Valley Ridge Farm, Inc.

"Back story for me is I had ridden when I was younger got out of it graduated college and decide to get back in the saddle when I had just moved to Morgantown. Through Google I found valley ridge farm and I’m so glad I had! I do not own a horse they have lesson horses that are so patient with beginner riders. Michelle is the best instructor and helps me become a better rider with teaching techniques that promotes safety for not only riders but also the horses. Also very understanding and flexible with busy schedules as I work full time as a nurse. I could imagine riding any where else!"

"After taking some time off from riding, Valley Ridge Farm, Inc. has been a wonderful, welcoming, and safe place to get back in shape. Everyone is very friendly and helpful, and the horses are wonderfully taken care of. Michele relates well to all levels and ages of riders, and she does a great job making everyone feel like part of the team"

"Valley Ridge Farm is a FANTASTIC place. I boarded my mare there for 2 years before we had to move back to New York. I didn't want to leave. -On riding/training: Trainer Michele is the most knowledgable trainer I have ever worked with. Shes great at communicating with her riders, and fine tunes her explanations with examples to help you understand. She's great at restoring and building confidence, and taught me and my horse Maggie a lot. She never pushed too hard and is just the right amount of sternness to get the job done! I had great lessons every time and Maggie grew into an incredible athlete during her time there, and it was all thanks to Michele and the great riders she has there. If you want to become a great and confident rider, go with Michele. -On boarding: throughout my years of owning horses, I have been at 4 different barns. I can honestly say that VRF is THE BEST boarding experience I have had. I always felt comfortable with Maggie there. I never felt like I had to be at the barn to make sure she was okay. Maggie was always super healthy and very happy at VRF. I always knew she was in great hands with Michele and the staff there. They pay attention to each and every horse and develop a personal relationship. Maggie was treated like a queen by all the staff, riders, trainers, and boarders alike. On top of all this, the people at VRF are amazing. Everyone is very welcoming and non-judgmental. VRF is a warm and welcoming community and family of knowledgable horse people who are serious about riding, horse health care, and happiness! If you're looking for a great hunter/jumper trainer and facility for yourself or horse, or just a great relaxing boarding facility, go to valley ridge! It's THE BEST in West Virginia."

"I have been involved in Valley Ridge Farm for 10 years in one way or another and can honestly say that being a part of the VRF community has truly been a blessing. I first began my riding experience through the VRF Summer Camp as a excited 7 year old. The camps are well run and provide a plethora of fun activities that help the campers become familiar with horses. It is a very safe learning environment that I have since recommended many other parents as an educational experience as well as a perfect start to an avid equestrian career. I did two summer camps and then moved into a weekly lesson program. The lessons are taught in groups that have similar riding experience. All of the students are given individual attention to hone their riding skills, as well as learn to become a confident equestrian. Since being in the lesson program here at Valley Ridge, I have learned many things about myself, all while being taught by Michele Koury and her carefully trained staff. Lessons are taught on school horses that are not only safe, but friendly, willing, and incredibly well taken care of. They accommodate the needs of all levels of riders, and every horse, and pony, has it's own lessons and skills to teach the rider. Students have work their way up from riding the most gentle, simple horses as beginners to riding the more complex horses over fences, and I can honestly say I, nor anybody else, has ever had a problem. With lessons, I have also participated on the Ridge Riders IEA Team, which has been an enjoyable, eye-opening experience for the riders. We practice at least once a week on our school horses, and attend 5 IEA shows each season. The team is also trained by Michele. I am also a working student at Valley Ridge, which means that we are in charge of running the barn on Saturdays, as well as days during the summer. It is a hands-on experience that I have been part of for the last 4 years, and it has been a fantastic experience. I have been through all of these programs at VRF and do not have one single complaint, except that I can't come here every day! Being a working student here at Valley Ridge, I have knowledge of the horses' needs and how they are each met. The horses are fed grain and beet pulp twice a day and hay three times a day. All of the horses get turnout daily in grassy paddocks or all-weather paddocks, which hay is supplied to. Every horse is re-blanketed (during the cooler months), groomed, and looked over post-turnout. We ride in the indoor ring during the winter, which can easily support larger lesson groups with a course of jumps, no problem. When it is warm, the outdoor and indoor rings are available. The barn is swept 3-5 times a day and everything is kept neat and tidy. Michele Koury is a tremendous teacher who has the ability to give individual attention to riders of every skill-level. She is a friendly, outgoing person who throws her heart and soul and nearly every hour of her day into her business and her effort is evident throughout the barn and her students. She has done it all, and every student appreciates her hard work. The people here at VRF are less like people and more like a second family. Everybody is referred to personally with their first name, and the staff is not only knowledgeable, but dedicated and helpful. Being a working student at Valley Ridge as well as a regular rider has given me a strong base that I know I will be able to build upon in the coming years. I strongly encourage you that if you are looking for somewhere to bring your horse, begin, or extend your equine years, the Valley Ridge Farm is sure to be the best place you belong."

"My name is Helen Cognac and I absolutely love Valley Ridge Farm!! My daughter started riding lessons about 15 months ago and so far the entire experience has been wonderful. Michele Koury is a very knowledgable instructor and is extremely talented teaching the lessons at Valley Ridge..,Her support staff are also very talented and have been taught well by Michele..My daughter's self esteem and work ethic has developed quickly under the guidance of Michele and I highly recommend the educational environment she has established in her business for riders of all ages and levels of horsemanship. Valley Ridge is a place you want your child to go to and be nurtured and instructed in such a professional and caring way.....I would not go anywhere else......"