Cornerstone Farm

First of all Abby,
If your going to respond, you need to state FACTS. There is a lot that went on with Jen at Cornerstone you were not aware of or part of, being that you are only ever there on some weekends. We tried numerous times to talk with Jen about concerns, which she never handled professionally. We even texted her about feeding times and amounts and she never even responded or replied with an answer. All she was ever concerned about was what work my husband was doing to help at the farm and when. Each and every time we tried to talk with her she would NEVER listen or talk with us! We are the ones who finally responded to her with a letter and email letting her know each and every concern, also informing HER 1^st, we would be moving our horse immediately due to the unprofessionalism and crap that was going on.
Let’s be real, let’s be honest, she never had us on any lesson plan of any kind nor did she attempt or try to put us one at all. Yes she was very opinionated about what she felt our horses abilities were, yet anytime we talked about the girls taking a riding lesson on one of her horses, it never happened. We even set up a time, once in the 1^st week for the girls to ride and take a lesson and Jen went inside and never said a word or acknowledged that they were there at the farm waiting to ride. In fact, that was the same day you rode our horse and she did beautifully with you on her. Jen was very surprised and even stated later when she came back outside, that you had fallen off and hurt yourself when you walked our girl up near the jumps, that it wasn’t even the horses fault. Bottom line, Jen was always too busy walking around smoking and drinking or yelling at her guys to provide any lesson plans for us or anyone for that matter!
Now as for the feedings, I know her guys fed the horses often because I had seen them. But they did NOT eat 3 times a day. We came out during one of those horrible storms and it was clear NO ONE had been out to care for any of those horses that day at all, and it was 11:30. WE brought our girl in, WE brought her out of that pasture, brought her in and made Jen aware that she was starving and freezing, as was Jens own horse Fitty. NOT JEN! They both were twitching uncontrollably from the cold. At which point Jen agreed and went and grabbed a blanket and stated yes we can leave her in the cross ties for now and blanketed her.
With regards to the feedings, We were there quite often and for long periods of time. Each and every time those horses were only fed 1 flake of hay. We watched one of her boys that worked for her, (the one on probation whom also apparently lived there), give them feed 2 times, two times that’s it. Every other time we saw them be fed it was only a flake of hay. Now, Jen was very well aware that we had rescued this horse from a neglectful situation and our concern for her eating regular. More often than not, our horse acted like she was always starving!
With regards to your ridiculous statement of «.. . we didn’t have an appointment!» I am sorry but we never made appointments to come see our horse! Nor should that be necessary. And we never had any problems following any rules for safety, so DO NOT state otherwise because you would be lying!
Your «reviews stating you have high expectations. .. etc» that’s funny! The only reason we left this farm is because of the lack of professionalism and the way Jen carries herself as well as her inability to talk to people in any manner, let alone professionally!!! We also have high expectations for the way we want our horse cared for and for any situation we would have our children involved in, Jen and Cornerstone DOESN’T CUT IT!!!

My parents came to visit from out of town so I wanted to surprise them with horseback riding. Jen was patient and flexible with our availability, which was very helpful. The horses were gorgeous! The moment I stepped foot on the farm, I felt very welcomed. The guide led us on a beautiful trail throughout the open fields. I was able to watch Jen give a lesson, and to say she knows her stuff is an understatement. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience there.

If you’re looking for a great hunter/​jumper barn to continue (and further) your riding career, looking for a great place to keep your horse, or just want to ride to gain more experience? Cornerstone Farm is the barn for you! Jen Shaw, the owner and head trainer, is such an amazing person to work with! She is dedicated to her clients and is so helpful in all aspects of the equestrian hunter/​jumper world! I have been a client of hers for about 4 years and I will never go with anyone else! I still ride and visit while in my last year in college and nothing has changed! She’s fantastic in her training methods, supportive, and pushes you to expand your horizons and to try new things. Her horses are fantastic and they are happy and healthy and always good to go! Also, she has an excellent lesson program and is more than happy to work with new riders and those who are even non-​showing enthusiasts! Her property is always well kept and the barn is always organized and clean. Cornerstone Farm is definitely one of the best H/​J barns in central Texas!

I’ve been riding with Cornerstone since my previous barn closed 11 years ago. I chose this barn primarily because of its location (there are so few decent barns that are so close to central Austin), and secondly I felt it could further my progress in reaching the goals I was interested in. I moved there having little showing experience, but wanting to move forward, past what was offered or available at my previous barn. The first time I saw the farm I knew I would love it, with its beautiful pastures, clean and well-​kept barns, and menagerie of animals roaming the property.
Since day one Heather and Jen both jumped through hoop after hoop to get me to the levels I wanted to achieve. They went above and beyond for me not only in purchasing and selling horses, dealing with my (at times) difficult parents, sometimes lack of income, and numerous other life obstacles but they always put my education first. The barn became more than a place for me to take lessons and keep my horse, but more of a second home for me. I learned more about proper horse care, what horses actually feel and need, and riding correctly than any of the other barns I have ridden with (2 others in Texas, 1 in Iowa) and have confidence I would have never gained elsewhere.
After riding with Jen for several years I joined the Texas State Equestrian Team and competed with the team for a few years, taking lessons on the side with Jen whenever possible. When I made it to nationals on the team I immediately asked Jen to go with me, her knowledge and support being the most important to me. Having her there was more important than anyone else to me, because I trusted her to give me the coaching that I knew how to understand and benefit from most thoroughly.
Now, after my competing days are (likely) behind me, the barn has once again become a second home, where I always feel free to come out and ride, play with goats, sheep, dogs, and ponies, and spend time learning from Heather and Jen in a new way.
This barn has superior instruction, care and horses than any other I’ve been a part of.

I have continued to work with and visit the barn over the years… and all the wonderful things about it have not changed. The horses are given fantastic care and Jen’s training is truly top notch. She is great with a wide variety of horses and is very successful. In addition, she has also opened up an excellent lesson program and is more willing than ever to work with new riders or non-​showing horse enthusiasts. As mentioned in my previous review, she certainly has high standards, and will expect you to ride your horse to the best of your ability. But, this is one of the best qualities of the barn. Your horse will be happy and you will be proud of your progression in horsemanship under Jen Shaw’s coaching.

Jen’s fantastic! I had visitors in from out of town during the holidays and Jen made scheduling a couple of lessons for my family and out of town guests so easy. She was very flexible as our plans kept changing and she made our visit to her stables incredibly memorable. We had a good mix of beginner and experienced riders and Jen was able to accommodate them all. Her horses are beautiful, and her location and value can’t be beat. We had such a good experience that we signed up my daughter (beginner rider) up for lessons.