Sacred Cross Show Stables

When we started with Miss Ashely, we really liked her. She was a good trainer, and fun to be with. But this is a business. We stayed with her for over two years, dealing with cancellations, location moves, and the occasional no shows.
We even endured lousy assistants who at times should’nt have given the lessons. But what made the final decision to leave was knowing that Ashley knew better than to throw us at these assistants.
When we cancelled our lessons, we allowed Sacred Cross to use our saddle free as a good gesture and to help her business. That saddle was sold to another customer. We never got a check for that sale. It was brought up to both Ashley and Bret. We were simply deferred to Bret with no further response.
This isn’t a monstrous sale, but as a business, this is not acceptable. When we started, we gave this a 5 star rating. Today, if 0 stars were an option, that’d be where we’d rate Sacred Cross.

I hope that people take the time to read this review. 2 years ago I decided to buy a Groupon to Sacred Cross Stables. What I thought was $ 59 and a few Pony rides ended up being weekly lessons for the last two years. It wasn’t in the budget but I know my wife and my daughter love it. Miss Ashley as my daughter calls her knows exactly how hard to push her. Ashley takes great care of the horses. For the customers that are loyal to Sacred Cross we forgive the occasional reschedule. Sometimes Groupon and Unilocal are tied directly to each other. I am confident that 90% of the 1 star reviews are people that bought the Groupon but had no intention to become a customer of Ashley and Brett. They are not business women. They are women who are working hard to make a living by treating horses well and building a loyal customer base. If you expect horseback riding to be what you see in the Barbie movies, look elsewhere. If you are looking for someone who loves what she does and will work well with you don’t hesitate to try Sacred Cross.

My 3 y.o. daughter went there for 8 months.
At first they seemed very nice and friendly but later I got to see who they really are.
They are very unprofessional.
We went to a show which I regret, one because after paying so much for it the teacher (Ashley) didn’t even show with my daughter. She had another student same age as my daughter and she chose to show with her both days we were there. Second because I was never told that we had to help pay for Ashley’s expenses.
About a month later we got to the barn for my daughter’s class and Ashley was not there. I text her and let her know we were there, she said she was getting coffee and that she would be there soon. A few minutes later we see her car pull up but it wasn’t going to the barn it was going to her house. I then get a call from Bret not even from Ashley, telling me Ashley was sick and couldn’t make it. I understand people get sick however Bret gave me one story but a week later when I saw Ashley she gave me a totally different story! What liars!!!
We were making up a class on a Friday and Ashley starts talking to another parent about her vacation. I then asked if she was going to be gone the following Saturday, she said yes and that Bret was supposed to have already let everyone know. Of course I didn’t know anything about it, I was off all that week I could of made up the class had I known.
Because my daughter had been having tantrums at the end of the class the last 3 times we were there I decided I wanted to stop taking her. I spoke to Bret about and she tried to convince me that it wasn’t a good idea. Well I asked to have Ashley call me and discuss it. She never did call me, instead a couple of days after my conversation with Bret my credit card gets charged.
When I asked why I had been charged 2 times in one month Bret’s response was that it was a systems glitch and that other parents were affected by it as well.
But a few days later I get an email saying that it was because for the previous month they didn’t charge me the full 1 hr class.
Funny they say that right when they know I am about to take her out and right before Ashley’s vacation?
Even if that was true I was supposed to get notice of it ahead of time and it should have only been the difference not the whole amount.
They said they would give my refund back, but this happened in September and it is now November and I yet to see any money from them.
From reading other reviews I noticed that they owe other people as well.
Because of that I decided that I would contact 7 on your side.
I encourage anyone else to do the same if you feel this people have taken advantage of you.

