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Comments
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7/24/20 |
1 |
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it feels like the new owners are trying to kill the place. money talks here. horses during the 2020 summer camp are going 3-4 hours a day without fly spray. kids during the camp are running around with absolutely no social distancing and masks on their chin. last year the camp that shares this location had a boy peeping into the girls locker room. it is also a super toxic environment . there is a whole load of favoritism and certain individuals can do no wrong. there was also a horse slaughter scandal a few years ago. the trainers tell kids false information like “horses roll to get attention.” horses have also been going without shoes. it is totally a waste of money and way too overrated. you will be happier at another barn. do not go here.
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11/18/19 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
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DO NOT SUPPORT THIS CAMP IF YOU CARE ABOUT ANIMAL RIGHTS & WELL-BEING!Thomas School, does NOT take care of their Camp Horse! They charge for the summer $7,000+ per child. But do not take care of there hardest working employees there horses. Camp horses,are often tacked in the morning and stand in there stalls with their bridals & saddles on waiting for staff to take them out into the ring to be ridden,too much work for them to untack a horse between riding lessons. Even after a horse at Thomas’s passed away 3 years ago, due to heat stroke from having the tack on all day!
They work their horses in 90+ temps.
During the week they perform their tasks with the kids and on the weekends what they look forward to is a dirty, wet stall with little to no water (I have pic's to confirm) I felt horrible seeing the horses in these conditions, I took it upon myself to make sure that at least those horses had access to clean cold water everyday( the least that I could do). Deplorable Conditions
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9/8/19 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
One of the best activities you can put your kids in. Adults can also take lessons!!! Thomas School by far exceeds the standard, quality and the staff. Such a fun, healthy, happy atmosphere. The staff is super friendly and courteous and the best is they are all home grown. Such wonderful feeling to see the kids participating in doing chores at the school. Highly recommend to anyone who is exploring riding schools.. or who may be interested in lessons.
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9/4/18 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
I went to this camp for three years-- Summer of 2011 to the summer of 2013. After that, I took two years of horseback riding lessons on Fridays. This camp had a lot of activities to offer, but it was so hot while wearing the riding pants haha!
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2/20/15 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
TSH is a wonderful riding program and camp. Every one there shares a philosophy of encouraging and supporting kids to grow.
My daughter gets a huge amount of self confidence from her riding experiences, and loves her friends and teachers and of course all the horses. But even more important to me, she feels safe, happy and secure and truly feels a part of something- a community. Riding here makes her life better but even more saliently, it's changing how she thinks about herself and that means it's actually changing her future!!
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2/22/14 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Thomas School is the Best Place to be over the summer! I can't imagine spending my summer anywhere else!
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2/19/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Thomas School is the most incredible place I have ever been. The horses are cared for so well, especially considering that a large number of them are rescues and they are school horses. At most school/camp barns, the horses are not treated well, but at TSH, they live in huge box stalls, get turnout every day, and are healthy and happy. The camp is fun every single summer. Nancy Thomas is the kindest woman I have ever met. She is always happy to help and is just a genuinely good person. I love Thomas' and would definitely recommend it.
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SYSTEM: 2 negative duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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12/2/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
TSH day camp is the best thing that I have ever done in the summer. I'm a guy and this was my last year as a CIT and I cried the last day because it was that sad. But for all the people that are saying that the staff is mean. NEWS FLASH the staff is the nicest people I know and I talk to them on a regular basis. They were so supportive when I was one of the only guys as a blue gold day captain and when I was riding in Gamblers choice. The horses are amazing and I actually take 2 home to my barn in my backyard over the year. And for the people saying there is bullying, wherever you go that has 50+ teens and 500+ other campers you are bound for bullying I don't care where it is. This camp is my 2nd home and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Yeah u could get hurt but that's the risk you run being with 2,000 lb animals. This camp is amazing and I intend on working here next year and for manymanymany years to come
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11/18/12 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
I definitely agree with the others who had issues with their children being held back. My kids have been riding for 5 years and are just now being allowed to canter - something other stables who offer lessons do within the first year of riding. The summer camp program has become worse every year. Very little attention is paid to the riding portion of the day, and the kids tend to spend a lot of time hanging around. The crafts are a joke, the sports and other activities are taught by teenagers who aren't really qualified to teach, and the counselors are often distracted and inattentive. You can't charge twice as much as every other camp and offer sub-par programs and service. Don't think we'll be back if they don't make drastic changes.
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7/25/12 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
My daughter went to another camp for several years, switched to TSH 3 years ago for a change. Very happy with the camp, ride instructors are very well trained (certification mandatory, did not find this at other barns, optional). I also found the group counselors are very good, & are overseen by a mature, caring, very hands-on layer of directors. Many summer camp employees come from local schools, public as well as private, both mainstream and special needs. Others are college students and some come via an international exchange program. Glad to see John back at the pools! My daughter began the CIT program this year and is happy with it. Assisting younger riders 1 period per day helps her with overall horse behavior knowledge & provides ride instruction experience. She loves the gymnastics & zumba classes. Nancy Thomas is out and about with the campers & staff all day. Would recommend this camp if you want your child unplugged, enjoying horses & having a lot of fun.
