Trinity Farm, L.L.C. Abusive Owner!! Lakeland Tennessee

Ok I love Ripoff Report, I use it all the time,  I stumpled on this report and was completely shocked.  

In what way were you ripped off, defrauded, or mishandled.  I have never used this company, but I can honestly say based on the report that you should not use Ripoff report ever again.  

I really hate it when people don't like something and assume that means they are owed something. Why on earth did you write this, your wife and kid got upset?  That is what facebook or twitter is for.

Ripoff Reports are for serious complaints.  If I goto a resturant and order Queso, and its too hot or spicy I don't say I was ripped off or miss treated.  Sorry you don't think your kid should care for the horse she rides, but if that is what they do there, then get over it. Do it or don't go. If I go bowling and they say I cant use outside shoes.. I don't wear outdoor shoes, and if I break their rules I expect to be treated consist.  I guess you could ask for your money back on an unused portion of your lease, that would be fair, but even then I don't think you deserve it.

Get a life, if I can find a way to report your complaint I will.  

While this report was filed several years ago, I feel compelled to respond.  I have over 30 years experience with different barns, trainers and riding disciplines.  Trinity Farm is truly a unique and positive place that prides itself on diversity and providing a place where all types and level of riders are made welcome. 

There are girls who help with lessons and assist with the horses.  This is how they "earn" extra lessons for which their parents do not have to pay.  You are eligible to "work" if you are 12 or older.   However, there is a full-time stable hand who works during week and a part-time hand who works evenings and weekends.

As a mom, a rider, a student AND a horse owner (boarder), I can attest that the owners and employees have the safety of the students and the horses as their first priority.  The training methods employed are explicit (very clear), deliberate, and positive.  While it is necessary to correct both riders and horses, it is done in a professional and instructional manner.  I have never seen either of the instructors use anything except evenly modulated voices. 

There is zero tolerance at Trinity Farm for rudeness or exclusivity.  It is honestly the most positive barn and inclusive facility that I have ever experienced.  Shame on the person who wrote an ill-informed libelous review.

I just came across this report and I must say I was quite taken back that someone would actualy have such negative things to say about the Farm and owner.  I have boarded my horse at Trinity Farm for almost a year now.  Myself and son have both taken lessons and continue to take lessons.  I can not say enough of good things about the owner and Farm.  The owner goes above and beyond to ensure that our horse is taken care of.  I competely trust the owner with the two things that are most important to me and those are my son and horse.  She is extremely knowledgeable in both the care of horses and riding.  The owner is absolutely a wonderful person both personally and professionally.  I find it very hard to believe that she would act the way that is described in this complaint since she is truly one of the nicest, caring and giving people that I know.  It truly is a shame that anyone would try to discredit her especially when it comes to the three things she loves dearly which are children, horses and riding.  She has amazing facility that not only is a place for horses and to ride but is truly a wonderful family atmosphere.  It hurts that someone would have such hurtful untrue things to say about this owner, teacher and friend who truly is such a kind soul who has so much to offer.  I recommend this Farm to anyone.  It truly is a wonderful place.

- Happy Customer

We began riding lessons for our daughter at Trinity Farms last year, despite the complaint I read on this website.  This has been our family's first and only experience with horses and riding lessons.

I recently started researching farms in the area since I just moved here and came across this little gem. As someone that is an experienced horse person trying to find a barn it is pretty irritating to find a report that has not one single usable fact within its contents. So I just had to post for all the non horsey people out there.

First of all why were no examples given of the "abusive manner" that was used? I have been riding horses, showing, and studying horses for many years- competed at the collegiate level as well as hold a degree in Equine Studies. Horse people are not all lovey- dovey, soft spoken people that sugar coat things. This is a sport where you get judged in the end and there is no room for sensitive people. I've had trainers that were flat out mean-as a child, horseback riding taught me to toughen up and that sounds like what is the problem here. A grown woman coming home crying from being talked to in a so called abusive manner, seriously? A kid I can understand, but a GROWN ADULT?

Secondly a little girl being nice and a hard worker making an adult, much less a horse farm owner, jealous is one of the silliest things I have ever heard. Period. I can't even fathom being jealous of a child.

With regards to the work- it teaches horsemanship and responsibility. No examples were even given as to what kind of work and how often. I paid almost $30k a year for college and was required to do a ton of work outside of class at the barn (from cleaning sheaths, to washing blankets, to holding horses for the farrier), I didn't complain nor do I remember anyone else complaining. In fact I was glad to do it as I learned a ton with practical applications. Most barns have tons of little girls hanging out and begging to do work- anything just to be around horses. I know I was one of them. Is it a crime for a barn owner to want their riders to know how much work it takes to care for/own a horse. Most people lease a horse before they start shopping for a horse to actually own. That could be what the thought process was. Why weren't other parent's having a problem with it?

