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.

This is a fabulous place to go horeseback riding! It's pricey, but the horses are beautifully…read morecared for and well-mannered Tennessee Walking Horses, with an amazingly smooth running walk. Wrangler Robby is a great guide, very knowledgeable about the land where the rides occur and of the horses in her care. My only minor complaint is having to book through the Coastanoa front desk. I called on a mid-week morning, and it took me over 15 minutes to reserve a ride (having been repeatedly put on hold).

The horseback riding a Costanoa is incredible. We had Robbi as our guide. She was absolutely…read moreamazing. My son who does not like to ride had the most wonderful encouraging ride with Robbi who assited and encouraged him the entire way. And my oldest who loves to ride is more confident was also encouraged. Robbi is knowledgeable, social, kind and very sensitive to all the horses and their perspective riders. Thank you so much Robbi. You are a little treasure there at Costanoa. I hope the management there knows what they have in you!!! Your the best!!!!

Although I've known of Moss Beach Ranch because I live nearby and my son attended a horse camp many…read moreyears ago, I had never booked a trail ride before. I am SO glad I did. I had two young students staying with our family from Japan, and I thought they might enjoy the experience of riding horses in an authentic California environment. Kim and Ashley provided that and more. I appreciated the time in the ring before the ride for each rider to learn how to work with his/her assigned horse. Then we headed out on the trails behind and above the ranch, some parts of which included ocean views and lovely trees. Kim and Ashley clearly understood and cared about the horses. We felt supported and respected as beginning riders, never rushed. I have already started to think about taking future guests to enjoy this experience. A must-do on the Coast.

Kim replied quickly to my text, and we were able to set up the ride that same afternoon. The ranch…read moreis tucked into a small valley with quick access to the highway and Moss Beach, so it was easy to find but felt quiet and peaceful once we arrived. We were paired with two beautiful horses, including an enormous draft horse named Buck. Kim, the trainer, was warm, welcoming, and clearly loves her horses. She guided us through the foothills and into cool forest trails, where we even stopped to visit other horses along the way. Ashley the 2nd trainer joined us on the ride, and she was kind, supportive, and helped make the experience even more enjoyable. The entire afternoon far exceeded my expectations. From the breathtaking scenery to the comfort and confidence we felt with the horses, it was unforgettable. I highly recommend Moss Beach Ranch if you're looking for a truly unique and memorable riding adventure.

had a great experience at Ocean View Stables. There were many beautiful horses, and everything felt…read morewell-organized. We went there for horseback riding, and it was really enjoyable. The price was very reasonable--about $20 per person for three rounds, which I think is quite fair. Overall, it was a fun and pleasant experience, and I would definitely recommend it to others!

Went horseback riding here recently and overall had a great experience…read more The location is beautiful and not overly built up, which makes it feel really peaceful. It was the get away I was looking for. There are a lot of trails, and while we didn't spend a ton of time right along the ocean, the hillside views were still really nice. We had a great guide. The setup is cute, and I loved that they let you interact with the horses beforehand -- they seem to take good care of them while still making it enjoyable for guests. On our ride, we were paired with a couple who has been taking lessons there and they had nothing but great things to say, which was really reassuring. Only downsides: the website is pretty confusing and pricing for certain things wasn't very clear. It is a bit pricey, though. That said, I'd definitely go back -- and if I lived closer, I'd even consider lessons. But it is just too far for me to make the commitment.

Had such a fun time celebrating our anniversary with Monterey Bay Equestrian Center! Charlie was…read moregreat in teaching us how to ride safely since we were both first-timers, and he was kind and super easy to talk to as he guided us through our 1h15min ride along the trail and on the beach. We booked for the 12pm ride and the weather was great -- the fog cleared up and the sun came out but stayed nice and cool. I rode Torino and my boyfriend rode Ben, and they were both great! This was such a great and relaxing experience for the both of us -- we'd definitely come back and recommend this place (and Charlie!) to anyone interested in a horseback riding experience! They also give you a voucher at the end for a free appetizer at Old Fisherman's Grotto on the wharf and The Fish Hopper at Cannery Row!

Charlie was such a down to earth tour guide. He was calm, relaxed and made our entire experience…read morethe best. I found this place thru Chat GPT when looking for horse back riding on the beach. This place is a hidden gem. $175 to ride for 1 hour and 15 minutes was totally worth it. Ocean front. Will def book again!

Done a few hikes through wunderlich park but haven't ridden a horse. Took the trail ride with…read morechaparral. It was fun and relaxing and serene to ride the horses through the woods. They have lessons for those who want to master horseback riding. Been a few times already and their horses are great. They're docile and understand command. Great ride.

