Spring Down Equestrian Center

Rode there as a teen, worked camp, then taught there part time in college.
Good solid place to start riding. Safety is number 1. Reasonably priced. Great school horses! Knowledgeable instructors!
If you wanna show A circuit not your place. If you wanna learn to ride and have money left over this is your place!

My daughter went to a week long camp there a few years ago. We had a horrible experience. A friend’s granddaughter is now visiting and wants to ride so I looked through the reviews. I have to say, my experience conforms quite closely to those of the other 1 stars. My then 8 year old daughter was actually kicked by one of the teenage counselors. On a second day, I found her crying when I came to pick her up because of how rudely she was treated and how much she was ignored. We did get some art work out of the experience but very little riding. When I complained, the owner said, «we don’t have the staff to pay attention to your children». Then why have a camp?

My daughter has been riding in private and group lessons at Spring Down for over fours years (she started when she was 6). The experience has been nothing short of incredible. Her riding teachers (Robin O, Erin, Caroline) have all been great and have always put safety and good riding skills first.
The staff is friendly, courteous and exceptionally helpful — especially Jennifer at the front desk! She’s always there with a warm welcome for our family.
The horses and stables are very well-​maintained and there is always staff around to help in any situation.
My daughter has participated in a number of horse shows at Spring Down and they were all fun, memorable and enjoyable events.
Spring Down is a great equestrian center — from the people to the horses to the stables it is all very well-​done. We feel very lucky to have found Spring Down!

I have ridden at Spring Down for the majority of my riding career and I recently decided to switch. These negative reviews are not the true experience of Spring Down are frankly hilarious. If you are looking for a place for your child to fall in love with horses, be taken care of, and learn in a positive environment this is the place to go. I can say however that if you want to be more competitive in the riding world then Spring Down isn’t the place and they are very clear about that, I mean they say it on their website that this is not a «A» circuit show barn. That was fine for me for 8 years and I truly cherished my time there. The horses are lovely the grooms are wonderful and the majority of instructors make your first time on your horse a good one. I fell in love with horses at Spring Down. Don’t be swayed by these negative reviews, if it is your first time on a horse and you want to learn the basics in a happy environment come to Spring Down. However at some point like me, you might want to move on and jump a little higher, go to more shows, and improve your equitation. I will always hold Spring Down close to my heart.

Very dissapointing camp for kids. They ride 30 minutes a day, if that! The excuse is that they also learn about horses and take care of them + do arts and crafts. However I found out quite a bit more by talking to my kids but also with some of their counselors. Those counselors are children who ride there on a more regular basis. They all are between 11 and 16 years old and get in exchange of helping some riding time for themselves. So the camp is basically ran by teenagers (as you don’t get once to see grown ups working there unless you specifically ask to).
When I had a conversation with them, indicating that I was expecting more riding (especially as it is 2 to 3 times the price of many other sports camps) I was told that it was normal. I rode myself for 25 years so have extensive experience with horses as well as teaching it myself quite a bit. I really feel taken advantage of as it is of course expected that the campers learn about the horses and how to take care of them. But out of 4 hours in a day, they should be riding at least 1 hour if not more and not be handled by unqualified kids, some younger than my own kids…

I have been riding at SDEC for over three years, and have participated in two shows there so far.
While I love riding there, and I haven’t done any research about changing stables because I do it as a hobby, not as a professional thing, there are many things that could be improved.
Sometimes when I’m just about to go over a jump, I look over and see my instructor’s chatting with another rider or someone outside the ring. Once Diane spent a good half of the lesson petting someone’s dog, and chatting with them, missing everyone’s jumps, and only saying «Good job, that was a good ride», «Change your lead», and generic comments that help in no way really. The lessons almost always start at least 5 – 10 minutes late, and end 5 – 10 minutes late, so it’s quite annoying for someone like me who likes things to start on the dot.
Also, there was a «miscommunication» with the payment for the lessons, I remembered clearly paying for 4 lessons, which is a month for me because I ride once a week, and then I was notified I need to bring a check a week earlier, according to my calculations. This was because they somehow didn’t bill me for a lesson from over two months ago, which makes absolutely no sense. I hadn’t kept track, and so I wasn’t able to really argue my point, but it gave me very negative and sketchy feeling.
Finally, the groups are frequently overcrowded. With 6 – 7 people in a ring, that means at most you get to do 4 jumping courses, not a lot if you’re trying to prepare for a show or become more advanced. In the last year, I do not think my instructor has challenged me enough, and I haven’t learned anything new particularly from her, it was mainly trial and error on my part with learning about the horses. I want to get my money’s worth, and know how I should improve, as well as be able to try higher jumps, or more complicated courses to get me ready for the shows.
There are a few things I love about SDEC though. The grooms are always very polite and willing to help, and most of the horses are sweet too, if you ride them right and treat them with respect. The tack room is clean and well maintained, so is the rest of the barn. Also, it really depends on the instructor for your experience. Once I rode with Carol, and I learned way more than I ever had with others, but that’s because she’s the owner and teaches very advanced students.
One last negative thing — they no longer allow students to use the nice indoor toliets, due to «clogging». We are now forced to use the PortaPottis, which is not how we should be treated as customers.
Bottom line — not the best place to ride at if you want to get the best education and your money’s worth, but you could do worse.

