Sierra Woods Farm

My roommate rides at Sierra Woods Farm and I've always watched her ride her horse - this time I wanted to give it a try! I did a beginner (VERY beginner) group lesson with my roommates and Emily Ahlfeld, a trainer at Sierra Woods. We learned how to groom and tack up our horses as well as safely pilot them. My horse was named Pooh Bear and he was awesome! I learned how to walk, post, trot and steer. Emily was very fun and engaging. I give her props for teaching three 21-year-olds how to ride as beginners. We were in the indoor ring, but Sierra Woods has 2 outdoor rings as well. The farm itself is large with multiple outdoor pastures for the horses. The price of a beginner group lesson was $45 - pretty affordable compared to other barns in the area. Overall, my horse lesson at Sierra Woods was a bucket list item that I can check off, and I highly recommend Sierra Woods to anyone looking for a start with horses.

Sierra Woods is the perfect match for my daughter. Amy Tilson-Ochoa (owner and trainer) is very personable and low-key while still being very professional. There is no yelling and screaming at the riders at this barn. We moved to Sierra Woods from another Indianapolis area barn due to the high-stress environment at the previous barn. In comparison to our old barn, Amy is a joy to work with and has re-energized my daughter's love of horses after she was discouraged at her previous barn.Amy does several Indianapolis area shows as well as shows in Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee (about 3 shows per month; more in the summer).HIGHLY recommended!