I enjoy my time at the barn helping out with the care of the horses. It it great watching the rescue horses come in and find their new people. Equine Partners along with a handful of their own adoptable horses also fosters for the OSPCA. Some horses come in needing to gain weight and with little or no handling because of extreme neglect and/or abuse so they are afraid of people. Within a short time they are allowing people to brush them and then under saddle training to being adopted.
Equine Partners has grown a large volunteer base over the last couple years where people are able to hep out where and when they can according to their abilities and schedules so more horses are able to be helped.
This is a wonderful organization. The people are passionate about the rescue and therapy work that they do. Our family has grown so much since we started to volunteer two years ago. It has become our second home. To see the abuse and neglect cases that we foster build both their body and spirit is such an awarding experience. I can't express the love and respect that goes into each and every equine life they touch. Anyone looking for a place to volunteer should come out and see what it's about.
If I could give this "rescue" a zero, I would.
I am beyond disgusted with this facility. I've seen a handful of horses at this place that needed to be euthanized and put out of their misery that the lovely manager had kept them in but she refused to do so. The horses never gain any weight or muscle mass and are neglected of medical attention. Everyone lacks basic knowledge on how to groom, feed, and ride a horse. What's up with cutting the horse's breathing off while riding? Not safe. Atrocious riding going on here.
This is a wonderful non-profit organization doing good work. Very friendly, helpful, and caring volunteers there. If you're looking for a charitable organization to donate to, this is a good one.
Ran into the Equine Partners booth at the Ohio Pet Expo and signed up to volunteer. Six months later, I adopted a horse and have continued to board him at their facility! I recruited my sister to volunteer and now, she, too, has adopted a horse and takes lessons! Mandy is a great director and a fantastic teacher. The staff and fellow volunteers are beyond nice and knowledgeable. Initially, I thought I'd volunteer on occasion and go home, but what I got out of it was way more than I could have imagined - a horse, a new family and the satisfaction of doing incredibly rewarding work. Equine Partners is out to change the lives of horses who need help most and I am thrilled to be apart of the team.
I became aware of Equine Partners in October of 2014. I visited their facility and was immediately drawn to a staff that seemed to really care about the well-being of their horses. I took my time on that first visit and walked to each stall and saw the horses. The horses seemed pretty happy and greeted me in a very friendly manner. That said a lot to me about their care considering that sick and neglected animals would probably not have done that. The staff was wonderful. The facility was clean and kept. I eventually adopted one of the horses. She had been regularly vaccinated, dewormed, and her teeth had been floated. Her feet were regularly attended to by a farrier. She was healthy and happy. I continued to board her at the facility. She loves it there and the staff and volunteers love her as well. I would never dream of taking her from her happy home.
This organization is a group of loving, dedicated individuals who care deeply for horses, and for animals. They work tirelessly to provide a safe haven for horses that come from unfortunate circumstances. They pour their hearts into rehabilitating horses who may be "broken" spiritually and/or physically. There are many success stories of how a horse has been changed dramatically from the loving care they received at EPU. Every horse is different, and may or may not respond as quickly as others. But the effort put into the endeavor is 150% for each one. A wonderful thing taking place here is the opportunity for our young people to interact with horses and benefit from the incredible spiritual experience that comes with these interactions. There is no unit of measure that can accurately show the amazing accomplishments in regards to the equine therapy. But the people and the horses can feel it just the same. The individuals who are closely involved on a weekly basis can see and feel the loving energy here. A great group of volunteers are offering time and support because they know. If you are looking for perfection, you may not find it here. If you are looking for a bright group of loving souls, and an ever-changing group of horses who benefit from the efforts of all, then it is found here. Donations are of utmost importance to allow these good people to carry on their mission. Do I give? You betcha.
