My son and niece had the best week last week at A-1 Horse Programs at Owen Ranch in Middletown. Helen, the ranch owner, and the instructor knew what each kid needed to be successful in their horsemanship journey, whether it was confidence, courage, encouragement, discipline, etc, she was there to provide what each kid needed to succeed. I was so impressed with her innate ability to understand the needs of the kids and provide what was needed at the moment to get the best results. It was really hot while we were there, like triple digits hot! The kids were hot and tired after each day, but they were still excited about camp and eager to go back each morning. Helen and her assistant Sam were good about keeping an eye on the kids and cooling them down frequently with a hose down, which the kids loved, lol. The kids also absolutely adored their horses. Both horses were very sweet and gentle. The kids loved rewarding their horses at the end of each day with an apple. From day one the kids were hands-on learning how to properly care for their horse and prepare it for a ride. On the very first day they learned how to securely tie it to a post when not being ridden and not in a pen, they learned how to harness and lead their horse out of the pen, they learned how to brush their horse before saddling, they learned how to bridle and saddle their horses. They learned how to walk their horses to warm them up before a ride, they learned how to properly hose a hot horse down to cool it down after a ride in hot temps. They did all that and still had some arena time so that they were also able to learn how to properly control their horse. Day 2 they did all their horse prep and care then had some arena time to strengthen riding skills and then they were off for a trail ride that was about an hour long. The rest of the week was about the same with the kids in the saddle a good 2 hours each day. On the 4th day they learned how to wash the horses and the last day was dedicated to a show the kids put on for the parents to show how well they had learned to direct their horses. On his first day my son was slouching in his saddle and saying he couldn't do a lot of what was asked of him. By mid-week his riding posture was greatly improved and Helen had him saying "I can, instead of I can't" She told him if he could control a 1000 lb horse at just 7 years old, he could do anything! I hope he remembers that forever! He was even excited to carry his horse's rather heavy saddle by himself by the end of the week because he knew he could do anything. Thank you Helen for the best week we had all summer, we will be back. read more

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This place exceeded our expectations! Our non-equestrian family had an amazing time at the ranch. Helen was a patient, well versed trainer. She welcomed us to play with the goats while she saddled the horses. She matched us perfectly with the horses, from my 6'4" husband, my 60+ yr old mother, and my elementary age children. She was great with instruction and safety, and the trail ride, which included a walk through the running water was an hour perfectly spent. She even took photos that she shared with us at the end of the experience. Incredible customer service. Absolutely worth every penny! read more

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I grew up with horses, and used to be a full time trail guide, but I haven't had much opportunity to ride for the last 3 or 4 years. During that time I have developed serious cognitive decline, with loss of coordination and motor skills due to Lyme disease. When I got on the horse, nothing was muscle memory for me anymore. I had to focus on one area of my body at a time. If I was focusing on controlling the reins, I couldn't control me feet or legs at the same time without a lot of difficulty. It was horrifying, heartbreaking, and embarrassing. She could not possibly have known what I was going through in the inside or why I wasn't properly coordinated. What she did was calmly talk me through the process and give gentle directions to help me get it right. She was treating me the way that she treats everyone, and was able to keep me in a headspace of being able to enjoy being on the back of a horse...which is my very favorite place to be. This speaks volumes about her. She could run an equine therapy center specifically for people that have loss of coordination and brain capacity due to injury or illness. She's amazing. Her animals are very well cared for. The scenery is beautiful. The creek is refreshing. We had an amazing ride, and I would recommend her to everyone! read more

A1 Horse Programs - Horseback Riding Near Me - Middletown, California

All the animals on the farm including the horses are impeccably cared for and it shows. The same care Helen shows in her compassion for animals is directly reflected into our kids when she is teaching. A1 has been a blessing from our families perspective. It's nice to still find people who live by example these days. read more

I really couldn't imagine a better experience riding horses anywhere else. Helen was so warm and inviting and really made sure we had a great time. I'm a horse riding newbie and after a quick but thorough lesson I miraculously found myself comfortable enough to ride through the creek and around the beautiful surrounding property. Helen, thank you so much for the laughs, the stories, and for what was truly the highlight of our trip to Napa. We'll be back! read more

Love, love, loved everything about this place. My kids could not get enough of Owen's ranch (aka A1). Helen is wonderful. The horses, the goats, the ranch, you name it. Wish we lived closer so I could bring my kids here every weekend. A lot of people do. They just drop their kids there. And Helen is all good with that. Highly recommended. read more

