HaddenLoch

I am writing in response to the review posted below by Mr. Szabo. I am the rider with the spooky horse he refers to. It's true my horse sometimes spooks if something unusual is placed under the tree where he was sitting. In his case, it wasn't him but his stadium chair. My horse is a sensitive OTTB rescue who thanks to the wonderful trainers and staff at Haddenloch, has worked through some major psychological issues caused by her days on the track. She is not a lesson horse, she is privately owned and ridden only by me. I was in the middle of a training session when she spooked at the chair. I asked Mr. Szabo politely if he would mind moving for about 15 minutes while I finished my lesson. This was for my own personal safety as well as selfishly wanting to finish on a positive note. My training sessions are usually scheduled for slower times at the barn due to my mare's temperament. I'm sorry Mr. Szabo's daughter's lesson was scheduled after mine and he took offense to my request. Horses have different natures and temperaments. The school horses at Haddenloch and all safe, friendly and well taken care of. My horse, an off the track Thoroughbred mare, can be spooky at times but that's her nature. We are working on desensitizing her and have come a long way since starting our training at Haddenloch. Obviously we still have a way to go but I couldn't be more pleased with the training and care my horse receives. I'm sure I can speak for the other boarders in saying that they feel the same way.

It is quite rare that I post to "complain" about any of places I visit for services but I felt the need to do so at this time.



I have been taking my daughter to riding classes at this facility for approximately 9 months. She is “in love” with horses and to be frank that is the only reason I have put up with the lecturing since day one.



The facilities are reasonable. Nothing too special but relatively clean and well kept. The training is acceptable; albeit somewhat unexceptional. Perhaps there are some superstar trainers who frequent HaddenLoch, and if so I have yet to meet them or see them in action.



The real problems are the horses; I have been told by both our trainer and an owner. I will elaborate.



It appears that about half of the horses kept here get nervous and “spooked” around people. One can be quietly reading a book or a newspaper while watching the horses in the rink and is being told that it scares the horse. But it gets better! – One can be just sitting!!!



Evidently. “Dianne’s” horse has a problem when people sit in a particular spot. Unfortunately, I was not told in advance, nor was there a sign posted to stay away.



I had a hard time believing it myself but I have been told both by “Dianna” and our trainer that the problems is me. What is even more interesting to me, that for whatever reason, I am the only one who is in the way. I guess I somehow manage to be always at the wrong place, at the wrong time, doing the wrong thing, or in same cases not even doing anything, but simply exiting.



So this begs the question. Is there something wrong with me? Do I smell bad? Should be invisible if I want to watch my daughter?

I am also puzzled and curious. Why are some many horses nervous at this facility? Is there something “in the water”? Is it the owners? Perhaps the trainers? Are these horses at Haddenloch tired and worn out?



While I can take the horses, I can take my money to somewhere else. And I recommend for others to do the same. .



Sincerely,

Zoltan Szabo

1 star rating because 0 is not an option.

I recommend this place. It is clean,organized and friendly. The trainer is excellent and the horses are all happy, shiney and fit.