Meredith Manor

“I would love to add that I am a Proud Sixth Quarter graduate. I was also on the Presidents List for all six quarters (which means I never received anything less than an "A" in every class.) Not bragging just making a point that you get out of MM what you put into it. Since I left the school I moved to Orlando, Florida where I had a job waiting for me at the Grand Cypress Equestrian Center. I was an instructor there for over two years, where I worked full time with full health, dental and vision insurance benefits. I  worked there for over two years. On a day to day basis I got compliments from my students telling me that they have been riding for such and such years and have never heard the theory and images that help them so much from any other trainer they have ever ridden with before riding with me. I have had students move to other areas and all have asked me to find them instructors that have graduated from MM. The only sad thing is I can't always find them one. Since working at the Grand Cypress Equestrian Center, which by the way is a BHS facility and the only BHS facility that tests in the United States. My Director of the riding program asked me to find other graduates from our school. So, now Will Durden also worked there who is a sixth quarter graduate. Out of six instructors three others are BHS certified. Will and I will have students that ride with the BHS instructors and then with us and say there is no comparison. The BHS instructors only go through a program of one riding class and one hour lecture a day. When at MM you are in school for about ten hours a day. So, as you can see there is no comparison in the knowledge and experience that you gain from MM.  There is no other program that will work on your riding, your teaching skills, (lesson plans, eye development, etc.) training and over all education than MM. Every year in January we have the Brown University Equestrian Team down for a week at the end of their winter break to ride with our instructors and get back into shape. At the end of their week more than half singled out Will and myself as the best instructors, after watching one of our lessons their coach went to the front desk to see if they could reschedule their next rides with me for the following day, changing from the other instructors. So, my point being if you stay in school no matter how hard it is you WILL be successful. Since being here in Florida we have so many clients wanting to ride with us and train with us that Will and I have opened our own facility which we have had for over two years, we are happy to say we are full and so busy that we both have since left the Grand Cypress to work full time at our facility.   So, we have no complaints, or regrets here. If it weren't for MM we would never be the success that we are now and continue to be. So, thanks to all our instructors, you are truly amazing, and like I started off Will and I are both proud to be sixth quarter graduates and would recommend the school to anyone!!!!!!!!
Sincerely, Bill Disbennett””

“I attended Meredith Manor for their 6 quarter full time program. This school completely changed my life. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for the instructors, teachers, and horses at MM. They gave me the skills and the knowledge to be a confident rider and trainer out in the horse industry and I'm excelling on my own with the tools they have given me. I want to go through the program again I enjoyed it and learned so much. As previously stated, the program is not for everyone. Lots of people come in and drop out within the first week because they "don't want to have to clean stalls", "don't want to have to feed horses" "don't want to ride hard horses". When in life are you ever going to get paid to ride the easy horses if a) you can't ride that good enough to begin with, b) you're not willing to do any extra work? The Manor is the BEST school to consider if you are serious about a life in the horse industry. You are in the saddle 75% more than any other school actually learning how to ride. The people who complain are  the ones who just weren't strong enough to make it through the program and its sad to see such negative comments about the best thing that ever happened to me. I am more than willing to talk to anyone about Meredith Manor please visit my website www.triforceequestrian.com for my contact information. Thanks!
Samantha Capoferri”

“I’ve been a student at Meredith Manor for the past two years and will be graduating this summer. Meredith Manor changed my life. In the time I have been here it has provided me with opportunities and experiences beyond my expectations, and has shaped and defined me professionally and personally. The school altered the way I view the world around me and how I handle myself as well as a horse. The school isn’t for everyone. It’s a lot of work, and some days it’s a lot of sweat and tears. It’s a place for people who are willing to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly. The more you put into the program the more you will get out. It’s hard, but it’s the hard that make’s it worth doing. Anyone can do the easy stuff. The instructors got to know me as an individual and constantly challenged me to reach my maximum potential. Sometimes that meant riding a horse I didn’t think I could ride or completing an exercise I didn’t fully understand, trusting that they knew what they were doing even if I didn’t. After two years I still trust them, they’ve never given me a reason not to. Meredith Manor’s other important teachers are the horses themselves. The school’s horses are a wide variety of breeds, backgrounds, and levels of training, and each has something to offer - something to teach. I learned to give each and every horse my best and have felt them give their best in return. That feeling is what tells me everyday that I am right where I need to be, doing what I need to be doing. Regardless of where life takes me I will always view attending MM as one of the best decisions I’ve made and will forever remember and appreciate the people and horses that have shaped my life.” - Current Student, Genny Kraus - feel free to email to learn more about MM

The following two reviews are negative reviews for MM that had to be edited on 5/14/07 due to factually incorrect and inflammatory statements. These two people were not happy with their experiences at MM. Deleted text is marked by (deleted text).

