Top Notch Equestrian and Canine Center

Top Notch Equestrian and Canine Center is a complete equestrian facility available to the individual or to the entire family. We serve horse lovers in Walton, Downsville, and the entire Delaware County area of New York. Whether you are a "serious" rider or a "not so serious" rider", we're happy to work with you. Not only do we train your horse, but we encourage the rider to work with us and their horse to achieve maximum results!
Our services include:
Boarding - including those requiring special care such as retirees and convalescents
Horse Training - specializing in correcting behavioral problems, barrel racing and pole bending
Riding Lessons - in conjunction with horse training only; both English and Western
Horses for Sale and Lease - quality horses all of which have completed our training program

**********************************

Owner and operator, Dani Pinto, has been involved with horses since she convinced her parents of her dedication and determination to owning a horse when she was just 11 years old. Then she spent years training, competing, and working for other stables. At 17 she started competing in gymkhana and specializing in barrel racing and pole bending. Dani trained under Joan Norman, Richie Fisher, Joyce Prezebowsky, and Don Catalano.

She enjoyed it so much that she started training younger children to ride western pleasure and gymkhana. Next she moved on to riding English Hunters and Jumpers. At this point she began showing Jumpers in the Long Island area. She started training Hunters and worked at several facilities including South Haven Equestrian Center and Outlaw Acres. As Dani’s skills grew she became Stable Manager for facilities such as Bethpage Stable and Stonybrook Riding Academy.
barrel racing competition

This drove her to acquire her own stable in the Long Island area called Flash Farms. She ran it successfully for 15 years. Dani became well known for her gentle but firm training skills for both horse and rider. She is especially noted for correcting problem behaviors. Craving a more rural life, Dani purchased Top Notch Equestrian Center in January of 2003. Now she provides quality horses and horse related services to the Walton area and beyond.

Dani is proud to have the help and support of her companion, Mike, and her son, Tony. Both are dedicated horsemen. Their talents supplement Dani’s in providing excellent care and service for horses, puppies, and riders.

Top Notch Equestrian Center is a member of the following associations:
•NBHA – National Barrel Horse Association
•AQHA – American Quarter Horse Association
•APHA – American Paint Horse Association

**********************************
The Dogs:

You'll find TNEC dogs all over Albany, Walton, Norwalk, Binghamton, Long Island and other areas of New York. Folks from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Vermont make the drive to buy our puppies. At Top Notch Equestrian Center dogs participate in farm activities. The horses and dogs know each other. All the dogs know each other as well.

Un-socialized puppies become problem adult dogs. Our puppies are quickly acclimated to humans and farm life. We handle the puppies every day right from they day they are born. They are taught to come when called and are comfortable with people and animals, including other dogs. They are crated or in kennels at night and when unsupervised. Thus they learn that crates and kennels are safe, comfortable places.

Our Puppies have been
•handled daily, so they are socialized to people
•part of farm life, including being around horses, cats and other dogs
•registered with the appropriate breed associations
•given the appropriate shots for their age
•if needed, wormed

When you visit TNEC, you may meet not only the puppies, but the parents and grandparents as well! We retire older dogs long before most breeders would consider necessary. They stay with us as working dogs and pets. Just because they don't breed, doesn't mean their jobs are done. They help teach the younger dogs to be good parents and help socialize the puppies

Our puppies are:

Border Collies - rough coats only, black and white and tricolor
Golden Retrievers - red, blonde, and light blonde coats
Labrador Retrievers - yellow, chocolate, and rare white coats