Brookside Stables is a three-generation family-owned Vermont riding stable founded in 1997 by Ann Brown in Wilmington, Vermont, putting them at 28 years in operation now. Located at 3 Cross Country Circle, Wilmington, VT 05363, just minutes from Mount Snow Resort on scenic Route 100, which makes it a solid year-round option for skiers wanting winter horseback riding in their climate-controlled indoor arena (with mirrors and rubber footing, if you're curious about the setup). Fair warning though: they're currently closed to everything except horse boarding services. That said, they've historically offered comprehensive riding lessons for all ages and disciplines including Western, English, and driving, plus horse training, summer day camps, and trail riding across their 26-horse facility. Ann Brown grew up on this exact land and started teaching informally back in 1992 with just 3 horses. Now they average 26 horses representing multiple breeds from Miniatures on up, with Ann's daughter Melissa Hammond serving as main instructor alongside grandfather Stanley Cross and supportive family members. Real multi-generational operation here. Their popular summer horse camps (ages 7+) were priced at $525-$575 per week for Monday-Thursday programs running 10am-3pm, featuring horsemanship instruction, riding lessons, games, trail rides, and picnic rides. Early bird discount if you got your deposit in before March 1st. Since June 2016, they've proudly served as host facility for Southern Vermont Therapeutic Riding Center (SVTRC), providing PATH International certified equine-assisted therapy in their indoor and outdoor rings, round pen, and trail access. They've got a 100% recommendation rate on Facebook (29 reviews) and 1,251+ page likes. People praise the family-friendly vibe, quality care, and Ann's 32 years of teaching that has produced successful show competitors in western pleasure, driving, and youth disciplines. Contact BrooksideStables@msn.com or (802) 464-0267 to ask about current Vermont horse boarding availability at this established Southern Vermont equestrian facility near Mount Snow, Stratton Mountain, and the Deerfield Valley. They show 40 employees supporting operations at this family-run stable known for reasonable rates and welcoming all breeds, disciplines, and experience levels in their warm family atmosphere.
Maple Row Stables, LLC in Dummerston, Vermont is a quality horse boarding and riding lesson facility owned by Emily Ethier, who brings over 30 years of riding experience, a degree from UMASS Stockbridge School of Agriculture, and extensive training in Equitation, Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, and Eventing disciplines. Established around 2009 (approximately 16 years in operation), this professional Vermont equestrian facility operates with the philosophy "where the horse comes first," emphasizing horsemanship, proper equitation, and individualized attention for both horses and riders at their Cemetery Road location in West Dummerston. Maple Row offers full care horse boarding with individual stalls, private paddocks, and small group turnout, plus riding lessons for all ages and ability levels from beginner through advanced in English riding, dressage training, hunter jumper, and eventing instruction, though pricing information is not publicly available and must be obtained by contacting maplerowstables@gmail.com or calling 802-490-4880. The stable's teaching approach is heavily influenced by respected horseman Mark Rashid, focusing on the rider's self-mastery, clear communication, and stress-free environments for optimal learning, with every lesson including unmounted horsemanship education covering proper horse care, grooming, and handling. Emily also provides professional horse training services and travels to client farms for off-site training, accommodating riders whether they want to compete regularly or simply enjoy recreational trail riding and pleasure riding with their horses. With 231 Facebook likes, a 5-star rating on LocalityBiz, and a 100% recommendation rate from the boarding community, this small Vermont horse farm maintains a friendly, professional atmosphere perfect for families seeking quality riding lessons, experienced equestrians looking for dressage instruction, or horse owners needing reliable boarding near Brattleboro. Important note: Maple Row does not currently offer trail rides or group rides for non-students, focusing exclusively on boarding, lessons, and training for established clients. The stable's location in southern Vermont's Windham County provides scenic surroundings with mountain views, making it an ideal destination for serious riders seeking expert instruction in classical English riding disciplines and comprehensive equine care.