"I went to Meredith Manor, and was completely mislead. I went there only b/c my parents (like most) insisted that I go to some type of school after high school. So I thought, what better than a school only for horses......WRONG! After MM, I did get a job, but not b/c of MM, only because of what I had done before MM. I don't agree with everything they teach, (deleted text). It would be more beneficial to take an internship from a real training (who still rides horses, and trains) and is actively in the horse industry. When people go to MM website, the site really highlights certain things, but it fails to mention that if you live in the dorms it ranges from FREEZING, or hot as hell. There are no windows in the all girls side, just in the co-ed. If Ron is so worried about ventilation for the horses, shouldn't he be worried about ventilation for the students?? (deleted text). Well I'll finish it here, I could go on and on about why NOT to go to MM, if you need more reasons let me know, I'll be glad to tell you the horror stories!" - Previous Student

 "I'm rather shocked to find such good reviews for MM. As a student I attended with high hopes of a successful career in the horse industry. During my 3 yrs of attendance I routinely had high grades, was on the President's List and was even considered one of the most reliable for showing up for chores. Imagine my dismay when I was turned down for several jobs at interviews simply because I had attended MM. I contacted some old friends that had graduated a few quarters before me and found similar woes and deeply disappointed individuals. (deleted text) After this revelation, I actually struck Meredith Manor from my resume and replaced it with 3 yrs. of experience at a fictitious stable.(deleted text) After my experience at that stable I decided to try to reclaim my education by studying with the British Horse Society. In the UK my horse yard was impressed with my Hawaiian stable as well as my fictitious stable, however they found my stable skills severely wanting and that though I had seemingly good riding ability, they recommended that I start at the very beginning and perhaps even attend a school. In case you are unfamiliar with the way the BHS works, one isn't required any amount of course work, they merely need to pass the stage exams in order. A candidate could register from anywhere in the world arrive the day of the exam and receive a certificate if they pass it. The exams aren't easy and require both a written and practical part. If a candidate is up to it, it's the least expensive and best way to get certified, and unlike MM, the BHS truly is internationally recognized, and one can receive certification from the International Equestrian Federation for your BHS certification. I really believed that if MM was all that it was cracked up to be, that passing these exams wouldn't be that big of a challenge. When I got the syllabuses to begin studying for the exams, I was amazed at how much material hadn't even been mentioned at MM. In the end I really wasn't up to the challenge of spending another 3 to 4 yrs. as a student. I really wish I hadn't ever heard of MM and had relied on my initial instinct to pursue the British Horse Society system instead.......(deleted text on BHS, check BHS to read)......If anyone out there is planning on going to MM, stop, save your money and go to Britain instead, -you'll get paid, have valuable international experience and even have certification recognized by the International Equestrian Federation in the end!!! All I have to show for my time at MM are mediocre riding skills and bankrupt finances. If there are any truly satisfied former MM students I would dearly like to meet them..(deleted text) " Previous Student

"Yes, I would definitely recommend Meredith Manor. I rode with an instructor who had graduated from there many years ago and she was a wonderful dressage rider. I considered going there myself but could not afford it. A little on the expensive side but you get a first class horse education. They also have a very wide variety of degrees they offer in horse related fields. You would make a lot of great contacts with the other students and end up knowing a bunch of people in the horse industry. You should definitely check it out, go visit and see if you like it." - Anon.

"I have visited MM during spring break this past spring and liked most of what I saw. It was not fancy by any means which made me feel like the barns were worked in. However I did not get a chance to talk to any of the students, only those who were giving the tour. I watched one "jumping" class and was almost turned off by the class alone. The instructor sat in a booth off to the side of the arena and spoke to the class through a microphone. Even though there were about seven in the class she only concentrated on two of the students and ignored the rest. There was no order in the arena, everyone was doing their own thing with their own horse and not paying any attention to anyone else." - Anon.

"i did alot of research at meredith manor and i like it although it is a little expensive, you get alot of hands on training.they are also very versatile.after completion you dont get a diploma,you get a certificate but one good thing is that the credits that you do earn there can transfer to a college so you can continue to earn your degree." Anon.

"The programs sound great and i've found that it's a very well respected school in the "equine industry". My former employer went soley to merideth manor when she was looking for instructors or stable managers or even judges for her shows. I couldn't afford it though. They have a forum on their web site and faith merideth will answer any questions that you ask." Anon.

" I have a friend who went to Meredith Manor back in the day... she said that she spent 3 years at Salem College (a nearby school) and a year at MM and she came out with a horse masters degree. I'm assuming that she also got regular classes and things like that... my point is that she didn't spend all of her time at a trade school and she did go to a regular college." Anon.

