Chaparral Ranch

•$$

I am looking for a perfect barn for my horses. I came here to visit the place and I fall in love…read morewith the owner. She's very sweet, honest and nice. Her price is fair and she's willing to feed whatever you choice to your horses. She's building a very nice and safe turn out for horses with NO BARBWIRE. There's a beautiful trail connected to the barn but there's gate that is connected to the neighbor and you might be able to pass the gate and if not the park is only 1 mile from the barn and it's beautiful and mostly flat. She has 2 round pens and one of them is very big and nice and I also like the smaller one as well. I was happy with arena's size. I heard in spring this place will turn to heaven and they have the most beautiful flowers. They have an amazing view. The horses looked healthy and the stalls were cleaned.

We boarded our horse with Nola for 6 years - the entire time we were in California…read more From the second we met Nola she has been an answered prayer. The size of my horse didn't phase her one bit (17.2 hh, he's a big boy!). He had a stressful arrival (bad horse transport company) and she helped us nurse him back to health. A few other health problems happened during our 6 years, and she has ALWAYS gone above and beyond. She taught me so much about caring for normal and not-so-normal health problems! She is warm, friendly and has a passion for her business. You always feel like family at Nola's! As many people with horses know, horse people can be quite shady. My horse has been boarded in 4 states and 8 different barns, constantly changing barns because people got weird or our horse wasn't treated well. This is NOT the case with Nola! The only reason we have left is we moved out of state. Even then, my horse stayed an extra year with Nola until we could find a satisfactory barn and the weather was good for coming across the Rockies. She has kept me updated, made sure he was ready for all his appointments (ferrier, vet, etc) and kept a close eye on him while I was away. Don't look any further than this barn... you've officially found your horse's new home!

Whispering Hills Horse Ranch

4.6

(10 reviews)

100% Recommend! A…read morefew years ago, I had the opportunity to meet Karen, and I can honestly say she is one of the most patient, loving, and passionate people I've ever met. She taught me so much, and although I'm definitely not an expert, I can confidently say that I learned how to ride without being scared. Before meeting her, I had never touched a horse, let alone prepared one to ride. Karen was incredibly patient and taught me everything step by step, always making me feel comfortable and confident. I would highly recommend this place. It's definitely worth it! After a few lessons, I remember we would ride up the hills, and the views were absolutely amazing. If you're thinking about taking riding lessons, I highly recommend giving them a try. You'll be in great hands!

This place is a PARADISE…read more My friend introduced me to this convenient yet uncrowded barn. Manuel, the owner, is most likely this nicest man you'll ever meet and both himself and his wife are very patient and kind people- always smiling! With the help of Manuel, I scored a awesome lease situation and now pay a very fair price to ride a great horse all month long. He even offered me free tack to use as a loaner until I got all set up with my own gear. The barn and property are clean, tidy, and casual. Beautiful views and trails, and lots of peace and quiet at this location. If you're a positive horse person, you'll love it here...

