures them to assist in lifting them on and off the horses which is risky and dangerous, as well as a liability for them.
I will no longer recommend them at this point.

This is a great place! My daughters both love it. Instructors do vary, but all are very competent and give good direction to the riders. My kids are not in the therapy program, and my 12 year old can’t wait to turn 13 so she can volunteer here.
The big draw for this barn over others is the non-​competitive environment and focus on fun, learning about the animals & caring for them.

I’m sad to see so many «okay» reviews posted on here.
Let me begin by saying this is not the place for you if you’re looking for a competitive, top notch riding academy. Ironstone is a casual, fun, judgment free environment that is great for first time riders or those looking to take leisurely lessons. Their therapy program is also a big selling point for many parents and riders.
My first experience was over 10 years ago when I began taking group lessons. My instructors were very knowable and I learned a great deal about horse care, handling and riding — knowledge that has stayed with me years after discontinuing lessons. I always felt safe and walked away from my lessons feeling as though I learned something new.
I now participate as a volunteer in their therapy program and have nothing but positive things to say. The therapists are wonderful and the kids are always smiling. The horses are very well cared for and the facilities are always tidy. There is always a friendly face to answer any questions and lend a helping hand — you’ll feel right at home and comfortable here.

I think this farm is wonderful for people with disabilities. One of the two things that I don’t like about it is: ONE: that for setting schedules for general (non special needs) riding lessons, they have a person who is really not well suited to dealing with the public. This person is abrupt, abrasive, and I’ve had people tell me that they dread speaking on the phone with this person. I have experienced this myself as well! TWO: In addition, regarding the cancellation policy (there isn’t any!) seems unfair, when you are paying up front for a block of lessons. I am a small business owner myself, and understand needing to fill a slot, not just having 2 people in a lesson when 5 were supposed to be there, etc. However, a cancellation fee, or taking a non refundable deposit would seem to be more fair. It’s not an inexpensive hobby, and they make it very hard to make a decision when your child has a fever, but you are going to pay the full price for his lesson if you cancel, even 6 hours ahead of time!

An ok farm for horse riding lessons. Not well organized though so that’s why I give it only 2 stars.

I would say that they seem willing to enroll anyone at any time which is good. My child took private classes as «challenge unlimited» because she had a diagnosis of ADHD. After her 8 classes we were told she could be in a regular class. Her regular instructor was OK. Not too nurturing. She made my daughter try bareback riding so my daughter could decide if she liked saddle or not but she never followed up to let my daughter choose so we were all disappointed. In the end we learned she could continue in regular classes in any style she wanted so all those private lessons were needless. There are some very nice nurturing, professional teachers here. If we ever go back I will request one that we know is very fun, enthusiastic and seems to really be concerned about teaching rather than just going through the motions. I would say if you are getting therapy services and paying out of pocket… verify what their plan is and what the teacher’s qualifications are.