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

I think there's a lot about this ripoff report that is incredibly contradictory, both to my personal experience with this farm and with horses in general, and just from a layman's eyes. I'll try to outline all of it below. I have worked in barns with genuinely cruel and harsh human beings, the kind to try and wring any drop of willingness from naive riders who do not know how to stand up for themselves. Trinity is not one of those places.

The writer claims that their child's ability as a rider made the owner jealous of her. That is just simply illogical. There are a great many very talented, very hard-working people at Trinity, from the top to the bottom, and they would have none of those people if they got...jealous...of a child being able to ride. What exactly about that would make anyone jealous? Every trainer and owner I've ever met has been desperate for hardworking, open-minded people that don't get upset when they are corrected in the ring. I have never seen a single trainer at Trinity that would speak harshly to anyone, ESPECIALLY a child. And to your wife as well, who I presume did not ride there? Why would they remark cruelly in regards to your wife, who is not the one in the lesson ring? Why would their attention even be directed towards her at all, unless she demanded it?

Cleaning up after an animal you're boarding and leasing is literally part of boarding and leasing. Like, that's all there is to it. The horse is yours in all ways but legally (and if you're a boarder and own your horse, it's also legally yours) and thus it is your duty to care for your animal. They provide you a stall, a place to turn your horse out, and property on which to ride. Boarding does not make the barn your personal servant, you are essentially paying rent. Your landlord would not be expected to come into your house and clean and cook your food for you just because you pay them rent. Every ride on a lesson horse is wear and tear, like every drive in a car. You'd be hard-pressed to find a stable that doesn't expect you to assist with offsetting that wear and tear by providing very simple maintenance to their living, breathing animals they are allowing you to use. And if you are leasing, well. You still have to pay to fix your leased car, you still have to wash it, you still have to drive it. It does not come with a butler who will do that for you. 

The writer describes volunteer working as "a huge ego boost to see all these young girls working their tails off to impress her" which, is...certainly a personal and vitriolic thought process and I'm not going to comment on what that says about the legitimacy of this report altogether. What I will comment on, however, is that volunteer work is supposed to be...work. Taking care of your horse is supposed to be work. It's not a game, it's a necessity. She does not get a boost for not having to pay employees, no doubt she'd spend less hiring a couple more consistent stable hands than she would losing money for these kids who are volunteering to earn free lessons. That is the main reason that people volunteer there, because horseback riding is an expensive hobby, and work is worth money too. More likely than anything she's sacrificing real, physical money that could be spent on medical care, barn repair, etc. when she offers the main money-making venture of the barn for free if you're willing to use a pitchfork and oil a saddle. Whether you consider that a fair trade for yourself is up to you. It seems a fair trade to me. It is not a net gain for the barn unless you are very skilled, but it is a net gain for those who cannot afford to ride in the conventional fashion.

There will also always be favorites. If your child is unwilling to work hard, they are not going to be as loved by staff as someone who works hard. You imply favoritism here that I have never seen personally at the stable (can't ride your horse if you cleaned that day - which...what? - unless you're a 'favorite'). What I have seen is the regular and understandable frustration that comes from dealing with people who are entitled and unwilling to put in the work to earn that respect that they think is given by default. And it is never directed at the actual riders, except in directly applicable situations to guide their work, and even then it is not harsh. It may, however, seem harsh to someone who is used to being praised for everything they do.

You seem to think that leasing a horse, which is all but owning one, does not entail being a stable hand. You are wrong. You basically own that horse. You are its source for veterinary care, food, and other such husbandry. It just sounds like you are not very familiar with what it means to lease a horse - and in a former version of this report you claimed to have been pressured into leasing, which you have rather suspiciously omitted. No one is going to force you to take on the financial responsibilities of a horse like that, and it is far from a necessity in order to continue riding at Trinity, so I can only assume that it was a decision you made yourself as there is literally no way for anyone to make you. 