I can't say enough about EPU. We found about EPU back in April 2015. My daughter who loved horses and was graduating High School and planning on attending OU Ironton, Ohio Fall of 2015. We received a tour of the facilities and what they offered. My daughter jumped at the idea of going out and just loving and caring for the horses. She was taken under the Wing of Mandy where she then did an internship through the summer and spent every moment she had at the barn. She connected with one of the horses there that had come from a home where she was not cared for the proper way. This horse was a huge project for anyone to take on but daughter and Pepper Ann connected. I am sure it has to do with some of my daughter's past when she was younger prior to us adopting her. EPU has changed my daughter's life and now my younger daughter is ready to start volunteering together. I never knew how therapeutic just being at the barn was. I love going out early in the morning no one there and just sit and listen to the horses eating!
EPU has been an amazing place for my daughter and I to bond and enjoy! What better way to spend s Fri or Sat night with your 15 year? Thank you EPU for all of the amazing opportunities and love you have given my family and I!!!!
I love this barn more than anything. I've made so many new friends and I've met amazing people here. The horses are cared for by the most knowledgeable horse people I know, many have been nursed back to health and being there to see their progress is amazing. So many horses have been adopted and found their forever homes since I started volunteering at EPU. There are so many loving volunteers, and even though most cone with out much knowledge of horses, staff members take the time to teach them and make sure they know everything they need to know. This barn is my home away from home, there is no place I'd rather be in my spare time. The barn manager, Mandy, is an amzing teacher. She words things in a way that is easily understood. She knows so much about horses and the horse language it's amazing. I'm so happy I found EPU. it's the best barn I've ever been at. I don't think I'll ever leave this barn I love it. I would recommend EPU to anyone without hesitation.
This place is my family. I have never seen so much joy in my horses eyes, let alone mine. This place has helped get rid of my depression and anxiety issues. Everyone here has never said a mean word to me, and always willingly helped me. Mandy, is probably someone who saved my life and is actually teaching me to move forward with my riding and help me get better. I have never felt so happy knowingly coming home everyday knowing amazing volunteers are taking care of my three horses. Never once since I have been there has there been drama with me or anyone else.
I have met amazing new people and friends I would not trade anything for. Shout out to Mandy & Hannah for working your butts off, you guys are amazing at what you do and I strive to be like you guys and carry on my career with horses. Let alone amazing and encouraging words. I have never been so inspired and I honestly never thought I'd get this far with riding or with horses. EPU is the first and only place I will ever recommend for anyone looking for lessons or boarding.
Along with the best farrier service I have ever seen. Chris is an amazing farrier and the only carrier I will ever recommend for anyone. He does such a amazing job with my horses feet and they have never been happier. All three of my horses absolutely love Chris and give him snuggles and muzzles while he does their feet.
If it wasn't for this barn, we would have never had our horses so happy and me getting further into my riding. I am stepping up my photography skill and having so much more things to occupy me with and even help out and volunteer. I have never met so many sweet people and horses. If it wasn't for this place I would be horribly gloomy. I have absolutely no horrible comments for this place. This place is the only place I look forward to going to every day. Seeing my beautiful horses, and everyone else's beautiful faces. I am a firm believer that when you are surrounded by good people, good things happen. That is EXACTLY what happened ever since I have been with EPU. They have done nothing but offer comfort me through harsh times and I couldn't ask for better than that. This is a PERFECT place for kids.
I wanna take a moment and spot light Mandy. She has helped me through everything. She's even helped me with the outside world of horses. She is like my second mom and we bond so well I feel like we are the two musketeers. She is able to bond and communicate so well with people it's amazing. I have never seen somebody teach kids and explain things in such a described way. I'm so inspired and I strive everyday to be a second Mandy, after all, who wouldn't want to be that amazing lady?! I feel like, without her, I would be no where. I have never been offended by her words. She goes way out of her way to give lessons and I feel that let alone should be appreciated more than anything. I would never board my horse anywhere but here. I thought I knew what good riding was until Mandy showed me I could BE a good rider and give me so much more confidence. Not everyone knows everything, but you could put 100 famous trainers in a room and Mandy would put them all to shame. Mandy is a powerhouse of EPU, she knows exactly what she's doing and her knowledge is quite obvious and comforting. I would trust her with my diary and I know she wouldn't read it if I asked her to. She is the first person I'd go to if I had a personal problem in my life. I wouldn't trade her for anything. I love you Mandy!!!
