Rio Vista Farm

"We've had past experiences at horse shows here that were good but our last one was not so much. Show schedule ran late and they were no prepared or didn't seem to worry about it. The ambulance for the show was only scheduled until 5pm so it left, even though the show was still going and a girl fell off shortly after. Thankfully she walked out of the arena and appeared fine. The bathroom ran out of toilet paper/soap and no one was able to refill. I had asked about the timing of 1 arena because our trainer was working 2 arenas with our team. I was told to "get her here and ready to work in line then". When our trainer came over to that arena we were then told we could have to wait...it was just not the best experience. If the show is going, the ambulance should be required to stay, the staff/owner should keep the facilities stocked.....just not a good experience."

"My daughter has been riding at Rio Vista for a couple of years. This barn is clean and they take really good care of their horses. The summer camps are also very well run. We live in Westlake and its a bit of a drive, but once you get there its worth the trip. My daughter's trainer is Laurie and I highly recommend working with her."

"Our 7 year old has blossomed by attending privates and groups at Rio Vista Farms. The kiddos are taught how to care, groom, tack, and be around horses safely. They’re given independence with boundaries and my kid has gained so much confidence from being there and learning how to independently catch and tack up a horse. It is a pricey sport but our kiddo has never taken to any activity (or toy for that matter) like they have with riding, so we feel it is worth it. The teachers are great but we love Lauri. She is so good with the kids. Our kid describes her as “strict and fun”, which seems to embody the sport itself (I realize these rules are also in place for a child’s safety). I highly recommend Rio Vista Farms for their chill animal lover vibe, amazing teachers, lesson horses with great temperaments who are humanely cared for, and thorough teaching on everything horse related."

"Rio Vista Farms is an amazing facility run by a team of consummate professionals under the leadership of Bill and Susan McMorris. The horses are well taken care off and the training is very well-structured following a proven scale of riding and training principles. Rio has available several trainers and lesson horses for different levels of riding. If you ride at this barn, you will learn to safely handle and ride your horse, something that I don't see at many barns in Austin. If your child is starting out to ride: go to Rio! If you want to send your child to a safe camp: go to Rio! If you are an adult amateur getting back into riding: go to Rio! And lastly: if your child has been riding for a couple of years and is serious about growing as a rider: Most definitely go to Rio! My daughter has been training with Susan McMorris, ...and training it is (unlike leisurely rides some folks might be looking for). Susan is fully invested in every one of her students and horses and the whole team at Rio reflects that spirit and commitment: She expects the same commitment to the sport and animal from her clients. The lessons are demanding and filled with constructive criticism that help students improve their abilities. One aspect I have long undervalued in this sport is the ability to grow as a rider and as person. The term: "Growth mindset" comes to mind and this is something I would put in the same bucket as Rio Vista Farms. Lessons at Rio are structured in a way that students inadvertently have to evaluate their personality type, triggers, overcome fear, conjure determination and grit - wonderful life lessons we all benefit from."

"Wow... incredibly unprofessional and condescending owner. When you're told that you are "not worth the money" by the owner... wow, just wow. I suggest going elsewhere. There are many much more welcoming facilities that charge a whole lot less. Equestrian snobbery at its finest."