I just wanted to mention the gem you have at URC! As a longtime horse lover, mother and grand mother of equine enthusiasts I have had and witnessed many riding instructors (certified and not). Few if any have exhibited the patience, love of kids and horses and expertise of Rachel, our grand daughter's Saturday and now Friday evening instructor.
In my experience, you either get excellent riders but not cut out for teaching or good riders that are bossy and too critical of the kids, usually because they think they are so good themselves. Many times it is evident they are doing it as a job. Rachel is one of a very few instructors in my 50+ year horse history that actually reinforces the the things the riders do best and encourages them to better their weaknesses.
In my experience, you either get excellent riders but not cut out for teaching or good riders that are bossy and too critical of the kids, usually because they think they are so good themselves. Many times it is evident they are doing it as a job. Rachel is one of a very few instructors in my 50+ year horse history that actually reinforces the the things the riders do best and encourages them to better their weaknesses.
Services
Urbana Riding Club is a premier facility for the beginning to advanced horse-owner looking to enjoy a range of English disciplines, as well as trail and pleasure riding. Regular full-care stall board rates are $575/month; contact us to discuss multiple horse discounts, horse conditioning, quarterly group and private riding lessons, RideShare leasing, fox-hunting, special events and clinics.
We accept students ages 6 through adult into our regular lesson programs. Quarterly lesson options are currently offered on weekday afternoons, Monday - Thursday, and Saturdays. We do not require formal riding attire; riders must wear long pants and closed-toe boots/footwear with a heel. We have riding helmets to initially loan to students - all riders must wear ASTM-certified riding helmets.
Quarterly lesson program registrations will be accepted up to one month before the quarter begins. Re-enrolling students: please register not later than two weeks prior to the start of the next quarter to ensure your lesson program space and options. After the re-enrollment date, new student registration is welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis.
This program provides the fun of independent riding and horse care. Students in the RideShare program may use a URC horse to compete in off-site horse shows, when offered. The riding school has priority over the use of the horses at all times; Students cannot be guaranteed their RideShare horse during lesson times but alternates are always available.
10-31-20 - Swan Lake Jumper Show - URC riders and horses had a great day at Swan Lake! Morgan & Sidney and Jena & Nyra were in the ribbons in large and competitive 2'-2'3classes. 10-18-20 - Loch Moy Horse Trials - What a perfect day for eventing! Our riders and horses included Maddie on Nyra, Ryley on her horse Swiss Miss, Stephanie on Squiggles, Anna on Willow, Bailey on Irish Crystal and Ravyn on Sunny (The Sun-Bun;).
Reviews (11)
Joe
Jan 22, 2021
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Under their instruction my daughter became confident, strong and powerful. She grew up on their horses, in their saddles. It has been worth every dollar and every second put into it. Great instructors. Wonderful horses. Ownership cares about the students and the horses. Lessons and leasing are reasonable.
Barbara Ann Milihram
Jan 08, 2021
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Olivia Perry
Dec 27, 2020
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Morgan Batchelor
Oct 10, 2020
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I've been riding at urc for about 7 years now and I can't say enough good things. This past year has been amazing the barn has improved so much, they care about the horses and their health. everyone there is so nice, their like family. I've been to a few barns but urc tops them all, i have learned so much and i am so thankful for them. I board my horse Sidney there, and i absolutely love it ! I 100% recommend joining the urc family!
Amanda Lynn
Jun 07, 2020
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I moved my two horses to URC recently. I could not be happier boarding my horses at this faculty. They are well cared for in a quiet, friendly atmosphere. Both horses are older and one has a history of ulcers while the other has PSSM. URC has been very accommodating of their special dietary needs and care. There are so many places to ride that we can choose to ride in a ring with others or a ring all to ourselves. Or we can take the private trails! Most importantly, both horses approve of this facility. I highly recommend URC for all boarding needs!
Abigail Armbrust
Dec 12, 2019
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Robert Eversz
Jan 28, 2019
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My eight year old son is learning to ride at Urbana Riding Club, enrolled in their summer camp. He comes home every day dirt-tired and smelling like a barn, and completely happy, chattering away about the horses. The facilities are clean and the rings well-maintained. I come from Montana ranching stock, and know enough to see that the horses appear well-cared for. The kids love them. Like most trail horses, they are ridden a couple of times a day, and can get cantankerous. Our son has been bucked off twice. But that's part of riding, as I remember from my own youth, and my son is learning. This
Caroline Green
Jan 21, 2019
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I rode here for almost 8 years and leased for about 4 of those. I’ve made the most amazing friends who i’ll cherish forever even though I don’t ride with them anymore. I loved all 3 of my lease horses and the other school horses too. People here are very friendly and helpful. I gave 4 stars because the lessons are a little overcrowded and the arena footing is a bit harsh. The barn isn’t the cleanest but it’s a horse barn so what can you expect :) I’ve had only good experiences here with little drama and good times.
Anonymous Reviewer
Jun 20, 2018
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Here is the most honest review you can get—
i’ve ridden since around 2nd grade, started here and learned all the way through until last year i switched to a different barn to expand my skills, however it wasn’t the only reason i switched.
Back when i began at URC the facilities were cleaned, tack was pretty much pristine, and lessons were not overcrowded. Now the barn is merely a shell of its former self. I cannot remember the last time their saddle pads were washed, or the arenas were dragged. the barn is dirty and wayyyy overcrowded, sometimes up to ten people in one group lesson. Footing
i’ve ridden since around 2nd grade, started here and learned all the way through until last year i switched to a different barn to expand my skills, however it wasn’t the only reason i switched.
Back when i began at URC the facilities were cleaned, tack was pretty much pristine, and lessons were not overcrowded. Now the barn is merely a shell of its former self. I cannot remember the last time their saddle pads were washed, or the arenas were dragged. the barn is dirty and wayyyy overcrowded, sometimes up to ten people in one group lesson. Footing
Ummhallelujah
Aug 16, 2015
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I lease, take lessons and go to summer camp there. I've been going there for almost five years and it's one of my favorite places to spend a Saturday. Here, riders can learn all the basic skills and more! The teachers are great and the environment is safe for everyone. I've learned all of my skills there, and the teachers always make sure you understand what you are doing well, and what you need to work on and how to do it. I recommend this barn.
Constance Belle Bergmark
Aug 11, 2015
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Fantastic facilities for boarding, lessons and camp! Great horses and kind, happy people who work well together. The best barn culture I've found anywhere. As a lifetime rider, sometimes competitor, this barn offers something for every level. Eventing, jumpers, fox hunting.... you can do it all at Urbana Riding Club. Outstanding management, beautiful setting with great trails and x country jumps!
