Cumberland Riding Academy-Cra

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Was told by the owner, while at the facility, they have the best trainers, etc. Didn't meet the trainer as the owner said she was out. Can only show up at barn if you have an appointment. Can't pick who gets to train you/your child. However, just days after visiting the barn, three videos surfaced (search youtube) of the "best trainer" Kim Smith whipping a pony repeatedly, in the face and in front of students. Also, the video confirmed Kim Smith wasn't highly trained as you could obviously tell she didn't know what she was doing and horses were taking punishment for her lack of skill, compassion and knowledge. The owner constantly removes and blocks legitimate comments and questions from the CRA facebook page. After the news hit, others came forward telling this type of behavior has happened in the past. One parent said Daniela, the owner, said "the horse deserved it". It may be hearsay but after witnessing the videos filmed by a student and seeing the voices of clients silenced by deletion and being blocked was enough for me to take my business elsewhere. She may have a lot of money and education but she had no experience with horses until 1 year before she opened her business and I find it odd she didnt terminate the trainer. After the legal incident, the owner publicly stated she retained a new hire, Tim Sweat from Alpharetta, GA, to "train her staff". A concerned person posted the details of his violation with horses, on her page and it was promptly removed. If you search about him, he was in violation in 2013 in GA. Please do your research on this facility. Most importantly, research the employees that will be teaching you or your child, before you decide to enroll here. As for my child, she is now enrolled elsewhere as I do not condone the practices that take place at CRA. Don't want to condone all there for one or two bad people but thought it was best to inform potential new clients of the above because no one should be in the dark.