ALK Equine

3.0

I started taking lessons from Andrea in late 2021. I came in with a few years riding experience,…read moreafter having taken a long hiatus from riding. She put me on an extremely lazy and stubborn mare which I didn't complain about at all, until an incident a couple months later. The mare she put me on was blind in one eye.... we were walking along when a child outside the arena made a sound in the dirt on the side of the blind eye and the mare freaked out and suddenly bolted, galloped across the arena and started bucking until I flew off. A very unfortunate incident, especially because I landed on my ankle and sprained it badly. The incident was definitely not because of a mistake I made - I had the mare walking slowly - we were cooling down after the lesson, and the mare went from walking calmly to going nuts in a split second because of a sound. I messaged Andrea a couple days later and politely requested to be switched to a different lesson horse, citing the horse's extreme stubbornness and laziness, and saying that I didn't feel comfortable on the horse after the incident. She didn't respond for 2 weeks until I followed up again, a couple days before what was supposed to be my first lesson back. She literally responded by kicking me out of her program, saying "Unfortunately, I feel that my program is not a good fit for you at this time." It left a really bad taste in my mouth. She put me on a horse that clearly had an issue with being extremely reactive, and then when the horse bucked me off and injured me, she let me hang for 2 weeks and then kicked me out of her program. To be clear, I understand that falls and accidents happen in the horse world. It's not my first time falling off a horse. But the fact that she ignored me for 2 weeks and then kicked me out of her lessons like I had done something wrong is honestly so upsetting and unprofessional. ---EDIT: IN RESPONSE TO HER REPLY--- I understand you claimed that you didn't have another horse for me. But if you had any interest at all in keeping me as a student you could have: 1) Switched me to the other horse you had me riding in the 1st two weeks I took lessons 2) At least tried me out on another lesson horse before cutting me out 3) Asked if I would be willing to give that same horse another try 4) Attempted to find another solution with me, such as suggesting I lease another horse at the barn and continue taking lessons with you 5) Asked me about rescheduling my lessons to another day since in your Yelp response, you cited my "scheduling needs" as a reason you just couldn't continue with me 6) Tried literally anything else to try to work it out with me, instead of immediately dropping me But you didn't try any of that - you ignored me for 2 weeks, then sent me that text, making it clear I had been dropped from your lessons. It's pretty clear you had no interest in working with me further and got rid of me at the first possible opportunity. I was nothing but kind and respectful in all our interactions, so I genuinely don't know what I did to deserve that kind of treatment.

I have been attending lessons in western with Andrea for a few months now. My riding has improved a…read morelot. Andrea is very patient and kind in her teaching style. I am an adult rider who had no childhood riding experience, never to late to learn.

Legacy Farms

(1 review)

Paula has an amazing and beautiful property set against the eastern hills of Hollister's mountain…read morevista. The boarding facility is super clean, very friendly and the owners are extremely knowledgeable about horses. My horses boarding time there spanned many years and was filled with wonderful care, special memories and I made life-long friends. I highly recommend Legacy if you're looking to board at a facility that cares about your animal's well-being 24/7, 365 days a year and especially when you can't be there. I trust them inexplicably with my horse's lives. The only reason I left this beautiful facility was to move my horses to acreage on my own property. Otherwise, I'd still be there.

From the owner: We specialize in Personalized Care for your Horse with Safety and your Needs in Mind…read more Stalls,Paddocks. Cleaned 7 days a week. Covered arena.

Lone Tree Ranch

I love this place and am soo happy to have found it. Owner is amazing. My horses are so happy and…read morewell taken care of.

I Highly recommend this ranch for boarding! The only negative I can say is the distance from town,…read moreand the very small presence of rattlesnakes during the hotter time of the year (both of these uncontrollable so not docking any stars) I brought my horse here a little over a year ago now from a terrible facility, and was welcomed with open arms and the reassurance that I could trust them to care for my horse the proper way. They feed plentifully, clean stalls in a timely manner, and are more than helpful if you are having any issues! If you're are questioning where to board, this is your sign to go to Lone Tree!

Free Heart Stables

(4 reviews)

FHS and trainer Stephanie Walker are the best. She has created an exceptional environment where the…read morehorses' comfort and happiness are always the priority. She helps all levels of riders realize their full potential in a very unintimidating way. I would highly recommend this barn for boarding, leasing, training, and lessons.

