Testimonials
Posted by Rebecca
“My parents and teachers say I’ve gained alot of confidence and really blossomed. I say I’m having fun and love my lessons and horse camp.” Violet Cotton
“Riding a couple of times a week with other adults has become a guilty pleasure that I cherish!” Cynthia Cotton
My husband and I started taking horseback riding lessons at the Hockley Hills School of Horsemanship in November 2008 – rather late in life compared to most people. We had never had lessons and knew nothing about the care of horses. With Melanie Chin’s patient guidance and the help and support of others in the barn –Crystal and Stephanie to name a few- we found our passion. We were impressed from the beginning by the excellent care given to the horses by Don and Ann Fordham and all the staff, the professionalism of everyone, the cleanliness of the barn, and as an added bonus, the laughter that fills the barn . Six months later we became proud owners of two horses and, with summer hiatuses, we continue to enjoy lessons once or twice per week with Melanie who is an excellent instructor and manager with a great deal of patience!
Hockley Hills School of Horsemanship is a wonderful riding facility and we feel very lucky to have found it.
Kathy McGoey
Hockley Hills stands apart from any other riding school I have ever seen. All too often, “school horses” don’t get as much attention as privately owned horses, but not at Hockley. The school horses are always well cared for, thoroughly groomed, happy, and healthy. The barn is so clean, you could practically eat off the floor! Add to that the friendliest staff and most supportive coaches you could ever ask for, and you’ve got one of the best riding schools under the sun!
Karolina Kulisz
I`ve always loved horses but about five years ago my husband and I decided to take riding lessons. We found a great place to learn, a true school of horsemanship in every sense of the word. It`s a wonderful, magical place…Hockley Hills School of Horsemanship.
The horses here are happy and healthy and it doesn’t matter which one you ride as each one has something to teach you. They are well cared for in this topnotch facility, which is bright, clean and organized.
Head coach, Melanie Chin, is an amazing teacher. Her lessons are challenging and fun. She has given me the skills and confidence I need to become a better rider and I have seen a significant improvement in my riding ability over the years. She gives constructive criticism and challenges you to achieve your best. And when she praises you, you know it is well earned and it feels great.
I enjoy talking with the owners, Don and Anne, two of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, and hope that some of their wisdom rubs off on me.
The staff is wonderful and friendly and always ready to lend a helping hand. There`s a warm, family atmosphere that makes you feel at ease whether you`re a beginner or an advanced rider.
All in all, the time I spend here at Hockley Hills School of Horsemanship is such a positive and uplifting experience that it’s the highlight of my week!
Ingrid
Hello,
Two years ago, we moved to Orangeville from the city of Mississauga . It was a bit of an adjustment. So, imagine my surprise when my children asked for ‘horse riding lessons’! After doing some research, it became obvious that the Hockley Hills School of Horsemanship was the place to be.
The stables are always well kept. The horses are extremely well taken care of. The students and their safety are always a top priority when it comes to riding.
Melanie, the head instructor, is professional, personable, caring, and understanding when dealing with the children (and their parents!) Stephanie, an instructor, has a wonderful sense of humor and is terrific with the children. She knows how to encourage them and help them progress with their riding skills. Crystal and Rebecca are always so helpful, caring, and also encouraging with the children. The love that these people have for the horses helps to create a positive and fun environment for the children!
The riding program is terrific. It allows the children to progress at their own pace. Melanie and the instructors are great at understanding the children, their needs, and which horse is most suitable for their riding.
Hockley Hills not only teaches children how to ride horses, but it also teaches children about horses! The children are encouraged to learn about horses: their anatomy, taking care of horses (grooming, tacking, cooling down, bathing etc), and horse riding equipment, etc. All of this interaction gives the students confidence. Children start to understand the horses and their personalities!
My two children, Matthew (12 years old) and Victoria (8 years old) have been taking horse riding lessons here at the Hockley Hills School of Horsemanship for over a year now. They love it!! They have learned so much about horses, riding, and the stables. They eagerly await their weekly lessons. What a wonderful experience this is for the children. What a wonderful opportunity. Matthew and Victoria have become so confident in their abilities to take care of such a grand and beautiful animal. They are able to identify many of the horses and describe what their personalities are like. I can’t believe that my 8 year old daughter can mount, dismount, and get her horse all ready (grooming and tacking etc.) for her riding lesson! If Matthew had his choice, he would live at the stables with Cassie (his favourite horse)!