Forget french, teach your kid equestrian. An agile steed named Robbie briskly took my brave son for his first gallop adventure at the Spring Down Equestrian Center in Portola Valley. Riding the horse came naturally to our young equestrian and within hours Cadence was applying the fine art of horsemanship: how to get the horse to get going, turning and stopping. Bonding with this majestic equine was pure bliss. May the fun riding lessons continue. Many thanks to the high energy instructor Rebecca at the Spring Down Equestrian Center where all the pros teach your kids natural horse care the right way.

Unilocalers,
The majority of posts with the low stars are not accurate. Any experience is what you make of it. If you come with a sense of not wanting to spend money or you have what you perceive to be a negative experience, as with anything, you need to give it a second try.
My daughter has been riding at Spring Down for almost 10 years. Not occasionally, but every week/​biweekly almost uninterrupted for 10 years. Spring Down has become a part of our family tradition and numerous birthday parties and events have been conducted there.
A few months ago our family made a decision to lease a horse from Spring Down. Because this is no small decision, we looked around and evaluated other farms, ranches and stables. Ultimately the combination of training, safety and care of the horses led us to stay with Spring Down.
As an adult, this has been one of my most favorite life experiences. Our horse has become part of the family and many friends have come to visit him. All of our friends have commented how amazing Spring Down is. Even other riders from other schools in the area.
I will offer however, that the general lessons are not meant for becoming an Olympian. If you want dedicated advanced training with «higher» jumping and horsemanship, you should consider a different facility. Spring Down is open to your growth and can guide you as appropriate when you reach this level.
I’d be happy to field a call or email if you disagree with this post. My daughter and I can be found every week at Spring Down, just swing by and ask for Blue’s lease-​family.
Happy riding.

I think you can have very different experiences at Spring Down depending on the instructor. Horses are well cared for, Mexican guys are seriously great… so helpful.
Some of the teachers are great, others are not… luck of the draw.

I rode at this hell hole as a kid… it was the only place I could afford. I loved loved loved the instructor caroline! I loved loved loved my horse Amigo! The woman at the front desk was so rude to me… I was 10. My mom had cancer and I often had to cancel lessons because I would have to go to the hospital to see my mom and she would yell at me over the phone! Who yells at a kid? I would come home crying after seeing Amigo dead lame because they would work him so hard. This place needs to be shut down and that owner carol sent to jail for animal abuse… do not give them your money. O! Also! While I was riding there they would offer us free lessons to right positive reviews on Unilocal so don’t trust these positive reviews. Find another stable.

We love Springdown. My girls (5^th and 2^nd) have attended (3 and 2) years of summer camp there. My 2^nd grader has continued with weekly lesson. I don’t even know where to begin, my girls rise to their best selves there. As soon as we hit the dirt driveway the rest of the world peels away. The camp counselors have been great with them and wonderful role models. They have a lot of down time, visiting horses, helping around the barn, kicking back on the lawn. My girls go for 4 weeks and always want more. My 2^nd grader will be there again this summer — sessions 2 and 3. The staff is wonderful, low-​key friendly people who love horses. The guys that take care of the barn are great — always a smile whether they are tacking for you or helping you and/​or your child learn. The horses seem happy, they are always checking everything out and come to say hi to you. It’s a magical place for us…

This is a nice place to come to. My daughter enjoyed taking lessons for a few years. They do a good job with the lessons and programs for kids and the men who take care of the horses and grounds are terrific. It’s awesome that they also put on the horse shows allowing the kids to participate. I Still come by to see the horses and cats.

I STILL love Spring Down! Since my last review, I’ve also trained with Carolyn and Carol (the owner) and I can also recommend them as great teachers as well. My riding has improved immensely since I started at Spring Down!!!
I am currently pregnant so I had to stop riding, but the folks there are STILL so friendly and lovely to me! They let me come and groom my favorite horse, and they are all very happy for me and my future little equestrian.
I can’t say enough about the care and love the staff at Spring Down provides for their horses and their students. I can’t wait to bring my future daughter here!

Bad experience. Seems like a place that will say whatever they need to in order to get you to write a check.
I called to ask about a camp or lesson that would involve an introduction to the world of horses and riding, since my daughter, who is almost 13, had never ridden before. I also indicated that she did not want to be with a number of much younger children, but rather with children her own age. The person I talked to said that she would be too old for the summer camp but assured me that she would fit right in age-​wise in the half-​day introductory camp. Relying on her word, I signed up my daughter and wrote a check for $ 125.
When we showed up for the half-​day camp, all of the other children were indeed much younger than my daughter; she was twice their height! When I pointed this out, the woman at the counter said that there were people of all ages — 7 years old, 8 years old, 41 years old, and 44 years old. Obviously young children with their parents, hardly a group of pre-​teens and teens. This fact was denied rather than acknowledged: the woman repeated that were «people of all ages.» When she realized this was an absurd characterization of the situation, she then changed course and said that they had no control over the age of the kids who showed up. Which was, of course, contradicting what I had been told on the phone in order to get me to sign up and write a check.
My daughter did not want to join the group, and I indicated that I wanted my $ 125 check back. The woman said that the check was non-​refundable and held onto it. Apparently this is how Spring Down makes money. Sad, as we live in Portola Valley, and dealing with the situation with some intelligence or at least some business sense could have turned me into a regular customer.
I hear really good things about Webb Ranch; anyone else?

