[horsiedroogs]

Hi everyone,

I am thinking about applying to Meredith Manor for the Fall 2010 semester, but I am wondering if it is worth it or not. I understand that all I will get is a certificate and not a degree (I do already have a degree in business though so I am ok with that part). Has anyone here attended Meredith Manor or know someone who has? I would really like to know what you/they got out of the education there and how they applied it in the 'real world'.

I would most likely be going all the way for the Riding Master VI. I haven't met with anyone at the school yet because I live in MA and I would have to either make a road trip or pay for an expensive flight to get to WV. But I probably will soon since I am so interested in the school.

The thing I am most concerned with at the moment is the riding program. I have taken riding lessons since I was little, but I would still consider myself an advanced beginner in terms of ability. I have never shown either. I am worried that if I enter the school as a beginner, I will not progress as far as I am supposed to. I guess I am worried whether or not the riding program is rigorous enough, and wondering if even a beginner can leave the school as an advanced rider. Just how good are the riding instructors?

I have read all of the literature that the school provided me with and will probably be scheduling a tour for sometime in the next few months, but I would really like some first-hand information about the school from former students, other prospective students who have visited, or anyone who knows someone that attended. Your help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Mira]

My friend went there a couple of years ago to check it out and she told me it's nothing like the website makes it seem to be. She said the "dorms" were really small buildings scattered around and overall it was pretty disappointing.

 

[horsiedroogs]

Yeah, I did hear that it is certainly not the prettiest school. I am hoping that what it lacks in appearance it makes up for in function? Hopefully..

 

[Spastic_Dove]

I was thinking about going there awhile ago. And with the amount of money they want you to spend to get a certificate, they should at least give you real dorms not hollowed out school buses and call them family and graduate housing. Personally, I think you're just getting riding lessons and taking care of some horses and paying twice as much as you should. I think you're better off going to a accredited school with a good reputation (Cetenary, A&M, etc) than MM.

 

[Spyder]

I was thinking about going there awhile ago. And with the amount of money they want you to spend to get a certificate, they should at least give you real dorms not hollowed out school buses and call them family and graduate housing. Personally, I think you're just getting riding lessons and taking care of some horses and paying twice as much as you should. I think you're better off going to a accredited school with a good reputation (Cetenary, A&M, etc) than MM.

I agree.

This was discussed on the Ultimate Dressage site some time ago and the general consences was not positive.

 

[Jessabel]

I head it's not as great as the site claims. Your certificate would only be good for West Virginia, too. It doesn't apply in any other state. You should check out William Woods University. Their equestrian science program looks amazing.

William Woods University

 

[horsiedroogs]

Wow! Thanks for providing the link to that school, Jessabel. I didn't know there were any schools that offered a 4 year degree in equine science. I hadn't planned on getting another degree, but you are right that this school looks amazing - might be worth checking out too.

 

[Spastic_Dove]

There are tons! We have 3 here in Montana alone. William Woods is definitely one of my top ten too

 

[horsiedroogs]

Spastic - I looked at Cetenary's website, but what is A&M an abbreviation for? Thanks

 

[Spastic_Dove]

Here you go:Department of Animal Science - Equine Science

Though, I believe they have a more science/research based program than Centenary or WW does.