Big Easy Stables

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I am a vet student, and I had my horse over at Big Easy for the first year of school. I decided to move him only because it was simply too far for me to drive from Cornell. The facilities are great and Sara is always paying attention. The pastures are huge and the horses go out individually, which in my opinion is the safest way to turn horses out. There are tons of trails with cross country jumps and you could get lost in the backyard. Sara also trailored to shows whenever I asked and is down to do just about anything. She is a true horsewoman and really knows her stuff. The stalls are roomy and clean, and the tackrooms were great. The new stalls that are attached to the indoor ring are truly beautiful. The footing in the indoor is also very nice, it has felt incorporated into it, and the attached viewing room is very professional looking. There is hot water and an indoor and large outdoor washstall. The pond in the summer even allows us to take our horses for a swim! I wish it were closer so I could still enjoy my time there! I would not hesitate to board your horse at Big Easy, Sara will take great care of them!

Big Easy is what dreams are made of; a gated entry with big permanent pastures, beautiful construction, riding rings with well prepared footing, trails for miles, a pond that horses can swim in, a gorgeous viewing room that can be heated in the winter, heated water, wash stalls, the list could go on and on. Nestled in a country setting if you wake up early enough or stay late enough you'll see some of the best sunrises, sunsets you've ever seen; located in the hills of Virgil you can spend you day at the barn in peace and quiet, yet you're just ten to fifteen minutes from two local tack shops and less than ten minutes from Tractor Supply, Country Max and the city of Cortland. It's the perfect set up. You really can't dream it up any better than this place. Sara takes training to a whole new level, building riders and horses from the ground up.

Big Easy has some of the most mellow, polite lesson horses i've ever been around and one of the best managed barns. granted animals can be unpredictable but the protocols Sara has are very specific and easy to follow. the horses are very well looked after and, in addition to being used in a lesson program for riders of all ages/abilities, participate in horse shows, team penning, trail rides, etc to ensure they're happy, well-balanced mounts. if you're looking for a place that'll slap you up on any old horse and pony you around on the trails this isn't the right barn for you. if you're looking to grow and be challenged and learn all the responsibilities of horsemanship in and out of the saddle i could not recommend Big Easy more highly.

I find the previous comment quite interesting. My daughter, who is now 7, has been riding with Sara since she was 2. For the past 3 or so years, it was my daughter's responsibility to get the pony out of the pasture, groom the pony, and then return the pony to its pasture. She does this all on her own without mine or Sara's assistance.

This facility has helped teach my daughter the responsibility of caring for an animal and how to handle an animal that is significantly larger than her. She truly enjoys riding and Sara has done an amazing job teaching her.

Riding has helped my daughter in many ways, including her ability to focus and pay attention to the minor details, which are the ones that are most crucial. My daughter has taken these skills she has learned at the barn and applies them to her everyday life.

Sara is a positive role model in my daughters life and I would highly recommend this facility to anyone.

Sara left me (a 20-year-old beginner) alone to groom the horse, and told me to bring it back to its pasture. She then drove up and berated me for picking the wrong pasture, even though there are many to choose from. Specifically, she said "Do you even pay attention? Does this *look* like the pasture we went to this morning?" and then ordered me to chase after the horse to retrieve it. The horse did not want to be caught, and started to run every time I came close. While I was doing this, Sara was on her phone, not paying attention. She was taking a phone call and made me stay on hold while she went to catch the horse herself (since I had clearly not succeeded). I was shocked that she forced someone with almost no experience to chase a 1000-pound angry animal. I've only had four lessons, including that day. I would not recommend Big Easy to any rider.

I think we can all agree that the horse world will always remain a political world full of a cast of colorful characters, however, the most important component in this production that we all participate in is that we all love our horses. When seeking a boarding facility it all boils down to business skills in how that facility is run and the care of the horses, how the horses are cared for, anything extra is just for our personal enjoyment (like a heated tack room, a paved driveway, a viewing room). Unfortunately, in this horse world of ours it is extremely difficult to find these two principal standards of running a genuine business and caring properly for the horses, without the “horse world’s colorful drama,” if you will, getting in the way.