Stephanie Walker at Free Heart Stables is a true horseman. She understands the equine holistically…read moreand teaches her clients from where the horse is at physically and mentally, and always for the good of the horse. My daughter entered into the horse world via typical horseback lesson experience. She received excellent instruction in rider form at a top riding school but she became bored with just jumping on a horse for the purpose of getting through the transitions and jumps while looking good. She craved a deeper bond with her equine partners. So, being a brand new horse person myself, and only to support my daughter from afar, I found Stephanie in a Google search. I figured some horseback lessons that simulated actual horse ownership would cure the bug. I also decided that since this experience would be more than just tacking up the horse and riding, I decided to take lessons too so I could supervise my daughter from the ground. When my daughter first started riding, I wouldn't even pet the horses, and I was the least likely candidate to be a horse owner, that's how resistant I was to this whole horse fever she caught. I thought for sure these true "horsemanship" lessons would end this nonsense. Well, Stephanie didn't cure the horse bug. She made it worse, it was contagious, and I caught it. She stirred a new passion in my daughter and I that opened up a whole new world where horses are now more than a hobby, we have a new lifestyle. Fast forward to today, we are the humble owners of a beautiful, dramatic, and sensitive thoroughbred gelding and Stephanie is our trainer. Forget thinking that this is your typical trainer situation where the expert does the hard work of training your horse and you come out only to ride and experience the fruit of that labor. Stephanie is teaching US how to train our horse. Her lessons involve us in every part of the equine from the how the horse thinks to how the horse moves - on good days and bad days. Some of our best lessons, even when we first started, have been in (and continue to be in) imperfect conditions where we were making mistakes and Stephanie patiently taught us what was going on with the horse mentally, how we created the situation, and how to correct it. She will not do it for you, and she will make you take it slow to do things right. You can do things fast, or you can do them right. Thankfully, she has the patience and calm demeanor of a saint with kids and nervous, newbie, somewhat resistant, older adults. Stephanie just has something special to offer people that is vitally lacking in our fast paced, over tech'd, and over-achieving culture. The character qualities that are being instilled in my daughter (and myself) through this journey is not something the fanciest training barn or most expensive private school could ever teach. It is hard work that teaches you how to slow down, be present, and be teachable. Though the word has lost its meaning, Stephanie is a true natural horseman and she will teach you how to understand and communicate with the horse from the moment you make contact. If you want a truly fulfilling equine partnership that is unlike anything offered at training and lesson barns, contact Stephanie. Your horse will thank you.

Cerro Vista Ranch and Stables

4.5

(8 reviews)

Cathy is amazing! Good vibe, positive, value for no drama barn! Huge covered arena, huge outdoor…read morearena, two huge turnouts, and round pen.

Great program with Sterling Farms runs out of Cerro Vista. Easy to get to. Lots of boarding…read morecapacity. Hosts Reins in Motion, a community gem.

HC Equestrian

This review is long overdue but better late than never! Ali and Alice are hands down the best…read moretrainers I have ever worked with. I grew up riding at various barns in the Santa Cruz area and when I got back in the saddle as an adult, I was so fortunate to find Ali and Alice through a recommendation in a Facebook group. They paired me with a perfect fit for a lease and their training is top tier! What I love most about their methods is that they put a heavy emphasis on horse and rider connection. Though I was "taught to ride" as a young girl, there is SO MUCH that I have learned from them these last couple of years and I could never thank them enough. When the horse I was leasing moved out of state with his owner, Ali and Alice helped me find my first horse. They really know what they're doing and have such expansive knowledge of horses in so many different ways. Once I brought Rosie home, we set up a training plan for both her and me. Even through the setbacks of owning a new horse, they have been there for every question, every doubtful moment, and every win. They are both truly wonderful horsewomen, each with so many strengths. HC Equestrian is like a family. They are a drama-free group which feels hard to find in the horse world at times. Every rider and horse is treated with the same respect. I would 11/10 recommend HC Equestrian to any level of rider, at any age. You and your horse would be so lucky to train here!

My daughters have been working with Ali at HC Equestrian for almost a year, now. Ali is very…read moreknowledgable and professional. She is welcoming, has great boundaries and empowers the girls to ask questions, figure things out and learn from their mistakes rather than dwell on them. Her sense of humor and excellent ability to attune to the student and judge their emotional state allows her to tailor each lesson not only to the student's general abilities but also to their needs on any given day and her extensive experience means that her "tool kit" is vast. My teens have learned a lot in their time with her and gained much more skill and confidence with the horses and in themselves. I appreciate that she is someone they can look up to not only as a riding instructor but also as a model for healthy independence and awareness of others (human and animal). The facilities offer a covered arena, as well, which is a huge bonus during the summer months (no sunburn) and rainy season (no canceled classes due to rain). I have recommended HC Equestrian and Ali to others and will continue to do so. We are grateful to have found them and look forward to every lesson.

