Here is a selection of wonderful testimonials from some of the students and boarders that have been part of QCF, past and present. Over the years we have come together and today we are so proud that it truly feels like one big family. If you would like to write a testimonial about QCF to put on this website, please email it to Kelly!


"Quiet Company Farm is by far my favourite place on earth. There are so many special things about it that I love. Like the instructor, Kelly, who's always patient and full of fun ideas to make riding just a bit more fun. She's helped me through a lot of things and overcome a lot of my fears.

Another one is the atmosphere. It's so peaceful and welcoming, nothing really intimidating there. It's not about who's the best or who's been riding longer. It's more about having a good time and improving together.
 
The people there are amazing too. There all friendly and love to chat about their horse experiences. And the group of kids in The Saddle Club, all the adventures we have shared. The things we've learned, and the crazy times. Those are the memories I'm never going to forget.
 
I love just being there, standing out in the field and watching the horses. The hacks through the woods on hot days. The moments when you realise you did something brave like jumping higher then you're used to or riding more of a difficult horse. Just hanging around being a barn rat, watching another lesson or playing some horsie games.
 
The horses there are amazing. All so sweet and special. I've learned something from each and every one of them. Those horses are all one of a kind and we're blessed to have them at the barn.
 
I'm so glad I found QCF because if I went to another barn I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be so happy being with horses. So quick to have learned new things, or so comfortable doing things that used to make me so nervous.
 
I'll never forget the amazing times I had there, or the many more to come."

-Hannah Myers, age 12

"I can say quite easily that meeting Kelly and becoming a student at Quiet Company Farm has been an emotional journey for me. A journey made so much easier by Kelly's passion, patience, understanding and dedication to good horsemanship.
 
I came to her with much anxiety and told her my story over the phone one evening. I knew instantly that she was the right person to help me overcome the fears that I was facing and build confidence where it was lacking. I placed everything in her hands and told her quite simply, "I trust you."
 
When someone really cares about what they do it shows and after meeting her for the first time I knew instantly that she cares so much about her horses and her students.
 
I have learned everyone is an individual at QCF therefore my lessons are geared for me. I love that she pushes me to be better, lets me know when I mess up and turns everything into a positive. I know with each lesson I am guaranteed her undivided attention, knowledge, humour, positive re-enforcement, a safe place and an amazing horse.
 
I have felt comfortable from day one at QCF. The farm is awesome, neat, tidy and organized with some of the coolest, well cared for horses I have had the pleasure of meeting.
 
I so believe that this is not a job for Kelly but her passion and it shows big time...
 
Thank you Kelly for turning a dream into a reality for me!"

-Shirleen Peardon, adult rider

"From the second I stepped into the barn at Quiet Company Farm, I felt at home. There is a feeling about the whole place that is just warm, happy and welcoming! Every single one of the horses and ponies are sweet and safe, and they all have their own individual personalities that make riding fun. I only started riding with Kelly in September of 2009, but already in that time, I have learned more then I thought possible. I came to QCF with almost no confidence or strength, and was just starting to feel like riding was becoming a chore. I'm very happy to say that within the first two weeks here, I was back in full swing, loving every second of being at the barn! That has only gotten stronger since then, and I'm very excited and happy to have started here. Looking forward to lots more of amazing memories to come!"

-Siobhan Belsher, age 15


"As a 40+ adult just starting to learn to ride was a little intimidating but Kelly has made it a fun and safe experience. She is equally kind and patient to her students as her horses. I look forward to riding and my lessons and spending time with my horse as it's not only thrilling to be learning to ride but therapeutic as I always leave QCF in a better state of mind than when I arrived. For many years I dreamed of having my own horse and Kelly has helped me reach that goal. As a green rider she not only found me the perfect horse "Mac" to teach me to ride and build confidence but she also provides a wonderful home for him. The other boarders, students and even parents are also a huge help with learning about riding, horse care or just taking the time to answer any questions I may have. Mac loves his home and I sleep well at night knowing he is in good hands and has good horsey buddies at Quiet Company Farm. 

