Our Services
Here are the services we offer at Broken Spoke Stable:
- Full board with turnout
- Pasture board with run-in sheds in every pasture
- Western and English riding lessons for all ages
- Training
- Equine Therapy
- Organized Trail Rides where we pack our saddle bags, load up the horses and head out for the day.
- Double trail ride rides just for two
- All hay is grown on our farm. We offer Timothy and Orchard grass hay.
- Educational clinics to help you improve your relationship with your horse
- We host birthday parties!
- We have a Purina certified nutritional specialist on staff to assist with any horse nutrition needs.
- A great working relationship with several equine specialists and veterinarians.
- 4 Horse Exxis trailer for hauling needs
Here is some of the fun you can have if you take lessons with Broken Spoke Stable
Check out memories from our Fun Show!
Attention Parents and Grandparents who want to visit Garrett County!
Want your kids to experience a super fun time learning all about horses?
We offer “fun” lessons that allow your children to interact with horses in a very creative way. Your kids will learn many facts while they interact with the grooming and saddling process.
Here is a video of 2 wonderful young ladies who came to spend a week with their grandparents who brought them to our stable for several of our “fun” lessons. I think we had as much fun as they did making this for them to give to their parents.
Looking for a unique experience with horses? Then you will enjoy our “doubles” rides where we only take two out on our trails at a time. But this is not just any ordinary trail ride…..first we have you meet the horse you are going to ride. Then we help you groom the horse so you can bond before stepping into the saddle. After a short riding lesson then its out on the trail for a relaxing, enjoyable, ride with one of our experienced guides. This is not limited to just couples, any combination of “doubles” is fine.
Photo by Lance Bell
**Testimonials**
See what our clients have to say about us:
I LOVE your facility!! Your rating should be 6 out of 5!! Truly a clean, well-organized operation where horses have been treated so well with lots of pasture in full view of other horses. Stables are clean & clear of any obstructions in the walkways. You deserve a big “Atta Girl”. When I travelled to see my daughter, I’ve seen famous facilities around the country, & yours is right up there, but SO GENUINE! You don’t care about pretense. You deserve recognition. I’ll see what I can do.. Love all the training venues: indoor, jump/training arena, multiple huge round pens—you’ve got it all. I feel so lucky that you’ll be training Vincent, & I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
-Jane Imholte
Tammy, there really is no way I could possibly express to you my gratitude for your professionalism, compassion and understanding as we arranged for the girls to join you for phase two of their lives; additionally, when Mike told me the loading was a piece of cake I could hardly believe it. You could not imagine the horrible scenarios I’ve been envisioning lately in the middle of the night.
Please also convey my deepest gratitude to Taylor and Katie–it sounds like things could not have gone better, and I know our beloved mares are going to be happier than ever in your care. You mentioned respect for them in your email last night, not a lot of people would have used that word, and yet to me it is the most important one of all when it comes to taking care of horses. I really am completely at peace. There will be lots of tears, to be sure, but no regrets, and that is what I was trying to achieve with our decision.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
-Jackie
Broken Spoke Stable is an amazing place for horse and rider alike. My life is greatly enriched because I can own a horse and have an affordable, safe, well managed, caring environment for him. I have a horse that has, on occasion, had special needs due to illness or injury and the staff has seen that his every need is met. Personally, I have benefited from Tammy’s knowledge, guidance and lessons in more ways than I can count and I continue to develop my horsemanship and riding skills. I value the friends I have made and the comaraderie we share in our love of all things equine! Lessons, trail rides, clinics and training are available through the stable, thereby providing a variety of events for novice to experienced riders. I would highly recommend Broken Spoke Stable to anyone who wants a fulfilling horse ownership and boarding experience. I can’t imagine Phoenix or myself being anywhere else except this wonderful place.
-Daryla, Three Year Boarder
I have boarded at Broken Spoke Stable for over 2 years now and have been very happy with the care of my horse. Although I have “stall board,” I want my horse outside 24/7 (except in severe weather) and Tammy is very accommodating. I am especially appreciative of the extra mile Tammy goes to turn the horses out during the harsh Garrett County winters, regardless of how much snow is on the ground. The facilities are fantastic and I love that the stalls are nice and airy, as well as dust and ammonia free. Broken Spoke hosts great clinics throughout the year from natural horsemanship to jumping, as well as organizing trail rides, offering trailering to local shows, and bringing in guest speakers, such as nutritionists. Broken Spoke provides a fun and relaxed atmosphere in which to spend time with your horse.
