Rockwall Hills Equestrian Center - Rockwall, Texas

Carmen W.

Was a fun spot. It's definitely an immersion experience and not a handheld lesson. The stables are very big with a large arena to practice in. We came for a lesson for my daughter. She very much enjoyed the experience and the horse.

The lesson was all about the care, prep, riding, and clean up for the whole horse. I agree with teaching the kiddos everything, not just the riding part.

Our trainer was Katia, and she was very patient with my daughter and a wealth of knowledge on the horses and facility. The pony was BeeBop, and he was very well mannered and easy to ride (from what I could tell).

If it's your first lesson, the meeting spot is in the first large building with the arena inside. The right large door to the stables is where we found the start of the lesson.

Natalie F.

I read a few negative reviews here and was so surprised that I felt the need to add my own.

My 8yr old daughter was horse crazy but also afraid. We did her first private lesson for her 8th birthday and then bought a package of 10 private lessons. That was her ONLY gift for her birthday and she has zero regrets. Likely - it'll be what she asks for her 9th birthday as well.
She has ridden several different horses/ponies and had different trainers over the past 9 months. I believe the variety is a GOOD thing unlike some of these other reviews. I don't want her to learn how to ride ONE horse. I want her to learn how to ride ANY horse. Their lesson horses are amazing and so gentle. They let her learn without getting hurt, bit, bucked, or kicked and that was my biggest worry. I grew up with some "spirited" horses and I didn't want her to have that as her first experience. She can walk behind them, lean into them to pickup their feet, etc and they are so patient with her. My daughter has learned the basics of catching her horse, tacking on her own, and basic horse grooming before her rides. During the summer, her favorite thing was giving them a bath at the end of her lesson before putting them back up.

We are not planning to compete or event but these lessons teach her proper form and allow her to get comfortable. I feel each trainer has emphasized different things with her which makes her better overall. She has gained confidence and looks forward to her lessons everytime. Yes, she has cried at lessons because they pushed her out of her comfort zone and she was scared. Yes, they are tough on her at times. But no more harsh or critical than I am. I have a girl that loves horses and part of being a horse girl is falling off and knowing that this IS a dangerous sport/hobby. To date, they have taught her how to fall off. They have taken the saddle off and let her find her seat when she was scared. She is still developing her posting and today was no hands and working on her balance on the lunge line. I was so proud to see how far she's come with their instruction.

I 100% LOVE this facility and would highly recommend them for lessons for anyone but especially for beginners with zero horse experience.

James S.

Well we thought we paid for an hour long trail ride but ended up getting led around (by someone on foot) their concrete driveway for 45 minutes.. we are experienced riders and have paid the same $$ for a trail ride. Use caution when booking. Beautiful place, but more interest by owner for dressage training.

Allie H.

Ellen and her entire barn team are absolutely amazing! I’m from Houston and traveled up to ride with her for a weekend several years ago and the entire barn welcomed me! Since then I have made great friends traveling up to train occasionally and meeting them at shows and clinics. Ellen is a terrific coach who is both direct and encouraging! She is also astoundingly selfless with her time and attention with all of her students whether adult amateurs, kids, or those wishing to do upper levels. She treats everyone and their goals the same. I’ve made life long far away friends at this barn!

Jarrett G.

Professional, top-tier training at fair cost. My daughter has made amazing progress in both technique and confidence here.

Kristy O.

I am so thankful for the growth, discipline, confidence, and knowledge my daughter has gained from her time at RHEC! She has always loved horses, but now she has a deeper respect and understanding of them. The trainers are each, individually fabulous in their own way. Their passion and expertise are evident in every lesson. I, as a mother who knew nothing about riding, have even learned so much from them. It has been a true blessing and a tremendous growing experience for our family being a part of this barn family.

Teresa A.

We have been boarding, training, and showing with this terrific group of trainers and students for almost 2 years. I love how they have fun and teach work ethic and values to students. Ellen is a phenomenally talented upper level Eventing rider with a passion for providing students and horses with opportunities and adventures not commonly available. She has a talented group of instructors, young riders and adult students who help support the success. The facilities feature heated wash racks, large indoor and outdoor arenas, indoor observation/teaching areas, large grass pastures and over 100 acres of property to ride and condition on. The team supports learning opportunities for beginners through advanced riders.

Lauren G.

My little 7 year old daughter is brand new to working with and riding horses, and she has enjoyed her lessons and summer camp over the past months. The lesson horses are so sweet, gentle and well trained. Everyone has been very nice to work with. There is a bit of a “DIY” element when you arrive, but it is usually not difficult to find someone or ask a youth assistant for help. My daughter has a learning disability, and so we have had a bit of a challenge in working with a different trainer each time until recently. Just an idea from a specific perspective which may not be general enough: a suggestion to offer new riders the option to ride the same horse on every lesson where possible, and same trainer preferred. Being able to use the same horse would allow us newcomers to know what they look like and can more easily tack the horse up, as well as easing some anxiety for younger ones.

I would like to to say that we have LOVED working with Summer the past few weeks. She has been extremely responsive to my daughters level of experience (which is ultra beginner with some anxiety still around horses), getting her comfortable in the saddle and working on form. Summer is great with small children, is very professional, and very kind. I wish we had been able to work with Summer the whole time, and we are grateful for the progress we have been able to make so far. Thank you!