  -Laurie Cavicchi, adult rider


"Since bringing my horse Smiley to board at Quiet Company Farm, I have noticed a substantial difference in him. When he arrived in the summer of 2009 he was in need of some education from the wiser horses. His history of bossy herd behaviour quickly diminished very naturally and he became genuinely happier and peaceful. He loves the company of the other horses and is simply content to just hang out with his favorites. My must haves in a boarding facility are plenty of good hay, other horses for company, excellent turnout, a safe and healthy environment, good footing and a relaxed atmosphere. I have met many friends with a common bond here and the camaraderie of the students is amazing. QCF fills all of my needs and his, and is the next best thing to being home for both of us."

-Jane Czank, adult rider/boarder

 

"My owner can tell how happy I am to be living at Quiet Company Farm. I have some pretty good horse buddies, plenty of good hay and fun fields to run around in. I spend many hours napping in the trees, or basking in the sun. There are always kind people around willing to give me a pat and a carrot, and if they wish to get a horse cuddle I’m happy to oblige. I love kids so I help teach lessons and I also go out on trails and cross country adventures with my owner. Kelly does a great job of looking after me and I love it here!"

-Smiley the horse, age 10, boarder/lesson horse

"I'm ashamed to say that it was not until I rode at your place a few springs ago that I finally found out what stirrups were for.  Always before I had used stirrups while riding only because I had to - cosmetic purposes only! - they were more of a bother than a help in most cases.   In lessons with you it finally clicked how I was to use them.  Now I love them!  I don't know how to say that eloquently - just that I had been riding for 25 years with a huge hole in my basics, and you fixed it!  
 
I loved the stable, and way of horse-keeping.   As a fellow "natural is better" horse-keeper it was validating to see a professional in the field following the some of same practices. 
 
The atmosphere is so relaxed and un-hurried, lots of personal attention, help in the barn etc."

-Darcey Brown, adult rider

 

"My two girls have been taking lessons with Kelly at QCF for several months. We all look forward to lessons every week and spending time with Kelly and the horses. My only previous experience with horses was a few trail rides over the years. In the months we have been coming, I have learned a lot! I did not realize how much personality each horse can and does have. Or, how important being relaxed and calm around such large animals is necessary to gain their trust. I also did not realize how much exercise one gets from riding lessons. My previous perception was the horse did all the work and the exercise. I also did not understand the amount of thought and coordination involved to succeed at communicating with the horse. With barn chores, grooming, tacking, and the actual riding, I have learned that there is A LOT of great exercise happening.

Kelly has been very patient with myself and the girls helping us understand the necessary things to know about caring for and riding a horse and what they require for a proper barn and pasture. She shows her passion for her horses with her relaxed and flexible personality and environment. Our experience has been very positive, educational and enjoyable. I have watched my girls confidence around the horses grow. They never complain about the work or the exercise. Smiles are always present when we are at QCF!"

-April Frankfurt, Anna & Olivia's mom

 

"Quiet Company Farm is a great stable and one of my favorite places to be. Everyone is super friendly and the horses are really nice. The horses are very well trained and fun to ride. Kelly is a great teacher and is very patient- every time I go I'm amazed by how patient she is with everyone!  I've learned so much from her and everyone there who has helped me out. I've made new friends and have found that all of the riders there really make you feel like you're at home. I didn't realize how much there was to learn and at first I found it hard, but as I kept learning and riding everything became really fun. I board my horse Jack at QCF, and he is very well taken care of. He is so happy and very lucky to be treated so nicely by all the riders. Kelly takes care of everything he needs and I'm so grateful that she's there. We both love it at QCF and everyone has been so nice to us. It is a great place to ride and board."

-Alexa Nadeau, age 12


"I have ridden at Quiet Company Farm ever since I was 6. It is the first and only riding stable that I have ever ridden at. I have learned SO much since I started riding here, there are way too many things that I love about Kelly and the horses to write but here are some of the awesome things about riding at Quiet Company farm. Kelly is the best, kindest, funniest, nicest and most amazing teacher I could ever wish for and she treats me more like I’m a friend, not some kid she has to teach. She makes me work in my lessons, some times more than others and pushes me and even if it’s hard work, I always know it’s good for me. Kelly also loves her horses and takes good care of them. I wouldn’t want to ride anywhere else! Also the QCF barn and rings are clean and nice, and the rest of her students are nice. Plus the horses are beautiful, healthy and happy, I love all of them. Right now Quiet Company Farm is the only place I want to ride and I want Kelly to teach me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

-Willow M’cloud, Age 11       


"I once was competent rider, but I turned out to be inept at teaching my own children to ride.  And so we set out to find a riding instructor... someone with proper facilities and angelic ponies who could introduce my daughters to the ancient art of inspiring horsemanship.

