Dunroven Ranch Inc.

Pros

• Blue Roan Farm is described as a perfect location for boarding horses.
• Katie and the team are praised as amazing with exceptional, attentive care.
• The farm is noted for thoughtful adjustments to keep horses comfortable and healthy.
• Care during a horse injury is highlighted as going above and beyond.
• Facility improvements - such as a new outdoor arena and better footing - are positively noted.
• The environment is quiet, with friendly and relaxed boarders.
• Blue Roan Farm is called a hidden gem with a welcoming community.
• The barn offers ample space and attentive, detail-focused care (blanketing, fly protection, meals, daily turnout).
• NSAE is described as the absolute best place to learn strong, positive horse communication and balance.
• Instructors emphasize safety, an honest connection with the horse, and rider development over winning.

Review

Blue Roan Farm comes through in every way as a premier option for horse owners who want both top-notch care and a welcoming, supportive community. For years, families have turned to this farm not only for reliable boarding but also for quality riding instruction. In one family's experience, their daughter has been taking lessons from Katie for years, and the feedback is unwavering: Katie is a great teacher, the daughter loves riding, and she's learning not just the basics but also horse care. Across the board, Blue Roan Farm is described as a great place with great people, a sentiment strong enough that "5 stars isn't enough" is routinely voiced, and even the wish to grant six stars isn't unusual from their supporters.

Under the current ownership led by Katie, the barn has grown into something even more impressive. Those who board there speak with admiration for how much has been done to ensure horses are comfortable and well cared for. The team has made practical, thoughtful adjustments to daily management, including fencing in a larger turn-out pasture, rotating turn-outs to find the right fit for each horse, and implementing several feeding changes. When one of their horses suffered a significant injury, the staff demonstrated exceptional dedication - helping with stall rest, administering twice-daily medications, and providing daily check-ins. This level of care allowed the owner to focus on recovery without needing to be present around the clock, underscoring the trust and reliability that define the operation.

The sense of engagement and support extends beyond the medical and logistical aspects. Katie is described as incredibly helpful and involved, and the entire staff is consistently described as friendly and genuinely caring for the horses. Facility improvements have been ongoing and meaningful: a new outdoor arena, improved footing for the round pen, and additional turn-outs. These enhancements, combined with attentive daily care, underscore a commitment to modern, well-considered equestrian facilities. The barn atmosphere is quiet and calm, which helps both horses and riders settle into productive routines, a factor that many boarders cite as a major plus.

Community is another cornerstone of Blue Roan Farm. The reviews repeatedly highlight the abundance of friendly, relaxed boarders and the sense that the farm is a "hidden gem." It's not just about the bricks and fences; it's about the people who share the space, the respectful environment, and the steady improvements that keep making the place better for everyone. The message is consistent: this is a place where horses flourish and riders feel supported, appreciated, and at home. The combination of attentive care, thoughtful upgrades, and a welcoming atmosphere creates a setting where both horse and rider can thrive.

Beyond the boarding experience, the testimonials touch on the breadth of what Blue Roan Farm offers, including substantial ongoing improvements that speak to a forward-looking philosophy. In addition to the large outdoor arena, there are also substantial indoor facilities and a well-appointed round pen. Details like blanketing, fly spray, masks, daily turnout, and multiple daily meals illustrate a holistic approach to horse health, comfort, and routine. The result is a barn that not only meets day-to-day needs but also anticipates the diverse, evolving requirements of modern horsekeeping, earning the trust and gratitude of those who rely on it.

Separately, a different institution, NSAE, is celebrated with nearly identical fervor for its unique approach to equestrian education and community. A longtime participant explains that NSAE has been a cornerstone since 2011 for lessons and since 2012 for boarding, marking it as a long-standing home for serious riders. The emphasis at NSAE is not on winning or perfection for its own sake; instead, the focus is on developing strong, positive communication with the horse, achieving balance and control, and fostering safety and personal growth. This philosophy resonates deeply across the riding community: the instructors are praised for tirelessly guiding riders toward becoming the best versions of themselves, while keeping the experience enjoyable and fun.