Why oh why didn’t I check the Unilocal reviews before entering into a financial agreement with these people? I had a horse that I loved dearly but he needed too much time and experience than I could give him. Ashley agreed to sell the horse for me on commission plus board and training, and she stated she was confident she would find him a loving home. I decided to take less than I felt the horse was worth (3 months later he’s back on the market for 5 times as much!) on a few conditions. One was that she agreed to refund the board and training since the sale went through at the beginning of the month. When I asked her later about the refund, she stated that she «was distracted» when she told me that and was unable to honor the refund. Another stipulation was that I would keep in touch with the new owner to see how he was doing as I was very attached to this horse. Upon asking her about this after the sale, she informed me that a rider of this level would «never» take the time to update me on his progress, even though before the sale she told me that they would be happy to do so. I lost money, time, and the idea that the horse was going to a «forever home», not being flipped for more money as ended up being the case. Let me say that I respect the buyers and their decision to resell him after putting some training into him; that’s not my issue. The issue was what I felt was a less-​than-​straightforward way of doing business on Sacred Cross’ part. Possibly she may be great with lessons, but I would caution anyone against trusting her professionalism or business sense.

I echo other reviewer’s sentiments «I wish there was a way to give 0 STAR «.
We moved from Sacramento Area and someone recommended us to Ms. Ashley. Things started quite OK for us in Jul 2012 when they were based out of 11 424 TESLA rd. location in Livermore. We started having issues in Oct/​Nov (When they moved to their location in Dagnino road). 3 major issues we ran into starting Oct/​nov
1) During private/​Semi Private lessons — Trainer was no where near my daughter when she was riding the horse (My daughter fall down twice when she was under Miss Ashley’s lesson — Miss Ashley no where in the Arena)
2) Constant (last minute) changes to schedule — Once my wife was on her way to the barn (with my daughter) and I got a call to cancel the lesson — On top of all the rescheduling from them, They always wanted to not carry forward lessons in next month (Their POLICIES of completing all lessons in the same month)
3) Attitude — For every conversation Miss Ashley will generally remind us of RULE of the Barns — We never had issues with that, In fact we were happy that RULEs will put some RIGOR to our daughter’s learning process. But when our daughter fall down from horse twice — Ashley complained about how my daughter hasn’t TACKED the horse properly (but my question to her — Isn’t that the meaning of taking private lessons and aren’t you supposed to be in the arena with her).
Finally with these 3 points (and inconvenience for the change in location) We sent an email to Miss Ashley & Bret to cancel our association with Sacred Cross. But in the month Of January they Got us a new Trainer and promised that schedule will not be an issue any more (with new trainer). We decided to give them another chance (In fact new trainer was the same person our daughter started with in Sacramento area and our daughter really liked her).
Fun started again in April. 1^st lesson got cancelled, 2^nd lesson was rescheduled 2 times and other 2 were also cancelled (So we are talking about 1 lesson out of 4 lessons and other 3 were postponed to Month of May). They told me that the New trainer had abruptly left (I don’t want to put blame on anyone, but knowing that trainer and our past experience with both, I can GUESS who can be blamed for that abrupt departure — Read Miss Kelsey’s review as well on this topic).
Back to original Story — Now I got irritated and wanted to find out what the plan is for 3 make up lessons — They reluctantly moved those 3 lessons into May, but asked me to first pay for the month of May as well — My point to them was «how will you really schedule 7 lessons for us in the month of May». This time I was very adamant and sometime rude (and they knew that I will not continue with them). Coupe of proposals I got were
1) Pay for 1 more month and take 7 lessons in May (they already had 2 weekends busy due to horse shows)
2) Forfeit 3 lessons and we call it a quit (They won’t have to charge me for 1 month of notice period)
But I wasn’t willing to give-​up and I asked them How does 1 month notice become my issue. In the end we were finally given 3 lessons (by Miss Bret — I don’t know if she is eligible to give lessons or not — But my daughter anyway preferred Miss Bret over Miss Ashley). Sorry to hear FOLKS have to let go of 100’s of $$ (reading other reviews).
One more thing, My credit card was charged so erratically from the very beginning, and I was promised each time that they would Fix the issue. Every month it became a ritual (a very irritating one) for me (check my credit card bill for charges, call Sacred cross at least 2 – 3 times). Finally in the month of January I called my CC company to put STOP payment to anything related to SACRED CROSS and started paying by Check.
Sorry for a LONG review, but this has been LONG overdue and is warranted due to the pain and sometime mental torture we have gone through.

