Woodside, United States
1545 Portola Rd
N/A
+1 4154122789
Wheelchair-accessible car parkWheelchair-accessible entrance
I have been looking for a new riding community to be a part of for a very long while, and when I found Trillium I was very excited to take the time to get to know everyone. I went in as a working student, and ended up being told to leave because I would not work there 5 days a week(around 5-6 hours a day) without pay. The community was fairly kind. I didn't feel as judged as I have by others in the past, as people tend to do with/towards working students, but in the end I felt...almost disgusted at such a blatantly exploitive request.
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We LOVE Trillium!!!Trillium is the best for every level of riding. Etsuko helped my daughter find the perfect first lease horse. Her lessons combine all aspects of riding and she is able to meet the riders where they are and push them to challenge themselves each time they ride. All the trainers are fabulous and the community is extremely supportive and passionate.
My daughter has been with Trillium Farm since July 2020. The trainers are fantastic, pushing her to learn and grow as a rider. They have lesson horses to meet the needs of any level of rider, and work to find a good fit for each person. The barn atmosphere is friendly and fun for children and adults alike.
Trillium is an amazing equestrian school and farm. My daughter started almost one year ago and has thrived under her instructor, Yulia. Having been at two previous barns before, the instruction here is unparalleled. We went from not knowing much about horses to knowing so much about horsemanship, caring for horses, riding, barn etiquette, and potential pathways to pursue as my daughter develops. Yulia focuses on both the rider and the horse, and she paired my daughter with an amazing horse who she could see my daughter just clicked with from the beginning. Her instruction is very specific and actionable, and she works steadfastly with the riders until they accomplish the skill she is teaching them. She also is tuned into their personalities (both rider and horse) and adapts the lesson plan accordingly. As an added bonus, everyone at the barn is extremely nice and are all passionate about horses. From the owner, Etsuko, to the youngest riders, there is a wonderful camaraderie, and it is lovely to see the experienced riders encouraging and mentoring the younger riders. Plus, the barn itself is very well organized and tidy. Everyone does their part to keep the tack and common areas clean. The arenas are maintained well, and the property is peaceful and gorgeous in any season.
I was at Trillium for almost 2 years. My experience started positive and ended very poorly. Like many people, I left Trillium very sad and frustrated. Other professionals have described Trillium best in saying "the intent is good but execution is poor." I agree with this and I believe the staff and team want to do right by horses but ultimately the horses in their care are seriously over worked (even horses owned/in training). There are young horses (4-5 year old) used for school lessons resulting in a myriad of issues in almost every lesson. This was a massive shift from when I started and the horses were older, sound and experienced. I often felt unsafe in lessons and went as far as feigning an injury to avoid poorly structured lessons. My horse’s “training” led to massive gaps and gaffs resulting in imbalances in his body and diet; he was also treated in ways I found deeply unsettling - aggressive spurring (to the point of drawing blood). Working students often handle the pro rides for horses in training and the main assistant, Elodie, that handles the “schooling” rides for school horses and lunges for client horses is not a professional, nowhere close. Again: problematic as this leads to issues and gaps in the horse’s “training.” TLDR: no price sheets, inconsistent billing practices, erratic lessons, poor communication, and all of the above mentioned issues were what resulted in my departure. There have been a lot people that have left under the same terms and said nothing, but I feel that it’s time to be honest about this unsafe and unethical barn.
Trillium Farm is the best horse community! Me and my horse started with Etsuko last fall 2019. I have been in several local barns before and was looking for a new experience for my horse but also for me as Amateur rider. I am so grateful I found Etsuko and her team. I can't say enough nice things about her training. She is kind, respectful, and works with you towards your goals. Maynor, Trillium's barn Manager, is also very much part of the horses lives. He takes care of the horses but also works with them to make sure you get the best out of your horse each time you come to the barn. One other thing I really like about this barn is that you are not alone when you are facing problems. Etsuko is an amazing professional rider and her speciality is to start young horses. She is used to quirks and challenges that she calls 'projects' and exercises the horses as much as they need to be. This is really confidence builder. Come check it out and you won't regret the experience!!
This is a wonderful barn, and I can't recommend it highly enough. I am an adult amateur who has ridden at a number of barns over the years, and Etsuko and Yulia are two of the best. They keep lessons fun, but I always come away having learned something new. I already feel like my riding is improving after just a few months in their program. In addition to the lesson program, there are ample opportunities to show or participate in clinics (but no pressure to do so if that's not your thing). Most importantly, Etsuko, Yulia, and the whole Trillium team put the welfare of the horses above all else, and they are kind and responsive to their clients. I also enjoy spending time with the other riders at Trillium. People were immediately welcoming, and there is a nice mix of kids and adults, so you'll find your people no matter your age. Trillium feels like a community in the best sense. After a few short months with Trillium, I knew I had found my new barn home, and Etsuko and Yulia helped me purchase my first horse as an adult. They spent time learning about me, what I was looking for in a horse, and also working within my budget. When I moved at the start of the year, I spent a weekend looking at most of the barns in the area, and could not find a place with the right balance between fun and friendly people, but a serious lesson program and excellent trainers who would help me grow as a rider...until I landed on Trillium. And I couldn't be happier with my experience. If you are looking for a barn, this is the place!
I found Trillium for my daughter after trying out multiple other barns. None came close to what we found here...professional care for horses; supportive atmosphere for riders; dedicated to the wellbeing and enjoyment of both members and horses! I was very impressed with the cleanliness and organized manner in the way Trillium is operated. The facilities and grounds are beautiful! My daughter LOVES coming here and I look forward to accompanying her. Yulia, her trainer is awesome! I marvel at how in-tune she is with the horses as well as her ability to support and encourage my daughter to do her best. Everyone we've met has been helpful, encouraging and very friendly. I highly recommend Trillium!
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Wheelchair-accessible car parkWheelchair-accessible entrance