In closing, there are a great deal of people who want to get involved in the horse world that consider it a privilege and not something you have to earn. There is a belief that you are paying for riding, and thus shouldn't have to do anything other than riding. But anyone who has ever taken a single lesson can tell you otherwise, as preparing the horse is your job (assisted, at times, by stable hands, as when only taking lessons the focus is more on getting you in the ring) and you are expected to at least groom and cool down a horse that doesn't belong to you. I cannot imagine the logic that would lead one to believe that leasing a horse, which is much more intensive, would require you to do less work. 

Those of us in the horse world can spot people like this a mile away. There are a lot of them, perhaps enough that you think this behavior is normal and acceptable. It is not. You were asked exactly what any other stable would ask of you, made the personal decision to put the burden of a leased horse on a child that does not seem to have been prepared for it, and blamed the stable for slights that aren't slights at all. I am not allowed to speculate, but considering your woeful lack of understanding of how horses work in general, I think I can safely assume without speculation that you are not one of those people who have been wronged, but rather have wronged the stable with your behavior and have taken any acknowledgment of that as a personal slight. 

In response to “Trinity Farm is a Horrible Rip-off”:  There is little truth in this post. 

First: “The place is a muddy swamp”- When it rains, there is mud.  Thus, there are muddy areas.  Care is taken to rotate the animals and particularly muddy areas are dragged and filled.  This is one of the hassles of a particularly rainy winter.  As a previous rebuttal stated, I haven’t seen other farms address this issue as successfully.

“The owners of this business have little interest in teaching riding”- I have no idea what this means, as the trainers teach almost every day (they have Mondays “off”…however they often teach if it is more convenient for the client).  I can’t imagine what the author considered a “bait and switch.”  The fee are clearly outlined and provided in advance.  Poppy is, indeed, very sensitive to cost issues.  There are gently used boots, chaps and helmets that new riders can access.  Yes, once you make the commitment to ride, it makes sense to purchase your own safety equipment.  However, the only program requirements are that riders wear shoes with a heel (preferably a boot) and a helmet. Helmets are available at no cost.  I can personally attest that both my daughter and I used Trinity equipment until WE made the decision to purchase our own.

“Leasing a horse”- Poppy would NEVER suggest after one month that someone consider leasing a horse.  That would be imprudent and premature.  However, when a rider does progress both in skill and commitment, leasing a horse may make sense both financially and in terms of consistently riding and building a relationship with one horse. I have never heard Poppy pressure ANYONE into leasing a horse.  She does make known possibilities and options. NO ONE is ever told that there is not a lesson horse suited for a child.  1-it isn’t true, there are several horses that can accommodate all types of riders and 2-privately owned horses are made available for lessons, with the owner’s permission, as necessary.  Thus, there is a horse for anyone.

“Animal abuse”- In fact, Trinity Farm has an excellent reputation for equine care.  Both Dark Horse Rescue and the ECHO Foundation have horses fostered at Trinity.  Both organizations are very careful where they place their animals.  Just THIS month, a well-respected veterinarian moved one of her geldings to the farm.  I can think of no better vote of confidence in a farm than an EQUINE vet turning a valued horse over to Poppy Doyle for care and conditioning. There ARE several senior horses on the property (20+years old).  They are all in exceptional health.  They are used for lessons and the majority of the horses are still being ridden in hunter jumper shows.  So, while no longer spring chickens, they are successfully and safely still jumping in competitions.  This is only possible because great care is taken to ensure their proper nutrition and conditioning.  The 30+ year old is, in fact, a pony who has a fabulous personality and is used for beginners and the therapeutic riding program.  How ANYONE could describe her has having an “ill temperament” is beyond me.  She is a barn favorite and my 11-year-old daughter learned to jump on her this past fall.  In fact, the pony is an excellent teacher.

