Turn Crest Stable

Turn Crest Stable, located at 26947 County Hwy 34 in Kasson, Minnesota, presents a complex and deeply divided picture to prospective clients. On one hand, it is a long-standing equestrian facility, with owner and instructor Vicki Holst at the helm for 40 years, offering a comprehensive suite of services. On the other, it is the subject of starkly contrasting customer reviews that paint a portrait of two very different experiences. For anyone considering its services, from equestrian lessons to summer camps, understanding this duality is essential before making a commitment.

The facility itself is well-equipped, featuring a 60x150 indoor arena with a heated viewing room, an outdoor arena, and 32 stalls. It brands itself as a full-service training center and a United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Recognized Riding Academy. The services offered are extensive, catering to a wide range of equestrian interests. These include lessons in Hunt Seat, Jumping, Dressage, and Western Horsemanship. The stable hosts clinics, organizes horse shows on the farm, and provides coaching for off-site competitions, from open shows to 'A' rated hunter shows. This positions Turn Crest as a significant hub for serious equestrian competitors and enthusiasts in the region. Furthermore, it offers horse boarding stables, with one long-term client noting they have kept their horse at the facility for five years, suggesting a high level of trust in the animal care provided.

A Center for Dedicated Equestrian Development

Supporters of Turn Crest Stable speak glowingly of the instruction and environment, portraying it as a place where dedicated riders can achieve significant milestones. The owner, Vicki Holst, is a graduate of the Pacific Horse Center of California and holds a Double Certified Instructor designation. Her extensive experience is credited with producing riders who have won national honors in the Hunter/Jumper, POA, and Appaloosa circuits. This high level of expertise is a recurring theme in positive feedback. One client, whose granddaughter attended a camp, was impressed with Vicki's knowledge, how she managed students to ensure safety, and the valuable information she shared. Another parent noted that her daughter learned a great deal about riding and horse care, and, importantly, gained self-confidence. These accounts suggest that for a certain type of student, Vicki's teaching style is not just effective, but empowering.

The philosophy at Turn Crest, as stated on its website, is to inspire riders to learn as much as possible, teaching them not just how to ride but also the fundamentals of horse care, such as grooming and tacking up. This holistic approach is designed to create well-rounded equestrians who are self-sufficient. This focus on discipline, safety, and comprehensive knowledge appears to be the foundation of the positive experiences, resonating with clients who are serious about the sport and appreciate a direct, results-oriented coaching style. For those planning equestrian tourism or seeking a focused riding holiday to improve their skills, this rigorous environment could be precisely what they are looking for.

Reports of a Challenging Environment for Young Riders

In stark contrast to the praise, a significant number of reviews describe a harsh and negative atmosphere, particularly for young children and their parents. The same instructor lauded for her expertise is also heavily criticized for her demeanor. One detailed account from a parent whose daughter attended a $400 riding camp describes the main teacher, Vicky, as having a poor attitude, yelling at children throughout the day, and creating an environment so unpleasant the children did not want to attend the final day. The review also highlights a complete lack of communication prior to the camp. This parent's experience was compounded when she was harshly spoken to for arriving 20 minutes early to pick up her child. Even an employee reportedly warned parents not to distract their children while riding because it would “make Vicky mad, and you don’t want to make Vicky mad.”

This is not an isolated incident. Another review from the parent of a four-year-old alleges “rude and completely unprofessional behavior,” including an instance of the instructor shoving the child. The same review recounts a friend's five-year-old crying during a lesson, and the mother being yelled at for stopping the horse to check on her child. These experiences suggest a lack of patience and an intimidating approach that may be particularly detrimental to young beginners who require a nurturing and encouraging introduction to the sport. For families looking into adventure travel or specific family travel packages centered around equestrian activities, these reports are a serious cause for concern and stand in direct opposition to the goal of a positive family experience.

Who Is the Right Fit for Turn Crest Stable?

The available information suggests that Turn Crest Stable is a polarizing establishment. It is not a one-size-fits-all facility. The ideal client may be a serious, resilient student or an experienced horse owner who values deep technical knowledge and a demanding, old-school coaching style. For these individuals, the stable could be a place of immense growth and competitive success. The positive reviews and the track record of producing national-level riders support this conclusion. This is a place for those who are there to work hard, learn the intricacies of horsemanship, and potentially pursue competitive goals.

However, for young children, sensitive beginners, or parents who expect a warm, communicative, and gently encouraging environment, Turn Crest Stable may be an unsuitable choice. The recurring themes in negative reviews—yelling, impatience, a harsh attitude, and poor communication—point to an atmosphere that could discourage or even frighten a novice rider. The business's classification as a travel agency, likely due to its destination-style summer camps, makes this distinction even more critical. Families traveling for a specialized camp experience have high expectations for a positive and memorable activity, and the reports of negative interactions suggest a significant risk of disappointment.

Conclusion and Recommendations for Potential Customers

Ultimately, Turn Crest Stable appears to be an institution with proven expertise but a highly controversial teaching methodology. Its extensive facilities and the owner's deep experience are undeniable assets. However, the consistent and severe criticisms regarding the instructor's temperament, especially with children, cannot be ignored.

Potential customers should proceed with careful consideration. Before enrolling in a long-term lesson program or an expensive summer camp, it would be wise to:

• Schedule an introductory lesson: A single lesson could provide invaluable insight into the teaching style and overall atmosphere of the stable.
• Speak directly with Vicki Holst: A direct conversation about expectations, teaching philosophy, and methods for handling young or nervous riders is crucial.
• Visit the stable in person: Observing a lesson in progress (if permitted) can offer a firsthand look at the dynamic between instructor, students, and horses.