 

It proved harder than I had thought.  We found gushy, vapid riding instructors who happily let the girls shuffle in mindless circles week after week, astride a horse but learning nothing.  We found fancy barns full of lesson horses with broken feet and dull eyes.  We found well credentialed riding instructors with sour faces and barbed tongues.  I was beginning to lose hope. 

Then we called Kelly Snowdon (she had also recently moved to the area).  But when we arrived for the first lesson, I confess I lost hope all together! 

Out of a ramshackle farmhouse stepped a girl in a hoodie who didn’t look old enough to drive.  This was Kelly Snowdon??  Out of a ramshackle shed of a barn she quietly led an enormous, athletic mare who looked like she ate children for breakfast.  And there, in the lumpy grass of the front yard (there was no riding arena, back then), at the end of a lunge line, the girls’ first lesson began. 

Back then, Quiet Company Farm had no riding facilities to speak of, and no angelic ponies in sight.  But right away, I was hooked.  We all were. 

Kelly’s horse Bese was the polar opposite of a gentle school pony, and it was immediately clear that she didn’t like my awkward daughters bouncing timidly on her back.  At best, she ignored them.  But what wowed me that first day was the fact that Bese clearly adored Kelly, and seemed to trust her completely.  And since Kelly was asking her to trot in an endless circle with an uncertain child thumping pointlessly on her back, she did so willingly and carefully and patiently, with a puzzled but peaceful expression on her face.  That diminutive young woman in the hoodie had clearly earned the trust of this magnificent and haughty mare—and that was all I needed to see.  

Years have passed since that first lesson, and Quiet Company Farm has transformed into the beautiful equestrian facility it is today.  And, though Kelly still wears hoodies and still doesn’t look quite old enough to drive, she has gently but firmly transformed my daughters into graceful and dedicated riders.  It has been thrilling to see how quickly their riding has progressed.  But, to be honest, it is far more thrilling for me to see how the girls have matured through their work with Kelly and these powerful, opinionated, ruthlessly honest animals.  They have learned that riding a horse well is hard, hard work, both physically and mentally.   They have learned never, ever to blame their horses when a ride goes wrong.  They well understand how dangerous jumping on can be, and they have developed a deep and touching trust in Kelly, as she pushes them further than they believe they can go, pushing them always to be bolder, softer, more athletic and intuitive riders.  In short, I have watched my timid, gawky little girls grow into responsible, passionate, focused and hard working young women I am so proud to know.  But most amazing of all... there have been moments of late, tiny flickers of goose-bumpy moments, when I catch a horse looking at one of my daughters with a look that says “Yes.  I will.  I trust you completely."  Amazing."

-Calloway M'Cloud, Willow & Phoenix's mom/Saddle Club co-leader 

"This is what I needed when I decided to start riding again after thirty
years: a teacher who is kind, keeps me safe, takes time to explain and
clarify, is always steady, who has a problem solving attitude and (very
important since I¹m extremely clumsy and prone to misunderstanding) a
teacher who has a terrific sense of humour. That¹s Kelly!
In addition Kelly has given me an all round horse education including
grooming, horse health, basic hoof trimming skills and schooling. She has
taught me to focus on observation and never bullies the horse (or me!). At
Kelly¹s place the students pattern themselves on Kelly¹s attitude so that,
old or young, they are positive and mutually supportive."

-Anna Evans, adult rider/boarder


"Kelly is a wonderful teacher.  She knows just how to push you hard enough to learn while keeping the lesson fun and relaxed.  She knows her horses so well that she can easily give you an insight into the personality and specific likes or dislikes of whoever you are riding that day.  I really admire her knowledge of both the physiology and the Spirit of the horse.  I would definitely recommend Kelly and her beautiful horses to anyone who is interested in learning more about riding and gaining insights into the amazing horse."

