In the time that I spent at Big Oak, I personally witnessed outright abuse, as well as mistreatment and neglect of both horses and other animals. Many of the horses fear the owner, and for good reason- her patience is short and she regularly uses verbal and physical abuse as part of her interactions with, and training of horses. During group lessons, the little attention she gives to the students (which is primarily yelling) goes mainly to the advanced riders. The farm itself has enormous potential, but is very poorly managed, at best. I would not recommend Big Oak for lessons, and most certainly not for boarding and/or training of your horse.
more