"Burnstock has truly changed my life.  Horses have been a part of my world since I was three years old, and growing up surrounded by them, I learned early on how special they are. But it wasn’t until I came to Burnstock that I truly understood what it means to care for and connect with them. Burnstock taught me that being around horses isn’t just about learning to ride—it’s about responsibility, patience, and building a bond with each animal. I've learned how to care for them, understand their needs, and form relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Through the challenges and unforgettable moments I’ve experienced, I’ve grown not only as a rider but as a person. Burnstock has become so much more than just a place—it’s a second home, a place of growth, and a reminder of the joy that comes from doing what you truly love."
-Celia
Sophomore at  Essex Tech/
Burnstock Graduating Class of 2028

"I am a Burnstock girl.  I joined the all-girls riding club when I entered the sixth grade and continued throughout middle and high school. In my final year, I was the head older girl, leading chores on Saturdays and volunteering during the week. I have absolutely adored my time working with Mrs. B, Matti, the horses and my girls. Burnstock offers a unique environment that I think is best explained by Randy Pauches’s idea of “head fakes.”  A “head fake” is a method of teaching where kids think they are learning one thing, but are actually learning something more valuable. At Burnstock, the girls know how to muck stalls, groom horses, and ride, but more importantly, they are developing compassion, communication, executive functioning, critical thinking, kindness, perseverance, and a strong work ethic, among other valuable skills. I attribute a great deal to who I am as a person and my success in my social, academic, and work life, thanks to the skills and people I have met at Burnstock Farm. I believe everyone needs a Burnstock Farm  in their life."
-Amelie
Sophomore at  William & Mary
Burnstock Graduating Class of 2023
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“My daughter was a Burnstock girl starting over twenty years ago, and she is still a Burnstock girl – her core virtues of fairness, kindness, empathy and inner strength were cultivated in large part with her involvement in the demanding, but nurturing environment of Burnstock.  More than horse riding and care, Burnstock was and is a community of caring and service oriented girls who revel in the fellowship of female leaders in the making, girls who serve and nurture their human and animal friends, and ultimately, friendship is the gift given and received by the alumnae of this special place in time and space.”  
-Eileen
Mother of Burnstock girl Graduating Class of 2014
 
"I was lucky enough to grow up just down the road from Burnstock Farm as a horse-crazy teenager in the early 1990s—a long time ago! Nancy Burns gave me opportunities with horses that I never would have had otherwise. The love, knowledge, and foundation I gained under her guidance ultimately shaped my path and became the basis for my career as a riding instructor and horse trainer. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching Nancy’s daughter, Matti, grow into a truly accomplished horsewoman—from teaching her on her beloved pony, Jasper, to riding alongside some of the greatest horsemen in the world. That same dedication, horsemanship, and heart continue to define Burnstock Farm today.
Burnstock Farm offers so much more than riding lessons. It provides retired horses with a soft landing and gives young riders invaluable lessons in compassion, responsibility, work ethic, confidence, and respect. I’ve proudly referred my own students to Burnstock and have also been grateful to contribute by placing horses from our program who were ready for a step down into deserving second chapters there. Burnstock Farm is a rare and special place—one that truly shapes both horses and people for the better."
-Jen
Riding Instructor /Horse Trainer
Burnstock Graduating Class of 1994