Aspen Acres Farms - Port Colborne, Ontario

Selina B

I have learned more with Stacey in a few months before lockdown than in 30 years of riding. She's an amazing coach and person in general, who consistently gives her animals and students her all. My daughter loves her, my younger daughter can't wait to start riding. I cannot believe we have this quality riding instructor in our region - I feel very lucky to have found Stacey at Aspen Acres and encourage anyone looking for the highest quality instruction to reach out to her. I cannot thank Stacey enough!!!

Andrea Blackman

It's been 10 years since I left Aspen Acres, having moved away. I’m settled in Toronto now and looking for a spot closer to home, but of course I had to check up on my old friends. I was shocked to find a reviewer's comments about Stacey's harsh instructional style.

I can only speak for myself, obviously, but this description is in direct contrast with my experience as a young rider. Stacey was a phenomenal coach, but in truth she was so much more than that. I came to her anxious despite years of experience. She identified this immediately and set to work doing everything she could to break down my fears and build up my confidence. There was never a single moment during which I was made to feel unsafe or scared. After less than a year my previous coach remarked that she was amazed by the improvement.

The years I spent here did more than teach me to ride. Stacey is a patient, kind, and caring mentor who will go the extra mile to see her young clients develop into skilled riders, and also into themselves. Plus, she’ll do it with a sly smile and a sense of humour. Can't ask for much more than that. Thank you Stacey!!

Allison Benson

If I could give 10 stars I would.
I started riding with Stacey at Aspen Acres When I was 13 (2008), and 11 years later I’m still riding with her.
Aspen Acres is a great little barn. Friendly, Welcoming and Professional are the first 3 words that come to mind. The Facility is in a great location and the barns and grounds are always kept clean and safety is #1.
If you have little ones no worries! Stacey is great with kids. I’ve seen firsthand from my experiences she explains everything and makes sure you are comfortable and safe before you do anything. If your little one is in a group lesson she’ll make sure she has volunteers to walk by your child and the pony to ensure their safety.
I’ve had the opportunity to dabble in all disciplines of riding thanks to Stacey (Jumping, Western, Dressage, and Eventing to name a few)
Stacey has giving us many different Opportunities from Showing Competitively, Off Property lessons, trips to Guelph when a horse is sick (thankfully this only happened once), watching her Ferrier do feet, to a vet floating teeth if you can think of it she’s probably offered us the chance.
She’s a coach… she pushes you that how you get better. I wouldn’t be the rider I am today if it wasn’t for her.
Have I met the “Dragon lady” mentioned is another review? Yes I have and I survived!. In all fairness though the Dragon lady isn’t that scary. All she asks of you is to listen to what she is telling you, try your hardest and give 100% and you’ll never meet her,
Seriously though I’ve had Basket Ball coaches yell at me for a lot less and at that point I was dribbling a ball… not hurling myself and a 2000+ Lbs animal with a mind of its own over a 2 foot fence

I could go on about how great Stacey/ Aspen Acres and all her cute ponies are but
The fact that I’ve stayed for 11 years says it all.
Stacey is a great teacher willing to move mountains for her students

Gwen Van Kleef

I've been riding at Aspen Acres for over 7 years. Stacey is THE BEST in the REGION. When I moved to Niagara 11 years ago, I checked out many places for horseback riding. Stacey is super knowledgeable and unbelievably patient when you have questions. I have never seen anyone take such care of her horses (and other pets!). She is great with kids and adults. You will not find a better riding stable anywhere.

Meagan W.

AsPen Acres is amazing. I've been riding with Stacey for five years, and leasing a horse from her for more than three. Not only has my riding come leaps and bounds, I've made great friends, and had awesome experiences. There is a wide age-range that rides here, and watching everyone come along in their riding has been so wonderful.

I've never met anyone who is so willing to give 110% of herself to see her students succeed, and to give them opportunities to grow and learn. Off property training, showing, equine care education, and the opportunity to try a variety of disciplines are all available. Stacey is incredibly talented, and has high expectations for her students.... and the difference shows. Riding is hard. Riding well is harder. You will sweat, your muscles will hurt, and the next time you get on your horse, you will be that much better. It's worth it.

As for the dragon lady comment made in another review - it made me laugh. Yes, the dragon lady occasionally makes an appearance, however in all of the years I've been at the farm, she only shows up when someone is doing something potentially unsafe... or as a joke to encourage students to push a little harder. There is a lot of laughter during lessons, and old or young, the camaraderie brings a smile to your face.

The animals at the farm all receive top-tier care as well, and it shows. They are friendly, sweet and kind-hearted, and all try so hard for their riders.

If you're looking for exemplary coaching, animals with hearts of gold (and a coach with one too!) a supportive barn-family, friendship and a lot of laughs, this is a great place to be.

Ala E

My niece is riding with Stacey and the material she learned within only 3 sessions of private lessons is impeccable. It’s no surprise because she is one of the most kind, humble, and genuinely hardworking trainers I’ve met. Her barn is so cozy and her horses are so well taken care for. I hope I can be able to get lessons with her in the future!!

Jordannah Mangione

The best barn I've ever ridden at- such a welcoming environment and the horses are all amazing. Stacey is an awesome instructor- couldn't recommend more!

Kayla White

Some people are not meant to teach children.

Stacey (instructor/owner?) was not understanding of the level of knowledge a beginner four-year-old has about horseback riding. She continuously threatened the children with the existence of a "dragon lady" which - I'm assuming - is a less patient, more 'vocal' version of herself. Totally inappropriate. She would bark orders at my child as if he knew what she meant, using jargon that he had *never* heard prior, and she was unwilling to explain. Throwing young children into riding head first does not teach them appreciation for the sport, it scares them from pursuing it. Which, let's be real, is an exorbitant cost we're happy to dodge.

I figured the first lesson was maybe just a rough start, but the second (and final lesson) saw less understanding from the instructor, and more vitriol. My son is four. I don't think - by any stretch of imagination - having to explain things at a beginner level would be that unheard of.

Again, he's four and has never ridden a horse before. Outside of horse farmers, I cannot believe the average preschooler would have a working knowledge of horse riding. If you're thinking about taking your kids, think again. There are surely more patient and understanding teachers in the area.