I recently quit lessons due to schedule restraints and when I scheduled make up that didn’t happen or were cancelled due to their shows, i first got a phone call 30 minuted before the lessons saying the owner was sick but then saw pictures from a show they attended on their Facebook page. I then received a call and was told that they were closed on Sundays because the didn’t have a trainer. When a week prior, she had said those days would work. I feel like she made it impossible for to bring my daughter for her makeup lessons and they won’t reimburse me. I was also charged for private lessons and we got semi-​private lessons. A total rip-​off and an extremely poorly run business… If you can call it that. I’ve emailed them but no response. They still owe me about $ 340. One of the worst customer experiences I’ve ever had.

I LOOOVE miss Ashley! She has a lot of heart for what she does! My daughter has loved horse since she has laid her eye’s on one. Since then we have been looking for someone to teach her the ropes. Then we found Ashley!!! She puts as much effort into her clients as her clients give back. Which in this business that’s how is goes! All I can say is, my daughter loves Miss ashley and I feel the same too!

I originally started riding lessons for my daughter through a groupon deal. We continued with them because they were conveniently located. They insisted on taking a credit card on file for the lessons which I hate doing. We quit lessons when soccer season started and gave them the appropriate notice. They continued to bill my card. We have gone back and forth with them several times about refunding us (which they always agreed was their mistake). At one point, they told us they were experiencing financial problems which is why we were not being paid us back. It has been six months and no refund.

I bought a groupon for four lessons at the Oakland stables. I was very fortunate to have Samantha as my riding coach. For me, this experience was unparalleled. I had riding lessons when I was younger, but as a 42 year old man, it was quite a different experience. I truly feel that Samantha’s experience and passion for riding and equestrian activities, gave me the courage and drive to really take the reins without any fear. She was thorough and firm. I cant explain really what the feeling of being around horses is. It is very spiritual and healing. I believe the overall condition of how the horses are treated has a lot to do with their well being and the stable in Oakland was certainly very geared towards total care and consideration for these beautiful, spiritual animals. If you can afford lessons or are lucky enough to get a deal, I cant speak any louder, PLEASE DO IT! Let fear go by the wayside, no matter what age you are, reach out, let go of the hangups and do it. It changed my life. I highly recommend Sacred Cross and Samantha, it was a true memorable experience in my life.

I wish there was a zero rating. Ashley Mason, the owner, is young, inexperienced (business-​wise) and stressed out!!! She bad mouths families, is moody, and scatter-​brained. Her scheduler, Bret, is no better. Scatter-​brained and always messing up. Ashley has her do her dirty work, calling families to tell them WITH NO ADVANCE NOTICE, that there will be NO MORE LESSONS AT THE PIEDMONT STABLES. Her EXACT WORDS were, «Effective immediately». No time for my young child to say goodbye to her beloved horses, no closure, no nothing!
I could go on and on… they lead you to believe they like you, you child, respect you and grateful for your business, but it’s all fake. They suck!

Buyer beware! I paid a $ 100 deposit on April 1^st for one week of horse camp in June only to receive a cancellation message one week prior to start of camp. I had to scramble to find an activity for my grandson to fill that time. I actually forgot about the refund for awhile and when I inquired, the customer service was at first poor and ultimately, when it got to the business owner, appalling.
Today is September 1^st and the refund just arrived in the mail. I honestly don’t believe I would have ever received a refund if I hadn’t filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau… This business deserves a zero rating.