The Dragon Mountain Thien Long Son

4.8

(80 reviews)

The most beautiful temple on top of a mountain! It'll make you forget you were in California…read more Parking lot is small, but the wait isn't long. At the entrance, there's a sign that said Stairway to Heaven, so you already know what you're getting yourself into. There are stairs and paths everywhere to explore. Come prepared with water and cover yourself up, since some parts may not have shade. After the initial ascent of stairs, the main area is lush with trees, succulents, and covered with fake lawn. There are statues of gods, demi-gods, and important figures lined up along the edge of the mountain. Jesus Christ also had its own praying areas. I loved that this temple was all-inclusive to believers. The paths are beautifully landscaped and felt so zen with the sounds of windchimes and coolness of the mountain breeze. Everywhere you go was a path to explore. There's incense and a lighter at each statue, but you can also get a bundle from the main house to the right. They don't take any donations, which is so generous. All they ask for donation is water for those who forgot to bring water. You can also light your incense with the candle, but remember to blow it out when you're done to not waste it. To the back right there are bathrooms also - 3 stalls for the women's. Not sure about the men's and I don't think I should know anyway haha. If you continue up the steep mountain, you can make it to various overlooks and to the final house with all the Buddhas on a platform held up by poles. Along the paths, you can see tons of birds, lizards, and squirrels. Looks like they are still building more paths and platforms. It would be interesting to come back and see the progress. Considering no donations, the entire place has really good upkeep. We were able to relax and have lunch at one of their many cute stone tables. We left feeling refreshed and cleansed of the daily stresses of daily life.

Beautiful spot that I've been meaning to come to since COVID. It was closed then, but is now…read morefinally open. It's a long and steep walk to the top, but worth it. You get some good quality exercise and then get some serenity and nature when you reach the top. This is a great experience and one of the best views in the area as well. Overall, I want to go back already.

Berryessa Music School

(37 reviews)

Ms. Yaoyao is a highly efficient piano teacher whose teaching style is absolutely amazing and…read moredetail-oriented. My daughter absolutely loves her group class. Ms. Yaoyao keeps the students highly energized and lets them be silly, making learning incredibly fun. She covered all the piano basics so quickly that within just three months, my daughter was already playing complex notes for a beginner. I highly recommend the Berryessa Music School , it's Value for time and money !!! I'm satisfied with selection of this school for beginners.

We have had an amazing experience with Berryessa Music School! Our 7-year-old son started taking…read moregroup piano lessons with Ms. Yaoyao about a year and a half ago, and we couldn't be happier. Ms. Yaoyao has a wonderful way of keeping young learners engaged. My kid has so much fun with the active singing, scales, and song-playing activities she integrates into the class. Getting a young child to practice consistently can be a struggle, but Ms. Yaoyao's constant encouragement and patience have made all the difference. Thanks to her, he has made incredible progress over the past 18 months! Beyond the fantastic teaching, the studio itself is top-notch. They offer classes for a variety of instruments in both 1:1 and group settings to fit different learning styles. A huge highlight for us is that they host recitals and concerts in professional auditoriums at least twice a year, which gives the kids a wonderful opportunity to build confidence and showcase their hard work. I highly recommend Ms. Yaoyao and her team at Berryessa Music School. If your child is ready to begin their music journey, definitely reach out to them!

