Cumberland Riding Academy-Cra

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Was told by the owner, while at the facility, they have the best trainers, etc. Didn't meet the trainer as the owner said she was out. Can only show up at barn if you have an appointment. Can't pick who gets to train you/your child. However, just days after visiting the barn, three videos surfaced (search youtube) of the "best trainer" Kim Smith whipping a pony repeatedly, in the face and in front of students. Also, the video confirmed Kim Smith wasn't highly trained as you could obviously tell she didn't know what she was doing and horses were taking punishment for her lack of skill, compassion and knowledge. The owner constantly removes and blocks legitimate comments and questions from the CRA facebook page. After the news hit, others came forward telling this type of behavior has happened in the past. One parent said Daniela, the owner, said "the horse deserved it". It may be hearsay but after witnessing the videos filmed by a student and seeing the voices of clients silenced by deletion and being blocked was enough for me to take my business elsewhere. She may have a lot of money and education but she had no experience with horses until 1 year before she opened her business and I find it odd she didnt terminate the trainer. After the legal incident, the owner publicly stated she retained a new hire, Tim Sweat from Alpharetta, GA, to "train her staff". A concerned person posted the details of his violation with horses, on her page and it was promptly removed. If you search about him, he was in violation in 2013 in GA. Please do your research on this facility. Most importantly, research the employees that will be teaching you or your child, before you decide to enroll here. As for my child, she is now enrolled elsewhere as I do not condone the practices that take place at CRA. Don't want to condone all there for one or two bad people but thought it was best to inform potential new clients of the above because no one should be in the dark.

I have never seen a more unsafe place in my life. Do not let your kids ride here. Daniela is never around except when she needs money from you. Problems are never addressed and in fact she goes out of her way to avoid conflict and then talks about clients behind their backs. Take your business elsewhere.

Cumberland Riding Academy has been home to my horses for the past two years and it gets better each and every day. The quality of care that my horses receive is top notch and the barn staff is exceptional. My daughters look forward to going to the barn on a daily basis. We are incredibly thankful to our amazing trainers who are truly dedicated to our children and horses. If you want your child to fun, learn top quality horsemanship or ribbon at shows this is your place to be. CRA is truly dedicated to all of it clients and will meet all of your equestrian needs.

I am a student at Cumberland Riding Academy and I LOVE it!! Daniela and Zoey are wonderful, and hard working women! Zoey knows how to teach riding, in way that most people can't! She's very understanding and patient. When I get in a hurry, we always stop, and re-orrganize ourselves! Over-all Zoey's absolutely amazing! Daniela is the most organized person I've ever met! She's a great barn manager, and is also patient to answer questions.She's always there if you need help tacking too!! She knows everything about her horses, and all the horses there are VERY well kept, and that has to do with Daniela and Zoey. I appreciate all the time and effort Daniela and Zoey put into thier jobs, not just by being a barn manager and instructor daily (throughout the hot,summer days and the cold winters), but they help people fullfill thier dreams, or even conquer thier fears!