Great place for a first riding lesson for kids. Summer camp options seem great too. The horses are…read morewell trained and the trails are easy

Mike and crew were great guides. Horses healthy and well taken care of. Beach ride is a trail…read moreride, nose to tail, but was still enjoyable.

Ten years ago exactly, I met Steve and his horses while on my travels (from England). It was a…read morelife-changer. I'll never forget his kindness, respect and map drawing in the sand while I rode Bailey - forwards and backwards; a far cry from the suburban nose-to-tails in Richmond Park, Surrey. Such fond memories and much missed, all of it. Highly recommended.

What more can be said about Garrod Farms that hasn't already been felt by so many? For countless…read moreriders, this is the place where we first sat on a horse, felt the excitement of riding, and created memories that will last a lifetime. Garrod Farms is more than a barn--it is a place filled with joy, friendship, and an unmistakable sense of community. From the moment you arrive, you can feel the positive energy that surrounds the property. It truly feels like a place from a dream. One of my greatest fears is the thought of this special place ever disappearing, because it has become home to so many families, riders, and horse lovers. The Garrod family deserves tremendous recognition for everything they do. This is a true family-owned and operated business, built through hard work, dedication, and genuine passion. There is always someone on the property working on improvements, maintaining the grounds, or finding ways to make the experience even better for everyone. The amount of effort required to care for such a large facility is extraordinary, and their commitment never goes unnoticed. The farm offers some of the best arena footing in the area, beautiful indoor and outdoor arenas, and direct access to miles of scenic trails where riders can relax and enjoy time with their horses. It is a safe and welcoming environment that has been serving children, families, and equestrians for generations. Their horseback riding lessons, whether private or group, are exceptional and suitable for riders of all experience levels. They also offer some of the best vaulting lessons in the area, giving students a unique opportunity to develop balance, confidence, athleticism, and horsemanship in a fun and supportive environment. The horse camps are among the best around, and the only complaint anyone seems to have is that they fill up too quickly. The local horse shows provide riders with valuable opportunities and motivation, while the boarding program offers quality care at a reasonable price. Special events for boarders create an even stronger sense of community and make being part of Garrod Farms feel truly special. Beyond the horses, the winery adds another layer of charm. Great music, beautiful scenery, and wonderful people make it a place where memories are created and shared. There is always a sense of warmth and happiness in the air. Garrod Farms is more than a facility--it is home. It is a place where friendships are formed, confidence is built, and dreams begin. God bless Jan, Vicky, Cory, and the entire Garrod family for everything they do. Their dedication has touched the lives of so many people, and their contributions to the community deserve recognition and support every single day.

My friend from Germany wanted to ride a horse while visiting the states, so I very last minute…read morecalled Garrod to see if they had any availability. I was easily able to book a private guided ride with just the two of us and an expert rider. Our guide was so nice and equipped us with everything we needed to have a safe, but fun trip. You can tell the horses are very well taken care of and loved by the staff at the stables. The tour itself had beautiful views overseeing Los Gatos. It was a reasonably priced experience and absolutely worth it!

Parking at the entrance lot is impossible unless you're one of the first ones there. Street parking…read moreis probably your best bet, but make sure to follow the no parking signs. It's a nice park with a few trails to choose from. You'll enter through a gate that closes behind you and if you're lucky you'll see cows immediately on the trail. The trail is a nice path that is sometimes muddy and sometimes with cow manure haha. We intended to do the Upper ranch trail but it was being blocked by a herd of cows and were forced to do another trail. Highly recommend if you like a semi-easy trail with moderate inclines and seeing cows!

Ive been in my active era and i cant believe i just found out about this hike. So beautiful and the…read morescenery is just breathtaking. You get the greenery, animals, city & water. We did about 6 miles and you obviously can do more or less but I definitely recommend.

An amazing resource for natural horsemanship, retreats, community connections and healing with…read morehorses. Lori and Ella are amazing teachers, women leaders and grounded community change makers who help all who visit and attend events lessons and retreats there meaningful and full of growth and wisdom.

My daughter first attended this camp in the summer of 2010. It was amazing! The property sits on a…read morehill over looking all of Monterey bay. The price was very reasonable plus they have scholarships available. My daughter learned to take care of and ride horses. She had fun dancing and learning aerial. she made beautiful art and got to perform in a play at the end of camp for all the parents. Horse and Heart is terrific! I highly recommend it.