Wheelchair-accessible car park
Yes
Thomas School Of Horsemanship Summer Day Camp & Riding School in Melville
Categories
Location on the map
Melville, Suffolk County, New York, US
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Yes
Phone: +1 631-692-6840
Site: http://www.tshcamp.com/
Site: http://www.tshcamp.com/
Opening hours
- Monday:Closed
- Tuesday:10:30AM–7PM
- Wednesday:10:30AM–7PM
- Thursday:10:30AM–7PM
- Friday:10:30AM–7PM
- Saturday:9AM–4PM
- Sunday:9AM–4PM
Comments (28)
So I drove all the way from Williston Park to inquired about classes and sign my son up for individual horse riding classes, after speaking to someone over the phone who stated that I can come in person to sign up. I was stopped at the gate and not allowed in. They finally called someone that could answer my questions regarding classes and fee, at the gate, not once was I allowed to step one foot in past the gate. A very politely worker named Iliana told me that she could not show me around for safety reasons during camp hours.( THIS IS NOT STATED ON THE WEBSITE.) and that I was welcomed to come back after 4:00pm. It was 12noon, scorching hot, and I was with my 5 year old son. I was given an application and told to come back. I felt profiled, and rejected. hence why I will strongly recommend others not to sign up for any class or course. One place I will not give my money to.
My daughter has been at this school taking group lessons for nearly a year. We were familiar with the school already because of a good friends son, who took lessons there and attended the summer camp all his life. The place is a beacon of goodness and grace in this world of frenzied commercialism and business-ization of the every day/every moment. Most Sundays, either before or after my daughters group lesson, we walk around the stable to visit the horses. What impresses me so much about this place is that there is always someone attending to the horses - every time we walk around - who invariably tells us a little snippet about the personality of this or that horse. So many horses get such personalized care - with preferences and/or dietary regulations posted on the doors of their stalls. Horses that are older and have a medical problem get such wonderful medical treatment, no matter the expense, and they are like dear old friends to all the students at the school. Everyone knows what is going on with this horse or that horse, and the children are encouraged to show these horses some special attention - the lessons in life and in compassion and empathy that students of this school get are just priceless. All the students were invited to a retirement party for a really sweet horse who had complicated dietary needs and was getting on in years. His retirement home was set, and he was to leave soon. Months later, on one of our weekly walks, my daughter and I said to each other, isnt that ____? And sure enough it was. The school didnt like something about where he had been going to retire, and so they cancelled the deal and kept him at the school month after month, with special food and medical care until they found a retirement place that they could feel good about. I know how rare places like this are today, which is why it so saddens me to see them get attacked online by people who dont know them, and who repeat false rumors online that spread like wildfire - just because someone in their activist community mentioned this schools name as one in a line of previous owners of a horse that appeared at an auction they didnt approve of. In this country, people are innocent until proven guilty before the law - but that seems to apply less and less in the court of public opinion, and it is exponentially worsened by the unregulated milieu of todays information environment. I wish that Google could somehow moderate reviews and not publish those that contain unsubstantiated allegations and accusations about an entity - especially one that is owned by one woman - and not owned by a corporation with a slew of expensive lawyers hired to defend its reputation. It would be in their best interests, because otherwise I have a feeling that they will eventually be sued for libel and slander - which, I believe BOTH apply in the world of social media. Thomas may not have a team of corporate lawyers, but it does have minions of families and former students who love the school. Im sure that there must be a lawyer among them that will be willing to do pro-bono work if this defamation continues. Shame on Allie Callhoun and shame on Google for attacking and for facilitating the attack on on of the precious few sources of good in this jaded world.And we are with you Thomas School of Horsemanship - Hold you head high in the knowledge that you are blameless, and therefore untainted by this darkness perpetuated by ignorant and angry lesser peoples.
This camp has given me the opportunity of a lifetime to make bonds with horses
Ive improved dramatically at Thomas school of horsemanship and gained confidence in my riding I always feel welcomed as if it was my own house and have met my best friends at Thomas school
My special needs daughter went there for summer camp And was back riding lessons and loves it . The staff is great very caring people.
I attended camp many many years ago in the 70s and it was the best camp I ever went to and encourage my love for horses. RIP Bill Thomas and I hope this camp continues as it has for so many years
Yay my fav horse is quinn, luca, and bentley.
My son attended summer day camp here. Had lots of fun. Every one here so friendly.
Best experience that your child can ever receive. And it will last a lifetime.
They taught me so much and are so welcoming, I ride here and I love it
An amazing summer camp that isnt like any other camp!!!
Very good place to go horseback riding at!
Awesome family oriented equestrian center.
Exceptional horse care and consideration.
Favorite place to be after school or on weekends
Great people and horses
Family favorite place.