Midway College

"Midway College is located in Midway, KY, about 15 minutes northwest of Lexington. I graduated from Midway with double BA degrees in Equine Management and Equitation Instruction, and minors in English and Art. I did take the 5 year track, but that was because I decided to pursue both degrees.      
   I loved the education I got from the college. I had no trouble finding a position after graduation. In fact, I had to choose which job I wanted because I was offered several! I elected to return to Chicago for a position at a public facility teaching and training.       
   The barns (yes, plural) are on campus. The Keeneland barn (western) is across a parking lot from the Student Center, and the Eq. Center (hunter) is about a quarter mile walk from campus. You can also drive there if you prefer, but most decide to walk since it's a wooded path between fields.          The Keeneland barn has 16 stalls, indoor and outdoor arenas, wash rack, and student tack room. The only downside is that the KB has no bathrooms. You have to walk to the Student Center! There were roughly 25 horses in the western program, and classes ranged from Beginner to Reining, and several classes encompassed many types of western riding (i.e. barrels, horsemanship, showmanship, trail, etc). The coach is wonderful, and really knows what she's talking about. I knew nothing about western except the saddle had a horn when I got to college, and I showed IHSA and qualified for Nationals several times.               
   The EC has about 60 horses for the hunt seat program, and the second largest indoor arena in KY (the largest is at the KY Horse Park). There is no outdoor, but there are 4 retractable (huge!) doors on the sides of the indoor for good weather. There is also a city park that allows riding right next to the EC.           
   There is boarding at a campus-owned facility for students who want to bring their horses, or there are several places nearby, and board in KY is cheap.                    
    I lived in the dorms for all 5 years, and never considered moving off campus. There are two dorm styles; community bathrooms, and suite style. Buster Hall has community bathrooms that are cleaned daily by Housekeeping staff, with washers and dryers in the bathrooms. The rooms are large, with two closets (actually decent sized), some have carpeting, others have hardwood floors. There are two beds, desks & dressers, and you can hang things on the walls (unlike other places I looked). Belle Wisdom Hall is suite style, with two rooms sharing one bathroom, and there is a laundry room on the ground floor. Both dorms have community rooms with couches, TV, VCR, etc.                       
   The campus is smaller, but very cozy, very attractive and peaceful. Cafeteria food is typical college fare, but there are several choices( i.e. hot bar, sandwich bar, salad bar) and it is an all you can eat deal.         
   I highly recommend the college because of my experiences there. I do recommend that anyone interested go look at the college (or any college) before making their decision." ~Midway Alumna

Ohio University, Southern Campus (Ironton)

``How long ago did you attend? Jan. 02 to March 02. Was your impression good or bad overall? Great! I took 4 equine studies courses as a minor for my journalism major at the main campus. The instructors are great... very knowledgable and they both compete A LOT so are always teaching us new things. I took a Western riding class, anatomy & physiology (my fave), first aid, & farm & stable mgmt. The vet who teaches the science courses is so nice and smart... It's a very small-town, family atmosphere, so everyone helps out everyone. The horse park is 15 minutes away from campus. The campus is a branch of Ohio U., so it only has 4 buildings. But it's a very nice campus... with a computer lab, etc. And the library is extensive. Plus if they don't have the book you want you can request it from the main campus or any other Ohio university. How did you like the horse facilities? Very nice barn, indoor arena, outdoor arenas. Western program is a lot stronger than the hunt seat program, but they are working on balancing that, I think. Only bad thing might be that the pastures are not fabulous, but each horse is exercised at least every other day. Stalls are cleaned the same. Did you meet the director of the program? Yes. She knows what she is talking about. Sometimes hard to get a hold of, so I often just did my own thing. You have to be somewhat independent, I think. How was everyone in answering your questions? Great. They don't use email too often which is kind of hard, but you are out at the barn so much it doesn't really matter. Were the students friendly? Yes! I had a great time with the students, they accepted me very quickly (even though I was only there one quarter). We all went out together, etc. Ironton is right by Huntington, WV, which has a TON of fun stuff to do. Did the horses look healthy and happy, or depressed and strung out? Most healthy and happy. They mostly stay in their stalls, so as long as they are exercised they look happy! Were you able to watch any equestrian classes in session? Yes, I was in one! The instructors expect a lot of you. If you are signed up for Western 1, you have a class and do 1 free ride per week. I took Western 2, so I rode in one lesson per week plus 2 free rides. I learned more about riding in 10 weeks than I had ever known before (I've been riding since I was 10!) How did the dorms look? No dorms. A lot of the equine studies girls lived together, though. Lots of apartments in the area. I actually lived with a family down there! I put up a posting on an Ironton alumni list serve that I needed housing for 10 weeks, and a family "adopted" me. It was so nice. Did you eat the cafeteria food while there? No cafeteria, but they have a little deli on campus. It's a really nice campus for being so small. How did the town look? Are stores and entertainment possibilities near by and safe? Very cozy atmosphere in Ironton. Everyone knows everyone. Close to Ashland KY and Huntington WV. Wal-Mart and the malls are only about 5 minutes away from Ironton. Anything else? if you have any questions about OU-Southern, please email me at kw652898@ohio.edu ... I had a really great time and highly recommend it! The horses are great, and their IHSA western team kicks butt. Web site is at: http://www.southern.ohiou.edu/equine "