Testimonials from Past and Current boarders of Cottonwood Stables
Ashley Donaldson
“I had the privilege of being Cottonwood Stable’s very first boarder when they opened their doors as an equine boarding facility. I was going to UVM at the time and needed a place for my horse that I could trust completely with his care, as I couldn’t make it to the barn every day. The entire staff at Cottonwood Stables was wonderful and always accommodating with my high maintenance show gelding for the three years I was there. The facilities were always clean and well managed. I have sense moved out of state, but I can say for certain that Cottonwood was one of the best places I have ever boarded my horse.”
Sarah Emmons
"I kept my horse at Cottonwood for almost two years before relocating to Southern VT, and I wish I could have taken Cottonwood with me! The barn, paddocks and arenas were always remarkably well kept and clean. The arenas and trails are very inviting, clean and bright. Indoor arena has some of the best footing I've been in year round. The Senesac family was always very accommodating whether I was moving jumps or finding a stall for my mother's horse to spend the weekend. It was a great feeling knowing my boy was safe and being well taken care of all the time. Certainly a barn above the rest."
Louise Lynch
"I have had my horse Atticus at Cottonwood Stables for almost 3 years. As a new horse owner it has been comforting to have the owners Jeff and Emily helping me learn to care for Atticus. When Atticus got colic and Potomic last year, Jeff's support in proving care helped to minimize the Vet bill. And the change in his feeding helped Atticus return to health better than ever. Everyone is friendly and the facility exceeded my expectations. Cottonwood is not only where I board my horse, it is also a place to escape to when life is stressful."
Ashley Rae Smith
"This past winter I decided to board two of my horses whom needed to be worked continuously and keep up their muscle for the future barrel season. I had no idea where I would board them but then Emily Senesac contacted me. Cottonwood Stables had open stalls and I was sure to jump on. I loved the barn when I went to check it out, loved the arena and most of all loved how warm and cozy the barn was. In negative temperatures that Vermont had that were so extensively brutal the barn was still warm! I loved it and still love it! I love the paddocks and how welcoming the farm was to myself and my family.
Then, once my horses were boarded my all-time Barrel Horses became extensively sick. He coliced three times and several vet calls, several late nights and early mornings. Jeff and Emily handled this situation like I have never seen before. They treated him as if it was their own. They kept me in the loop about how he was each day. After several vet visits and blood tests Dr. Brady diagnosed Iroc with Severe Ulcers as well as Lyme disease. After this diagnoses we had to change his feed and he also was getting 96 pills a day! Jeff and Emily fought this battle more than I had to with him being in their barn. I crushed the pills each week and they fed them to him. Although, he caught onto our trick and eventually stopped eating his grain so we had to try something different. Jeff and Emily were able to figure out what worked…WARM WATER and his feed!!! He started eating them and 7 weeks later he is healthy and doing great! His work ethic is beyond belief and has gained tons of weight! Dr. Brady was very excited to see how healthy he looked when she came to do shots! Such a positive thing and without Jeff and Emily we would have lost him. We would never have been able to fight the battle on our own. 95% of the credit goes to Jeff and Emily as they had to deal with it day in and day out. They brought on the true aspect of the care horses should get and they need.
Also, they have amazing waters! They don’t freeze and so easy to give our horses water as needed! The horses get fed several times a day so their belly’s never go empty which is huge! This means when they are outside and inside you don’t find this at every stable! The stalls are wicked clean! The walk way, wash stall and tack room are very neat and tight.
This barn has made me love boarding and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. They have been amazing to me and they are extremely approachable. When I had questions they are always were there for support, to answer my questions and to fix things. It has been by far the best boarding experience I have ever had which explains why I am still here!!!
Lastly, the arena is great!!! The footing is outstanding and I have been able to do everything needed in there!! There are not strict rules and it is never closed for lessons which is great!"
