Some kind words from current and former students:
"This is a heartfelt thank you for everything you do. Riding at Seven Oaks has been a great joy. You are all extraordinary instructors in dressage and in horsemanship. I learned and improved every single time I rode—your trainers found things I could work on even on days when almost nothing seemed to be working; their combination of kindness and high standards always made it feel like elegant and effective riding was within my reach even when so much else was out of my reach. I want you to know how much I appreciate the instructors you provide and how seriously you take all instructing at Seven Oaks. Your extraordinary expertise, competence, care, and humane values make Seven Oaks what it is. You produce horses like Kevin and Orion, plus many other wonderful furry beings who all teach key things and are a joy to interact with. You manage people, facilities and finances in a way that benefits us all. You keep all the people and the horses safe in a myriad thoughtful and strategic ways. You prioritize the horses’ happiness and good treatment, and that requires and also enables your students to do the same. You set a tone of deep care, courtesy, learning, and always, always working to improve. You are amazing instructors and human beings. Thank you so much for being who you are and doing everything you do." JT
"Seven Oaks is the BEST!" JS
"Seven Oaks has taught me more about dressage in the past year then I learned in a decade of riding. The instruction is top notch and the horses are gentle and well trained. I care a lot about the animals. I love that Seven Oaks emphasizes the importance of the rider and, in lessons, the riders sweat more than the horses. If I was a horse, I'd want to be a Seven Oaks horse!" AM
"I think you have the best horseback riding program I have experienced. Also one of the most honest and well run fitness/recreation businesses I have had to deal with." AY
"Thank you for welcoming me into Seven Oaks, for helping me to become a better rider and for always being patient. The way you break things down, keep me honest and aware, while understanding where I'm at, skill-wise, has made riding something I always look forward to. It's clear that the horses appreciate you, too, because they are always so happy to see you." CN
"I truly believe that Seven Oaks consistently offers an unparalleled experience. It’s not just about riding; it’s therapy, fun, exercise, and a sense of community. Truly, it’s one of the best investments I’ve made." AM
"I wanted to reach out and say thank you again for bringing me into the Seven Oaks community. I’ve truly appreciated riding with you. I’ve learned more in 2.5 months than I did in 2 years at my previous barn. It's been a great experience so far!" CN
"Seven Oaks was recommended to me when we moved to the bay area. I have been riding for over 20 years and have found that these ladies really know their stuff! I've been riding with them for the past 4 years. All of the instructors teach Carrie Coe's and Pamela Miller's carefully thought out training program, so you never need to worry about who is teaching you because they all follow the same methodology. Also, they have been working with my horse and have helped us go from training level to third level while keeping my horse happy all along our dressage journey. I would recommend Seven Oaks for anyone interested in dressage. Not only is it a fun, friendly environment, but if you are interested in competing, they can help you reach any goal you set for yourself." HD
"Thank you for valuing me as a student…I value you, Mary, Sonia et al and the community you created - again, I may have gone crazy the last couple of years without you all and the horses!" LQ
"I was first introduced to Seven Oaks as a competitor, at their dressage extravaganza series. I had an older thoroughbred, at the time, and wanted to move him closer to my home, so I could see him more often. We were welcomed by the Seven Oaks team, to enhance our training. Shortly thereafter, I had to retire my horse, but was very fortunate to be surrounded by quality school horses, to continue my own learning. The quality of school horses is an excellent indicator of their abilities. The horses are well cared for and very happy. The trainers always put safety first, coupled with fun and advancement of my own skills, with my equine partner. I feel extremely fortunate to have found Seven Oaks." SR
"Riding at Seven Oaks is such a joy--it truly is the happiest place for horses and people!" JS
"Thank you all for bringing so much joy and fun into my life. I am so grateful for each of you and the incredible community you foster at Seven Oaks. I feel truly blessed to be part of it." AM"Really enjoyed training with you, Pam! You and Carrie have a special place in my heart." AK
"My time with you has been wonderful I have really appreciated the openness and support I received from you and your assistants, as well as the other students I have met. I have learned so much and gained a lot of respect for the Dressage discipline. And of course I cannot forget your lovely horses - gosh I have so enjoyed spending time with them." AM
"My time with you and your team of humans and horses has reinforced my passion for these animals and this sport, and I am grateful for the opportunity and experience." BG
"Kudos for the wonderful programs, horses, and instructors you have developed." DL
"I love SevenOaks so much, it’s such a great community to be part of !" JC
"Thank you for a glorious morning at the barn! What you've created is truly special. I really appreciate it." AM