Bay Area Gurukul

(28 reviews)

We enrolled our child to their learning pod program during the pandemic, the facility did a great…read morejob ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the children and staff. We couldn't be happier! The learning pods concept was new to our family but the staff did an excellent job caring for our child. I really appreciated that the staff took time to get to know my child, which was importatnt to me. The teachers were able to encourage my child to learn by incorporating games/playing in the learning process. The facility has great learning materials to help my child learn and stay engaged, i.e. sight words, math, reading books, etc. Lastly, being a new mom to a child who just entered grade school, Ms. Swati was very supportive and engaging on my journey. I'd recommend their service! We're looking forward to enrolling our child to their afternoon school program in the Fall.

My son has been with them for 6 years, we had a great experience. They made homework manageable,…read moreand have other classes and activities that add a cherry on top of it. They also offer good summer camp and extras.

Chaparral Ranch - horsebackriding - Updated August 2026

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Whispering Hills Horse Ranch

4.6

(10 reviews)

Peninsula Equestrian Academy

4.4

I had the most wonderful experience with Colleen Shjelfo today. I am familiar with horses, but it's…read morebeen a very long time. She started the lesson with grooming "Frisco" and then explaining, showing, and having me follow with brideling him. Our time in the ring was excellent. By the time I left, I was very comfortable riding Frisco and giving him commands that he followed. I will be seeing her again in the next two weeks to graduate to trotting. Definitely recommend Collen for lessons.

My 8 year old daughter wrapped up her first ever summer horse camp and she can't wait to come back!…read moreShe enjoyed getting to know all 3 horses: Frisco (her fave), Dakota and Indy. In 5 days, she learned basic English riding styles and horse care like how to groom, feed, bathe, catch/lead the horse. She even got to experience bareback (no saddle) trotting! Thank you Colleen at Peninsula Equestrian Academy for a fun and memorable week!

Chaparral Ranch

As both a beginner rider and someone a bit older coming into this experience, I couldn't have…read moreasked for a better place to learn than Chapparral Ranch. The staff is extremely well qualified, patient, and thorough in their teaching. They take the time to explain things clearly and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way, which made a huge difference for me. The horses are wonderful-well-trained, calm, and clearly well cared for. That alone made learning feel much less intimidating and much more enjoyable. Another big plus is affordability. Compared to other stables, Chaparral Ranch offers very reasonable pricing, along with discounts for 5- and 10-lesson packages, which makes it easier to stay committed and keep progressing. Overall, I highly recommend Chaparral Ranch to anyone interested in learning how to ride. whether you're brand new or just getting back into it, this is a supportive and welcoming place to start.

Our daughter and the most amazing birthday party here! Bryce, Rio, Amina, and Maddy were truly…read moreabove and beyond. we had kids ranging in age from 7-11 and they all learned so much and had the best time with the horses and instructors. We are so grateful to you :)

Whispering Creek Equestrian Center

3.6

(19 reviews)

I went up to get some of what they call: Free Horse Manure…read morein Bulk and its garden friendly. Well let me tell you its Not Garden Friendly at all. So don't waste your time, Its not even 1yr old. Even though I am Disabled I should of even known better, I even use to take care of horses but its been 25yrs. I don't know why I Even loaded my truck full what a Mistake. I was at least taking the Dry, but come am it was a Nasty mess, I couldn't even use it Nor could I give it away. I was also Picking up for 2 friends and they passed hard. All it is that Nichole offers the owner is Old Hot Very Hot and Gassy SHIT Poo its not in no way Manure and its not even maintained so it would turn into Manure its probably 3months old of Nasty I wouldn't doubt if it has zoonotic diseases I did notice but didn't know until after its Anaerobic Nasty.. I feel Nichole should Compensate me! For time and Fuel.. 40-$50. If you want real Manure Compost: https://garrodfarms.com/hay-compost-firewood/

Been a longtime boarder and I love the huge pastures here. Not to mention the access to great…read moretrails. Great place with great people

Nessa Cossentine Equestrian

4.5

I enjoy riding my horse at this facility. The ring is large, plenty of nice jumps and there is an…read moreindoor for rainy days. You can also walk down a quiet road or ride in the hills on a trail if your horse is ok with cattle. Nessa is always coming up with creative, challenging lessons so I have learned a lot. And the showing is fun! The down side is that the facility owner raises the board $50 a year, every year. The stalls are barely covered in shaving even when I offered extra money for more. And if you want to replace the tattered mats you pay for it. The investment in the barn itself is minimal. But my horse gets an in and out stall, which is great so that is good. And the people are all great...love my barn friends and those who work here.

