Madrone Ranch Stables

After searching for a high quality English riding instructor and safe facility, I found Madrone Ranch Stables for my granddaughter. She loves horses and had been asking for riding lessons. Other facilities offered group and trail ride lessons but I wanted individual attention taught by a competent instructor who had personal accomplishments as part of their own resume.
I have been thrilled by the quality of instruction given my 5 year old granddaughter. We started out with a trial lesson with Rachel to make sure that my granddaughter was serious and not frightened by the actual size of the horses, not coloring book characters. All went well and we started out with one lesson a week and moved up to two lessons plus recently she attended a wonderful week long horse camp which ended today, taught by Carly another terrific instructor, with many championships under her belt.
My granddaughter has progressed tremendously thanks to the competent instruction of Rachel and Carly. She is excited about riding and counts the days from the end of one lesson until the next one. The kids learn about tacking and untacking as part of caring for the riding lesson.
The facility is beautiful, clean and well run. They offer boarding if you own a horse too. The patrons are friendly and helpful.
To summarize, Madrone Ranch Stables has exceeded my expectations. My granddaughter is happy and and safe at the facility. The stables are perfect for the serious rider, but slouchers need not apply.

First let me say this place is beautiful. After that it all falls apart.
Felt like a classic bait and switch, this one just hoping once you get there you’ll stay for the views. Not many horses and no group lessons which is what I specifically asked about and was told they had. See below.
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Sent: Mon Feb 21 17:13:23 2011
Subject: Re: Website inquiry
Yes, but they want u to take a private first to see where you are and match u up with others.
—– Original Message —–
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 3:15 PM
Subject: RE: Website inquiry
Thanks for the quick response. I’m really more interested in group lessons, and not private. Do you offer group?

Okay, I’m not just giving this place five stars because I managed it for nearly four years. Madrone Ranch Stables is conveniently located in West Austin, just past Lakeway off of Hwy 71 and Hamilton Pool Road.
The instruction at Madrone Ranch is superior and the prices are reasonable. While their lesson program is not as large as some of the other barns in Austin, this also means you get a more tailored-​approach to your instruction. Madrone Ranch is «new» in the sense that it’s only in its 4^th year of operation. Since its inception in 2002, Madrone Ranch has grown into one of Austin’s leading equine operations.
There are beautiful trails to go on along the perimeter of the property, with overlooks out across the Texas Hill Country. Madrone Ranch is also located within an «equestrian community» which means you could have your horse and live there too! There is a sales office on the property if you are interested in looking into the remaining lots for sale.