Cornerstone on the Vermillion

I've brought my daughter here for horse riding lessons. The staff friendly and helpful. We will be returning for more lessons

My daughter and I started taking lessons at Cornerstone in 2022. We were so impressed that we decided to move our horses there and they are thriving under the care of Michelle and her staff. I have been to multiple facilities throughout the years and Cornerstone has the best alfalfa I’ve ever seen! Both of my horses have gone through training programs with Michelle, making them much safer, reliable rides. I have had several setbacks as an adult amateur and am a very anxious rider- Michelle has been patient and accommodating when I’ve needed extra time or help. I get frustrated easily at how slowly I am progressing, but Michelle is always encouraging me to stick with it, reminding me that skill development takes time and commitment. My daughter is also a nervous rider and Michelle has been very encouraging and helped build her confidence. She looks forward to her lessons and talks about it so much, all of her teachers and even her principal know how much she loves riding. The safety of the horse and rider always come first at Cornerstone- strong foundational skills are required to progress as a rider before cantering, jumping, etc. I appreciate this approach as it minimizes risk during group lessons and lessens the wear and tear on the horses.

I started going to Cornerstone when I was younger. I have always loved this place. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. It’s like a home away from home. I also want to mention that my equitation and horsemanship skills have improved significantly because of Michelle. She’s a trainer I would highly recommend. This place is perfect for growing your riding skills, and confidence with horses!

I have been at Cornerstone for almost 8 years now, and I can't put into words how much it has shaped me into the person I am today. All the boards and staff are welcoming and caring. I have learned so much and continue to learn about the care of the horses, the training, and teaching others how to ride. Not only is the safety of our riders one of the number one values we have, but also that they are comfortable and continue to grow their horseback riding experience on and off the horse. Again, I can't say enough good things about this place or the people that are there!!!

f you’re looking for top-tier horse training, coaching, and care: Cornerstone on the Vermillion is truly outstanding. Dedication to developing both horse and rider with a personalized approach. Coaching is exceptional, offering clear guidance that builds confidence and skill at every level. Horse care is second to none, with meticulous attention to nutrition, health, and overall well-being. My 3 horses have been at Cornerstone for many years and are thriving. Whether you’re aiming for competition success or simply a stronger bond with your horse, they deliver excellence in every aspect. Highly recommended!

Do not recommend Michelle as a trainer. She yelled a lot and made my daughter and the other student cry multiple times. She did not display any compassion or willingness to adjust her teaching style to fit someone who doesn't respond well to being yelled at. We lasted maybe 6 months before it was too much. The arena was always dark, and Michelle often was hard to find when showing up for lessons. The entire inside of the building (an old vet office, I believe) never had lights on requiring you to navigate halls in the dark. The whole place felt unwelcoming. Bottom line, look somewhere else for lessons. 2/19/25 EDIT with response to Cornerstone's response: My daughter did, in fact, have lessons with Michelle in 2022. I can't help if your records are incomplete. I am not part of any business that tries to extort money, I only wanted to give my fair assessment and feedback to possible future families. Considering there are other similar reviews left regarding your business' teaching style and facilities, perhaps you would benefit from addressing root issues instead of attacking prior customers.

I have been around horses my entire life- I started with trail riding, summer camps, lessons from the age of 7 until 17, owning my own horses, and having kids in lessons. I have been to many facilities of many kinds with many different teachers and I can say without a doubt Michelle and the cornerstone team are a very rare breed. The exceptional care the horses receive here is second to none. I have learned more in the two years I have been with Cornerstone about horses, their care, and myself as a rider than most of the rest of my equestrian years combined! Michelle is deeply invested in making sure that her horses (the ones she personally owns AND all of the ones under her care) are treated well, and that every student who comes under her tutelage learns to be the best rider they can be- while treating their horses with care and respect. If you want to hop on a horse, pretend you're John Wayne and slap the horse around to "giddy-up" and don't appreciate being corrected on how to ride safely and in a way that is not damaging to the horses- this is not the place for you. If you are respectful, and want to learn how to ride (and ride WELL) then I would not hesitate to recommend cornerstone time and time again. I recently purchased a horse for my family, and have had him boarding and in training at Cornerstone - I know they love him like their own. The boarders here are absolutely lovely, the staff and volunteers are always kind and helpful, the hay and feed are top notch. If you are looking for a safe, secure and loving home for your horses- Cornerstone is it!