I really wish there was a way to give a zero star review. My daughter started lessons with Miss Ashley over a year ago. We «my wife and I» have followed Ashley from location to location for her services. My daughter when she started was 3 years old and Ashley was really great with her. She took what we thought would be a fun week end activity for my daughter to an absolute passion for her. We continued bringing her to Ashley for one reason. My daughter. Ashley was great with her. Over time unfortunately that has dissipated. Recently she has become more stressed out and impatient with her clients and kids. So much that if you listened closly enough to her conversations on the phone and with others and even directly to you that you would here about every unacceptable kid she was teaching that day/​week. Originaly we would receive calls in advance about cancels. More recently we would receive text messages with no remorse in them the night before. Not even enough time to update my daughter. One time recently we showed up on our scheduled time and she was not there. No note, no call and even no text which towards the end was her only form of communication. Ashley Should be more patient with kids, bite the toungue when she’s frustrated and treat her regulars with more respect and better business practices. Don’t waste your hard earned money with such a young and inexperienced business owner. In the end Miss Ashley showed my little girl four years old now that she really does not care about anything but the money. She is absolutely crushed. I would never recommend her services to anyone and would encourage you to ask for any type of credentials.

I would avoid Sacred Cross. Their customer service is terrible. We are new and we’ve had a lesson cancelled at the last minute — no response when we called to reschedule. During our first lesson we wait for quite a while before anyone even acknowledged us. The stable is a dump. I worry that the horses may not be well cared for. It just seemed like a shabby operation all around. Although my daughter’s actual time in the corral with the teacher was fun for her and the training had a good way with the kids — the rest of the experience was so incredibly poor that I would not want to give them any more of my money. The reality is that there are far better horse stables in the area that you can try. I’d stay away from this place.

I bought a Groupon certificate for two horsebike riding lesson. 1 Hour prior to our reservation we got a call cancelling our appointment due to a family emergancy. I understand. They offered us an additional ½ hour to compensate for the cancellation. I called today to reschedule and spoke to the trainer named Ashley. She was horribly rude to me. She accused me of sayinng something that I didn’t. Although we are within the expiration date of our certificate, she refused to honor the voucher we bought and renigged on her committment to make up the ½ lesson she promised us. She acted exsasperated before I even spoke. Terrible experience.

I’m an adult who started taking riding lessons earlier this yr. During this time I’ve taken lessons from 4 different trainers because I wanted to get different perspectives.
What I discovered was that most trainers fall into 1 of 2 camps. Either they are strictly English discipline OR they treat adult students as if they are children. Once I found Ashley at Sacred Cross my search for a trainer was over. She has been nothing but supportive, amazing at handling horses, provides me with honest answers/​info that is NOT self serving, ALWAYS upbeat, willing to try multiple techniques for various learning styles & treats me as an adult.

You should ask for this trainer’s credentials before making a purchase of any kind (horse or lessons).

My 4 year old son absolutely ADORES Miss Ashley! We spotted her training services last winter and decided to see how my then 3 year old son would like it. We were impressed with how gentle and well kept her horses and ponies are, and how she interacts with kids. My son gets very shy around people he doesn’t know, and was acting that way when we first arrived. After a few minutes to interacting with Miss Ashley, he let go of my leg and agreed to get up on the pony, and by the time he dismounted, he was talking her ear off! He’s been going twice a week ever since and doing great. I am planning on starting lessons later in the year for myself because I enjoy her teaching style and her group effort approach to her show group. i would highly recommend Ashley to anyone who wants to introduce their children to horses in a positive, safe manner. They will have a good experience, hands down.

My daughter started riding lessons about 8 months ago, and she has really taken off since riding with Miss Ashley! The horses are sweet, very well maintained — she has a very high level of care for them.
My 2 year year old has even started riding after my older daughters lessons and she loves it. Miss Ashley has a special way of helping kids be at ease, and learn great riding habits.

I don’t know what has happened with other people that wrote reviews, but each place has its ups and downs, and each person attracts different things into their lives.
I have been training with this stable for almost a month, and have never seen an untended stall, or uncontrolled/​abused horse, ever. All of the horses are graceful, well fed and cared for. Other than the tack room which is a mess, and is going to be organized in the next week with new saddle racks and shelves, everything is in amazing order.
I would highly recommend this stable to any and everyone, since it is great for beginners, first lessons with Ashley Mason are free to gauge one’s skills, and it is not as strict as other english stables; it offers opportunities based on level and interest, whether one wants to compete, etc.