I moved to Arizona from Chicago at the beginning of July 2011. After taking a teaching position in Surprise I needed to find a stable for my horse (which I prioritized higher than finding a place for myself mind you). On a whim I contacted Jodie, after finding the stable listed online, to set up a short visit and I was sold the second I drove off the property. I knew that my horse would be well taken care of and loved by Jodie and Daniel Smith. I have been boarding my horse Sedona at AHS for almost six months now and I love it! It took some adjusting to the sweltering summer months and mountainous surroundings, but I'm happy to call it home. The other boarders welcomed me with open arms and have become a family away from home. Jodie is professional in every sense of the word and passionate about her job. 

 Amy

We have boarded at three different facilities in the area and met Jodie Smith at the first facility, about four years ago.  The day after Jodie & Daniel took possession of the Adobe Hills property we moved our horses!  Yes, we were in a hurry to get there!  They still had work to do and were not really ready for boarders, but we were okay with that because Jodie cares about her horses the way we care about ours and that really is the bottom line for us.  That was about 2 years ago, and we continue to love it here for many reasons.  For starters, the horses’ daily care is exceptional!  Jodie is very observant of the horses day to day, and any horse person knows that is critical.  Jodie & Daniel are a pleasure to be around and very easy to interact with.  They have very high standards and it shows!  The property is always well maintained and very neat.  The footing in the arena and round pen is great, which has not been the case at the other places we have boarded at.  If you are interested in trail riding then you can be in Thunderbird Mountain Park in a very short ride, via quiet streets.  Our barn is like an extended family and we have all become great friends!  We truly enjoy and look out for each other and each other’s horses.  As experienced/professional horse people we have seen it all! Therefore, we can say, with authority that Jodie Smith is someone who truly cares about the people and horses she is working with, and does the right things for them as individuals.  She is a great teacher and very sensitive to both horse and student needs.  Our horses are extremely happy at Adobe Hills Stables and so are we!  

Curt & Wendy

I started boarding at Adobe Hills Stables in October 2010 right after
I bought my first horse, Amber. I soon discovered that Amber was not
the well-trained horse I had taken her to be, and realized that she
was more than I could handle alone. I started taking lessons with
Jodie and immediately saw a huge improvement in not only Amber’s
behavior, but my own riding as well. Because of Jodie I was able to
turn a poorly trained untrustworthy horse into my best friend who I
want to spend many more years with. Adobe Hills Stables is a wonderful
facility to board at. It is always very clean and safe for both horses
and owners. Everyone is very friendly, and it feels more like an
extended family than just acquaintances I board with. I can’t imagine
boarding Amber at any other barn.
 
Rebecca

The difference in my horse and in my riding since beginning to train with Jodie is amazing.  She took a previously anxious, mistreated, “no trust” horse, and in a short timeframe, has turned him into a much calmer, more trusting horse.  Jodie tore down my riding style to the basics and built it back up with the proper riding techniques.  Prior to Jodie, my fear of being thrown overrode how I approached riding and how much I enjoyed it.  The improvement in my riding skills and confidence are completely due to Jodie’s training!

Being at Adobe Hills Stables means being part of a community and a family of horse lovers.  We look out for each other, cheer each other on, and come together when help is needed.  You don’t find this sense of cooperation and camaraderie very often, and we are so glad to be a part of it.

Sarah

My daughter Lauren is an advanced beginner rider, who has been taking riding lessons from Jodie for several years now, and we recommend her highly for anyone looking for a solid instructor at any skill level. Jodie provides excellent instruction at a reasonable rate, and she genuinely cares about the safety and welfare of her students and horses. She knows when to be cautious, such as when introducing a new skill, but she also knows when to push in order to see her students progress. Jodie has always been very fair in all business we have had with her, and she is a person of high standards and character. Aside from loving Jodie, we also love the facility, which strongly reflects Jodie's passion for her horse-centric lifestyle. If you are looking for a home for your horse or an instructor for your child or for yourself, you really don't need to look any further.   

Warmest regards, Bruce Moore

After more than 30 years, I decided to resume riding.  Jodie Smith and Adobe Hills Stables were recommended. Finding Jodie was a godsend; she is extremely knowledgeable, patient, and a most wonderful instructor!  Her property, tack room and stalls are impeccably kept, and the horses she uses for lessons are perfect!   I couldn't have found a better instructor and stable, and would recommend Jodie and Adobe Hills Stables to anyone from beginner to expert rider!

Jill Mitchum

We are so thankful to have found Adobe Hills Stables! Not only is the location accessible to many trails, the care of the horses is excellent and the facility is impeccable. As relatively new horse owners, we also deeply appreciate the camaraderie and helpfulness of our fellow boarders and the friendships we have developed. We highly recommend Adobe Hills to others who are looking for a great place for their equine companion!

Franklin and Lisa

I guess I am what you would call a founding or charter member.  I was one of the first boarders at AHS when they opened.  I can't imagine being anywhere else! The facility is maintained and quiet.  I always feel safe and that my horse and my tack are being watched over by responsible and caring horse people.  Jodie is a confident trainer and horsewoman and has a lot to offer even the most experienced rider, but patient and understanding for us more seasoned riders.  The location couldn't be better unless it was in my own backyard.  The feed is always fresh and fragrant.  Sam, my fjord, is happy and that makes me happy!  All of us boarders feel like family and watch over each other's horses as our own.  We all feel very lucky to be a part of Adobe Hills Stables.
 
Lisa Lucidi

Adobe Hills is by far the best stable at which I have boarded my horse. The people are friendly and always willing to help each other. Boarders are willing to share information and lend a helping hand whenever needed. If I can't make it out to the barn on a cold night, I know that someone will blanket my horse. If you grow tired of arena work, there are endless trails nearby. Frequently, groups of boarders will get together to share the trail riding experience.
 
Jodie provides an outstanding training service. She has an intuitive ability to read a horse and rider, and tailors a program to the horse and rider's specific needs.  Her approach to training is very organized, starting with small steps, to build a solid foundation. Her methods have lead optimal improvement in the horse and rider relationship and the resulting performance. Jodie is an excellent communicator. During lessons, she not only provides clear directions on what you need to do, she also explains why you need to do it.
 
Whether you ride English or Western, Adobe Hills is a great place to board your horse and share your love of horses with others that feel the same way.
 
 Craig