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7/24/12 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
After seven years of sending my daughter to camp she was looking forward to her last year as a CIT. She was so disapointed when she found out the staff she had come to love was not there anymore . After paying full price I found out my daughter is working 6 out of 9 periods. Nancy Thomas says they are counselers in training, but since paying full price I expect my child to have some fun. Even the ride lesson was over crowded and started late everyday! I get the impression she is in over her head and the people she lost made her look good! What a horrible way to end a seven year relationship! For the money it's the biggest rip off out there.
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6/23/12 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
I recently learned four riding instructors and the pool director left the camp and riding school within the last 2 months. The owner of the camp claims to have a safe environment for children without any bullying. I have seen her bullying her staff and heard of bullying that occurred at the camp last year. I am not sending my child back this year and I advise my friends to do the same.
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4/14/12 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Thomas School of Horsemanship has gone downhill and Nancy Thomas is interested in one thing: MONEY. Not your child, not your child's experience, not helping your child learn to ride horses. After years of summer camp, don't be surprised if your child is still being held by a leadline while riding. You might also notice your child coming home with Michael's-type arts and crafts and knowing the words to all the newest pop songs. Of late, they sit around quite a bit listening to music. If your child gets hurt at the camp, you may or may not know. One child was hurt in her private area, and the parent was never apprised, one child was hurt in the head and the parent was never apprised. Horses are 2,000 lb. animals, at least, and it is worrisome there is minimal supervision or care.
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3/1/12 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
The camp is a little costly, but horses are not cheap. The staff are exceptionally friendly, and seem to love their jobs. If you love horses, this is the place to be. You have the option of traditional camp activities, as well as horse related and riding. My daughter has attended this camp for the past 7 years, and continues to make new friends, and learn new things. She has greatly improved as s rider, and learned to love and respect horses and people. The grounds are beautiful, but maybe a bit outdated, but the horses and staff are wonderful.
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1/9/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I love everything about TSH, from the instructors to the horses to the friends I have made. Everything about TSH is clean, fun, and safe, the instructors are friendly and fun, andhe friends I have made here are the best I've had and will be my friends forever. The lessons I've learned- both in and out of the saddle- are lessons that will stay with me forever. If you're looking for the best summer of a lifetime, come to TSH. You won't be disappointed. <3
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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SYSTEM: 2 negative duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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4/11/11 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
An excellent camp that teaches great values - my only complaint is how expensive it is - but I guess you get what you pay for :)
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1/3/11 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I started my oldest child at TSH Camp in Summer 2003 and she has been there ever since! Starting with camp, to full year ride lessons, shows on and off premises, assisting in lessons, helping in the office and working in the barns, TSH has taught my child, and so many others whom I personally know, the proper and safe way to treat and ride horses, how to be more comfortable with who you are as a person, and, most importantly, to have a very positive and grounded disposition when today all too many children lack positive role models and an outside interest. TSH has so many dedicated staff members and a very warm and caring environment for each and every camper! The days are filled with sports and various other activities to choose from so there is definitely something for everyone at TSH! I can't wait to send my youngest child to TSH so that she too can experience the wonderful opportunities at Thomas School of Horsemanship!
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12/23/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I've been going to Thomas school of Horsemanship my whole life and I can't imagine going anywhere else. The grounds are beautiful, the horses are well cared for, and the range of activities was exceptionally stimulating for a person like me who loves it all. I have made friends here that will last a lifetime, have learned life lessons and skills that i will always carry with me, and will never forget all of my instructors and counselors over the years who made every summer so truly special. I would recommend this camp to anyone who is looking for a fun, safe, and memorable experience working with the most incredible animals on the planet.
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12/16/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
i have had such a great experience at tsh. i spent all of my summers there growing up as a child. they staff was always so helpful and nice. they always did what ever they could to help me and my family out in any way. it is def worth the money. when i have children i will be sending them there to spend there summer vacations like i did.
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8/28/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I WILL CLEAR UP EVERYTHING: People said that riding instructors yelled at you. THEY HAVE TO YELL. There are more people than you in a lesson and it may get difficult to hear. People said that there are 3 changing rooms. THOSE ARE BATHROOMS. In your locker room there are all people of your gender and around your age. The staff do yell because many kids take 5 min to take boots off. YES, BOOTS. People said that TSH harasses you to come back to camp. They really don't the most they'll do is send you camp info. People said that counselors are horrible. I was a CIT this year and there was a cold day. A counselor that I had actually GAVE ME THE SWEATSHIRT OFF HER BACK! That is so nice, especially since all she had was a tank top under it. People said that they assign you to a lower riding group. You may think that you are more advanced, but really, you are not. TSH has a strict safety policy and would not allow you to do anything they don't think you are capeable of.
