Client Testimonials
Coach Appreciation:
King’s Meadow has been an instrumental camp partner for the YMCA of Oakville since 2013. The passion for equestrian education and care for the well-being of the campers radiates through every interaction, and has been crucial to making our Horseback Riding program a parent and camper fan favourite! Many participants have “graduated” to become volunteers at King’s Meadow, and thoroughly enjoy spending their summer giving back to the program that supported their growth and development, not only in riding, but as an individual.
While we are sad to not be operating for the summer of 2020 due to COVID-19, we look forward to continuing this program with King’s Meadow into the future, working together to provide campers with opportunities to grow in their confidence, communication and passion.
- Katherine Dziedzic, Manager, Camp & Youth programs (July 2020)
My experience at Kings Meadow equestrian has been quite the journey! I began a year ago as an adult rider!
I had never even touched a horse let alone ride one. I was a very nervous beginner to say the least. I took horsemanship lessons that taught me how to understand horse behaviour on the ground. This was exactly what I needed to help build my confidence.
The coaches at Kings Meadow are professional, patient and start your lessons where you are at in your journey. I always felt that I was praised for even the smallest of accomplishments! Fast forward a year later....I own two thoroughbreds and a mini and am still taking lessons! I will never regret seeing their farm and thinking...I have always wanted to learn to ride...so I did!!
Thanks Ashley and Kings Meadow for supporting me on this journey...I'm loving the ride!!
- Joanne Richards (May 2020)
I know I have probably thanked you a million times but I cannot thank you enough.
You have made it possible for Fila and I to achieve our goals. You have made it possible for me to achieve my goals. I wanted to find that horse that could help me move up the levels, you helped me find Fila. I wanted to ride and show and do well with Fila and you have made that possible. I never thought I would ever reach a gold show but we have already crushed that goal with you.
I am sooooo grateful for all of your help with my partnerships with Fila.
Thank you.
- Diana Melnick (April 2020)
Kings Meadow Equestrian Centre is an exceptional facility for horse and rider. Owner/operator Ashley Van Der Hout is knowledgeable, professional and dedicated to the well-being and effective training of both the horses and those wishing to learn or better their skills as a rider. None better.
- Teresa Parker (July 2020)
I met a very nice person, thanks to my friends almost a year ago. Her name is Ashley and she has offered us unlimited professional advice, never let us down when we needed help and offered us that help that we needed x 10 in the most kind and respectful way that you could ever ask for. We wanted horses but knew almost nothing about them but we wanted them and we got them. When they arrived however, they were so big and so strong and so intimidating that we found ourselves in charge of the care for two animals that we were literally scared sh...less of. Ashley to the rescue!
I will be forever grateful for the friendship, guidance and patience she has given us in the realization of this life long dream. 50 plus horses of her own, lessons, training, a new born little girl to look after etc. etc. and on and on. Her phone never stops and she just gives and gives, never too much, she takes it all in stride. A great lady in my books! An ultra knowledgeable horse women, a born teacher, wow what a lucky break meeting her was. Our one year anniversary with our horses Chanel and Woody is April 29, it’s been the best year of my life! Thank you Ashley!
- Mike P. (March 2020)
My daughter was looking for a special pony or horse to participate in Pony Club mounted activities with we found that pony at Kings Meadow. Ashley has helped her reach her goals with a wonderful pony, The one on one attention has allowed my daughter to improve more than I could imagine in such a short time. She was able to participate in her first short course eventing competition, was first in her division at D rally (Dressage, Cross Country and Stadium Jumping) with clear rounds on both Cross and Stadium, participated in Tetrathlon which has a Cross Country and Stadium component, National Pentathlon riding portion and the fun show at the Rockton Fair and complete her D1 level testing with flying colours!
Ashley has supported this 11 year old in having a great experience this past season. She is so excited to work hard over the winter to keep improving for next season. Thank you to a great coach, wonderful pony and excellent facility!
Since taking lessons with owner/coach Ashley Van Der Hout, my riding has improved faster than ever before, and I learn new things every time I lesson. I am extremely happy with how much better my horse is doing since moving here, and I know that level of improvement can only be reached with a coach as knowledgeable and dedicated as Ashley. She consistently goes out of her way to make sure both my horse and I are advancing, and safe in doing so, and is always ready to listen and give advice.
My son has been a student of Ashley's since January 2013. Ashley has consistently demonstrated she has the teaching skill, knowledge, experience and passion to help him achieve his riding goals. With Ashley's coaching I have seen great improvement in my son's riding ability, confidence in the tack and training skills. In the summer of 2013 we purchased a green mare. Ashley's skills as a training and willingness to teach my son humane and effective training methods are very much appreciated. There are many options for coaches and trainers in the equine industry; Ashley is definitely one I would highly recommend!