Maplewood Equestrian Centre

So absolutely thrilled with my experiences at Maplewood. I board two horses there, both with very different needs (12 yr old thoroughbred mare and a young appy), who are both absolutely thriving at this facility. The horses (boarders and schoolies) are all cared for exceptionally well, which can easily be observed by their weights, coats, and overall happy demeanour. My parents live overseas, and I just returned from visiting them for two months. There are very few places I would feel comfortable leaving my horses at alone for such an extended period of time, but I had complete peace of mind the entire trip, as Maplewood has proved to me time and time again that my horses best interests will always be their utmost priority. Upon my return I found them in just as good if not better shape than when I had left, both at great weights and happier than ever. The barn owners and staff are extremely well organized and professional, the facilities (especially the boarder barn) are always immaculate when I go out to ride (clutter free and clean). The turn out groups are kept small, the paddocks are spacious, and horses are rotated through different fields so as to ensure the footing and grass is maintained for the horses throughout the year. I was shocked at how little mud there was compared to what I was expecting, they do a great job of managing the unavoidable Ottawa spring mud. I love that the owners are constantly upgrading the facilities (recent additions include new PVC fencing and letters for the large dressage ring, and a few cross country jumps!!). The barn primarily focuses on hunter/jumper and dressage, and even though I come from an eventing background, I feel completely welcomed and accepted. I have recently begun coaching at Maplewood, and find the owners to be phenomenal employers, incredibly understanding, always ensuring their staff are superbly-treated and set up for success. The best interest of the horses is always put first, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. I love coaching at a barn with such happy, well cared for schoolies, all are very honest horses that take great care of their riders (especially the younger lesson kids!). Highly recommend this facility, speaking both as a client and as an employee. Every one is treated with respect and understanding, humans and horses alike! Would give 6 stars if I could :)

I started riding with Maplewood when I was 13 as a beginner rider and stayed until I was 18, taking lessons, leasing and volunteering at summer and march break camps. Throughout my whole time at Maplewood I felt safe, confident, happy and valued as a student and volunteer. I made lasting memories at the barn and it was always the highlight of my week when i went to ride. At 18, assuming the responsibilities of adulthood I had to move on from Maplewood and found a pony to lease for several years. In June 2020 at 22, I returned to Maplewood after losing motivation and confidence to ride. I was so happy to be back and having fun riding again. Several months later, I decided that I was ready to buy my own horse. I asked Michelle for help looking for one and we landed on Ellie, and I’m so grateful that they trusted me enough to purchase a horse from them which they don’t usually do under normal circumstances. Following the purchase of my horse, Rhonda, Rene and Michelle have all continued to be a support for me and Ellie and I’m so thankful for all that they have done for me in my journey with horses.

I cannot express my appreciation for Maplewood Equestrian Center and it's family owners enough. Learning to ride after 35 when you were afraid of horses isn't a small ask for any location. To be invited to learn with such amazing trainers who take things at your speed is incredible. This isn't a cookie cutter establishment as they flow with change and adjust to peoples levels/fears/gifts. This is a family run stable who truly cares to make great horse people not only great riders.They worked tirelessly to keep their horses well exercised and cared for during the pandemic (when you can't allow riding lessons, this is no easy task). They did all they could to keep people riding by opening up more leasing options as well. Any time you are there, you will likely run into one of them hard at work on any number of projects improving things for the horses and the riders. I've never seen so many custom diets or more extensive equine health programs between their vet, farrier and even the horses massage therapist. Yes, you read that correctly. They have an amazing team of stable staff who are always helping people tack up and groom their horses with kind advice and support.This is a stable meant for those interested in horses as a whole. To learn about proper horsemanship. The one star trolls are probably the type who expect someone to have their horse ready for them to hop on and go and don't have time to groom a horse" or clean up (a major connection point with a horse

I’m grateful to have been able to ride at Maplewood since they opened several years ago.They’ve established a quality safe environment where students can grow and expand their knowledge of the horse world.I could not recommend Maplewood enough. They are amazing people who not only care about their horses and business but they also genuinely care about their students. (Sounds cheesy but absolutely true.) The owner even ran out to the barn to sit with me after I took a tumble and got a concussion while I was waiting for family to come get me. (The fall was entirely my fault btw)Even as an employee the owners replied to every single 114 panicked texts with patience and good advice. I’ve always felt that Maplewood had my back and were there to help if I needed anything.It’s been a good 8?9? Ish years (it has been awhile) I’m happy to call Maplewood a second home for me.

Fantastic equestrian centre! It's a family-run biz that deeply care for the wellbeing of their horses and their riders. Their motto is: we build good horse people

Had my first lesson here after many years of not riding. Everyone is so down to earth! Our coach (Catherine) was amazing. So kind and patient. I loved riding Rainy, and my boyfriend loved Benji. The experience is really nice and welcoming ! Definitely recommend this stable. Looking forward to more lessons!

I've been at Maplewood for a few months now as a part-leaser of a boarded horse. The whole team welcomed me with open arms and I've settled in nicely with everyone being super friendly. The owners are accommodating to my schedule and always ensure safety and happiness of clients and horses. The barns and arena are kept in immaculate shape and the turnout schedule is rotated and consistent to ensure pasture upkeep. The barn runs pretty seamlessly and consistently with the set of rules and expectations in place which makes it a great atmosphere to ride in. I have nothing but good things to say!

This is an amazing barn, and is the best in town in terms of professionalism, quality, and safety. When you arrive, there are two staff to assist with tacking and brushing. They are friendly and helpful, and provide important supervision to ensure the safety of you and your horse. The instructors are all certified and professional and are careful to ensure they understand your abilities. The actual lessons are well structure with clear learning goals. You feel encouraged and supported. Plus, it is SO clear that they care deeply about their animals. They have the highest standards I've seen anywhere in Ottawa in terms of properly warming up and cooling horses, making sure horses are brushed and tack is clean, and ensuring horses are cared for responsibly. And their admin support is excellent. I have done intro lessons at almost every major riding centre in the city and have been really shocked at the lack of professionalism and adherence to safety elsewhere. Maplewood is truly the gold standard for Ottawa, hands down.

Maplewood is the friendliest barn in Ottawa. The horses are extremely happy, the staff is very respectful, the owners are very professional and give a lot of valuable horse tips. I've been riding there for 4 year and have never been disappointed in any of the coaches and even school horses. The coaches are extremely nice, patient and give you so much important knowledge. I've been volunteering there for about 3 years and the barns are always kept clean and safe.I wouldn't change barns for anything!

I've been riding at Maplewood for 4 years now and its such a great stable! The staff are so nice and caring and they are always looking to help. The school horses are great and are so happy. It's a great barn for all levels of experience and the camps are great too! Everyone is so friendly and it's a great positive and encouraging environnement. Maplewood has recreational and competitive riders and the coaches and staff always give tips and make sure you're ready to compete. Everyone is so friendly and all the horses are well taken care of.