Updated July 2026. This comparison is based on each company’s public website and published pricing; we build Stables Systems, so read our take accordingly — and check both for yourself.
Stables Systems and EC Pro both cover scheduling, payments, and horse management, but they come from different markets and price very differently. EC Pro (ecpro.co.uk) started as UK equestrian centre software and is now expanding into the US at ecpro.us. Stables Systems was built for US barns from day one. Here’s an honest side-by-side.
Stables Systems vs EC Pro at a glance
Built around: the whole barn calendar (lessons, training, boarding, and billing) versus riding-centre bookings and payments. Best for: US riding schools, lesson programs, and mixed boarding/lesson barns versus UK (and now US-expanding) equestrian centres focused on bookings. Pricing model: flat monthly, published, $75–$429/month, no per-booking fees, versus tiered UK pricing (£0–£155/month) plus a per-basket booking fee of £1.20–£3.60 on every transaction. Accounting: QuickBooks Online sync (cash and accrual) versus QuickBooks and Xero integration. Payments: ACH and card versus card only. Native mobile app: responsive web versus a native app. Website builder: not included versus included. Customer service rating (Capterra): 5.0 versus 4.8 from 33 reviews.
The biggest difference: how the bill grows with you
EC Pro’s UK pricing tiers include a booking fee charged on every basket, on top of the monthly subscription — even its £0 tier carries a £3.60 per-basket fee. That means your software cost climbs with every lesson booked and paid for, not just with the plan you choose. Stables Systems charges one flat monthly rate no matter how many lessons you book or how much you collect.
What EC Pro does well
Credit where due: EC Pro has a genuinely native mobile app, which some trainers prefer over a browser-based tool, and it includes a website builder, a real convenience for centres that don’t already have a site. It’s also a mature, well-reviewed product with 33 Capterra reviews at a strong 4.8, and it offers Xero integration alongside QuickBooks, useful if your accountant works in Xero. Its 3-month free trial and 30-day rolling contract with no setup fees are genuinely low-friction.
Where Stables Systems is different
No per-booking fees, so your software cost stays flat as your program grows. ACH payments are supported alongside cards, which typically carry lower processing costs than card-only payment for recurring board and tuition. And Stables Systems was built specifically around US business needs, including QuickBooks Online sync, rather than a platform still building out US-specific functionality after growing up in the UK market.
Stables Systems vs EC Pro: which should you choose?
Consider EC Pro if you’re a UK-based equestrian centre, want a native mobile app and an included website builder, and are comfortable with per-booking fees on top of your subscription. Choose Stables Systems if you’re a US barn, want predictable flat pricing regardless of booking volume, need ACH payments to keep processing costs down, or want QuickBooks Online sync built around US accounting norms.
Common questions about Stables Systems and EC Pro
Is EC Pro available in the US?
EC Pro is expanding into the US market (ecpro.us) but originated as UK equestrian centre software; Stables Systems was built for US barns from the start.
Does EC Pro charge fees on top of its subscription?
Yes — EC Pro’s UK pricing includes a per-basket booking fee (£1.20–£3.60 depending on tier) in addition to the monthly plan cost.
Which is cheaper for a growing barn?
It depends on volume. EC Pro’s per-booking fees mean cost scales with how much you book and collect; Stables Systems’ flat $75–$429/month rate does not change with volume, which typically favors busier programs.
Does Stables Systems have a native mobile app?
Stables Systems is a fully responsive web app that works from any phone browser with no app to install or update; EC Pro offers a native app.
Book a Demo · See the full multi-platform comparison →