Absolutely thrilled with my experience at Nessa Cossentine Equestrian! Nessa is an exceptional show…read morejumper, a phenomenal riding instructor for both beginners and advanced riders, and an outstanding horse trainer. Unlike half of her students, I don't own my own horse, so I ride one of her ten incredible horses. If you've ever taken lessons at other barns with their typical "lesson horses," you'll be amazed at the difference here. The quality and temperament of Nessa's horses are unmatched in the Bay Area. I started my lessons on a very experienced horse that kept me safe and taught me so much, taking me through the journey from walking over poles to jumping to 2' fences! As I progressed, I earned the incredible opportunity to ride Grand Prix horses in my lessons! This kind of experience is truly unique and invaluable. Nessa's friendly and always smiling demeanor makes every lesson fun and enjoyable. I can't recommend Nessa Cossentine Equestrian enough for anyone looking to improve their riding skills in a positive and supportive environment!

Heather Hill Riding Center

(3 reviews)

I know of no better horse trainer, rider and teacher than Laura Stevens. She is absolutely the…read morebest. I have worked with her since 1997. If you get a chance to take lessons from her, learn from her, lease a Welsh Cob or Pony, it will be an experience you will treasure for your entire life.

Laura Stevens is one of the finest horsewomen I have ever had the privilege to learn from. Her…read moreintuition is uncanny, and horses thrive under her care. She has taught both my children as well as me, with consistent attention to safety, kindness, and excellence.

Core Equestrian

3.7

(6 reviews)

I reached out to inquire about riding lessons for first time students, the response was 1 sentence…read moreand kinda rude. The lack of professionalism definitely helped me dodge a bullet with this school.

If you are a serious rider or want to be in the future, Do Not Do This To Yourself or Your Horse!…read moreThis is not a good trainer. While Chrissy sincerely believes she knows what she is doing, she is a terrible dressage rider and a terrible trainer. She claims extensive European training, but do a little research... look at her dressage test scores or those of her students. This is not personal, she just has no skills and has somehow just passed herself off as a trainer. Don't believe it. Anything she teaches you will just mess up your riding and your horse.

Arriba Vista Ranch

4.3

(21 reviews)

Absolutely love this barn! Horses are well taken care of. Facility is well maintained. Friendly…read morestaff, great trainers and the community is amazing. I have been at Arriba Vista for 3 years and I have nothing bad to say about this place. Very well managed. My horse loves it and I do too!

I moved from Arriba a couple years ago to relocate and in hindsight, while that was the right move…read morefor my business it was like taking a huge step down in my equestrian life. This facility has it all, great footing, two indoors and three outdoors, a world class dressage trainer, very little drama, wonderful staff, supportive barn community and safe, well managed facilities. This is a wonderful farm run by people who really care and who know what they're doing, that's actually quite rare in the bay area. Kimbro family are the real deal, I miss this place a lot.

MIssion Hills Equestrian Centre

3.8

What a relaxing place to ride and get away from it all! Since moving my business here, it has been…read morea real pleasure to come to work. Cindy has been SO accommodating and the horses are happy with the excellent care they have received by the staff. Abel and Tony have taken the time to see that the horses get what they need. There is new footing in the round pen and the arena thanks to Leanne andTeri. I look forward to riding and training here for many years to come! Plus, it's great having an indoor arena to ride in during the winter! I highly recommend this facility after having ridden at several others.

Has this placed closed? I tried calling them thrice each time leaving a detailed message and they…read morenever called back! It is frustrating and if they have closed, maybe they should report it as such on their yelp page.

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