-Sue Shipley, adult rider


"Kelly is the first riding instructor in years who can push my limits. I have been learning from her for about three years now, and she still makes me want to do well and learn with every lesson. She creates a positive and comfortable atmosphere during our lessons, which is especially conducive to learning. As a child, I dreamed of learning to do all sorts of things and now as an adult, Kelly is helping me realize those dreams and achieve my goals, with every skill I acquire. I always dreamed of being in a horse show, and last summer at QCF, I realized that goal. I was terrified, but Kelly helped me every step of the way. We learn and push ourselves, while having fun at the same time. That's the best way to learn. Kelly is an excellent teacher I'm proud to tell others about, recommending her every chance I get.

The farm is a wonderful facility, where it's easy to see the horses and people are very happy. Happy horses make for great lessons. Kelly has created a family atmosphere that I just can't get enough of. It's a wonderful place to visit, whether for a lesson, time spent visiting the horses, or the other riders. It's a very friendly place where the students become friends. It's easy to see how well loved and taken care of the horses are. They are Kelly's pride and joy and we are lucky she shares that with the rest of us. If she'd let me, I'd move right in! I can't imagine my life without my weekly visits to QFC. It's the best mental and physical therapy anyone could ask for. Who knew exercise good be so much fun!"

-Tara Stewart, adult rider

QCF is the best riding stable ever! Kelly is a great teacher.She is kind, nice, creative, and really makes you work!! I have been riding there for 3 years now, and i absolutely would never go anywhere else. Everyone of the horses are beautiful, and fun loving.  QCF is very fun!  You learn lots in your lessons. Sometimes you may fall off, but don't worry, you'll get a sticker!!  The riding rings are very tidy, and the barn has lots of space. At the QCF saddle club, you will learn things that you don't learn in your lessons. You make lots of new friends, and  bond with the horses.
Quiet Company Farm offers it all <3
 
- Rosie Buell, age 11 

Quiet Company Farm is by far the best place on earth!!! You learn so much just by saying hello to whoever is in the barn.  The first day I stepped foot in the barn I felt welcome. You will love The Saddle Club, because you talk and learn about horses and act like a horse all day long...every kid's dream right? All of the ponies and horses are loving, safe, and caring to everyone. They are willing to teach you something every lesson whether it's something you need to improve on, or something you are just learning for the first time! I've been riding at QCF for at least 4 years.  I will never forget all the memories we have made. The riding instructor Kelly is amazing. She will teach you everything and anything. She is kind and loving to her horses and would never hurt a fly!!! She encourages you  in lesson whether it be to jump a scary jump or do a tight turn!  If you fall off you will probably just laugh, wipe the dirt off , get a pat on the back, and then go get back on the horse again (and you get a sticker!)!!  I would recommend QCF to anyone even if you don't know how to ride. Smiley, Penny, Jack or one of the schoolies at QCF will teach you. I love Quiet Company Farm!!!!!!!

-Taylor Matheson, age 12 

“When I decided to start taking riding lessons again, as an adult rider I was nervous. It had been a long time since I'd ridden and I was scared to look silly in front of all the young riders who made it look effortless. I found the website for Quiet Company Farm and contacted Kelly. She offered for me to come see the farm and meet the horses before I made any decisions, and when I went I could tell right away it was the place for me. The farm is amazingly beautiful, the horses are sweet and nice, and Kelly is the kindest, most fun, most patient riding coach I've ever had. Kelly paired me with another adult rider who had the same nervousness as me about riding again and we helped each other to not be afraid and to become good riders again. Kelly helps you to overcome any fears you may have about horses or riding and teaches in such a fun positive way. I'm so glad I decided to start riding lessons again, and I'm so happy I chose Quiet Company Farm.”

 

-Lisa McAskill, adult rider

 “I started riding at Kelly's about 2 years ago. I remember thinking after my first few lessons, how patient and fun Kelly was, how comfortable I felt at Quiet Company Farm, and how every time I went there, I always learned something new. Those things are definitely still true!

I always enjoy riding different horses and meeting new people at Kelly's. Kelly's is definitely my favorite place to be, and I can't imagine riding anywhere else. The horses are amazing and teach you so much, and the people are so great. Kelly is an amazing instructor, and I recommend her to anyone who wants to learn to ride! I don't think I could have learned so much without Kelly.