Winchester Stables is a 56-acre Vermont equestrian facility with over 40,000 square feet of stables featuring 44 generously-sized indoor stalls with rubber matting and fans, plus 22 outdoor paddocks along the stunning West River in Newfane, Vermont. The place was established roughly 25 years ago (circa 2000) and is owned by Superhost Suzanne who brings 20+ years of entertainment industry experience to her full-service boarding stable and event venue. This dressage-focused Vermont riding stable specializes in horse boarding with premium individual care, dressage training and events, horseback riding lessons (subject to availability), pony parties from May through October featuring friendly goats Buck and Blueberry (kids go absolutely nuts for them), and access to hundreds of miles of scenic trails via West River crossover. Winter truck-ins are available by appointment for indoor arena use. Winchester Stables doubles as a spectacular Vermont wedding and event venue, offering field weddings across 56 acres and a vintage red barn available for summer 2025 weddings, plus retreats (yoga, wellness, spiritual, healing, art, music, writer), reunions, filming locations, and commercial photo shoots for brands like Ralph Lauren and Ariat. The property includes a charming 3-bedroom Vermont farmhouse available for vacation rental through Airbnb (4.94 out of 5 stars, 17 reviews) and VRBO (10/10 rating) at $250-$300 per night, accommodating 6 guests with private West River beach access for swimming and tubing, complimentary Winchester Farm maple syrup, WiFi, and views in every direction. Located just 30 minutes from Mount Snow, 35 minutes from Stratton Mountain, and one hour from Mt. Okemo, Winchester Stables offers convenient access for ski resort visitors looking for year-round Vermont horseback riding. It's positioned 2.5 hours from Boston and 4 hours from New York City. With an epic indoor riding arena with premium footing, outdoor arena with judges booth, enclosed round ring, and recently upgraded facilities including new grazing pastures and increased shade access, this professional operation welcomes outside trainers (with references and insurance), hosts horse shows and clinics, and is developing a future Winchester Therapeutic Riding Center seeking PATH-certified instructors. The property features clean facilities with security cameras, spectacular seasonal Vermont beauty, and abundant wildlife including deer, moose, and turkeys, making it ideal for equestrians seeking Southern Vermont horse boarding, dressage training, trail riding, or a unique farm stay experience combining horseback riding with vacation rental amenities. Contact contact@winchesterstablesvt.com or (802) 221-8670 for boarding availability, lesson scheduling, and event inquiries at this Facebook-active stable (501 likes) and Instagram presence (@winchesterstablesvt, 199 followers) located at 336 River Rd, Newfane, VT 05345 in historic Windham County.
West River Stables at Meadowbrook Farm is a full-service equestrian facility offering riding lessons, horse boarding, training, and trail rides in Brookline, Vermont's scenic West River Valley, managed by experienced horseman Roger Poitras on Howard Osgood's historic pre-Revolutionary property that has been in the Osgood family for five generations since 1768. The stable was established in 1992 when Osgood sold his Holstein dairy herd and partnered with Poitras—who previously ran the riding program at the original West River Lodge—to create what's become Southern Vermont's premier equestrian destination near Newfane. West River Stables specializes in English riding lessons for all levels from beginners to advanced riders and has produced championship-caliber riders, including Allie Gee who won a world championship at the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show in 2020 after training at the facility. The farm is perhaps best known for hosting the NewBrook Horse Show, Southern Vermont's oldest continuous horse show with over 75 years of history, featuring 50+ classes including hunter/jumper, lead-line for children ages 4-8, gaited horse divisions, and trail obstacle courses—with free admission for spectators and proceeds benefiting the NewBrook Volunteer Fire Department. In August 2015, West River Stables made history by hosting Vermont's first-ever Cowboy Sports Association mounted shooting event, drawing 28 competitors from across the country and demonstrating the facility's versatility for special equestrian events. The property offers stunning Green Mountain foothill scenery, described by visiting competitors as "stepping back in time" with its quintessential Vermont countryside setting featuring mountain views, quiet streams, and wooded hills approximately 15 miles north of Brattleboro. Contact Roger Poitras for current pricing on trail rides, lessons, and boarding at 102 Hill Road, Brookline, VT 05345.
Southmowing Stables, branded as "A Center for Centered Riding," is one of Vermont's most distinguished equestrian facilities, founded in 1972 by Lucile Bump after she completed an apprenticeship with Sally Swift—the creator of the internationally acclaimed Centered Riding® method—making this Guilford, Vermont stable a 53-year pillar of quality horseback instruction. Lucile has earned international recognition for her expertise, teaching clinics in Vienna (home of the Spanish Riding School), England, Germany, Denmark, Holland, Scotland, Canada, and Uruguay, with students traveling to Southmowing from Switzerland, The Netherlands, Austria, Japan, and across North America. Lesson pricing ranges from $40 for group sessions to $70 for private hour-long instruction depending on instructor level, with school horses bred and trained on-site available for students; horse boarding runs $850 per month and includes daily turnout, hay, grain, stall cleaning, blanketing, and 24-hour on-site supervision. The facility features an impressive 80' x 120' lighted indoor arena with heated viewing area, a 100' x 200' outdoor jumping arena, heated tack room with washer/dryer, and miles of wooded trails accessible for experienced students. The stable serves as the official equestrian program partner for Vermont Academy and is affiliated with the Guilford Hounds drag hunting club, while offering disciplines including dressage, jumping, eventing, hunter jumper, English pleasure, Western, endurance, and field hunting. The instructor roster includes multiple Centered Riding certified clinicians at Levels I through IV, USDF Bronze and Silver medalists, a USEA Level I certified instructor, and specialists in equine-assisted therapy—led by Director of Riding Dorothy Crosby (Level III Centered Riding Instructor and CHA Certified). Summer camps, mini-camps for younger riders, advanced camps for independent trotters, and Ladies Weekend events round out the programming, with camper testimonials praising how their riding "improved greatly" during week-long sessions. Located approximately 5 miles from Brattleboro on Hinesburg Road, Southmowing Stables offers year-round instruction in a professional, internationally-recognized training environment.