Sara Potter, and her business, Big Easy Stables, not only exemplifies but is the caliber for these two, hard to find aspects of truly running a business and immaculately caring for the horses. Being a pre-veterinary student at Cornell University, and having previously boarded at Grand Prix facilities, I have a high rounded level of expected care for my horse. Sara and her staff, with their “what can we do for you?” attitude has only met every one of my horses needs. However, meeting these needs was no different than the basic care that she provides. Which is a testament to how far above and beyond Sara goes to take care of her horses. I have never once worried about my horse; he has always been fed exactly how I wanted (no matter how many supplements I add or change), washed when I was away for the day, turned out exactly how he liked to be, bedded appropriately with proper water and feed buckets, blanketed to his needs, (the list could go on and on) and genuinely loved for whom he is.



The facility itself is gorgeous and a top notch place. If you truly share a love for horses, desire a quality facility, and enjoy riding at all levels you will reap the benefits. Big Easy Stables, for me, is worth the drive from Cornell and remains the drive when I go back home to Fayetteville on school breaks. I refuse to move my horse. My only regret is that I did not find this facility sooner. Sara Potter exemplifies what the horse world should model as she runs an exemplary business where the horses are in pristine care and loved.

Very nice facility - always neat and clean. Fun trails, huge outdoor ring and 80x100 indoor with fantastic footing and a pretty viewing area.I have boarded two horses there and they were well cared for had lots of turnout time but staff was always good about bringing them in if the weather turned nasty. Sara hold various events throughout the year and puts her all into them. I no longer board there as my horses are at home but I always enjoy stopping at the farm and seeing what new projects have been completed - it looks better and better each time.

Big Easy Stables, including the owner and all of it's staff are hardworking, intelligent, caring, professional, horse-savvy people who put the horses and customers first ALL THE TIME. I have never boarded at any other stable where I have felt 100% secure knowing my horse was getting the best care possible outside of my own personal care, which has high standards and was always met at Big Easy. It doesn't matter what pricetag is on any horse that comes to that stable, they ALL get treated wonderfully. The bon fires, sunset trail rides are truly amazing and something not only us "redneck" folk enjoy, but the kids who want nothing more but to ride, learn and breathe anything horsey related, which includes group activites outside of riding and with others who feel the same way. I truly hope the personal attacks against not only the owner, but her entire staff, as well as her significant other stop. It's this kind of drama/meaness that drive people out of wanting to be involved with horses. What goes around, comes around and we reap what we sew. Time to move on.

I would like to start out by saying this facility has lived up to its beautifully constructed horse farm and surroundings. I know from personal experience how professional the owner and staff were when I have ridden there. When Big Easy was offering trail riding, my co-workers and employers went there for a wonderful day of trail riding as a way to bond as a group. The owner took great care in assessing who had ridden before and who hadn't. She also took great care in being absolutely sure everyone was safe and had the appropriate gear for a trail ride. This was truly a great experience.



My niece also experienced a week at Big Easy "Horse Camp." She was taught the basics of riding and caring for a horse. This was a "hands on" experience. She was also taught about different types of horses and participated in an art and craft relating to horses. She was in "safe, capable" hands. She was given a lunch and snacks throughout the day. I believe if she grows up to be a "horse woman" that the experience at Big Easy Stables started her on her way.



Big Easy Stables has tried to incorporate everyone's needs in the community from long time horse owners and riders to novice riders. It has offered trail riding, events, hunter paces, kid camp, lessons, and boarding.



I know the owner has worked very hard to meet the high standards of the horse community, working seven days a week without a break. It appears there is a vendetta against the owner. My observation to that is "get over it" and move on. This is a America, you have the right to speak your mind; however, one should not be personally attacking the owner of a business publicly. This says to me, I really don't trust this person to make judgments and observations regarding this facility. A couple of "rotten apples shouldn't spoil the bunch." Don't let this deter the community from experiencing thier love for riding at a beautiful and professional Facility.

A beautiful place to ride and learn. We have been at Big Easy Stables for a little more than a year and we have had a great experience. Sara is always ready to listen and help. She is very conscientious about the care of the horses and safety of not only her students but all involved. She is excellent with her students and takes the time to be sure they understand each step along the way. The horses are well cared for and the stables and riding rings are always clean and well maintained. The atmosphere and staff are friendly and welcoming, the indoor ring is spacious with a comfortable viewing room. We can’t imagine learning to ride anywhere else.