I have faced so many of my fears, met so many amazing people, and have made some great memories! Quiet Company Farm is hands down the best place ever. :)“

 

-Halley Campbell, age 13

 

“I have been taking lessons from Kelly for about 4 years now.  I love going to Quiet Company Farm.  I have so much fun there!! Kelly's horses are the best, and she always has exciting jumps to school over.  I now trailer in my own horse and Kelly is very accommodating.  She always pushes me to try new things or to do better.  She always boosts my confidence and can always help me work through any issues that I might have with Romeo who is young.  I hope that I will be able to take lessons from Kelly for a very long time.”

 

-Mary Jane Malone, age 14


“When I first met Kelly, there was no official QCF, just this sweet young gal, and her 3 horses and a boarder. Bese, the mare who was designated to be the lesson horse, her young filly Taylan (only a yearling), and a rather handsome silly standardbred called Tuffy. I was there to watch my young daughter start riding lessons with Kelly. Jazz had taken lessons from a few other instructors so she knew the basics. We were both delighted with Kelly's warm, interactive, firm, yet giving, method of teaching. It was here at Kelly's I was introduced to natural horse keeping methods that I now adhere to myself and practice with my own horses.

Kelly was instrumental and hands on with helping our family set up our own facility, and picking out a couple of equines to fit into our family. She was also there whenever I had a question, concern or just needed reassurance. Kelly helped Jazz in training her own horse, building confidence in Jazz as well as the young horse she was training.

Both my husband and I took a few lessons from Kelly. We had a blast, learned lots along with more than a few laughs. I felt the old confidence I once felt when I was a young rider, and felt so safe riding Ace the lesson horse, under Kelly's watchful eye. If my circumstances were different I would still be taking lessons.

Watching Kelly transform her small backyard lesson ring into the impressive establishment it is today has been a true delight. Through all the transformations, Kelly has stayed Kelly; a sweet, strong, generous, knowledgeable, and gifted horsewoman, someone I also consider a lovely friend.”

-Diana Mackay, adult rider/Jazz's mom

I began boarding at QCF 3.5 years ago. Being a vet student, I was very busy, and didn't always have the time to come up and visit my mare regularly. Being at QCF meant that I wasn't worried about her being barred up in a stall, hopped up on feed. I knew she was outside all the time with the freedom to exercise, play with her friends, eat hay, lay in the sun, and graze on some grass. It also meant that when I managed to find time in my chaotic life to go ride, I could pull in the driveway and instantly feel more relaxed. Being primarily a lesson barn, you don't need to worry about barn drama. The entire atmosphere at QCF is very peaceful. When Fanjee was used in Kelly’s lesson program short-term, I never worried about the care she was going to receive; the lesson students are taught proper grooming, handling, how to tack up properly and are closely supervised. Kelly's lessons always include a slow easy warm-up and generous cool down, and her teaching techniques are kind and productive. In lessons you learn how to truly ride. Having a great coach like Kelly as your barn owner, on site almost 24/7, is great when you run into any issues under saddle. Harma Germs-Fraser also comes to QCF regularly to teach Kelly, so there is no lack of great coaching! Kelly has been nothing but patient and kind to my horses, ensuring me that I needn't waste a moment worrying about them when I'm away on Christmas vacation or otherwise. QCF is the only boarding barn I've boarded at where I can honestly say myself and my horses are truly happy!!! In the event that I have to move away for job purposes, QCF and all of its people/ponies/pups will be truly missed.

-Jessica Boyd, adult rider/boarder


There are some people in life who teach you. There are those that give you new opportunities. And then there are those who inspire you. For me, Kelly Snowdon is all those things.

As I live in New Brunswick, I only ride at QCF in the summer when I am visiting PEI (although I do ride at another barn when I'm home). However, I have known Kelly since she was just starting as a teacher on PEI.

I can remember my first time at Quiet Company Farm. I can still see myself driving up the dirt driveway, through the tunnel of trees, and up to the farmhouse. Back then, the entire farm was closely surrounded by trees, and one of her three horses was always loose in the yard to keep the grass short.  The farm held none of the luxury it has today.  There was just a tiny barn with one small paddock and no riding arena.  The barn itself had two stalls, a dirt floor, cracks a centimeter wide in the rough walls, a doorway without a door, and open windows.  However, there was a distinct feeling of being welcomed.  For my lesson that day, Kelly put me on the back of her wonderful mare, Quiet Company, whom she called Bese.  We did dressage, a first time thing for me, on her front lawn.