Chipman Stables is a three-generation family horseback riding operation in Danby, Vermont, founded in 1968 when owner Billie Coburn—just 12 years old at the time—hung a "Horses for Rent" sign on the big maple tree at her family's dairy farm with just four horses and a four-stall barn. Now celebrating over 56 years in business, this Southern Vermont stable has grown to include an indoor arena, multiple box stalls for horse boarding, and is operated by Billie alongside her three daughters and seven grandchildren who all play roles in the ranch. Trail rides through what locals call "God's Country"—the beautiful farmland of Southern Vermont's Green Mountains—are available seven days a week (weather permitting) at $60 per person for a one-hour private ride where you're never grouped with strangers. Chipman Stables holds a 4.7 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor with Travelers' Choice status and 4.5 stars on Yelp, with reviewers consistently praising the spectacular views, well-trained horses, and staff who expertly match riders to suitable mounts for ages 3.5 to 71. Beyond standard trail rides, the stable offers unique sunset rides with BBQ and bonfire at their cabin, lunch rides, Western-style riding lessons taught by eldest daughter Sarah, sleigh rides in winter, and summer horse camps running late June through mid-August. The facility is ideally located approximately 30 minutes from Manchester and close to attractions like Emerald Lake State Park, Hildene, and ski resorts including Stratton, Bromley, and Killington—making it perfect for visitors seeking horseback riding near Manchester VT or non-ski activities during winter trips. Gift certificates are available, and the stables can accommodate large family groups with their experienced, patient guides including Sadie, Ashley, and Lacey.
Horses For Hire is a well-established third-generation family horseback riding business in Peru, Vermont, founded in 1988 by owner Deb Hodis, offering 37 years of exceptional guided trail rides, pony rides, and winter sleigh rides through Vermont's stunning Green Mountains near Stratton, Bromley, and Magic Mountain ski resorts. Located at 893 South Road, this authentic Vermont trail riding stable specializes in scenic horseback riding experiences for all ages and skill levels, accommodating both English and Western riding styles with pricing at $60 per hour for private trail rides and $15 for small pony rides perfect for young children ages 3-4 and up. Deb Hodis, who started riding before she could walk, maintains a unique stable of multi-talented Quarter Horses and two very rare Suffolk Punch horses (an endangered breed), with all horses described in reviews as "well cared for," "well-behaved," and "in really great shape," ensuring safe and enjoyable rides through wooded mountain trails with spectacular views. Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive with 30 aggregated ratings, 580 Facebook likes, and glowing testimonials praising guides Emma, Sadie, and Judy as "sweet," "kind," "incredibly helpful," and "knowledgeable," with reviewers calling it "good old fashioned Vermont trail riding at its best" and noting the safety-conscious, accommodating approach perfect for nervous or first-time riders. Services include guided trail rides ranging from 1 to 2 hours, birthday party packages, winter sleigh rides, and customized experiences for local inn guests, with operations running 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily (weather permitting) and same-day reservations often available. Oklahoma, the stable's Beagle mascot and Deb's working companion, adds to the family-friendly, welcoming atmosphere that has made Horses For Hire a beloved destination for Vermont horseback riding adventures, mountain trail rides, and authentic Green Mountain equestrian experiences. With high search interest (151 searches for horseback riding last month within 15 miles) and recommendations from 2 local business owners on Alignable, this Peru, Vermont riding stable represents an unassuming, quaint operation delivering professional, memorable trail riding experiences. Contact Horses For Hire at (802) 297-1468 or horsesforhire@gmail.com to book scenic trail rides, arrange pony rides for kids, schedule winter sleigh rides, or plan unforgettable birthday party experiences in the heart of southern Vermont's mountain country.
Kimberly Farms is a family-owned horseback riding stable in North Bennington, Vermont, founded in 1989 by Valerie and Bob Shemeth on a historic 1798 farmstead. Over 35 years in operation makes it one of Vermont's most established equestrian spots. The 60-acre property sits on rolling farmland with views spanning three mountain ranges (Berkshires, Green Mountains, and Taconics) across three states, plus it features Vermont's oldest marble quarry and a mountainside wildlife preserve. Pretty stunning honestly. Trail rides happen year-round every day except Christmas as private experiences only, meaning your group and your guide, never thrown together with strangers who might be nervous beginners when you're not. That runs around $40 per hour with helmets available for $2 rental. Riding lessons cost $30 for 30 minutes or $50 for an hour covering English, Western, trail riding, and bareback for ages 4 through adult. Their summer day camps have been going strong for 30+ years with a 3:1 instructor-to-camper ratio. There's also a girls-only overnight sleepaway camp fitting up to 14 campers in a rustic bunkhouse, plus Saturday morning Horsemanship Club sessions. They hold an A+ BBB rating and a perfect 5.0 on TripAdvisor with Travelers' Choice status. Reviewers love the knowledgeable staff, well-cared-for horses, and those spectacular panoramic views from Lookout Mountain. Here's something that matters: many of their 12-20 horses were rescued from kill pens, so these animals got a second chance at a good life. The farm also hosts pony birthday parties, family retreats, and corporate events. Camp director and assistant are Master's-level professionals with 30 years in the field.
