Blue Ribbon Farms, Inc. — Attraction in Independence Township

The farm does a fabulous job with its summer farm camp activities and my daughter has enjoyed that for the last few years now. My daughter, who LOVES horses, couldn’t wait to start riding lessons so last fall we started her lessons so she can learn to ride. My daughter was 6 at the time and in first grade. Her first lesson was outside and probably the only good lesson she had. She even trotted her first time but then, her lessons only got worse instead of better. Riding in a cramped indoor arena in the winter was the most distracting thing for a start. We paid for a private lesson and they didn’t really feel private until a trainer named Paige worked with our daughter after I requested more personal time with her and the horses. Mind you, there’s very little bonding with the horse you get each time you go, since it’s usually not the same horse. Paige didn’t seem to have the patience to work with our daughter. The worst day for us was when a horse stepped on her and Paige stoically told her to shake it off since it’s common for riders to get stepped on if they’re around them enough. My daughter’s lips were trembling so I went over to comfort her and to see if she was ok and also to see if she even wanted to continue to ride. She did. It wasn’t long though into her ride around the arena that the horse bucked her off. Our daughter bawled like a baby. I’m so glad she was wearing a helmet. Paige took the horse but just looked at our daughter with little to no reaction. To her it was important for her to get back up on the horse. My daughter needed consoling and encouragement and Paige gave no comfort or care to her and it pissed me off. What kind of trainer doesn’t check in with their rider? Why didn’t she make sure the horse’s bit wasn’t too tight or some other issue? Being in shock and not wanting my daughter (who loves horses) to hate horses, I also encouraged her to get back up on the horse. The trainer held the rope to ensure a smooth ride. When Paige came back and told us we’re all set, I instinctively said we still have to pay. She let us too. She didn’t seem to feel too bad about our daughter’s fall and she should’ve said: absolutely not, don’t worry about paying. Maybe go get her checked out by a doctor to be sure she’s ok. Nothing. She had my number to text and she could’ve checked in to see how she was doing but nothing. My daughter’s love of horses was almost ruined because of this experience and we don’t blame the horse. We understand they are unpredictable. What makes us upset is what followed - the (lack of) care and support from Paige, and my young, empathetic daughter felt like Paige never liked her and after every lesson, she would cry and just never leave feeling empowered, encouraged or motivated. Our daughter continued to be traumatized from her experience for MONTHS and could never talk about it with anyone. She would just cry - she was heartbroken and it broke our hearts to see her like this. I regret paying for that last lesson and should’ve said more to Paige about my disappointment but my face and especially my daughter’s tears said it all.

We eventually tried a different place with a VERY patient trainer and our daughter’s confidence is slowly but surely coming back and her love for horses has resumed.

Blue Ribbon does a lot of things right but horse back lessons (at least in our poor experience) is NOT one of them! I envisioned my daughter growing up with this farm but to say we are disappointed is an understatement. I recommend more patient trainers as a good starting point, and if possible, using the same horse to create a solid bond. Trainers can make or break the experience for riders and unfortunately, Paige was not a good fit for my...

I just couldn't not leave a wonderful review after having my daughter's 4th birthday here yesterday.

The lady running the operation (I am sorry, I am so horrible with names!) was absolutely wonderful and patient with us. She kept us on a "schedule" for our pony rides and petting zoo time, but we didn't feel rushed and the entire event had a nice flow. I honestly can't get over how well manned all of the animals were. This takes true dedication and care on the staff's part, and their hard worked absolutely shined with the interactions with the kids. Not only are the staff amazing with the animals, but also amazing with the children! They were able to talk with them at a level that they could understand and were very good about calming nerves of children experiencing their first time pony rides.

The location was gorgeous, the scenery, the barn, the animals. I got so many compliments about how wonderful this party was, and it was all thanks to the hard work and dedication of the people who run this and work there.

I am absolutely so grateful for everything you all do. If I could give you 10 stars, I would.

Thank you...

I took my city kid wife for her first horseback riding experience. Appointment was for 4pm. We arrived at 3:55. The riding instructor was 10 minutes late (4:10) taught my wife absolutely nothing and brought us back to the barn 10 minutes early (4:50). Charged the full hourly rate of $60 for barely 40 minutes of riding time. Today I called and asked if I can just rent 2 horses for an hour and teach my wife to ride myself. I was told to go elsewhere which is what I'll do. Update 5/13/2020: I forget the horse's name but he was obviously suffering from mouth pain caused by your riding instructor constantly yanking on his bit. I didn't have any problem controlling him. He's a good boy if you treat him properly. He didn't like her and neither did I. I hope you correct the problem but I won't...