-Erika, Business Owner
When I came to Broken Spokes Stable, the first thing I noticed was how welcoming everyone was. The staff is so very helpful and the other boarders have become quick friends. You have no excuse not to ride every day as the indoor ring is enormous, well lit, and it can handle more than one rider. I love the social atmosphere which makes riding run. The barn is pristine, well organized, and secure. There are always clinics occurring throughout the year and organized trail rides. The trails around the property are heavenly. It is a joy to be a part of this barn.
But what has impressed me the most is the owner, Tammy. She is so in tune with every horse that is under her care. Nothing slips by her. It is because of her watchful eye that my horse is currently sound. She very diplomatically suggested I change farriers. I trusted her implicitly, took her advice, changed farriers, and this action ultimately saved my horse.
I currently train with Tammy and thoroughly enjoy my lessons as she is extremely knowledgeable and a wonderful instructor. She is patient and caring. But most of all, she is non-judgmental. We all have our challenges with our horses, our ups and downs, our good days and not so good days. For me, owning and caring for a horse is a gift in itself. A gift to be treated with gentleness and kindness, and I can assure you that Tammy lives by that every day.
-Julie
Hi Tammy.
I thought Shasta was a very good horse to ride. She was calm and gentle. I know that you are the best riding instructor I will ever have and most likely the best one I’ll ever have.
-Bryn Shirley
Tammy,
I had the greatest experience ever while taking riding lessons with you. I know I will never find another riding instructor like you now that I’m back home. I now live in Beckwourth, CA. I will never forget my experience with you.
– Love, Tirian
Broken spoke stables have been a great experience for me and my pony! The staff is nice, everything is kept clean and tidy!!!! The horses and ponies are taken care with love!!!!!!!
-Olivia Mortimer
Richmond hill, GA
I brought my horse to Broken Spoke Stables because she had laminitis issues for many years. I was hoping that if she could be on a dry, hilly lot without any grass that her hooves would improve. Tammy was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and keenly conscientious toward my horse and me. My horse, Sugar, had some health problems which were dealt with immediately. She supported me in every way possible through her care and thoughtful vigilance. Although her hoof problems were not completely remedied due to some permit damage which had occurred many years ago, she was barefoot sound for several months at a time and riding sound with boots for long periods of time. We experienced many wonderful trail rides together and had very good riding lessons with Tammy. Tammy’s philosophy and training is in natural horsemanship. Her experience and training is an asset to anyone who has a horse at her stables. The facilities-round ring, indoor and outdoor arenas, and riding trails are excellent.
-Mary Streets
Broken Spoke Stable is clean, neat, safe and well cared for. It is a supportive environment that supports the growth and development of rider and horse, through a diverse range of interests and skills. At Broken Spoke, Western, English and Dressage riders of all ages intermingle and cross-pollinate each other. They share skills and experience freely and generously. The staff is knowledgeable, attentive and knows each horse intimately, and cares for them as individuals with meticulous and practical awareness.
Tammy is hard working, clear, disciplined and extremely kind. She is devoted to her work, to the horses and to providing a positive environment that is harmonious and healthy. She asks her students to work hard, and shows them by example what a joy that is. I would recommend this stable highly. I am grateful for every moment spent there.
-Barbara Weaner – Montrose, WV
Tammy is wonderfully kind and patient and an excellent teacher.
-Mary Ann Tungate
We have been members of the Broken Spoke Stable family since 2009. We live near Washington DC and come to the stable on the weekends; therefore it was very important for us to know that our horses were going to be taken care of in our absence. Fiddler and Jake have been well taken care of and given lots of love and attention. We are novice as owners, Tammy and her competent staff is always extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and we never feel as if they are speaking down to us.
We call Tammy “The Horse Whisperer”; she is so tuned in to the needs of Fiddler and Jake. She has given Fiddler a second chance at life, with love and respect. When Fiddler came to the stable, Tammy told us she didn’t know if he would make it through the night much less through the week. We are happy to report he’s doing better than we would have every dreamed possible.
There is something for everyone, experienced or novice, at Broken Spoke. We could not be happier, and we’ll be there as long as our horses are with us. Thank you Tammy and staff for the exceptional care you give our “kids”.
Fiddler first day at Broken Spoke
Fiddler less than a year later:
Jake loving his new place:
-John & Pam Walsh Bethesda, MD
It was with much trepidation that I had to find a boarding facility for my Quarter horse, Tulsa, as I was making a move from No. Virginia to Western MD. I have always maintained my own horses, either at an equine facility that I managed or at my own place. Turning over his care to someone I had limited knowledge of was a gigantic leap of faith for me.
My horse wasn’t exactly an easy fit for just anywhere. He was now a gelding but had been used as a breeding stallion for a few years. He was sort of a social misfit in being able to be turned out with other horses since he though he should rule his world. The first boarding facility I chose was a huge disaster all around and I needed to move my boy out of there sooner rather than later. I contacted Tammy at Broken Spoke to inquire about bringing Tulsa there and if we could come to appropriate accomodations for my big ego equine.