For the past six summers that I've been back, I've been able to experience so much.  Kelly immediately understood my deep love for horses, and she was kind enough to give me every opportunity to ride.  She would let me paint fences or clean stalls for extra rides and lessons, and it was she who took me to my first horse show.  As the years passed, she began to bring in horses that needed to be worked on, or that she knew would help develop people into riders.  There were summers when I would be at her barn nearly every day, riding at least one horse, and feeling like life just couldn't get any better.  She, with the help of her horses, taught me some invaluable lessons. Like never to blame your horse for anything, to never be afraid, and to always, always be open to trust.  She taught me to live for the moments of sheer beauty, when horse and rider are completely in sync, and to always say "thank you" when things go right.

And every summer, her stable has grown. From the tiny hobby farm it once was, QCF is now a beautiful facility with big arenas and lush fields holding the large herd that Kelly owns.  There is one thing however, that has not changed: it is the atmosphere. Quiet Company Farm still feels like home.  When I pull into the driveway after being gone ten months, everything always feels just right. 

Kelly is one of the people that has inspired me most in my life.  Her love for horses, her quiet patience, and her never failing optimism has always given me someone to look up to.  She makes everyone feel in place, like they belong.  She is exceedingly hard working, building up her stable from scratch, and she is very determined. On top of this, she is very selfless, like when she organizes a show for her students, giving up her time for others.  Kelly is a rare person, it's not often you stumble across someone as remarkable as her. She is kind and compassionate; patient and understanding.  In her passion for horses, she brings joy to every person who is lucky enough to work with her.

Kelly, I wouldn't be the rider I am today if you weren't my riding teacher. Wait, scratch that; I wouldn't be the rider and the person I am if it weren't for you. Thank you for everything you have done for me.

-Grace Annear, age 17


"Quiet Company Farm is a quiet, peaceful barn where you can be at your favorite place with your favorite horses... ones that you have ridden before, or are wondering about.  All the horses at QCF are beautiful, sweet, calm, gentle and loving! Sometimes they have that spunky side which is fun, because everyone acts that way sometimes. Kelly is an amazing teacher! She loves her horses, her students and what she does. She shows that from the beginning. I love her! My favorite horse at QCF would be all of them for one reason or another... but the ones that stand out to me the most are Penny and Mac!"

-Hannah Higginbotham, age 14


“I think that Quiet Company Farm is a great place to ride plus the horses are really fun! I have learned that it's not how many times you fall off the horse that matters it's the time that you get back on the horse that really does matter and start back again. Also, I discovered a great person... that's Kelly!  She is a amazing horseback riding teacher.  She is fun and funny!  I LOVE QUIET COMPANY FARM A LOT!!!!!!!!!!!”

-Alison Gagnon, age 9


"Kelly is such a wonderful teacher. She has pushed me through so may things I didn't think I could do.  When I was scared about learning to canter, Kelly pushed me, and stretched the limits of my confidence, as she made me canter little bits until it felt completely natural.  The whole time it took for me to become comfortable cantering (which was not exactly a fast process), Kelly stayed amazingly patient and never once pushed me too hard.
 
I feel so lucky to have Kelly as a riding instructor.  She has always been great at being able to tell the difference between when I'm really not sure about something, and when I'm just a little low on confidence and need a small push.  In our lessons she makes us work hard, and is very clear about what she wants us to do. If for some reason I do get frustrated, or don't understand something, she always takes the time and effort to explain it in a way I can understand.  Kelly always lets me know when I'm doing something that needs to be corrected, but she mixes the criticism with compliments and encouragement, so I never feel discouraged.

Every horse I've ever ridden at QCF has taught me at least a million things. They have all been amazingly kind, patient and forgiving teachers.  Together they are, and have been, teaching me to become a stronger, more focused, softer and an all-around better rider.

I used to be scared to canter, or ride in the open (the thought of doing them both together terrified me), but thanks to Kelly and her amazing horses, I have now ridden a couple of times on a cross-country course and stayed calm even when my horse got (a little) over-excited."

-Phoenix M’Cloud, age 16