“Fees for Leasing”-are not inflated.  It is expensive to own or lease a horse. It just IS. In addition, Trinity Farm is a business.  Not only that, it is a business with a notoriously narrow profit margin.  In my experience, Poppy is very sensitive to costs and has been helpful in making leasing possible even for those who have limited expendable income.  In fact, most of the horses that are leased are privately owned.  We half lease our mare to another rider and it has made it more financially feasible for us to own her.  If it is a ½ lease, the leaser plays ½ of the board (which INCLUDES feed) and ½ of medication, supplements, farrier and routine medical care.  The owner (private or Trinity Farm) is responsible for extensive medical care, blankets, halters and bridles, NOT the person leasing the animal.  Saddles are rather like a pair of shoes, you can use (wear) someone else’s but your own is more comfortable.  That said, my daughter and I both used school tack until we made the commitment to buy our own.  When we were ready, Poppy helped us find quality, reasonably priced used equipment to purchase.  I’m sure she’ll help us find another child to purchase my daughter’s saddle when it is outgrown. 

“Cost”-if the author is really paying over $800/month to lease a horse and lesson and the “cost” is averaging “$200/hr.,” then doing the math, the child is riding four times per month (or one time/week).  If this is the case, she has no place leasing a horse. Riding once a week isn’t fair to the child or the horse.  Horses are social beings and require regular and frequent interaction. A ½ lease provides for at least 3 rides/week. Typically, they ride more than three times a week.  My daughter and I both take lessons and I have my mare in the training program.  My costs are not $800/month.  So, this assertion cannot be mathematically correct.    

Given the many inaccurate and blatantly false assertions in this post, and as I am aware of only ONE barn that bills feed separately (this is NOT the way things are done at Trinity),  I am left with the impression that this is not, in fact, a Trinity Farm customer, but perhaps a competitor.  How individuals can get away with posting anonymous libelous and defaming comments such as these is sickening.  The fact that Rip off Report really offers no way to seriously rebut such false allegations without litigation is truly unjust.  

I would like to start by saying that I have been riding since I was 8 (22 years now) and I have ridden at MANY stables in that time, so I feel extremely qualified to comment on this post.  I am not someone new to horses (as the person commenting appears to be) and I have a lot of other experiences to compare to riding at Trinity.

I am completely baffled by this post considering I know that the vast majority of the things stated are completely untrue.  I don't know why someone would go out of their way to post something like this.  Everyone at Trinity is great, so I can't imagine anyone being so unhappy with their experience that they would feel the need to do that.

So, as far as the things posted (I am commenting on the most recent comment, not the original post).  I'm not even sure where to start so I guess I'll just comment on everything in the order it appears in the original  comment.

As far as the farm being a muddy swamp.  Well, I can tell you I have ridden at a farm that was TRULY a muddy swamp (side note- that was still also a good farm, in my opinion.  I like to base my opinion on the condition of the horses and the quality of instruction rather than the condition of the farm itself).  Trinity is FAR from it.  Yes, it gets muddy if there has been a lot of rain.  Every farm I've ever ridden at gets muddy.  I literally have lost count of the number of farms I've ridden at.  Every single one gets muddy.  Trinity is no better or worse than any other farm in that respect.  The riding arena has very good drainage (recently we had 2 days straight of heavy rain after several weeks of on/off rain and I was pleasantly surprised to find that the arena only had 1 small puddle that didn't really inhibit my riding at all). 

The paddocks don't have a ton of grass.  However, that is not unusual for a busy farm.  Plenty of hay is provided for the horses, and the mud only gets very bad around the gate area (as it does in every paddock at every farm I've ever ridden at).  In addition, if any place gets overly muddy, they lay new footing down on top of it to eliminate the mud, which is something I have NEVER experienced before.  If you're afraid to get a little dirty then a farm is probably not the best place for you.

Second, as to the "bait and switch" claim, I don't even know what that is supposed to mean.  As any good trainer will do, Poppy suggests things that you could do to become a better rider.  This could include a variety of things, from leasing a horse to buying your own equipment.  She by no means forces anything upon anyone.  In fact, she is extremely sensitive to money issues. 

