Oaklands Equestrian

My daughter has been at Oaklands equestrian for a long time and she has loved every minute. She has made so many friends though the great community at Oaklands and has had a time full positive experiences and good memories. She has been riding amazing horses. The coaches have all been very responsible and professional. I would definitely recommend Oaklands equestrian if you are looking for a place to ride.

I moved to ride with Diana Lewall because I had heard how well she puts the horses care above all else, was ethical in her work, and provided a safe and drama free environment for riders. For some time, that was how the barn was run. But then a new boarder arrived, and since then, it has become a very toxic environment. This person’s arrival and behaviour led to a mass exodus of staff, boarders, and students. While it is unsavoury to judge someone upon their health history and their profession of choice (in this individual’s case, providing escort services), this person has continued to display behaviour that is pathological, unsettling, explosive, and unsafe to those around her (there is a history of aggressive behaviour in her past, as well). Due to this, I would advise anyone who is looking for somewhere to ride (for themselves or their child), not to go here. Children and youth are at a very influential stage in their life, and this is not behaviour or an environment I would want a child or youth exposed to. Riding is also something people generally do to enjoy - and that is hard to do when in an environment that is so overtly toxic. Go elsewhere.

It’s important for current and future potential clients to have some understanding of what has really happened here. Oakland’s was in my opinion, once one of the best barns on the South Island that was well respected and held to a high standard. I was proud to be associated with this barn and took pride in the strong, supportive barn family that had formed over many years. Oakland’s was made up of a tight knit group of wonderful riders, coaches, staff and horses. Many of which originally came from Ambleside and loyally followed Diana when she moved facilities to run her own barn and continue to grow her business. Oakland’s continued to grow over the next couple of years and was a positive, supportive, happy place that I would’ve recommended to anyone. Unfortunately over the last year or so things have drastically gone down hill since Diana got involved with her current partner, who has caused nothing but issues at Oakland’s and in the local horse community over the years. Bullying, harassment, threats, foul language, toxic and manipulative behaviour are just some of the awful things boarders, staff, coaches and students endured at Oakland's over the past year. Many boarders feared to even speak up after watching fellow staff and other boarders get targeted, or threatened to be kicked out after simply voicing their concerns. For many, it felt like Diana, someone so many people trusted, just turned a blind eye to everything that was taking place. To put it more simply, you know there are some serious issues happening at a barn when at least 12 boarders and horses leave, long time loyal clients leave, staff leaves, 4-5 of your coaches (including head coach) leave and you lose a ton of clientele. (Red flags!!) The few current clients that have chose to stay have not ridden with Oaklands for very many years and clearly do not quite fully understand what has taken place and what an absolute mess this barn has sadly turned into. What was once seen as a well respected business, barn and trainer, has now been destroyed.

I cannot say enough POSITIVE things about this barn. This place is unbelievably awesome!! My nephew has been riding there for years and comes home everyday with great stories to tell and a huge smile on his face! He absolutely adores riding and we couldn't imagine a place better suited to him. The employees are some of the most kind and generous human beings you'll ever meet and they are willing to do just about anything for your little cowboys and cowgirls! The horses are well taken care of as well as the riders! So over-the-moon thrilled with how great this place is! Though there isn't an option, I would definitely rate this place 100/5! If you are looking into riding please, please, please choose Oaklands.

I can not possibly say more amazing things about this barn. I've been riding there for just about a year, and now board my horse there. All of the coaches are spectacular, and have improved my riding so much! on a boarding aspect, my horse is looked after 24/7 with super staff, and his feed/turn in/ turn out schedules are perfectly customized for him! could not recommend Oaklands eq more!

I started riding here at this barn in the summer. Since I have been here I have had a very positive and uplifting experience. From my observations being there 1-2 times every week, I have noticed that Diana takes really good care of her horses and puts safety as a top priority both for riders and the horses. My riding coach, L.W. is very encouraging, has great communication skills and always makes sure I am building a strong foundation prior to taking on any new skills. The other people I have met at the barn have always been kind and helpful in all interactions I've had. I now lease a horse every week and on top of that, I do group or private lessons 2-3 times a week. The biggest draw for me to be at this barn when I started was the large indoor ring, which is very nice to have on rainy winter days. I have recommended this barn to several friends at different levels of riding, who have also loved their time riding here. I am a nurse, and have found that riding here has had a really huge positive impact on my mental health.

I have been working and riding at Oaklands for 7 months now and I have not had one bad experience. ALL the staff and coaches are very friendly and understanding. Horses are very well taken care of and well trained. I have had some very bad past experiences at barns in the area but this is the first barn that has truly made me feel at home. I would 100% recommend this place.

This is a fun place to be. My two “special needs” horses are very well taken care of by Diana Lewall and Ashley Nicole, and their staff, down to their special diets, daily turnouts, and handling. Oaklands staff have been right on top of any of my horses’ issues, with good communication. Diana and Ashley went above and beyond when there was a veterinary crisis with one. All horses are always well fed, treated with kindness and well taken care of. There’s always lots happening at Oaklands, but still plenty of room with three rings, to find a quiet place to school. Lots of safe quiet tracks right on the property to safely cool out or hand graze. Recommended.