Hillary Carlson's Equestrian

Unfortunately, I can't recommend Hillary Carlson or Courtney Carlson for lessons or any services that either sister is providing at their facility. Hillary is most unprofessional and aggressive in her communication as we are no longer a paying client, despite relocation being the initial reason. I paid thousands for my 3 year old to have weekly lessons with Courtney, and to take part in a show at their barn and a camp last summer. Because my son was so little, they did not have stirrup irons to fit him. I offered to buy them (a size 4 and size 3.5 at $45 each from Equus Now in Lewis Center). Both sets were kept in their tack room per Courtney's request. They did not have a heated facility so my 3 year old could not continue lessons during the winter months. In February, we had an unplanned relocation to a town 3 hours away, but I kept in touch with Courtney to let her know we would be back to visit and to pick up the equipment. They were having reconstruction so she said to contact her whenever we were ready. In June, when we found a new facility in our new town, I contacted Courtney and Hillary in attempts to pick up our equipment. While I understand things can be lost, they handled the situation so poorly as we were no longer a paying client. It is all about the money with these ladies and there is such a lack of professionalism with client communication that I am just appalled. I'll replace the irons, but you can't take back such an unprofessional exchange with a client at your facility. more

Great trainer nice facility, good value for money! more

My daughter has taken individual and group lessons and we're very pleased with her progress and the other things she's learning, like horse care, discipline, commitment, and sensitivity. Hillary expects them to work hard but also gives them opportunities for fun times (overnights, trail rides, birthday parties, end-of-year banquets and day camps) and competition in barn shows. Hillary is a highly experienced rider and competitor. Hillary has always been flexible with scheduling appointments and very conscientious about make-up lessons. Our experience has been that the barn families are friendly and supportive, which makes a good environment for the whole family. The horses always look good and I can only remember two that have had health problems in eight years. more

Wingate stables are the worst. The horses are never taken care of, and both hillary and courtney don't seem to care about the business. As a former boarder at wingate stables I have to say the buisness really started going down the tube around 2008 and it hasn't improved since. Why should it, they treat their clients like dirt and are very disrespectful of their client's time. I left around soon after. Like I said just stay away, they don't show horses and it all seems to be in disarray, but if you miss a payment they are on you like vultures to get that money. Just STAY AWAY. more

As a former boarder, I would have to say these girls are the worst kind of horse people. My horse was not taken care of and was injuried mutiple times while in their care. I had to lie to them and say I was moving so that I could escape, since I had heard so many horrible stories about them from other horse people in the community so that I could get my horse out without a problem. They are novice riders and have no business teaching anyone. Also if you are in the horse community in central Ohio everyone knows these ladies and says stay away...they are never at any events or horse shows in central Ohio. So I'm not even sure what they do with their.clients. stay away. care. more

Good: It's sad that a deadbeat owner that didn't pay her bills for over a year has slandered Hillary across the web. What was written above is pure fiction. Go to the stables. See for yourself. The horses are well fed, well cared for, and are gentle, loving animals. Go over to yahoo and Angies List and see the list of favorable reviews by some of Hillary's many riders, that don't try to skip out on their bills, have written. 5 star facility and 5 star lady.. Other: Every summer you will see tons of kids as Hillary's summer camps and birthdays parties are the highlight of the summer for area children. I would ask of you to be cynical for a moment - we are in a terrible economy. No one NEEDS to ride a horse. Would Hillary be so successful, would there be so many kids around if any of this slander was true? Of course not! There are many stables to chose from in Central Ohio. Hillary would be out of business if she was the monster this deluded woman claims she is. Sad.. more

Any true horse owner knows to shop around and get valued opinions before deciding to put your horse into training or boarding. I moved from out of state, and my first choice trainer was full, and Hilary's barn was close by where I could haul in for lessons to my trainer. After a few months, my horse was continuously losing weight, and upon a vet examination - was determined that my horse was not being taken care of properly. Too many times I'd come out to the barn to a bone dry water bucket. I would never trust a child of mine to ride with her, she is practically a novice rider herself without much of a background. I feel her facility is not a safe environment. I pulled my horse from her farm about 5 months when a stall finally opened up with my trainer. I would rank her less than 1 star if that was available. Beware!!! more