Cold Brook Stables is a family-owned Vermont horseback riding facility in Vernon founded in 2008 by owner/trainer Cheryl Brown, offering 17 years of professional equestrian instruction, affordable horse boarding, and diverse riding programs on a spectacular 80-88 acre property with wooded trails, open fields, and direct access to Vernon Town Forest trail systems. Cheryl Brown brings exceptional credentials including an Associate's Degree in Horse Training & Management from Laramie County Community College (2002), extensive experience managing 80-100+ horse operations in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado, and expertise in starting young horses, western pleasure, hunt seat, English riding, jumping, and trail training across all skill levels. Horse boarding is remarkably affordable at $375/month for full care including 12'x12' matted stalls with shavings, daily turnout, twice-daily feeding, and excellent ventilation in their 13-14 stall barn, while riding lessons range from $30 for 30-minute sessions to $60 for 1-hour advanced lessons with instructor Olivia Tibbetts (also $45 for 45-minute beginner lessons including grooming and tacking instruction). Cold Brook offers both English and Western riding lessons for all ages covering show ring preparation, barrel racing, gaming, hunter jumping, western pleasure, trail riding confidence building, and 4-H instruction, with multiple instructors including Ed and Amanda Golembeski available for clinics and specialized training. The stable's impressive facilities include a 180'x100' outdoor riding arena, 60' round pen, miles of trails for quick rides or all-day horseback adventures, and a vibrant events calendar featuring the annual Fall Trail Challenge with judged obstacles and home-cooked meals, the "Belt Buckle Series" game days with $100 Jackpot Barrels prizes, "Fun in the Sun" horse shows, horsemanship clinics, and summer horse camps for ages 5-12 focusing on education, personal growth, and friendship. Customer testimonials praise the excellent care, condition, and temperament of the Paint and Quarter horses, the "continuous flow of happy people of all ages," and Cheryl's "relaxed, patient, and knowledgeable teaching style," with reviewers recommending Cold Brook "without hesitation" for both boarding and riding lessons. This Vernon, Vermont equestrian center specializes in beginner-friendly instruction, works exceptionally well with anxious riders, and provides competitive opportunities for youth and adults including gymkhana events, NABA poker trail rides, and year-end awards ceremonies at their annual barn party banquet. Contact Cold Brook Stables at (802) 258-0905 or cheryl@coldbrookstables.com to schedule riding lessons, inquire about horse boarding availability, register for summer camps, or learn about upcoming game days and trail challenges at this welcoming, affordable southeastern Vermont horse farm offering comprehensive equestrian services for families and riders of all experience levels.
Amara Farm LLC is a quality equestrian facility on 30 acres in North Pownal, Vermont, specializing in eventing and dressage with a state-of-the-art indoor arena featuring professional GGT footing and a full wall of windows for natural lighting—offering a premium training environment for both recreational and competitive riders. The farm is strategically located in Vermont's southwest corner just 15 minutes from Bennington, VT and Williamstown, MA, providing convenient tri-state access for riders traveling from Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York, approximately 40 miles from Albany International Airport. Lesson pricing is competitive at $40 for a half-hour private lesson, $70 for a full-hour private lesson, and an affordable $30 per person for group lessons with three or more students, with excellent school horses available for all experience levels. The 13-stall barn was designed with meticulous attention to detail and includes a two-bedroom attached apartment, while turnout paddocks feature run-in sheds and remarkable mountain views across the Vermont landscape. For eventing enthusiasts, Amara Farm's cross-country course includes jumps ranging from beginner-novice through training level with ditches and banks, plus miles of scenic trails with XC obstacles integrated throughout for varied terrain training. Full-service horse boarding provides 24/7 on-site care with daily turnout in large paddocks, first and second cut hay, grain, and full facility access including the trails and arenas. Owner Karrie Holbrook has been described as "meticulous as a horsewoman" with the farm praised as "beautiful" and set in an "idyllic setting," and the facility was featured in The Cheshire Horse's Local Barn Resource Guide as a quality Southern Vermont equestrian destination. Services include riding lessons for children and adults, horse training, sales, clinics, and summer camps for all ages.