Sincerely, A boarder who loves EPU more than anything in the world.
I adopted a horse from EPU that was 300 pounds underweight with a BS of 2.5 after being in their care for approximately 6 months. I was told the horse would receive his vaccinations and have his teeth floated prior to paying the $600 adoption fee; however, neither happened. After he began gaining weight immediately, EPU attempted to take the horse back when I wasn't home but my room mate was able to prevent it. Afterwards, EPU filed a replevin order for the horse which costs thousands of dollars in attorney fees. It was not filed to protect the horse, but because the Director was upset because I contacted the Humane Society due to their negligence of the horses at their "rescue." The HS taught the Director how to correctly feed their horses for approximately 6 months so the referral was not without merit. I would not recommend adopting a horse from EPU.
Equine Partners is a wonderful safe haven for animals of all kinds and humans alike. We have a wonderful new facility, beautiful taken care of horses who get all the love in the world and are treated wonderfully as volunteers. I have been volunteering for2 years now and Mandy has always given me lessons for my hard work and she is always willing to bring out hot chocolate or lunch for those of us without a car yet. She teachers quality skills and wonderful lessons full of natural horsemanship and teaches both western and english. The volunteer base is huge and wonderful spanning across the country. I was even offered a lease on one of the amazing horses there. He is always well taken care of, well fed. He is so happy there with all of the turnout he gets. Truly a wonderful facility and wonderful people!
Equine Partners Unlimited, INC has been the most honest, loving and trustful business I've ever worked with. Never once have I had a negative experience with all those involved, and I've never seen happier horses- or such a positive change in a horse as those who have found a new home within the family.
Beginning as a volunteer, I was taken into the family with open arms, and have been accepted for exactly who I am every step of the way. The barn has truly been a safe haven and a home away from home for me.
I would say I'm qualified to give an opinion on the subject as I've been riding since the 'tender' age of two years old, and have been consistently volunteering with barns and horses for multiple years now with multiple organizations. Not to mention I own my own mare (but we'll get into that later!) and that I attend the University of Findlay in their extensive equine program.
As someone with previous experience, I was given memories and lessons throughout my time with EPU that both challenged me and helped me grow as a person. As a survivor of an anxiety disorder, I've learned so much about handling my anxiety because of the healing power of horses and the vast knowledge of Mandy Schreiber. I've also seen others with less experience than me matched with tasks that helped them learn, but were always very safe, supervised, and in their comfort zone. As a volunteer, I was very happy. I gained a lot of ride time, whether on group trail rides, or lessons with Mandy. Mandy ALWAYS came through with lessons and showed up on time. She even provided a FREE weeklong horse camp last summer for volunteers.
I was blown away by EPU's feeding system. Since each rescue has an individualized feed plan, the feed room is organized in a way that it is easy for even new volunteers to understand. I've never been at a barn with such an organized way of feeding and medicating horses, and the results are tremendous.
A lot changes when you own a horse. Suddenly, I wasn't just caring for other horses, but I owned my own to fuss over and make sure it was treated better than anything or anyone else in the world.. to me, my horse is royalty!
... And Equine Partners Training&Boarding never let me down. If ever I had any concerns I was always able to reach someone to help me, and my needs were always met. Never once did I feel like I was being a bother because I wanted to check on something with my horse, and never once was I let down as an owner and a boarder. Getting my mare any medical attention, farrier, dentistry, or chiropractic appointments was always easy and poignant. I've NEVER had to worry, as I know my Janie-bug has been in the best care possible. (not to mention she gets loved on every day by wonderful volunteers!)