I have read the previous negative reviews and feel it is unfortunate that some choose to be spiteful after all if they had a problem in the first month why did they stay for nine more? It is obvious they are just trying to ruin the reputation of Sara and Big Easy Stables by twisting the circumstances to fit their agenda.

I started taking lessons at Big Easy Stables in April, 2012, and have been riding there for about 5 months now. As a beginner, I place a high value on Sara's patience and knowledge of horsemanship. At no point during any of the lessons or trail-rides have I felt unsafe, nor have I heard or seen anything to indicate that the stable is anything other than a responsibly managed establishment. All the horses are approachable and Sarah has been more than willing to take the extra time to find a horse that best matches my personality and ability. All in all, I have found Big Easy Stables to be an excellent environment in which to learn to ride.

I have been taking my girls to Big Easy Stables for lessons since February of this year. They absolutely love it. My youngest always asks if she could go ride Blue and see Sara.

The stables are very well managed and maintained by Sara. She is a dedicated individual who devokes a lot of time, effort, care and responsibility into maintaining her business and caring for the horses. Her horses are very well trained and adjusted even to younger children.

I have seen the previous negative reviews with attempts to harm the reputation of the stables due to their own dissatisfaction. Big Easy Stables is a buiness and is run exactly like that. There are certain rules and regulations that are to be followed that are expected out of the riders, boarders and employees as any business would have. I feel the dissatisfaction is due to the failure of such people to follow the rules and regulations of the stables and when called out on it, they turned around to damage the reputation of Sara and her business.

I enjoy my time at the stables. I am a busy mother, working full time, prepping for my LSAT, applying to law school, planning a wedding and maintaining an every day schedule. When I go to the stables, it is relaxing and absolutely beautiful which is calming for the end of my crazy week.

I give Sara a lot of credit for being young and managing a very well maintained business. She has a lot of creativity with new exercises for riders and lessons. Even during stressful times, she has always had a positive attitude and is pleasant to be around. Keep up the great work Sara!!

This is a great place to ride. I am an adult rider that horse showed quite extensively when I was younger out of a stable in Northern NY and then had to give it up to get my PhD. Now as a professor at Cornell I decided to get back in the saddle again. I am so glad that I found The Big Easy Stables and Sara. She is a natural teacher with a great stable of horses that can challenge a rider within their comfort zone. I have tried a number of stables in the area and this one stood out for the quality of horsemanship and the comfortable atmosphere. Sara and the other riders foster an open and friendly environment for learning without the drama seen in so many other stables. Sara actually takes a very active role in removing the negative situations that will impede the progress of her horses and students. Her facilities are great with outdoor and indoor rings that have a comfortable viewing area for parents and friends. She also has an extensive trail system that provides both riders and horses a change of pace and the ability to relax outside the ring. If you want to learn how to ride in a safe and comfortable environment you should definitely try this stable!

This a fantastic place!!!! I boarded my horse while it was in training. The people were friendly and courteous. My horse gained weight while he was there!!! He was watered daily. My horse loves to come back and visit all his friends(horses) when we attend the Hunter Pace events. The owner is the most caring compassion giving person I know.

I believe these negative comments on this site are from vendetta people who do not know how it is to run a business and a farm. I was raised on a horse stable and dairy farm. The indoor is a perfect size for training and the outdoor areas is huge. My horse did not find a problem working in the footing. My daughter was a working student last year for the owner. She gain a wealth of knowledge from working with her. I know the horses were watered because she was one of the workers that performed this task during this supposedly bad time for Montagal. Sad how people think by running people in the ground it will give them satisfaction. Remember one thing KARMA... God will prevail.

Recommending Big Easy Stables to everyone !! Amazing place to start if you are a beginner or an experienced rider.. reliable boarding facility with great care of each horse and individual needs!! Come join me and many of my friends and family as we enjoy the end of summer riding and the change into fall! I know I got my love of riding sparked again from my trail rides with Dixie :)

Thanks for all you do Sara!! I love your beautiful retreat!!