Barn Shopping in Alabama

"You flew down here to look for a horse barn...but didn't look at apartments for yourself?"

Funny story- I was super picky about where Ruby would be living, but not where I would be living. Granted, I know my place is going to be at least somewhat decent since Dan is living there, but my requirements are not quite as specific as Ruby's- I just need a bed and a kitchen really.

I have spent the past week touring facilities in the Huntsville area. My findings are as follows:

1. Flint Ridge Farm- nice looking facility, well-kept, lesson program. Won't work for Ruby and I because there are barn hours and I would have to be rush to be off the property by closing time.
2. Kildare Farm- smaller farm, very nice trainer, lots of riding opportunities if I wanted to ride something other than Ruby, good de-worming schedule, lesson program. Won't work for us because there are no lights in the outdoor and no indoor ring, so we would be unable to ride at night. Unfortunate because I really like both the farm and the trainer!
3. River Pine Farm- One of the nicest looking facilities with both and indoor and outdoor, lights outside, lesson program, trail access. Although this barn was nice, I did not agree with the de-worming schedule (not based on fecal floats), and the horses are not led back into the barn- the gates are opened and they all run to their stalls. Considering Ruby's issues with the field anyway, this is not a habit I want her to get used to. This is also the only Hunter barn I considered- trying to get away from trainers who still think the crest release is good riding form!
4. Cotton Meadows Farm- our new home!

Cotton Meadows is owned by the trainer Debi Crowley. Debi was very considerate, friendly, and helpful when I told her about Ruby's catching issues. She clearly knows horses! The barn is nice and has two outdoor rings and an indoor (with mirrors). Although I did not get to see her teach a lesson, she did offer help to a young rider in the ring- any time you see a trainer helping someone when they are not being paid for it, you know they have you and your horse's best interest at heart. I think both Ruby and I will fit in at this barn. Lessons are offered here, but it is a boarder barn which gets me away from the kiddie scene.