"I rode with Seven Oaks for over 3 years from late 2017 to early 2021. In that time, I went from casually taking lessons a few times a week to full leasing a Seven Oaks horse 6 days a week. As I transitioned from weekend warrior to serious equestrian, Pam and the other Seven Oaks trainers were always there to support and guide me. They always prioritized making the best decision for improving my riding skills in a safe and fun way. For example, I expressed interest in wanting to buy a horse a few years ago. Instead of encouraging me to buy, which would have been very profitable for Seven Oaks, Pam encouraged me to instead try leasing to make sure I was comfortable with the commitment of horses and because she thought my skill level would change so quickly that buying wasn't worth it. Pam was transparent with me about the costs and benefits of the different options. She sent me emails clearly laying out the prices and benefits of the different lease options so I could make an informed decision about what worked best for me. Ultimately Pam was right and I quickly "outgrew" the horse I was riding at the time and moved on to another horse. It meant so much to me as a client that Pam prioritized developing my riding skills even though it was less profitable for the business. Although I've transitioned to a different barn so I could pursue more trail riding, I had nothing but wonderful experiences when I was at Seven Oaks. I would absolutely recommend them for their high quality of horsemanship, professionalism, and commitment to fulfilling the riding goals of their students." HF
"It has been an incredible gift to be able to keep riding and learning and improving even through my health issues. And that has only been possible because of the accommodations, flexibility and creativity of all the Seven Oaks instructors. I appreciate it more than I can say." JT
"I’ve been in training with Pam and Carrie since October 2019 and they are the most professional, highly skilled and financially transparent and fair horse trainers I’ve known in thirty years of riding." RC
"Thank you so much for making this past year hugely better than it would otherwise have been. Riding at Seven Oaks was a deep and ongoing joy...everyone at Seven Oaks made it possible for me to keep riding and learning. I can't tell you how much that meant to me, how profoundly positive that was for my mental as well as my physical health." JT
"I have been riding with Seven Oaks for many years and I couldn't be happier. The horses seem happy, healthy and extremely well cared for. I have improved dramatically in the time I've been working with them. Pam is excellent at providing the exact right motivation and coaching to help me achieve my goals. She is sympathetic, kind, and tough in just the right amounts at just the right times. In my lessons with Carrie I've learned so much that it almost seemed magical." TG
"Thank you for your amazing program and for sharing your horses with us!" LP
"We had a fantastic time at the barn! You are an incredible teacher, horsewoman and person. Thanks a bunch! You're amazing" AM/JS
"I came to this barn to start riding again after a surgery and was in a somewhat fragile physical and psychological state with my riding. I found Seven Oaks to be simply exemplary. The quality of the instruction and attention to detail harken back to a lost era of horsemanship in the US. The instructors are caring, stern and very qualified. They meet regularly as a team to discuss students and horses and it shows in the quality of their program. They have a school horse happily in work at a very old age who is in excellent condition and enjoys his job. I would recommend this program to anyone" JG
"I have been riding with Seven Oaks for about a year and a half and I cannot say enough good things about the Seven Oaks program, at the San Juan Bautista barn and at the Portola Valley barn. Moving around a lot, I've experienced the highs and lows of lesson programs and horses, and this is definitely a high. The horses are far and away the best school horses I've encountered and the instruction is friendly, useful, and consistent. I have noticed real improvement in my riding at this barn." LT
"I recommend coming here if I you are a horse rider who is a beginner at dressage (like myself) or if you are not and are looking to rise up to higher level dressage! They have wonderful lesson horses and training for all levels of dressage! Thank you Seven Oaks, I can't wait for my future lessons!" RB
"Thank you for sharing your horsey world! You are all such talented horse and human trainers! Words can't express the extent of my appreciation for Seven Oaks." AM
"Thank you for re-kindling my love, passion and respect for horses. Your instructionon general safety and behavior has been invaluable and possible life-saving. Your humor and joy and dedicatioin to teaching is inspiring. You recalibrated my approach to riding. I'm sure my new horse will benefit and it's probably not the last you will of me." KL
"I have been taking lessons at Seven Oaks Farm for a little over a year now. I rode a bit as a child and then took a 15+ year hiatus. I was nervous to start riding again, but everyone here is so welcoming and supportive that the nerves quickly faded away. The Seven Oaks instructors are absolutely fantastic. They each have an unparalleled eye for detail, knack for explaining things, professional mannerisms and a good sense of humor. The school horses are all happy, healthy and safe. Be prepared to work hard during lessons and you'll never get bored!" NS
"I wanted to thank you for all your guidance throughout the past couple of years...you've helped me develop a much more secure set as well as body awareness and overall understanding that was much needed. Our lessons helped bring back some confidence back that I had lost by being pushed to doing things without a solid understanding of the basics" GT
"Our daughter has had a wonderful experience riding here, and I've been consistently impressed with the caliber and quality of the instructors. I appreciate their attention to rider safety and to teaching the whys as well as the hows. It is clear they prioritize understanding each riders' needs and goals, then provide a challenging yet achievable path to develop a rider's abilities for the long term." JF