Then, once my horses were boarded my all-time Barrel Horses became extensively sick. He coliced three times and several vet calls, several late nights and early mornings. Jeff and Emily handled this situation like I have never seen before. They treated him as if it was their own. They kept me in the loop about how he was each day. After several vet visits and blood tests Dr. Brady diagnosed Iroc with Severe Ulcers as well as Lyme disease. After this diagnoses we had to change his feed and he also was getting 96 pills a day! Jeff and Emily fought this battle more than I had to with him being in their barn. I crushed the pills each week and they fed them to him. Although, he caught onto our trick and eventually stopped eating his grain so we had to try something different. Jeff and Emily were able to figure out what worked…WARM WATER and his feed!!! He started eating them and 7 weeks later he is healthy and doing great! His work ethic is beyond belief and has gained tons of weight! Dr. Brady was very excited to see how healthy he looked when she came to do shots! Such a positive thing and without Jeff and Emily we would have lost him. We would never have been able to fight the battle on our own. 95% of the credit goes to Jeff and Emily as they had to deal with it day in and day out. They brought on the true aspect of the care horses should get and they need.
Also, they have amazing waters! They don’t freeze and so easy to give our horses water as needed! The horses get fed several times a day so their belly’s never go empty which is huge! This means when they are outside and inside you don’t find this at every stable! The stalls are wicked clean! The walk way, wash stall and tack room are very neat and tight.
This barn has made me love boarding and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. They have been amazing to me and they are extremely approachable. When I had questions they are always were there for support, to answer my questions and to fix things. It has been by far the best boarding experience I have ever had which explains why I am still here!!!
Lastly, the arena is great!!! The footing is outstanding and I have been able to do everything needed in there!! There are not strict rules and it is never closed for lessons which is great!"
Betty LaMothe
"We boarded our horse, Leaguer, at Cottonwood for over ten years. He went from semi-retired to fully-retired there, happy and content with his daily routine. Jeff and Emily took very good care of our old gentleman. They quickly learned all about him and catered to his likes and dislikes with good cheer and kindness. With the exception of his last year, he was injury free and healthy. Jeff and Emily watched over him and knew him well enough to call if he seemed the least bit off. He was always a hard keeper, and keeping weight on him was always a challenge, but Jeff and Emily again cheerfully accommodated his need for extra food and frequently worked with me to adjust his diet to see if we could get a few more pounds on him. They kept him warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and helped me spoil him as he deserved. He lived a happy, stress-free life there, and to the end, loved his routine and the attention he got. When old age finally caught up with him, he was treated with love and kindness until day when there was nothing else could be done to overcome the ravages of age. And even then, Jeff and Emily stayed with me, and him, as he went on to greener pastures. I am very grateful for all they did for my buddy, and if I ever get lucky enough to have another horse, I wouldn’t hesitate to ask them to take care of him for me. If anyone would like to ask me more about Cottonwood, I’d be happy to discuss it with them – Emily knows how to contact me."
Brendan Tetreault
"When I came to Cottonwood Stables back in 2013, I wasn't sure how both myself, and my polo ponies, would be welcomed in a barn that didn't cater to polo and polo horses specifically. Looking back now, it was the best decision I could have made. I have never spent time at a facility where all disciplines intermingle with more harmony than at Cottonwood. The barn is ALWAYS safe and clean, the horses are content and happy, and the riding arena and fields are kept and maintained wonderfully. All Cottonwood clients are friendly and work together. This is a rarity at the vast majority of boarding stables where personalities usually get in the way,
not at Cottonwood!
Lastly, Jeff and Emily are always around the farm and are easily accessible. Working in the insurance end of the horse industry, I see and work with horse folk on a daily basis. My horses are my escape from the pressures of my career. Cottonwood is a large part of what allows me to do this.
" I have had horses with Cottonwood for over three years now and have been very happy with the level of care and attentiveness that Jeff and Emily Senesac offer. They truly take pride in their business and have a genuine love of ALL of the animals. As a professional working in the horse industry, more specifically in the equine insurance industry, I would not hesitate to say that the level of service, care for horses, and the overall environment of the stable is top notch. They live on property so you never have to worry about the farm being looked after and the horses are the first priority for both of them! I highly encourage anyone interested in learning about the farm to come over and check everything out. You can see for yourself!"
not at Cottonwood!
Lastly, Jeff and Emily are always around the farm and are easily accessible. Working in the insurance end of the horse industry, I see and work with horse folk on a daily basis. My horses are my escape from the pressures of my career. Cottonwood is a large part of what allows me to do this.