NSAE's inclusivity stands out as well. Instructors are described as capable of working with all levels and abilities, from complete beginners to advanced professionals, and even offering pathways for those who must work primarily from the ground due to personal limitations. Groundwork, in particular, is highlighted as a powerful, fulfilling modality that demonstrates how much can be accomplished with patient, thoughtful training. The barn's community is portrayed as one of the most loving, supportive, and welcoming the reviewer has encountered, with a culture of mutual learning and encouragement. Everyone there is eager to learn and to help each other along their individual journeys, underscoring a shared understanding of the struggles involved in mastering horsemanship.

The philosophy at NSAE also extends beyond daily practice to a broader, global footprint. The reviewers note that NSAE hosts educational events and clinics around the world and has especially strong recognition as sought-after clinicians in Sweden. This international engagement complements the home base of learning and practice, enriching the experience for students who crave exposure to diverse approaches and experts. A reference to the "centaur effect" - to be one with your horse - captures the aspirational spirit of NSAE. The emphasis on gentle, effective training and beautiful, collaborative work with both horses and students reinforces the sense that NSAE is a place where meaningful Equestrian connection is cultivated.

Taken together, the reviews paint a picture of two outstanding equestrian communities: Blue Roan Farm, a boarding and riding environment managed by Katie and a dedicated team, and NSAE, a science- and relationship-driven school and community guided by Mary Anne and Craig. Both emphasize care, safety, and communication, and both highlight the importance of a supportive, welcoming atmosphere for riders at all stages of their journey. For anyone seeking a high-quality place to board, train, and connect with like-minded horse enthusiasts, these experiences illustrate why such spaces become truly special - a home for horses and riders alike, where growth is nurtured, and the love of riding shines through in every detail. If you're looking for a place to deepen your partnership with your horse and be part of a community that values well-being and education as much as performance, these are the kinds of places that make that dream a reality.

This part of Everett, Washington offers a convenient and diverse array of amenities for individuals considering senior living. With several pharmacies nearby such as Bartell Drugs and Walgreens, access to medication and healthcare necessities is easily accessible. There are also various dining options including Razzals, McDonald's, and Hawkeye's Pub & Grill for a variety of meal choices. Medical care is readily available with clinics like Northwest Eye Care, Providence Clinic, and Providence North Everett Cardiology in close proximity. Additionally, the area provides opportunities for recreation with parks like Lundeen Park and Jennings Memorial Park nearby. For those who enjoy coffee shops, cafes such as Lundeen Coffee Co. Espresso and Dutch Bros Coffee are within a short distance. Transportation options include Amtrak for easy access to other destinations. Furthermore, hospitals like Providence Health & Services and Providence Regional Medical Center Everett ensure quality healthcare services are within reach in case of emergencies. Overall, this neighborhood in Everett provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable place to live.

Pharmacies

• Bartell Drugs (0.7 miles)
• Lake Stevens Marketplace (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Bartell Drugs (1.1 miles)
• Safeway Food & Drug (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)
• Bartell Drugs (3.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Razzals (1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.1 miles)
• Wendy's (1.2 miles)
• Hawkeye's Pub & Grill (1.3 miles)
• Arby's (3.2 miles)
• The Fireplace Bar (3.7 miles)
• McDonald's (3.9 miles)

Physicians

• Northwest Eye Care, PS (1.1 miles)
• Lake Stevens Ankle & Foot Clinic (1.3 miles)
• Providence Clinic (3.7 miles)
• Providence North Everett Cardiology (4.1 miles)
• William Truong, MD, FACS (4.1 miles)
• Hsue Ku-Yuen MD (4.1 miles)
• Providence Regional Cancer Partnership (4.2 miles)

Parks

• Lundeen Park (2.3 miles)
• Grand Avenue Park (4.4 miles)
• Forest Park Water Playground (5.2 miles)
• Jennings Memorial Park (5.2 miles)
• Youth Peace Park (5.4 miles)

Cafes

• Lundeen Coffee Co. Espresso (2.3 miles)
• SnoTown Espresso (2.8 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Choux Choux Bakery (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak (3.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Providence Health & Services (3.9 miles)
• Providence Cymbaluk Tower (4.1 miles)
• Diagnostic Imaging Services at Providence Regional Medical Center (4.1 miles)
• Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (4.3 miles)
• Prachi Thekdi, ARNP, DNP (4.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Christ the King Lutheran Church (4.4 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Marysville (7 miles)
• Regal Everett & RPX (7 miles)