Outsiders- well that's what happens when you don't participate in activities with everyone else; whether it's barn work or showing or anything. You get to be closest to the people you spend the most time with- COMMON SENSE.

As for complaining about politics: welcome to the horse world, that's how it goes- much like the REAL WORLD.

There was not a single fact in that post- just a bunch of whining babble from some guy looking to take the side of being a victim rather than being an assertive, mature adult. Post's like these do not belong on here since there was no scam, no breech of contract, and services paid for were performed.

Hi have known the owner of this stable for over 5 years.  I have personally observed her working with young riders and older riders.  I have found her to be fair and honest in her assessments of riders.  Riders absolutely need to be able to groom and clean up after their horses.  Children need to know how much work a horse is and that it's not just about showing up and riding a horse.  Working with the horses before and after riding them helps the rider create a bond with the horse.  Good for the owner for making the children do this work.

I don't know anything about this specific situation, but I have known Trinity Farm owner, Poppy Doyle since 2000 when she started teaching my daughter as a beginner rider at age 8. My daughter is crazy about Poppy, and she has never worked for her for a single day in almost 9 years. She does groom whatever horse she is riding, tack up, and clean up after herself and the horse when she is done. That is normal procedure for children learning to ride - or for anyone for that matter.
My daughter is now 16, and she has taken lessons from Poppy off and on for almost 9 years - most recently last summer and fall. We still have the same high opinion of Poppy that we always did. She is a great teacher, and she has helped my daughter learn some very difficult things during lessons in order to become a better rider. Naturally, learning something difficult can be upsetting to a child, but my daughter has always said that whenever Poppy was trying to teach her something and she got frustrated or upset, it was always worth it in the end. If Poppy makes a student do something she doesn't want to do, it is usually because it is for the safety of the rider and/or the horse.
I have also taken lessons from Poppy as an adult. I am not a very good rider, and I would have to say that she has been very patient with me.
Obviously, something happened to upset you, your wife and your daughter, but I would suggest discussing it with Poppy and/or her husband (since you mentioned him and seem to get along with him). She is a reasonable person and she has always been very professional in deallng with me and other students and parents.
One other comment. The title of your complaint reads "Trinity Farm - abusive owner". It is your opinion that Poppy has not treated your daughter the way you would like for her to be treated, and you have a right to your opinion, but "abuse" is a very strong word, whether you are applying it to children, adults or horses. Maybe it is just a personality conflict - that happens, but please don't ruin her reputation because of your experience.
If you have already resolved this situation, please come back and clear her name.
Thanks, Mary Hendrix, Memphis, TN

I have known the owner of Trinity Farms for almost 15+ years, and have had a very positive relationship with her. Safety is her priority, while maintaining a fun and positive learning/teaching environment for the children and adult riders who participate in her program. Both of my children have been instructed at her current and previous facility and consider the owner a close mentor and friend.

It is extremely sad that in this day and age, that someone can post a harmful expose like the rantings seen here, and it will remain on the web forever, potentially hurting the reputation of very good people. I'd like to ask the writer a few questions: 1. If you thought your daughter was truly being abused, why did you stay till the lease runs out? 2. While your daughter could be a very nice hard working girl, sometimes teens act up, especially around friends and other teens. If safety is the #1 priority at this barn, would you really want the owner to sit back and ignore the occassional misbehavings of teens? If your daughter was reprimanded, it doesn't mean she's not a nice girl or that the owner is abusing the children. 3. How many times have you been to the barn to actually see for yourself the environment there? 4. Allowing some children to work in exchange for lessons accomplishes two things: it encourages children whose circumstances otherwise could not allow such an expensive sport to actually have some riding lessons; and it teaches a great deal of responsibiliy in caring for horses. My children have had instruction at many barns in our area and every single one has a similar program because it is beneficial to everyone...students and instructors. No one is forced to work. PERIOD. And no one is considered an outsider for not working. 5. Did you attempt to speak with the owner about your concerns and try to resolve the issues prior to writing this hurtful and permanent online report?
6. Repeat question #1.

My children have grown into responsible young adults, and I partly credit their experiences with this owner/trainer. We have quietly left other barns because the environment wasn't right for our family, including our children. We found Trinity Farms and it was a positive environment for all. Not only is the instructor one of the best trained instructors in our area, she is great with the riders young and not so young, takes excellent care of the horses, and provides an extremely nice and safe facility for us to learn and enjoy.

