I was working for them as a student (riding horses and helping with lessons occasionally) in exchange for free lessons. After a month of working I still hadn’t received any lessons (except for the original that I paid for) and the trainer wasn’t responding to my texts after a week so I emailed the owner of the barn. She said I had to work for 16 hours in exchange for one 65$ lesson. This is equivalent to working for 4$ an hour and is ILLEGAL (minimum wage in ca is 12$/hour). This also isn’t the original deal that I made with the trainer where I would receive one lesson a week in exchange for one days worth of work. I have two horses of my own and have been riding for over 10 years, and I’ve worked with other trainers before and never been burned so bad in a working student position. In addition they had a pony named Cindy, that they were going to sell but after seeing a video of me jumping and riding her, they thought she had potential and decided to keep her and use her as a lesson horse. They are making a profit off the time and energy I put into that horse and I have nothing to show for it. It’s a shame because this barn had a good vibe and the people there were very nice and if this didn’t happen I would absolutely continue riding there. After all this, I’ve still never gotten any of the lessons I worked for (which is equivalent to 240$ worth according to our original deal) or been paid in any way.
Miranda wanted to learn how to ride a horse for her birthday and Topiary Farms did not disappoint. I highly recommend!!!! Ask for Nicky!
We recommend this place to every horse lover. The staff is very friendly, the horses are in good shape and the facility is well maintained. Especially Nicky did amazing job. She was so patient and caring with my little sister and we are happy that we found this place and Nicky for her riding lessons.
Great place
Awesome. My old barn basically kicked me out a few days ago and I already love this!
Definately a place for horse lovers and children. We brought our grandson for riding lessons with Nicky...She is GREAT!! We ALL have learned allot and our grandson was already talking about his next lesson and we hadnt even left the parking lot. Horses are well cared for and the owner Ellen was wondeful as well as the staff we encountered.
Nice place
My daughters Girl Scout troop Loved this place!
Awesome great people, the topiary was very well done!!!