Testimonials

For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with horses, but because I knew so little about them I was afraid of them.  When my six year old daughter took a great interest in horses and wanted to learn how to ride I decided I wanted to learn too.  Knowing Kendra Messer for many years and her love and knowledge of horses I knew she would be the one to teach us.

In September of 2007 my daughter took her first lesson at West Meadow Stables.  I was absolutely impressed with Kendra's knowledge, her patience and her ability to teach.  Her lesson didn't just involve simply riding a horse, but learning about the whole horse from the ground up.  In October Kendra took me on my very first trail ride.   Although I was very nervous, with Kendra's encouragement and guidance I had a wonderful time.

The more time I spent at West Meadow Stables the more comfortable I became with the horses and the more I knew I wanted one of my own.  So Kendra willingly spent many hours searching for the right horse for me.  In January Kendra found Rodeho.  This horse was located in Lancaster NH.  She took care of everything for me; the consulting with Redeho's old owner as well as driving the long drive to get him.  Rodeho is the most beautiful black quarter horse I have ever seen and he has a heart of gold.  He makes my daughter and me very happy.
We board Redeho at West Meadow Stables and where he will never find a happier and more loving place to be.  The Messer family has been wonderful in helping me get comfortable with Redeho.  They have taken many hours of their own time in teaching me how to care for him and love him and they seem to enjoy every minute.  I am so amazed by this family and their love of horses.  Running West Meadow Stables is not just a living for them but a passion.  I am very proud to be part of their stable.

Becky Lugtig
Washington, NH


I am a fan of West Meadow Stables.  Never having taken riding lessons before, now, in my 30's, I decided to try something new.  Right away I was super-impressed with Kendra's patience, knowledge, and positive reinforcement.  After my second riding lesson, I knew I was hooked.  It's the most exciting thing I've experienced since waiting for Santa!  I've now "graduated" to trail rides and am enjoying the camaraderie I have found with the Messer family, the beautiful setting, the horses, and the continued opportunities to learn about something I have come to love within a easy-going setting.

I would highly recommend West Meadow Sables for riding lessons and trail rides!

Sincerely,
Angie L. Deschenes

In March 2006 I emailed the owners of what is now West Meadow Stables, LLC. Kendra and Rob Messer(the owners)weren't really ready to start a boarding facility, but when I pleaded my case as a deployed soldier (I was in Iraq!) who was ready to buy my very first horse off the internet and needed a place to board him, well, they not only went and checked out the horse for me, they also built a stall in a weekend to house him in and entered the boarding business!  They then drove the hour to where Lucky was and picked him up and brought him home.  I got regular pictures and updates until I arrived home 5 months later. In the meantime, Lucky was ridden, groomed and loved as though I were there doing the work myself. Kendra and Rob are wonderful - they treat each horse as one of their own and offer a facility that is family and friend friendly.  

When my horse was ill and I was still in Iraq, they administered the treatments for his hoof abcess, then his skin problem, and finally, his colic.  When Lucky died, Kendra and her mom were with me every minute and cried with me ( and still do). They even let me bury him on the property! Then Kendra helped me find, test, and purchase my new horse, Siri.  Kendra went and brought her home for me while I was working and emailed me pictures of my horse in her new home.  The stalls are roomy and have mats.  The turnout is a horse's dream - lush fields and lots of friends to play with. Water is available in the barn, and it's okay to leave treats in the tack room for your special mount. A huge ring with soft, deep sand allows for lots of practice for new and experienced riders alike. All at an affordable price.

The Messers are like members of my family. I love going into the barn and watching their kids and dogs interact with my horse.  It's wonderful to know that when I travel (which I do a lot these days) that my horse is taken care of and loved like I love her.   I've taken lessons from Kendra and appreciate the understanding and encouragement she has for this older, more fearful rider. She encourages and praises and is willing to go at my speed though I get plenty of firm advice and praise when I do more than I think I can!

The trail riding is the BEST in the area.  The Messer family owns lots of land in the area  which includes miles of snowmobile trails which are used for riding.  Obstacles include water (a brook), bridges, rocky areas, and hills. It's a great learning environment for the new to trails horse as well as enjoyable for the seasoned equine.  West Meadow Stables also offers group events such as last Fall's Women's Luncheon Rides - a women only series of weekly rides and homemade lunch for a sweet price.  Rob did the cooking and made all who participated wish they had snagged him before Kendra got him!

The rides are an excellent way to meet other horse people and to see different trails in the Bradford area. This boarding and riding facility is outstanding for someone looking for an atmosphere that will love your horse like one of their own and make you feel like a member of the family.  Kendra and Rob Messer go out of their way to make you feel like you belong here. For those looking for a place to take lessons or to trail ride on a safe, gentle mount (or even a more challenging one) this is the place to come to! I can't recommend West Meadow Stables enough - they made my dream of owning a horse come true.

Susan Reynolds
Bradford, NH

I am a 12 year old girl who has a passion for horses. My first day of horseback at West Meadow Stables I was a little nervous and didn't know what to expect. Kendra Messer told me I was going to ride Stormy. I hopped on that horse and fell in love immediately. She rode like an angel. Kendra told me all that I needed to know about horses and how to deal with uncomfortable situations. Over the year of my riding, I experienced a lot but still have not fallen off of a horse because of Kendra's extremely amazing job helping my sister and I. I have ridden many different horses and have learned something new about each one. Especially Justice. It was right after one of my favorite horses deaths and I was on this amazing horse. I was at the trot, went up to a canter, and boom out of no where Justice starts to gallop. It was a big surprise for me but Kendra and her daughter Riley pulled me through it. I was hanging on to the horses neck and they told me exactly what to do and eventually got him down to a walk. I went through a bunch that day and I never fell off because of there excellent advise. The next week I was on my baby girl Stormy and my sister on Mariner and Riley on Justice. Justice flipped and Riley fell off (once of her few times). Kendra helped my sister and I get off of our horses and calm them down while she got Justice to stop and Riley to a safer place. West Meadow Stables is the best and the only place that I would even think about riding. It has an amazing ring filled with nice soft sand. Every time I come to ride a horse there, the ring is always nicely grated and perfect for us to ride. West Meadow stables is the perfect place for trail riding too. If you are an experienced rider, it is located near many different choices of trails for you and the horses to ride. In my one year of riding, I have learned a ton and am still learning and can not wait to go next week again.
-Always a rider at West Meadow Stables, JessieCarter (12 yrs.)


West Meadow Stables is an extremely warm and friendly place to enjoy horseback riding.  The picturesque trails take you from the wide open fields, over brooks and bridges, to the peaceful wooded areas and scenic mountain views. Along the way you will enjoy the many encounters with wildlife and listen to the wonderful rich  history of this beautiful family owned area. One will savor every moment of this trail riding experience, in any season. I cannot wait to visit again.
Debbie Hooper


West Meadow Stables
32 West Meadow Road
Bradford NH, 03221
603-938-2042

WMS Home   Trail Rides   Ride & Stay   Riding Lessons   Training