Another Loyal Friend of Trinity Farm

Your daughter was a very nice girl, whoever she was disrespectful to many students, and the trainer. The whole incident started when your daughter was late to feed. Two other girls were there and feed for her, which helped her, but left other chores for your daughter to do. When your daughter got there she got mad and your wife started to get mad as well and talked to the mom of the girls and to the girls them self. The Girls didn't think that helping your daughter out would prevent such an issue. The girls began to distance themselves from your daughter. Your daughter is leasing a horse which has navicular, which is an painful incurable disease in the lower foot. Your daughter often told me that the trainer didn't let her jump as high as me. I tried to explain that since it would hurt her horse, the trainer didn't want her to. Your daughter was a nice girl, but she often talked about EVERYONE. She also rolled her eyes at the trainer, got lessons tacked up late on purpose, and was rude to everyone. The trainer told your daughter not to be disrespectful to other students. The trainer never yelled at her she just told her that being disrespecful was not an option. Isn't that what you would want for your kid? She did this to anyone who was disrespectful. I have heard her talk to one of the girls your daughter would call the trainers "favorite". Trust me this barn is amazing! The trainer, the horses, and all the kids! If you are looking for a new barn PLEASE come here you will love it!
Another Happy Customer

Let me explain. I am a friend of your daughter and a friend of the barns. I think Trinity farms is an amzing Place. The working situation:
Its not a competion. And the barn gives does pay us, she just counts it toward our lessons. Everyone has specific days to work, and she assigns them. Therefor there is no competion. The trainer is not abusive at all. I think your family might have gotten in a disagreement because I have never heard her single someone out and chew them out. You daughter had friends at the barn, but the Trainer was not jealous of her husband complementing a younger girl. I really hope you will come and join our barn family! Trinity farms is amazing and I know you will love it! Please do not listen to the angry repsonses of just one customer! There are VERY many happy ones! Look for us at horse shows and I hope you come to join the best barn in the world
I.Love.Trinity.Farms
With love
A friend
OH!
P.S. You can work and ride on the same day, I am about to do it today. And just because you don't work does not be anymeans make you an outsider.

The real truth about Trinity Farm is totally opposite from what Horse Lover in Cordova has stated. You must understand that the views expressed in his report are only representative of one person! They in no way accurately state the true atmosphere at the farm.

Trinity Farm is an amazing and wonderful place for your horse and your children! My child has been riding at Trinity for months now. She has never been happier and more well adjusted. Because I am involved with the goings on at the farm and spend quite a bit of time there, I feel that I can accurately explain what is really going on there and correct the misstatements of Horse Lover's report.

First of all, there is no abuse at the farm. It is true that the kids who ride at the farm also work at the farm. They do this because they want to. They do this because they love it! Yes, some are compensated in some way for their work, but others are not. That is a matter that is dealt with on a personal level with the owners. Those that work for free do it because they want to and they love horses!

Is there competition among the kids who are working? Probably. They are teenagers! In my experience, a teenager's main goal in life is to attain the attention, love, and approval of the people that they love, admire, and respect. The girls at the farm want those things from the owner. If they work hard in order to gain the owner's attention and approval and love... so be it! More power to them!!!! But let it be known that the barn owner has never encouraged or created that competition!

The owners of Trinity Farm have poured their lives into creating a safe and loving family environment for young people to grow in their knowledge of horses and horsemanship. Along with that they are instilling these young people with self confidence and pride in what they are accomplishing. Now, is the farm owner honest with the kids she is teaching and mentoring? Yes. If they need correction, she corrects them with positive suggestions. I have heard her lesson kids talk about what a great teacher she is because she always tells you what you are doing right when she tells you what you are doing wrong. That could not be better said.

So, if you need a barn in Lakeland, come to Trinity. It is a great place for you and your horse. Don't listen to the complaints of Horse Lover in Cordova. Check it out for yourself, or check us out at the local shows! We are having nothing but fun!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading,

Friend of Trinity Farm

In response to this article, I think that it is important that it be known that these were the angry words of just one customer of Trinity Farm. They in no way represent other barn patrons' opinions or thoughts about Trinity Farms. I have never heard any others express dissatisfaction or discontentment with the barn or its owners. As a current patron of this farm, I feel that I have first hand knowledge of the goings on there and the situation that was brought forth in this report.

Trinity Farm is a wonderfully positive place for children to go and ride, learn about horses and horsemanship, and about work and work ethic. In no way are the children who lease or board their horses there considered "farm hands". They do the chores at the barn because they love it. Some of them are compensated in some way for their work, while others choose to work for no compensation. The children and their parents who frequent the barn feel its family like atmosphere and embrace it as their own. Taking part in all that is involved in a day at the barn is a pleasure for those that are there.

In response to the idea that doing these chores was made to be a competition is totally and completely false. In no way, ever, were the girls encouraged to beat each other out by doing more. Was there competition between the girls? Possibly, but certainly not imposed or encouraged by the barn owner. These are teen aged girls. They long for love and acceptance and praise from the ones they love. If they go about getting that by working hard and doing a good job, then I think they are to be commended. You go girls!

Trinity Farm is owned and run by an honest and hard working couple. They have worked hard to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their patrons. The children and adults who ride there are loved and appreciated and not taken for granted.

Please do not listen to or acknowledge the angry rantings of one. Trinity Farm is a wonderful place for you and your children.

Thanks for reading,
A Happy Customer