I was delightfully surprised not only when I met Tammy, but with Broken Spokes entire operation. Tammy spoke with me at length as we toured the facilities and I gave her the low down on my horse’s needs. She felt she could work around any problem that might arise and offered several solutions for turning Tulsa out with other horses. I felt comfortable as I set up a day to move him there and very excited that I had found a perfect situation for my horse.
I can’t even begin to express how perfect Broken Spoke was for Tulsa and me. If it wasn’t for Tammy’s acute awareness and observation of each horse’s individual personalities, I might not have my beloved horse today. Tulsa developed a nephrospleenic entrapment colic, which is uncommon. If Tammy had not known that Tulsa’s behavior out in the field wasn’t usual for him, it may have been much worse than it was.
She contacted me immediately after she had made an emergency vet call while her barn crew took turns keeping Tulsa on his feet. The seriousness of the colic entailed a two hour trailer trip to the closest equine vet clinic and of course, this happened towards evening feeding. Without question, Tammy and another wonderful boarder there hooked up her gooseneck rig and drove Tulsa and me to the clinic. It was a very long, late evening that thankfully ended on a good note. Tulsa had two other less serious bouts of colic that were caught right away simply because they know each horse’s mannerisms inside and out.
I just can’t sing praises highly enough for Tammy and Broken Spoke Stable’s whole operation. The facility is top notch. Both indoor and outdoor arenas are maintained to perfection, farrier and vet services are scheduled on a regular basis, their hay is home grown with great care and the boarders are a fun group of folks to hang with. Tammy organizes group trail rides, various riding/training clinics and also has lecturers come in to discuss equine nutrition and health care.
I am very sad to say that I ended up moving back to No. Virginia for work related reasons, but I know I made good friends for life and so did my horse.
-Cathy A. Choyce – Purcellville, VA
If you want to introduce a child to horses in a gentle, caring way, you will find Tammy Mattingly is a teacher with that special touch. Our 6-year old granddaughter wanted to learn how to ride a horse when she came to visit us for a week this summer. Each day we went to Broken Spoke Stable was a new adventure for her. She learned how to groom a horse, how to tack it up, how to use her body to signal the horse to move and turn and stop, and how to hold the reins properly – such a good foundation for wherever this interest takes her in the future. Tammy made her feel safe and confident, gave her the experience of riding in a ring indoors and out, and led her on brief trail rides around the property to have the fun of riding outdoors. A great experience!
-Pat Michener
We had the pleasure of boarding with Tammy at Broken Spoke Stables just outside of Oakland, MD for over a year. We moved to Tammy’s late fall after my horse had a serious hoof injury which needed daily wound care. With the help of Tammy, John and their caring staff, good veterinary care, my horse fully recovered. We were back in the saddle by spring with no signs of injury.
Tammy Mattingly is a very honest and caring individual. She has a great love of horses and gives herself in creating a warm and hospitable place for both horses and riders. You can see from their clean, well maintained facility that it reflects her care. Not only is her stabling well maintained, her riding areas, indoor and outdoor arenas are groomed, lawns are manicured, and paths are laid out along her ninety acres of riding trails. It is located in a picturesque setting through rolling farmland shadowed by Backbone Mountain.
Riders can work and train their horses all year long, take lessons from experienced instructors in a variety of disciplines including horsemanship, hunter/jumper, dressage or western riding. It is also a peaceful, beautiful place where you would enjoy bringing family or friends for a visit.
Her horse care provides daily feedings, clean spring fed water, daily turn-out and surveillance of your horse. Shelter is provided whether your horse is turned out full time or you have opted for indoor stabling. Boarded horses are wormed, vaccinated and weighted in keeping with her equine care program. Her experienced staff are trained and well versed in dealing with a variety of horses.
Tammy has offered clinics, trail rides, lessons and has participated in local parades and shows. She also provides trailering services for horses to and from shows, events or to veterinary facilities as needed. You can count on her to be there for all your equine needs.
After making many friends and finding a nice place to board my horse close to home, I was sad to leave her facility when we moved out of the state. I have some great memories of Broken Spoke and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in horses.
-Sandy & Larry, Payson, AZ
My horse spent the winter at Broken Spoke Stable so that she could continue to be worked during the bad weather. She is an alpha mare and doesn’t play well with others. Tammy and her staff were excellent with her and provided a safe environment which allowed her to have outside time as the weather permitted. The indoor arena has excellent footing and we were able to continue training throughout the winter months. We had a very positive experience at Broken Spoke and would recommend it to others.
-Corbonnet and Jeri Jones
