Manito Equestrian Center

11/14/2008 Posted by redroan

If you are looking for peace and tranquility in a beautiful setting, this is the place to be. I have been a horse person for most of my life, have been through the show circuits, have seen it all. At the end of the day, the things that matter are what this place is all about. The horses are well cared for and have been given a great home for the remainder of their lives. The children have smiles on their faces and are taught in a safe, comfortable environment. The owner and her staff work diligently to keep it that way, and in this business it takes a lot of dedication and perseverance. The owner apparently put her farm into the green movement instead of living the easy life from selling her farm for the bucks. I know horses and I know horse people and this place is a charming, once in a lifetime find. I don't know how they've survived in this incredibly crazy business. God bless them.

Pros: charming, idyllic

Cons: a sheep amongst the wolves

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

11/14/2008 Posted by horselover19

My daughter and I rode at this beautiful farm for eight years. It is because of this farm that my daughter learned respect of animals, resonsibility, compassion and good riding skills. Over time, we got to know the owner very well- she was (and is) an excellent role model for my daughter and for many of the other children who ride at Manito. At Manito, their actions match up to their words. The animals are very well cared for, loved and respected. The owner's compassion and dedication is what led my daughter to enter veterinary school. I would not trade this part of my daughter's childhood for anything. Our community is lucky to have a haven and oasis such as this. Highest kudos.

Pros: beautiful setting, dedicated/professional owner and staff

Cons: we need more places like this

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

09/25/2008 Posted by horsegirl9

I have been riding at Manito for eleven years and feel that Manito was very instrumental in developing way more than my riding abilities. What makes this barn different is the family atmosphere, their integrity, honesty and interest in their students. I started out as a volunteer and eventually joined their staff. This helped me form character, a work ethic and an understanding of the amount of care necessary to keep the horses happy, healthy and content. The owner always treated me well and she seems to have a strong interest in helping the community. I have been to a number of barns in my life, and this is one place where the owner and staff work as an efficient team and the mutual respect is evident each and every day. The horse business is difficult and full of many unsavory characters. I have the greatest respect for the amount of time Manito's owner puts into screening potential employeesand weeding out those who are inappropriately matched for a children's program. Yeah, it makes some people mad, especially those who have been dumped for poor behavior. This is the most peaceful, tranquil barn I have been to and I know how much work is involved in keeping it that way. Highest praises! When I have children of my own, this is the only place they will ride.

Pros: peaceful, high integrity, worth the money

Cons: wish they would host more open (public) shows there

09/18/2008 Posted by jazz1002

As a former instructor at this farm, I do not suggest the farm to anyone. In my short time there they was always a difficulty in keeping instructors. The owner was never on the farm and was usually difficult to reach. Although the horses were well maintained and were at a range of abilities, I found it difficult to allow students to reach their full potential. The owner seemed more concerned about making sure she got paid than allowing the students to grow and be acitve riders. I never felt comfortable around her and became increasingly uneasy when she fired someone in front of me. I would on suggest this farm to someone who want to ride for pleasure, but not for someone that wants to become competitive and a serious hobby.

08/09/2008 Posted by Ignatsgirl

I have been riding at Manito for over 10 years. I have learned so much and my riding skills have become better and better. The riding instructor is the best I have had and there is such a variety of horses, all of which are super for lessons. Manito is a fantastic place for riding of all ages. The facilities are beautiful, the trails are so peaceful, the stalls are clean and the horses are well cared for. The owner of the farm has been really good to me and the other staff members as well as the students. I would never ride anywhere else. The indoor and outdoor rings are the best place to ride in a lesson. I have made so many friends at Manito (horses as well as people) and you always will feel welcome here at Manito Equestrian Center.

Pros: friendly staff, happy horses, beautiful trails, spacious riding arenas

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

07/28/2008 Posted by horsemommy

Manito is a nice place that has good horses and a nice facility. The arenas there are nice and big but don't get raked often enough and the outdoor has way too many rocks and has hard footing 96% of the time. The horses are cared for, stalls are nice and the water is always clean, all of the horses seem really happy. Nice riding instructor and knows how to bring the kids along in their riding skills. My daughters riding has advanced greatly since she started riding there. The barn is also getting out there more and getting noticed by going to horse shows which is a great experience for the kids. The prices are a bit high though but prices are going up everywhere and you have to make ends meet.

Pros: Nice horses

Cons: Bad arenas

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

07/07/2008 Posted by italianstallion3

I've been riding at Manito for several years. Instructors are all courteous, knowledgable, professional and helpful. The grounds are gorgeous and immaculately maintained. Safety and ecology are number one priorities for owner. Horses are cared for lovingly and have a wonderful home. I have progressed considerably as a rider since beginning lessons at Manito and became captain of the equestrian team at my school. Experience with many different horses has broadened my equestrian skills and helped me become more versatile and competitive. I highly recommend Manito!!! AAA+++

07/01/2008 Posted by Ignats

Our daughter has been receiving lessons at Manito for ten years. She has benefited from this quality center in many respects including knowledgeable instructors that have allowed continued growth in her riding ability. Also, the owner has always conveyed the importance to our daughter of not only caring properly for the animals but also respecting them. She has always found Manito to be lots of fun through the friendships she has established and the variety of activities that are available. It is apparent that safety is always a major consideration on the farm and discipline is maintained to ensure that the peaceful surroundings of this beautiful property are not compromised. We are also aware the the owner has made arrangements to preserve the property to permanently provide public access and benefit to our community. It is without reservation we recommend this wonderful facility to prospective riders of all ages

06/30/2008 Posted by karenfeillor

Manito is peaceful, beautiful and wonderful. I give it a five star rating and would recommend it to any parent or adult rider. I heard of Manito when I lived out of state; their reputation in my circles is top-notch.My family ran their own horse operation for many years so I am aware of the challenges that farm owners face. This owner cares a lot about the horses, the children and the environment. I have been at Manito for years and these facts are consistently obvious to my family and to me.Additionally, my child has learned a lot since riding at Manito and I appreciate their attention to teaching about respect and proper care of the animals. Doesn't happen often. Highest praises for the good work and to the staff who is about the best I have come across. In this business, it is hard work and the turnover is a problem everywhere.

05/04/2008 Posted by Manitorider

This is the best barn I've been at ever (and I've ridden/boarded at four others). The horses are great and a wide variety to choose from. Beginner horses and more advanced horses, something to suit everyones riding levels. The staff is just the greatest out there that I've met. Every single person is down to earth, fun, out going, and personable. They try their best to help you as much as they possibly can and do a darn good job doing it! Excellent care of the horses, property, and riders. Heather is the best riding instructor anyone could ask for. She is great with the kids (they all love her), her lessons are never boring, and she is an amazing teacher. The trails are fantastic and you will always see wild life and the cross country courses are fun! Good turnout of riders as well. I highly recommend either riding there yourself or sending your kid to ride and/or go to camp. They'll remember it for the rest of their lives! Great place :)

Pros: Great staff, horses, property.

Cons: None, everything is great about this place!