Hockley Hills also offers summer camp programs. Last year, Matthew and Victoria attended one week. This year, they attended two weeks!! The camp is a fun filled, horse filled, day. The children have the opportunity to learn more about English riding, Western riding and bare back! What a thrill it is for the children to take the horses out on a trail ride! What a thrill it is to see the children so eager to wake up early every morning to get to ‘their horses’!
Hockley Hills School of Horsemanship offers professional and caring services with regards to horse riding. The program and the instructors help nurture the children’s love of horses. It gives children the knowledge to ride horses and the confidence to take care of them. What a wonderful and unique experience this is for the children!!
Thank you Hockley Hills!
Sandra and Jim Donovan and family
Hello. I love horse riding. Horses are my favourite animal. I like trotting and cantoring. My favourite horse is Dusty. I like learning how to ride horses and I enjoy the summer camp. I am exited for camp next week. I love grooming the horses. I like when I wash the horses too. I was nervous when I cantored on Cassie but then I was happy that I did it. I am excited to learn more about cantoring. I think it is very fun. I cant wait till I come back to camp. bye!! Victoria Donovan, Age 8
Melanie, Don and Anne
I know I have told you on many occassions how much I have enjoyed my experience at your barn.
Three years ago when I took my first lesson I didn’t know much.
I have lots to learn but thanks to you I can tack and care for a horse and I am confident in the saddle.
I wasn’t a typical student as my interest was to learn how to ride and nothing more. I wanted to experience what looked like a great feeling, being comfortable and confident on horseback. No shows or competition just ride.
I feel lucky to have found you and your whole team.
The facility is first class and the horses are well cared for and willing. I like the horses so much I bought two and now ride them at home in the summer. [That gives you an idea of my respect for how well trained your horses are.] In the winter I continue to bring them back so I can ride in your arena. [That tells you how much I enjoy your facility and the way you care for the horses]
Last, I wouldn’t have done any of this without Melanie. She is the best coach I have ever met and I have played many sports and coach minor sports myself.
Her ability to treat each student as an individual is a rare talent. I know I was a difficult student.[I don’t always listen] but her patience and knowledge were great.
I have watched her teach young children, teenagers who want to show and compete, and also adults, and she treats each student differently and individually.
Melanie thanks to you I enjoy riding today like I hoped I would.
Don and Anne thanks for providing an atmosphere where it’s easy to learn and for providing great horses.
Please feel free to use me for a referal or referance any time you’d like.
Warren Churchman
WHAT IS A HORSE?
A horse has eyes as bright as a newborn star.
The beauty if interrupted by a blink.
If you look deep enough in a horses eye you will not just see beauty, you see a masterpiece.
A horse flows like a pencil on paper.
A horse does not run, it flies.
A horse is ambition that never stops flowing.
A horse leaps like a deer in slow motion.
What’s one word for a horse?
Life.
By: Kristy MacPhee
A few years ago I found a wonderful place to ride. It’s called Hockley Hills School of Horsemanship located at the Hidden Creek Quarter Horses farm. When I found this barn I hadn’t ridden for a while and coming in with some physical limitations didn’t know how I would fit in to a lesson schedule but with Melanie’s enthusiastic and patient coaching my confidence was quickly restored and all my abilities improved. Then when an opportunity to board my horse here came around I was ecstatic. In her retirement years, my mare has blossomed under the skilled care of Anne and Don and all who work here. The feeling of community here is so warm and welcoming that my answer to the familiar greeting Hi…How are you today? has become Even better now that I’m here!
Norma M.
I love horses so much that I wish that I could ride everyday, and my dream is to be a professional horse rider when I grow up.
I have been at Hockley Hills School of Horsemanship for three years, and I love it more than anything. Mel my coach is great, and she has always explained from day one that there is so much more to horse riding than getting up and sitting in a saddle….that is the easy bit.
There are so many lovely horses here at Hockley to ride, and one of my favourites is Chelsea (which is the same name as my sister but this is not why I love her). I was lucky to show Chelsea this year at the Tottenham Equestrian Horse Show which has been really great, and one of the best experiences…we worked as a team, and we competed, and placed well.
This isn’t even half the reasons why I love Hockley so much, I feel like we are all part of a big family that Don and Anne the owner’s have brought together in their lovely stables.
I am here because I have so much more to learn.
Chloe Brown
Aged 12
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