Mandy Schreiber has been a wonderful influence on my growth as an equestrian and as a person. She's been there every step of the way- from when I fell in love with a two year old (who I started under the owner's permission and delight- He was so happy, I even got pizza out of it!), to the process of buying (and 4 hours of hauling) my first horse, to working on my anxiety, to continuing my mare's training. I have never met a more grounded, caring, thoughtful and knowledgeable woman as Mandy. Not only does she help me to the best of her extent, she knows her limits and always consults a vet or another expert before giving advice or an opinion on something she is unsure of... granted after majoring in equestrian studies and all of her experience throughout her lifetime, you'd think she'd be the biggest expert around!
Even after all of this, Mandy is still humble, and ALWAYS willing to lend a helping hand.
That isn't to say that the volunteers aren't amazing as well! We've got the tightest, yet most welcoming to new-comers barn family I've ever met! With everyone being at different levels, there's always someone there who can answer any questions or help out. Its true that in the horse world, people go crazy, and some people are just plain mean.. but I think I've found the exception at Equine Partners.
EPU changed my life for the better. And I will always stand by them and recommend the business and those involved to anyone who will listen. Never could I lose my trust or love for these people, because all they do is deliver. Never selfish, nor dishonest.
Not to mention the facility that we moved into in February of this year is AMAZING! So open and light,wonderful turnout, and so many resources for training with the indoor arena and track as well as the outdoor track and plenty of space for trail rides.. Quite literally the barn I've dreamed of having my horse at since I first saw it years ago. (I drove by it every day on my way to my high school and goosenecked to look at it every-single-time!) (DID I MENTION THE THERAPEUTIC POOL FOR THE HORSES? (Jane LOVES it!!))
All in all, I've got to say, I will never find a facility or group of people quite as amazing. And I can thank all of you for such a wonderful chapter of my life.
Janie thanks you too!
Since the first time I visited I have been nothing but impressed with the facility. The property is well kept, clean, and safe. The horses are all healthy and happy. I have also seen improvement in every rescue over short amounts of time, improvement that is very impressive. The horse's get individualized attention that serves to their needs and creates a happy living environment for them. Each horse has its own feed plan and gets their needed medical attention. They also use many natural remedies that are effective and healthy for the horses and have great results. The environment is friendly and generally drama free, and any upcoming drama is quickly put to rest. The director provides many opportunities with the horses, including ride time, to the volunteers and is also very knowledgeable in her field. Overall it is a great place for both horses and people alike.
I board my horse with EPU and have volunteered there for a couple of years, and could not say enough good things about the organization! I have seen so many horses rehabbed and rehomed, and everyone looks happy and healthy. They handled my horse getting sick from the stress of moving in a quick and efficient way, and my mare was better in no time! Since the big move, the program has expanded and improved greatly! I've never been happier with a barn, or felt more at home.
I would like to point out that a lot of the bad reviews were also done by people who have been needlessly harassing the organization since the move to a different property. As someone who has been with the organization both before and after the move, and very recently, I can attest that they are absolutely great, and have improved a lot since the move. I love it here.
The Executive Director of Equine Partners Unlimited, openly admitted to me, and to others, that there was a possibility that she may have "mixed" funds between her 501c3 and her boarding business. If true, that would consitute fraud. Equine Partners Unlimited is currently being investigated by the Attorney General's office in Ohio.
I have seen the horses at this "rescue". I use the word "rescue" lightly. Many are thin and neglected. I have been involved with horses for years and the horses at this "rescue" are neglected medically and physically. The Exceutive Director's (ED) vet agreed with me when I spoke to her, on the phone, in March, 2014. One of the foals in the rescue, was covered with lice and suffered from a heavy worm infestation and, subsequenslty, was euthanized at OSU earlier this year. I also believe that the Exec Director is a hoarder. Very few horses are adopted out unless the adopter keeps the horse at the boarding barn. Also, I have caught the ED in many lies. I would NOT recommend this "rescue" to anyone. There are many red flags but the ED talks a great story. Beware!
This farm has become my retreat from my stressful life. The people there are welcoming, the horses are happy and well cared for, and it is just a great place to be. Their therapy program seems to really help people, and the rescued horses either get adopted out to good homes or stay on to become therapy horses. It's my home away from home.
