Bee Caves Riding Ctr

I am not your typical barn snob. I have been completely enamored by horses since I was 6 years old. My background is that I rode dressage as a child, but then was unable to keep up with it when I went away to boarding school. I picked riding back up when I was in college and had to relearn everything as an IHSA hunter/jumper competitive rider (such a different way of riding!). Riding in the IHSA is what inspired me to become a veterinarian (I volunteered in the large animal, neonatal ICU at the Tufts University College of Veterinary Medicine, and it's there that I got struck by the "Vet Bug"). While I lacked the intuition and daily experience of being around horses, I still considered becoming an equine veterinary internist or surgeon. I chose to pursue small animal, because I felt that I wouldn't be able to serve the community the way they deserved as a veterinarian who hadn't been around horses her whole life. Fast forward 18 years, and I have come full circle to being a new student at Bee Cave Riding Center (yes, I hadn't been on a horse in 18 years!). Words can't describe how much I love this equestrian center. I will try to put it in perspective for the experienced and non-experienced equestrian. This facility is a perfect marriage between safety, skill, training, and education in a calm and collected environment. I have ridden at barns that were prim and proper, had extremely strict rules, with ultimate snobbery. I've also been on the receiving end of much animosity and resentment, which was a very toxic environment (it was the stereotypical horse world at its finest). This is NOT BCRC. They truly know how to make riding fun for everyone at every skill level. BCRC is a top notch riding facility and learning center that teaches people (of all ages) how to properly care for horses, be safe, and ride with best equitation. The common denominator is that everyone loves horses and loves riding. Every person at the stable is willing to help and lend a hand. If you are someone who wants to pursue competitive riding, wants to have a better understanding about horsemanship or horse care, or just simply wants to ride for pleasure, this place is for you. I can't give enough praise to them for the positive environment they create. Furthermore, Kathy is an extremely skilled instructor. I have also taken private lessons with Anneke, and have had equally wonderful results with her!!! She's amazing!!! Kathy is such a great instructor, but she's also a great student. As a person close to 60, she is always interested in the most current literature, and she is extremely knowledgeable and pliable. She always has the rider's safety in mind, and she is always willing to think outside the box. What I love the most about her, is that she entertains outside opinion (even if it is from a small animal vet who hasn't studied horse medicine in years!). Another factor that makes Kathy stand out from the rest is that she also "rescues" horses. She sees the talent in those horses that might not have a future in other working fields, and brings them to BCRC to realize their potential. In my eyes, that is the epitome of a rescue organization. I am now a 40-year-old veterinarian who rides at BCRC with my 8 year old daughter. Our experience here has been one of support, safety, and superior instruction. There is no doubt that we will be riding here for many years to come. Thank you, BCRC, for your amazingness! I only hope this review will come even a millimeter close to describing the amazing instruction, counseling, and guidance that you provide!
5 7 years ago (06-05-2018)

very fun and taught me a lot about horses. recommend for anybody looking for lessons.
5 7 years ago (01-04-2018)

Great place! Kathy and her team know how to teach both horse and rider. Two of our daughters rode with Kathy and they loved it! Highly recommend.
5 8 years ago (21-09-2017)

This barn is arguably the best barn in Austin! I love this barn so much! They have wonderful horses, instructors, and riders! This is my third year at beecave and I have been so blessed to grow up in such a wonderful enviorment!
5 8 years ago (14-06-2017)

My daughter loves the class, the horses and instructors!!
5 8 years ago (07-12-2017)