Spring Down Equestrian Center

The camp was only nine kids (and they said this was “full” and did not segregate them at all according to age or ability). My 11 year old daughter was very frustrated to be grouped with mostly 6-8 year olds with no riding experience and was disappointed to not be allowed to ride to get ability and to not learn anything during her time at camp. The camp needs to be more transparent and upfront that this is not an appropriate camp for riders with any meaningful amount of experience and training.
Additionally, one of the trainers was extremely rude to my daughter for not wanting to kick the horse she was put on (she was trained to never kick horses to make them move) and mocked her quite harshly which is really not appropriate behavior for an instructor at any level.
Overall this camp amounted to very expensive daycare and I would not send my daughter to attend again.

Great camp for beginners and novice riders! My 9 yo daughter had two weeks at Spring Down and two at a different facility and she loved both! One of the other reviews said that young people being leaders in the program was a negative. Actually most of the leaders were college or high school age and very mature, if not yet natural at customer relations. Also,!patient and knowledgeable and safety-focused young teachers are perfect for younger students. They have the best balance of playfulness, energy, patience, and structure. Skilled horsey teenagers remember what it’s like to be beginner kids, which makes them great teachers They may not be the most polished in communicating with anxious parents but they generally aren’t going to let younger kids get away with any nonsense (they are, after all, horse people who by their nature don’t put up with nonsense). Finally, it’s *extremely motivating* for young kids to see teens in leadership roles. It’s also great for the teens, who will be even better teachers for the experience! Great job Spring Down team!

My 8 year old LOVES this camp. Would recommend for kids that like horses.

Lovely riding center! Great for intro to riding camp and and lessons. Fabulous facility and well cared for horses, definitely recommend!

We trusted this place and we never asked for the receipt of our payment for the lessons which is 75$ for 30 minutes. My daughter had been going there for a while and we always stoped by the reception and pay first. They tried to double charge us multiple times as they only accept cash and they don’t give you a receipt, there are no evidence of my payment. I asked them if I could talk with the owner and when the owner called me a liar in front of my daughter after trying to steal me, I just decided to not going back there never again as there are many other places in this area that they know how to respect their customers. She also said that she doesn’t give a care because she is earning insane money of housing. Just watch out who you are dealing with and ask for the receipt if you choose going there.

I agree with Sharon & Amir. There is only 11 y/old in charge and no adults. Today there was no-one to admit children until 9:07!! (and the camp starts at 9).

Wonderful experience. 9 am - 1 pm with option for extended care.

Spring Down is an incredibly special place to be. From private to group lessons to summer camp. Our daughter loved every second of this camp!

The check in was a little shaky, but she had a great time and appreciated the safety precautions. Thank you.

A great disappointment! Unsafe! With great disappointment , we decided to quit this Summer Camp after two days, ,as we felt it was unsafe and far from being a fun, enriching summer experience.
From the camp's website:
"Learn how to ride or improve your horsemanship skills during our program. Riders are grouped according to experience, but no experience is needed to attend our camps. Our knowledgeable instructors and helpers will teach you all about horses working in small, interactive groups to give you hands on experience with your horse. You will spend lots of time working around the horses and understanding how they think and feel. Bring a friend to learn about our wonderful world of horses!..."

1. Our daughter spent 20 min on the horse on Monday & 30 min on the horse on Tuesday, out of 4 hours daily camp, we believe this is intentional deception of the public.
2. The "knowledgeable instructor" appeared as an 11 years old girl, who was in charge of my 11 years old daughter, no adults seemed in the camp but a group of teenagers.
3. my daughter and her friend complained about a camper with a severe cough, during this time of COVID-19 I find it very concerning.
As I said before, it was with great disappointment that we decided to quit the camp after two days. I contact the camp owner regarding those issues and ask her kindly for refund for the remaining three days, she refused.

Tabitha thoroughly enjoyed her week at Springdown attending horse camp. It was her first up close experience with horses and the camp counselors couldn’t have been better! They were patient, kind and were always smiling! She loved it all.

Highly recommended!! This Equestrian Center is wonderful. My niece takes lessons here and attends camps and it has changed her life. The teachers are great with the kids. As a therapist I look at this as therapy for kids. The relationship with the horse calms the child’s nervous system and kids learn how to communicate the horse in positive ways. They also get to groom, play games, do crafts, and learn about horses in a general way.

Our 10 -year old granddaughter thoroughly enjoyed her week horsemanship camp. The small group (4 girls, ages 9 to 11) allowed a lot of interaction with campers and staff. All of whom were very friendly. Each girl had a private 30-minute lesson. Other times were spent grooming the horses, playing with the barn cats, and horse related artwork .

Many thanks to Carol and her wonderful staff (horses included) for a terrific riding program!

Highly recommended!! Excellent for any kids interested in horses. It is a unique experience hard to get elsewhere with friendly, knowledgeable staff who are really into horses and riding.

My daughter has the best week here - we will return for regular lessons.

Highly recommend!! Great horse camp. My daughter was an intermediate rider and was worried that because she is 7 they would make things too beginner for her. However, they met her where she was and helped her get to the next level of riding. She was so happy and engaged! What a great staff and program!

Great experience, professional staff, good training along with fun activities!!

My daughter loved this camp. It was a great first exposure to horseback riding. Very clean!

My daughter liked it. As expected there is comparatively little riding and the kids aren't pushed too much, but it was enjoyable and the team was nice.

Many thanks for your time and for making Tara's first up close and personal experience with horses a fantastic one! I really enjoyed the lesson you gave me too... Great Job!

I want to thank you and all of the helpers you had for a wonderful experience at the stables. I won't be surprised if you see some of our girls again (my daughter included). I loved it that you also had young girls helping - it's always great to see slightly older role models. I will definitely recommend Spring Down to other troops.
Thank you again! You guys were terrific!