Spicewood Farms

We took our Brownie Girl Scout Troop (2nd Grade) this past Friday to visit the farm. Cowgirl Flo has limitless patience for all the questions my girls asked. We did the entire package and the girls learned so much, it was amazing. They learned detailed parts of the horse and then got to label the sweetest horse, Missy with stickers on her body parts. The girls learned about teaching horse tricks, they learned about the different kinds of horses. The horse back riding was a real treat. I was stunned how much the girls were able to apply of what they learned, as we left one of our girls said ""Cowgirl Flo, I already miss Missy."" The girls fell in love with horses and I could not have asked for a more perfect experience on the farm. I would not have changed one single thing. Thanks Cowgirl Flo for a great introduction for the girls to horses!!! more

I just love this barn! It is professionally run, neat and clean. The owners really care about your horse, and you can sleep at night knowing your horse is in great hands. Because it is practically in the city (close to the Arboretum, near 360 and 183) it is small. I guess that is the price one pays for convenience. Because of the limited space, the owners are fanatical about SAFELY adding a new horse to a pasture. The new horse will spend a week or two becoming ""buddies"" with their new herd mates before being let out in the herd. Other barns I have been at just threw my horse out with new herdmates, with no acclimation. My horse was bit and kicked terribly. Spicewood Farms makes sure that by the time they let your horse out with the herd, he/she is friends with the others. No fighting. These folks are truly amazing. When there has been alot of rain, and the outdoor arena is closed--the large roundpen is always open--so you can always work your horse. It is always a warm, friendly place--unlike alot of barns in town. There is a nearby park for awesome trailriding. Spicewood Farms sets the bar high for quality horse care in Austin! more

Initially, I loved this barn. Everyone was friendly and helpful, but eventually it was clear that a lot of the boarders were inexperienced and lacked knowledge in general horse care. The problem was exacerbated when the head trainer had to leave. With rain, the pens and pastures turn into mud pits that could easily wear on your horse's tendons and cause horrible cases of thrush. Also with rain, the arena is closed for use, typically for much longer than necessary. It made it very difficult to keep my horse in condition. There are trails nearby, but it requires walking the horses along the road, which can be dangerous with the traffic on such a windy road. The pastures are extremely crowded. Rule of thumb suggests one horse per acre, but they cram up to 6 horses in each pasture. I know space is cramped in Austin, but 3 horses per pasture would be pushing it for the space available. I consider this facility trail and western friendly, but serious riders and competitors should look elsewhere. Pros: social barn, good size arena Cons: no cover, inexperienced boarders, horrible mud, crowded more

This is a wonderful facility with a very convenient location. It is quiet, peaceful and gives me a sense of calm where I can forget any stresses in my life. The owners and boarders are friendly, caring and helpful when you need it. It is an enjoyable place to learn and enjoy your horse. The instructors are top notch (both western and english) and are very attentive to the students. The horses are well cared for and seem very happy. It is a great place to make friends and enjoy the horses. more

Beginners to very experienced welcome. The owners & boarders do make you feel welcome. Both adults & kids. Diverse disciplines. Both western & english riders. There is a wealth of experience and knowledge. Friendly helpful people create a sense of community & Family. \r \r Very large lit arena, well kept property, well cared for horses. Safe , experienced Instructors for HJ, eventing, & western. Great location. Pros: Excellent care & caring people. Owners on site. more

Spicewood Farms is owned and operated by a family that has at least two generations of experience with horses. They check the horses every night regardless of freezing temps. They make it their business to learn the habits and needs of every horse there. Furthermore this family gives as much time and effort as it takes to treat each horse like that one was their own because they care deeply about every single horse there - and it shows in the horses and the barn's atmosphere. Boarders range from expert riders and horsemen/women to beginners. The barn culture is honest and kind - like the owners. The lead trainer did suffer traumatic injury due to a car accident last September. After many months of working with her to help her return to work, the owners and trainer finally agreed the severity of her injuries precluded a return. After searching extensively for a replacement, the family recently brought in an experienced hunter/jumper trainer as well as a seasoned western trainer, since their boarder population is split. Both picks are solid, safe trainers with the ability to take riders as far as they wish to go. It's a well run facility with a great population of people and horses. more

The ""family"" of boarders & on site owners are like a village of support, caring, & friendship with a nice balance of ages, experience & riding disciplines.\r Armando, the barn manager, has a true compassion for all the horses with a dedicated sense of purpose & detail. \r I spend hours with my horse enjoying the quiet beauty of the property...and it's only 15 minutes from my house.\r \r Pros: compassion for the horses with excellent 24/7 care Cons: no covered arena more

I have boarded my horse at barns all over the country - big and small - and Spicewood is by far the best. I own a very senior horse and never have to worry about his special needs or wellbeing; something that has been an issue at other barns. The owners and fellow boarders are extremely nice and watch out for the horses. Nice facility that is well managed. Nice arena, round pen, and access to trails. Plenty of room to hand graze or walk your horse. Activities and lessons for both adults and kids - I really can't say enough of this place. And it's affordable! Pros: Excellent Management, Nice Facility, Convenience, People more

Spicewood Farms is a unique facility in that they are open to all disciplines, and lessons are not required as part of your board. Located on one of the last country roads in North Austin, it truly has the ambiance of the country without the drive. The facility is well kept and tidy. Isle ways are blown clean daily and no horse is moved into a pen until the waterers are cleaned. Although their lesson program is geared more towards eventing, dressage riders and western riders have given the farm some diversity. The people at Spicewood farms are the true gem. They are always excited to greet a new boarder and the little to no drama atmosphere keeps turnover to a minimum. The horses are the first priority at the farm and all their needs are met within reason. They are fed premium feeds only and great quality hay even in drought conditions. That's saying a lot in central Texas! Pros: riding trails, caring people, owners live on property more

I agree with the last review, this farm seemed very overcrowded and muddy/rocky. This barn also closes their arena whenever it rains, which is something a lot of the boarders warned me about. Pros: Central Cons: Muddy, overcrowded more

This facility is on a very small lot in central Austin. The horses are cramped with too many per field and not a blade of grass in sight. When I went out there, it was a mud pit and very rocky. The trainers also seemed inexperienced and just plain rude. I witnessed one trainer's ""methods"" that were really quite abusive. A number of the boarders/riders seemed inexperienced and engaged in more dangerous behaviors during my visit than I care to list. I have heard that the senior trainer recently retired after an accident, and that the program has gone significantly downhill since that time. The barn is no longer focused on Eventing or lessons and seems to cater to the trail ride/western set. Pros: Location, location, location. Nice area. Cons: Overcrowded, muddy, inexperienced/rude trainers more

I LOVE this barn! I recomened it to anyone! The trainers are the best and everyone is SOOOO nice! The horses are VERY happy! It's very well maintined, and the horses are the best! My horse loves it here! Pros: Faclities, Horses, Everything!! Cons: Nothing more