When I first moved to the area, it was for my husband's job, and I didn't have a job yet.  Thus, I could not afford to ride.  Poppy was the ONLY person that was able to work with me to be able to ride even though I couldn't really afford it.  Not only that, but she seemed more than happy to do so.  She wants everyone who wants to ride, to be able to ride, no matter their circumstances.  She has mentioned to me exactly 2 times that I should consider buying my own saddle.  I can't really afford my own saddle, so I have not bought one.  I can, however, see why she has suggested it because I always feel out of sorts when my favorite school saddle is not available.  It is her job as my trainer to point out that having my own saddle would help me as a rider.  It is, however, my choice whether to actually DO that and there has been no pressure at all to force me to do so.

I am now leasing a horse, which was certainly not forced upon me.  In fact, I was the first one to mention that I wanted to lease one.  There are plenty of lesson horses available of varying skill levels, so no matter whether you are a beginner or advanced rider, there will be several lesson horses to choose from.  On the other side of that, there really aren't that many horses available for lease, so I can't even figure out why someone would have felt like they were "forced" to lease one.  I think I rode there for about 2 months before I rode the same horse twice.... so there is certainly no lesson horse shortage.

If you do choose to lease a horse, yes, it is a little expensive.  Horses are expensive.  It is a very reasonable price, though, compared to any other farm I have been at.  You essentially pay half of the fees (board, farrier, supplements, etc) to do a half lease on the horse (all the fees are outlined in detail before you sign up).  A half lease guarantees you 3 days a week to ride, but I basically get to ride as often as I want, so I think it's a great deal!  This is very similar to other leases I have heard of.  You want the horse to be "yours" for half the time, you pay for half the fees, seems to make a lot of sense.  If you then choose only to ride once a week..... then yes, it will be expensive per ride.  But the whole point of encouraging someone to lease a horse is that they will be able to ride a lot more often and become a better rider.  I did the math extensively (believe me... I had an excel spreadsheet set up and everything) and it turned out to be a better deal to lease a horse rather than pay to ride 3 times a week (plus the bonus that I usually end up riding more than 3 times a week).  It is nowhere near $800 a month (I have to assume that was just an exaggeration based in no way on the actual money spent?!?!) and I have really enjoyed being able to "own" a horse without the responsibility of actually owning one just yet.  But again, I was in no way pressured into leasing.

I think I already addressed the claim that the "lesson horses" only amounted to one old horse.  There is one fairly old pony used as a lesson horse, but she is still very active and is a great lesson pony!  There are also a LOT of other great lesson horses to choose from.  If you are a total beginner, I can think of at least 5 horses off the top of my head that are used in lessons.  Once you have a little more experience, there are 2-3 times more horses to choose from.  They are all in excellent shape.  I have only had one other trainer in all my time and experience that has put in as much effort into making sure all the horses are not just in good shape, but are in the very best possible shape.  Poppy really puts a lot of thought into what can be done for each horse to make sure they are very well taken care of.

Animal abuse?  This claim is so ludicrous that I don't even know what to say, other than that is is so far from the truth...

Also the implication that the owners are abusive towards the riders.... also completely ludicrous.  Poppy is extremely encouraging towards all her riders.  I am out at the barn quite a bit and cannot even think of a single time when Poppy was even slightly harsh towards anyone.  She explains when you're doing something wrong, but that's what you're paying for!  And when you do anything right or improve even the slightest bit, she is very free with praise.

Yes, the owners offer a program where riders are able to work to pay for ride time.  This program is fantastic!!!  It offers people (like myself when I first moved to town) an opportunity to ride more often when they are not necessarily able to afford it.  All of the girls who are part of this program are not only able to increase their riding time, they are also learning about responsibility and learning a lot more about horse care than they would if they were merely taking one lesson a week.  I have ridden at other farms that have similar opportunities and I have always thought it was a GREAT way for kids to learn more about horses and the time/money involved in caring for them.  There is always at least one experienced employee (either one of the trainers or the farm hand, who is also extremely experienced with horses) in charge. 

