“We tried two other riding schools before settling at the Pickering Horse Centre. Had we known then what we know now, we would have started at PHC! The instructors (Gary/Emily) at PHC are fantastic and really teach proper riding technique. The students know clearly what they are working on and get constructive feedback at each lesson to ensure that they know when they have mastered a skill and can progress to another. It is a safe and positive learning environment where my daughter has drastically improved her riding!

They also understand that every rider and every horse is different, and adapt her lesson plans accordingly. They also take the time to work individually with each rider to help them achieve their goals

I also have the pleasure of boarding my gelding at PHC and therefore I can say with confidence that Gary and Emily are not only remarkable coaches, they also run a fantastic boarding facility. The facilities are always clean and well kept - Gary is incredibly knowledgeable, not only as a coach, but of horses in general. He is attentive, and patient with all of the horses and the level of care is unparalleled!”

“If you have ever considered learning to ride or enrolling your children in riding lessons, the Pickering Horse Centre in Durham region is hands down the best place to be. My son started riding several years ago and once we found PHC, it was easy to see the difference between what a normal riding school is, and an excellent riding facility. Our initial impression of the Pickering Horse Centre was that it was a local family owned business (which we liked) that seemed to have a clean facility and lessons that worked with our schedule.

As we became familiar with PHC we realised that it is so much more! The coaches and instructors are all certified and highly knowledgeable. This, coupled with their apparent and unbridled (forgive the pun) passion for the sport, for their horses, and for their students are what keep us coming back. The Pickering Horse Centre is welcoming, professional, fun and family oriented, with lessons available for all age groups from tots to adults and skill levels from beginner to competition level. It’s hard not to feel like a part of a family when you spend time at the Pickering Horse Centre. We love our PHC Barn Family!”

“There have been so many years and so many memories, it’s hard to fit it all into a paragraph. Many years ago we brought our daughters to PHC because our neighbour recommended it. We have stayed at PHC because it is family run and also because our three girls really enjoy everything about it. They all took lessons, volunteered, and worked at PHC. The older two started at PHC as kids and are now captains of their respective university equestrian teams. On school breaks, they still come home to take lessons. My oldest daughter is in veterinary school and her experience at PHC influenced her decision to pursue equine surgery for her specialty. My middle daughter gives up Summer weekends to travel to shows, working as a groom for the PHC show team. My youngest daughter has followed her sisters’ love for horses and rides and volunteers at PHC on Saturday’s.”