" I have had horses with Cottonwood for over three years now and have been very happy with the level of care and attentiveness that Jeff and Emily Senesac offer. They truly take pride in their business and have a genuine love of ALL of the animals. As a professional working in the horse industry, more specifically in the equine insurance industry, I would not hesitate to say that the level of service, care for horses, and the overall environment of the stable is top notch. They live on property so you never have to worry about the farm being looked after and the horses are the first priority for both of them! I highly encourage anyone interested in learning about the farm to come over and check everything out. You can see for yourself!"
Angie Maple
"When I arrived at Cottonwood, I had been through 3 stables with my 7 horse program. I was fairly discouraged and generally looking for a place to land while I sold out of horses. Meeting Jeff and Emily was the best thing that happened to me! Not only do the horses receive topnotch care, but they are flexible enough to deal with changes to the horses' schedules and feeding as situations arise. If horse needs meds, I don't worry about them getting it. Jeff and Emily expertly handle my stallion, flighty 2 year old and grumpy mare with ease. I love that Jeff and Emily understand my show horses and will call me immediately if they see anything out of the ordinary. I also love that they call to double check turnout instructions if the weather makes for less than ideal turnout. It is a huge weight off my shoulders knowing the horses are in such good hands when I am not there. But more than that, Jeff and Emily are truly interested in my success and constantly ask for feedback on what they can do to help me. Because of them, my program is stronger than it has been in 5 years, and I look forward to continued success as long as Blackrose Morgans is operating out of Cottonwood Stables!"
Susan Linscott
I have boarded at Cottonwood for the last couple of years.Emily and Jeff have gone above and beyond, in taking care of my older mare, who tends to founder. They are both very knowledgeable and really care about the horses. I couldn`t do a better job myself!
Kimberly Sweeney
I have been a boarder at Cottonwood Stables since December of 2014. When I first met Jeff and Emily they were open and approachable. They even brought my horse to the stable for no charge when I told them I had no way of bringing her there. The barn is kept very neat and clean. The horses can have all the hay they want. Jeff and Emily care very much for the horses in there care as well as the boarders. The arena is well lit and frequently dragged . The turnouts are secure and the horses always have hay and water in the turnout. The barn is warm in the winter even at -8 the barn was 42 degrees. One other great thing is the amazing boarders and trainers with many other disciplines helping and supporting each other. Recently my horse was acting "off" and not eating. I was called and by the time I got there in one hour the vet had been called ( as I requested). My horse was being walked by another boarder, her temperature had been taken. When the vet arrived she was given and updated on my horses day and prior to her symptoms by Jeff and Emily. As a VERY concerned horse owner I cannot tell you how good this makes me feel. If you are looking to board or take lessons please look at Cottonwood Stables.
Delia Jackson
I board my two purebred Trakehner's with Jeff and Emily at Cottonwood and have been thoroughly pleased with their care of my boys. Feeding is done same time each day, turnout is considerate of weather and horse well being and the barn cleanliness is excellent. In winter the stable is delightfully warm and summer well ventilated with fans for every stall along with east west ventilation. Stalls and are clean and dry shortly after turnout and virtually amiss of odor so typical with boarding stables. Jeff and Emily are thoughful for the well being of the horses and provide proper handling and judgement when issues arise. Cottonwood is a lovely mix of various disciplines, driving, western, hunt, dressage and pleasure rider and horses. Could we be so lucky in such close proximity to Burlington!
Erin Russell
I have had a couple horses at Cottonwood Stables though out the years. I have found that Jeff and Emily take great pride in what they do not only as a stable owner and manager but as genuine horse lovers. The horses are always happy and healthy. My most recent horse has been injured and had to be on stall rest for over a year, Jeff and Emily have been wonderful to deal with during this ordeal. They are always willing to help out weather it take her for a walk or change a bandage. Her stall is always clean,(she is a pig)and has been a safe place for her to recover. More recently Jeff and Emily have made the transition for her turnout smooth ensuring she is safe and not becoming silly. Both have been more than accommodating to not only my horses needs, but to things I have asked of them as well. My horse always has food and water in front of her keeping her happy. The barn is always clean, and has hay left out for owners to feed if they would like. This is a no drama stable, there are people of every discipline, breeds and riding levels however, it seems like a family. Overall Jeff and Emily run a great stable and I would highly recommend this as a place board your horses.