I got a horse from Owen Ranch, got some riding lessons, my wife and I even joined in on one of her horse riding tours as well as took lessons on caring for horses and have been present during several of their day camps for kids. I must say I am very impressed by Hellen and her family. They genuinely love what they do and are experts in their field. Hellen absolutely adores teaching your children how to care for her goats and horses, 5 stars, no question about it. read more

This was one of my favorite things to do while visiting the area. First, I must say, I loved the animals, from the goats, to the sheep, to the cow, to the dogs, and definitely to the beautiful horses. As I watched those young ladies take care of those animals, my heart was warmed. Helen and her people were so good to my husband and I. She had patience and kindness for us, the beginners. She walked us through a mini lesson, then guided us on a beautiful trail. Along the way, we rode in a creek, ate wild blackberries, and saw a jack rabbit. Even though your family is dealing with the tragedy of losing your home in a fire, you still see the bright sunshine. Helen, we thank you so much and we will spread the word that you are number one in our books. Keep doing what you love and it will never seem like a job. May God bless you and your family. read more

Helen and Cambra are truly amazing! They have forever changed my family's life! My daughter, Jada, started lessons with them at 9 yrs old. Not only did they teach her amazing horsemanship, but they introduced a new culture to my family. They brought Jada from a true beginner level to a junior high school rodeo level in less than a year and a half! Jada now competes in barrel racing, goat tying, pole bending, breakaway and cutting. My husband and I had no prior experience with horses. The patience, knowledge and passion these two women have are hard to find. You would be blessed to cross paths with these inspirational ladies! read more

She was awesome, until she took my money i paid her for the year membership and the lesson and completely ignored my phone calls . ? So lesson was good but professional .... mm maybe not. good at communicating? yea during the lesson. but afterwards? no. She could have had a student for the whole year , weekly. she wouldn't even answer to talk to me. I don't know why. Very confusing. Maybe she just didn't like me? who knows. either way I'm going count it as a loss and train with someone else. I probably wouldn't even write a bad review if she would have just answered the phone. and let me know something even if she did say i don't want to give you lessons for whatever reason. So because of that, would i recommend her? No. read more

My husband and I rode horses at Owen Ranch a week ago. The ride went up to a bluff overlooking a number of valleys. The views were beautiful and Helen paired us with strong, able and well cared for horses. She was an excellent guide who was flexible to match the ride to our wishes, the weather conditions, and our abilities. So few trail ride businesses do this today. I highly recommend riding there. read more

Helen took my husband and I horseback riding for our 1 year anniversary! She was absolutely amazing and when another appointment cancelled she gifted us some more time on the trails and we cooled off the horses after. Helen is a wonderful person with such a sweet personality! Hightly recommend her and her prices cant be beat!! The horses were also very nice and felt very comfortable riding them! THANKS Helen!!! read more

Cambra took us a fab 2 hour trail ride. If we are in the area I would definitely return.

We stumbled onto A-1 while spending a week in Middletown. Helen was absolutely the best! Her horses were incredibly sweet and very well-taken-care of. We opted for the 1-hour trail ride, which took us high into the hills above the ranch. Helen was a great host, stopping to point out the amazing view, tell us about the history of what we were seeing, and even point out the local wildlife. At $50/hour, this was well worth the money and we'll definitely go back the next time we're in town! read more

We had a great time on our horseback riding experience yesterday! Helen was a wonderful guide, and her horses were pretty sweet. Helen took plenty of pictures and sent them to us. With two teenagers, finding a family activity that pleases all of us is getting tricky. But this outing became the highlight of our vacation and we had plenty of smiles and happy rehashing of events that we can add to great family memories! Thanks Helen! read more

Helen took us out for a gentle 2 hour ride during our trip to Lake County. She picked horses for each of us according to experience and temperament, and helped us get accustomed to them before we rode them. The ride itself was through fascinating -- if fire-scarred -- country-side, and then a detour through a nearby creek where we rode the horses through several foot deep water; a particularly enjoyable part of the ride given the glaring heat! Helen herself was very sweet and helpful, taking pictures for us along the way. We couldn't recommend this experience enough for anyone in the area or beyond, and the prices are extremely reasonable, at $50/h pp. read more