I too am bewildered by the negative posts and Unilocal’s ‘filter’ about Spring Down Equestrian Center. I have been riding here for over 3 years (and riding nearly 20 years). After searching long and hard in the Peninsula for a place with great school horses, instructors, facilities and service I feel lucky to have found Spring Down which offers all of that and more. The horses are very well taken care of and there are always options for riders of all levels to learn and be challenged. I take lessons with the owner Carol who is wonderfully knowledgable (understatement) and I have never felt more comfortable and safe on a horse than when I am here!
I would highly recommend that anybody at all ages interested in learning how to ride or getting back into it give Spring Down a chance. Riding here is one of the top highlights of my week!

Wow — I’m quite bewildered by the negative posts. They certainly run counter to my family’s experience at Spring Down.
My daughter’s been riding at Spring Down for two years, and has had an amazingly positive experience. Her instructors have been attentive, knowledgeable and very engaged with her. My wife also rides, so while I might be less knowledgeable she is not. We are delighted with the experience we’re having with Spring Down.
The horses and facility are VERY well maintained. You can tell by your interaction with both stable hands and teachers how well those horses are loved and cared for. One of the two arenas is covered, so rainy days are not a problem. And the arenas are kept impeccably groomed — and my daughter’s being taught how to take the same top care of the horses she works with.
Reading the comments about the owner and office staff just elicits a «what planet are this people from?!» reaction. Carol and her team are courteous, kind and frankly are what make Spring Down special among a lot of very nice equine options in the area. Investing in riding regularly is not inexpensive — I don’t regret a dime I spend for my daughter’s experience at Spring Down.

The owner will ruin your day if you ever have the ill fortune to deal with her, or to just be there when she’s unhappy about something. Employees (including some of their nicest instructors) roll their eyes and say «here she goes» when she starts on her tirades. Add several inexperienced young instructors to the mix, and it’s not worth our while to go back. Zero stars to this place.

We are so done with this place. After spending thousands of dollars on camps and riding lessons here over the last two years we are finished. There are too many good options out there for us to put up with a rude owner. Carol, has lost a good customer as well as all the good references that come with a good and happy customer. I think she has forgotten that it isn’t a privilege to ride at Spring Down, it is a service for which we pay. My family will now take our money elsewhere.
We love the instructors and many of the horses and wish them nothing but the best!

Most of these low starred reviews are extremely insulting. I’ve been riding at Spring Down for 10+ years and can’t believe half the things that are being said here. I feel that people use Unilocal as a means to vent their frustration when they were probably being too picky, rude or overly judgmental.
Spring Down is a great facility and has always cared about their horses and their riders. I had never received an instruction there that was misunderstood or that was meant for someone else. Plenty of people who I had recommended to ride at Spring Down would agree as well. I would feel safe having any child ride here, they even have Mommy and Me sessions where children get to ride while their Moms are walking next to them.
Also, from my own experience as being an instructor, I feel that each child there has a GREAT experience. If they are not riding, they are having lunch, doing artwork, learning about different types of equestrian knowledge… there is ALWAYS something going on for them. It is very safe considering there are always chaperones with the children, even when riding, there is an instructor walking with the child at all times.
The ONLY complaint I could ever make about Spring Down is their prices which have steadily increased over the years I have been there. Granted our failing economy surely has to be apart of it.

I agree with some of the postings, the horses are well groomed and the place looks pretty sharp. The guys working in the stables are also fabulous and always willing to help out.
That said, I would not recommend Spring Down for anyone wanting to learn how to ride. I rode there for a little over a year and spent many uncomfortable afternoons in a too crowded ring. I often did not feel safe, not to mention that it was nearly impossible to distinguish my instructor’s commands from all the others’. I felt that the majority of the staff, not all, but the majority, were incredibly rude. After over a year of weekly lessons, they still couldn’t remember my name. We had one great instructor, but after she left, it seemed pretty random. I was often concerned because we saddled our own horses after one tacking lesson and nobody ever checked to see if I’d done it correctly unless I asked. That just seems dangerous. While riding there I began to dread lessons – something I wouldn’t have believed possible.
For those of you who are happy there, that’s great, and I’m glad for you. I do have a friend whose daughter has been riding there happily for years. While my friend has had issues with the place, her daughter has not. It was not a good fit for me and I have now been riding elsewhere and am very satisfied and my riding has improved greatly.