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1/26/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I attended Thomas' for several years in the mid '80s, then came back as a jr. counselor in the late '90s. Going to the camp as a young girl was one of the best experiences of my life. As a counselor, I worked with the early starters and staff's kids. There was no mucking of stalls, and part of a counselor's job is to make sure the beginner riders have a safe and fun experience, so of course we led the horses where needed. I have seen many other stables on LI, and I can tell you that Thomas' treats their horses so much better than the others. I have witnessed some horrible things in other stables, including smoking in the stalls, but at Thomas' they won't even let the horses ride if the temperature is over a certain point, and are constantly cooling them down. The trainers are all well educated, and it was very rare that I ever saw a child go home unhappy. I hope to send my children there one day.
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8/24/08 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
I've been at TSH for nine years and counting, and have loved it from the very start. I just finished my last year as a CIT. For one thing, I know from personal experience that NOBODY is made to muck out stalls. Also, I've always felt the whole CIT system of assisting with younger riders is designed to help the older kids give back to TSH for all the good things they've experienced...40 minutes out of your day really isn't a big deal. I find it can be enjoyable too - assisting with younger riders taught me how to communicate effectively with them, and also taught me a good deal about riding instruction. And remember - CIT stands for counselor in training... and with a lot more freedom, and awesome CIT trips, it's really not much to ask older kids to take time to really fulfill the whole MEANING of "counselor in training". The riding program is excellent and caters to riders of all abilities, beginners, and those with a lot of experience like me. I highly recommend TSH.
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3/25/08 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I have been going to thomases for 11 years!!!1 It is such a good camp. You reallybond with the campers, staff, and HORSES. Everyday at Thomases is amazing. They alwayshave something for you to do. I have made so many friends there and cant think of anyother place Iwould like to be for the summer. I <3 TSH
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11/28/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
for the person who said that their son wasn't allowed to change groups, you must have not been nice to nancy because my first year at tsh i thought i was going to be a CIT but i was a camper and my mom was annoyed so she called and the phone person said they would switch me into the CITs. my mom didnt even talk to nancy because the office staff are very accomodating (i didnt become a CIT because my friend was going to be a camper for her first year so i stayed with her). tsh is a wonderful camp, and contrary to what somebody said earlier, instructors do take the time to fix tack if they notice that it isn't on right. however, they dont have the time to look through all 100+ stalls to check. if the tack isn't on right, an instructor will almost always fix it when the horse is used because then they will notice it. tsh is an amazing camp and i recommend it to people who love horses but want to do sports and arts too.
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5/9/07 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Not the best riding camp I've been to (only one true period of only 40 minutes of riding. Swimming is great and if you're a CIT you get lots of freedom. I think those parents are overreacting way too much about their poor little "children" forced to do strenuous "labor". Sidewalking and grooming horses is NOT that hard. Price wise, I would choose a different camp if you're looking for a completely horse centered one. I had the most fun ever with blue gold day, going on the CIT trip to the water park, the last day carnival, the horse show and more. Overall I made tons of friends and memories. TSH = amazing.
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3/30/07 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I have been going to TSH for mannnnny years. Take it from someone who as a kid never expected to become a horseback rider, because of TSH I am now a full fledged rider and have colleges requesting me to come and be on their show teams. I highly recoment TSH for children of any age. As a camper I was taught all I needed to know about horses, went swimming twice a day and made life long friends. As a CIT I learned about the responsibalities of caring for a horse hands on, along with how to teach younger kids to ride horses. Thomas' is a great camp for anyone.
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11/18/06 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
My daughters best friend got hurt and nobody even helped her at all. And the camp left the electric wires on and the horse my daughter was on bumped right into it.
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6/1/06 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Well just so everone knows I worked at thomas's. I think it is very over rated. We had to put on an act when parents visited. We are not trained at all just over worked and under paid. We are promised big tips from parents to make up for the fact that we only made less than $800.00 for the seven weeks. Some of the ride instructors are not qualified.
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5/9/06 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
I highly recommend the Thomas School of Horsemanship summer camp, which has 3, 4 or 7 week options. My son, now 13, is autistic and this will be his 7th year. He attends with an aide provided by the school district (for 6 weeks only - we pay for the 7th week). The program includes horseback riding, swimming, gymnastics, computers, arts & crafts, + other special activities. This is a camp for normally developing students that is welcoming to someone with special needs. I would give it all 5 ratings, but as with any place, some of the counselors are less engaged than others, and it is expensive: $4475 for 7 weeks this year. My son loves going, so it's worth the money. Bus transportation door-to-door is included. The setting is lovely and quite safe. Staff is well trained.
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