Looks cool
Total reviews rating 4.6
28 Reviews for Thomas School Of Horsemanship Summer Day Camp & Riding School 2023:
Review №1
2020-08-22My daughter just finished camp and equine studies at Thomas. She is 11 and this year was her third summer attending and she absolutely LOVES it. All of the friends she has made there are so kind, and they have even helped her grow as a person. All of the staff, trainers and counselors have made my daughters summer one that she will never forget, in addition to perfecting her riding. My daughter comes home speaking highly of everyone, but the funniest part is that she has a new favorite horse every other day! Thomas has so many horses and my daughter gets to experience all of their personalities. She loves them all! I also have to say that this summer was especially challenging with COVID, but we felt so safe sending her because of all of the precautions they took. I highly recommend Thomas for camp and/or lessons!
Review №2
2016-10-12I just started riding there about 3 weeks ago and I could not be happier. They cater to your schedule and make you feel right at home. I just applied for the assistant program and it is wonderful. As someone who has always been scared of horses, you would never expect that I would ever be on the back of one trotting - but this equestrian school is so great that I feel so happy to be around horses. It truly is a home away from home. Even if youre just starting out like me, you can learn a lot from the other students. The instructors are so inspiring and caring. I definitely recommend - whether youve been riding for ten years or ten days - Thomas School School of Horsemanship is the place to be.
Review №3
2020-12-12I love them, I ride with my school for a club and they are great. I had my first lesson with them and I loved it. Katrina was great, she was very encouraging and sweet. 10/10 reccomend if you like to ride horses.
Review №4
2015-06-30My older daughter loves it here! every one is so nice and welcoming, if she is having trouble tacking up a horse there is always someone nearby to help! she is at the canter level now and hopes to start jumping as soon as possible! she is also apart of the assist program and loves it! Tomas has brought out the best in her and I hope that she will follow her dream to work at their camp and one day bored a horse here.
Review №5
2016-07-21I have been riding there for 2 years. I started at the summer camp and I had the time of my life. The instructors were amazing, the horses were even better. Then I went riding during the fall winter and spring. I had really good instructors and amazing horses. I started camp again in the summer as a CIT (counselor in training) parents ere still paying full price even though we had to teach and watch little kids while grooming horses. Then we had to assist little kids in horses by walking in circles in the strong sun at least 3 times a day for 45 minutes each. Camp became stressful. A horse died of heat stroke Because the saddle was left on all day. Horses are not treated right. Owner is very snobby. Its really expensive and not worth it. Do not support this camp for the horses wellbeing.
Review №6
2017-06-14We began Thomass school of horsemanship for lessons a year ago and now it has become family. My daughter loves the families and staff and of course the horses. We recently had her birthday party their and it was definitely her best party yet. Both my daughters cant wait for camp to begin!
Review №7
2014-01-28As many around the farm would say, Thomas School is home away from home.The family atmosphere, the caring shown by everyone -from barn workers to instructors to management- towards campers, riders, parents and horses is what has driven Thomas School for the past 70 years. That care is masterfully taught to the children, who in turn bestow it upon friends and horses alike.This is a fun, safe place where kids can connect with other children, other beings and nature. In a world where our youth has a stronger relationship with their phones than with their friends, Thomas School is a refreshing respite.I will be forever grateful to Nancy for giving my family the chance to be part of this little piece of heaven in Long Island.
Review №8
2017-03-26My daughters loved spending their summers at the Thomas School of Horsemanship Day Camp! The combination of caring and dedicated staff, great friends, horses, a beautiful setting and many fun filled camp activities, make TSH camp an exceptional summer camp experience. The happy memories my daughters have of all the good times at TSH are precious and priceless.
Review №9
2015-05-06Our daughter fell in love with Thomas School of Horsemanship (TSH) four years ago when she attended summer camp and the rest is history. Not only did her passion for riding horses begin here but she also became a more confident swimmer in their instructional program. The camp counselors, trainers and staff have always been so professional as well as kind and nurturing to the children. They have also been great role models and the barn staff takes such great care of the horses. Her favorite things to do at camp are the gymnastics and archery classes, playing in the gaga pit, free swims with her friends, jumping on the bouncy pillow and, of course horse back riding. As campers grow older in camp, they can choose to join the counselor in training (CIT) program during the summer.What I like most about TSH compared to other riding centers is that as my daughter’s passion for riding and caring for horses has grown so has her independence and freedom to choose her paths of interest. During the school year she can lesson with the trainers of her choice in either group or private lessons and she can compete in inexpensive, low stress horse shows. When she decided to get more serious about competing, she was able to compete in USEF “recognized” horse shows, join either the TSH “recognized” show team, and/or the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) competitive riding program. If she prefers to ride and develop good horsemanship skills in a noncompetitive way, she can join the US Pony Club, or consider leasing or semi-leasing a horse for a month, a season or full year. If you are not sure what your child wants you can always try the equine studies program or introductory lesson package to see what your child might be interested in or even try the camp for two weeks in the summer.I think what my daughter has grown to appreciate most of all at TSH are the special friendships she has made and the fun she has had there whether riding in a lesson, grooming the horses and ponies, or just spending time hanging out with friends. As other parents will say TSH quickly becomes your child’s home away from home and with the invaluable mentors and great role models she has had through the years we are very pleased with that.
Review №10
2021-07-17Amazing! I started last spring season here with my two sisters, and Carly is an amazing teacher and everyone there is friendly and helpful.