Having all of these helpers is also essential for the therapeutic riding program, which is really inspiring to see.  Many of the therapeutic students require a large number of "helpers" to support them while they ride.  One to lead the horse, sometimes one (or more) on each side to help them sit up, etc.  These helpers make that program possible, and most programs that I have seen for therapeutic riding rely very heavily on volunteers, so it is an added bonus that these girls are able to earn more riding time doing this as well.

Overall, I feel very lucky to have found Trinity Farm when I moved to Memphis.  I love riding there, I love the horses, I love all the people.... I just feel so confused why someone would post anything like this!  It is a great atmosphere and they take exceptional care of their horses (and riders).  If you are looking for the type of stable where you show up and a groom has your horse perfectly groomed and saddled for you, there is not a speck of dirt in sight, and your horse is so push-button perfect that you are not actually learning anything at all, then yes, look for a different farm.  But then again if that's what you're looking for, you probably shouldn't be riding at all!  And I guarantee you will be paying out the nose for that.  But if you are looking for a good, honest bunch of people who truly want the best for you and your horse, then Trinity Farm is a great place to ride.

I have to agree with this patron.  Trinity Farms, and Poppy Doyle are a horrible ripoff.  The whole premise of their business is to hook a bunch of little "horse crazy" girls' parents into paying outrageous amounts of money for their daughter to ride around on an old horse in a tiny, muddy arena.

First off.  The place is a muddy swamp.  There are way too many horses crammed onto way too little space.  During the fall, winter, spring, there are just horses standing in mud.  During the summer, they are standing on dirt. 

Secondly,  the owners of this business have little interest in teaching riding.  Their main emphasis is coming up with every conceivable way of digging a dollar out of a parent's pocket.  They start with a basic "bait and switch" plan.  Poppy will promise a parent the moon, of course we have the right horse for your child, of course we have the equipment, everything will be wonderful. 

Next, you take your child to lessons, the child gets interested and a month later the shoe drops.  You are told that your child is doing wonderfully, but that now you need to "lease a horse" because your child has advanced to where that they now no longer have a "lesson horse" that is suited for your child.  Instead, now you are expected to lease a horse at horribly inflated prices.  Your child's horse riding hobby is now costing you $800 + a month.  Of course there are the "additional" charges that you get hit with such as boarding, medication, vet bills, shots, farrier bills, feed bills, and lesson charges.  Then there are the equipment charges.  You get charged to use the "equipment" for your leased horse even if you provide your own equipment. You are encouraged to privide your own equipment, saddle, blanket, etc., yet you are still charged an equipment charge monthly.  It is non-negotiable. 

Also, after being around the barn for a month, you learn that the "lesson horses" is actually ONE old horse that is 30 years old and of ill temperament that should have been put out to pasture years ago.

Upon adding up all of the charges and considering the amount of time that your child actually spends riding, you will be astonished at the cost of seeing your child ride a horse around a small muddy arena for an hour a week.    When I put pencil to paper, my child's riding hobby was costing me over $200/hr.

Add to this the abusive attitude of the owners and the animal abuse that your child witnesses,  it would be a safer and saner choice to look elsewhere for riding lessons.

There are other honest facilities in this area that do offer children riding lessons, that do have safe, acceptable, healthy horses,  that do care about the children and not just trying to find another gimmic way to dig a dollar from the parent's pockets.

I have myself witnessed the same atmosphere that this previous poster has related.  The barn owners do indeed use the children for free labor.  In exchange for this "free labor,"  they offer some financially strapped, horse crazy young lady the use of one of their aged, infirm horses for a few minutes ride in the muddy arena.

Watching the owner take advantage of these girls by exploiting their childish needs is truly sad.  Watching Poppy play girls off of each other in sick competition to gain her favor (and a free horse ride) is abusive and repulsive.

Be a wise consumer, make sure you check out ALL other options before landing here.  Watch your wallet.

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