"I came to Seven Oaks in Menlo Park/Portola Valley when my own horse was re-habbing an injury- because they had the rare unicorn of well-trained dressage school horses. I stayed on and brought my horse because I enjoyed riding there, the horses are well-cared for, and my riding skills and my horse's both improved consistently. Add to that, they are professional, respectful, well-educated, accommodating, and have modern modes of scheduling. Get this, there is an online schedule which updates at least daily, and Pam answers emails and texts. All their trainers want the best for you and your horses and push as appropriate for you and your riding skill level and ambitions. Not that it should really matter, but for credibility purposes, I am a veterinarian and want to mention that school horses get (expensive!) hock injections regularly, supplements/meds given humanely and appropriately, rarely go out more than twice daily, receive treats and verbal rewards, are checked on regularly, and are retired to good homes when needed." GL
"I know now more than ever how special Seven Oaks is ..." LL
". Please be sure to thank your trainers for me – they are fantastic teachers and I learned so much in my time at the barn!" LH
"I've been taking lessons at Seven Oaks for months now and felt compelled to write a review because of the wonderful experience I've been having. Seven Oaks is committed to providing a fun, safe, and top quality instruction to all their students. I've never been at a barn that had such happy and talented horses for their students to learn on. If you're looking for a place with a great community, amazing instruction, and amazing horses then you should definitely give seven oaks a try!" HF
"I’m so lucky to have found you & your team" GH
"Pam and Carrie treat their horses, students and employees with kindness and respect. They have created a wonderful place to enjoy horses and dressage!" SK
"I just wanted to say that your staff are such phenomenal teachers. You explain every horse's needs so well and come up with amazing ways of teaching things." JS
"I’ve loved my years riding at Seven Oaks during which I became a competent rider. Through your instruction, I also learned to understand horses, which helped me enjoy and progress with riding. As my horsemanship skills grew over the years, so did my self-confidence and enjoyment..." CD
"All of the trainers are wonderful, and balance encouragement, safety, and "do it right!" butt-kicking. I've been through plenty of trainers and clinicians with super fancy FEI credentials, and the Seven Oaks way is consistent, correct, honest dressage. No shortcuts here (other than your lesson horse definitely knows his job). Their horses are some of the happiest, healthiest and safest lesson horses I've come across. They all have their own well-fit equipment, big comfy stalls overflowing with fresh shavings, and are in fantastic shape." MM
"Been riding most of my life and this place is the best! Mostly women, but I don't feel out of place, and the horses and the instructors are better than anywhere I've ever been." SA
"My daughter has been taking lessons from Pamela at the San Juan Bautista barn f and just loves it! She feels comfortable and confident while in the saddle and is learning more and more each week. It's great to see her so happy and loving each horse she has ridden. Pamela takes the time to educate my daughter in all aspects of riding and horses - . which is great, because are we new to horses so it's good to know all attributes of the horses and not than just riding. Not only is my daughter learning a ton about horses, she is also learning about safety, which I think is so important. It's a powerful animal and they are taught to respect and cherish the work they do :) The facilities are tidy, clean and beautiful! The view sucks me in every time and I am sad when the lesson is over because it's time to head back to the city... Everybody is friendly and helpful and welcoming! It's like a big family! It really is a fun time for all of us when we come out to the barn!" HG
"I AM SO HAPPY THAT I FOUND SEVEN OAKS! I have to say, they are some of the most positive and effective trainers I've ever met! ..and I've met quite a few in 27 years of riding. Dressage has always fascinated me and now I'm at a point where I need to ride horses with the kind of ability and training that will not only let me work on my seat and position, but also help me learn the more subtle cues and enjoy higher quality movement. WOW! Do they do that here! When I shared with Pamela that my goal was PSG - with a horse that is enjoying the ride as well- she and the other instructors took that challenge on. One of my local friends has a PSG gelding she is now asking me to ride for her when she's on vacation! She says he is happy and relaxed when she gets back on, which tells me good things about the 7 Oaks program as he isn't even one of theirs! Whether I'm riding one of my usual favorites or one of the other talented lesson horses, I have a good time and make progress!" SM
"I wanted to share my gratitude for this opportunity to train with you and being part of the barn! The thrill of our first session gave me such joy! The basic theory you explained -- how muscle control in our body - is completely paramount in riding dressage…I’ve read this and know this intuitively but putting in action was thrilling - just getting to the trot without any aids…just intention and my own body/mind intention and of course because Balou is so skilled/trained in dressage already. I look forward to continuing on and developing more skills in my riding and learning dressage." AS
"Thanks again for bringing me into the Seven Oaks program, it's been an absolute pleasure so far and I'm already learning a lot. Definitely a highlight every time I ride!" CN
a note: we've modified as necessary for clarity, but have not changed the intent of these messages in any way.