Having some previous experience with non-profit and rescue organizations, I wasn't sure what to expect when I first visited Equine Partners. To my surprise they boast a well organized and well run barn with clean fields, well cared for horses and an amazing staff. You can tell from the constant and consistent ongoing activity at the farm that the people who run it and volunteer there love the horses they are caring for and want them to have a beautiful second chance at life. Equine Partners is an excellent non-profit organization and should be absolutely proud of the work they are doing saving lives and giving horses a second chance at a happy forever home.
I have worked with Mandy S. from Equine Partners for more than 10 years. I was there with the first group of kids and have been here since. I have seen tremendous improvement with the kids that EP has served. I believe that these children benefit significantly from the work that they do with EP. Where traditional methods of therapy do not work, EP makes important inroads. Mandy is a HORSE SPECIALIST, however she does work with another HORSE SPECIALIST and a counselor who make up the sessions with the kids. She is certified through E.A.G.A.L.A. and so are the other professionals who work with her. I have gone through some of the sessions myself and have seen a significant improvement in my own life with regards to communication with others around me and changing non-constructive behaviors.
I know that Mandy works very hard to make EP a special program for children (and adults!) to come to and feel comfortable. When I'm in the barn, clients will often take me aside to tell me how EP has helped their child and that they are so thankful that this program exists. I would recommend this program to anyone and frequently do. I know that Mandy works extremely hard, puts in long hours and spends her hard earned money to make this program work. I do see that quite a few clients like to come out and volunteer their time with the horses--as horses themselves are therapeutic. From what I have seen (and I am at the barn a lot!) Mandy is very punctual and I have never heard a complaint.
I do know that Mandy does NOT put up with drama in her barn and has had to ask people to leave when they are causing drama and distress in the barn. Clearly, barnbum65 has never been to this barn because the review that I read does not accurately reflect EP. I know that Mandy will happily sit down and answer any questions anyone has. I also know that you can ask anyone, the volunteers, the clients, the veterinarian that works with EP, the Humane Society ( who works closely with Mandy on rescue cases) they will all give you the truth about this non profit.
I encourage anyone who reads these reviews to not always take them at face value and to research the program before making a decision.
This place is a joke! Dirty, poorly managed and drama filled! Manager Mandy is lazy and always late and doesn't fulfill promises to kids or adults, makes kids work long hours just to ride their own horses. This place is awful!!!
I've worked with Equine Partners for awhile. I've never had an issue. I've never heard Mandy Schreiber call herself a counselor, and she has never marketed herself as such. Mandy Schreiber is a certified HORSE SPECIALIST with E.G.A.L.A Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. There is no where on her website where is discusses her being a counselor. Mandy herself will answer any questions that you have. It only takes a look at the people there, the large group of friends, the facebook page and web testimonials to show what a great group this is. So far there has not been a serious issue with a client, so I am guessing Isitmorningyet is not and never was a client. I am also a volunteer/boarder/client myself. Mandy has helped me enormously, communicate with my mother, my family, my horse, my friends, and made me feel confident. I lovingly call Mandy a "Second mom" because she is an amazing person, and often puts everyone before her. She has taken in 2 abandoned horses, and rescued and rehabbed quite a few more, one being a surrender, left behind by his owner when she moved. Mandy has spend her own hard earned money struggling yet succeeding to keep this program going and fulfilling the needs of all the children it has helped. Many of the clients stick around as friends and volunteers, even when their program and therapy is up. If it weren't for Mandy, and this farm, and these people, I honestly can say- I'm not sure where I'd be. I fear the worst, I'm sure I wouldn't have half the growth or development I do, but I guarantee I'd be a lot worse off. Maybe I'd have left home from mis-communication with my mother, or I'd have fallen into my fathers drug habit. The farm and Mandy saved me, and she may not be a "counselor" but she doesn't lie about it, nor does she need to because she still has a powerful and lasting effect on the people around here.