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

I've been taking lessons at CRA for about a year now as an adult beginner and I look forward to my…read morelessons every week. I love arriving at the barn and seeing all the beautiful horses. The owner and staff are all lovely as well. My favorite thing about CRA is the amount of progress I feel I've made after each lesson. The instructors are all very knowledgable and always provide helpful feedback that has helped me with my equestrian journey. Definitely give this place a visit! Plus, they've got the cutest pony, Merlin! (see attached photo)

I am so happy to have found California Riding Academy in Pacifica. The barn is super convenient…read morefor me to get to from San Francisco - I can easily take a weekday morning lesson before my PM shift at the hospital. The horses are incredibly well cared for. The barn and arena are very nice. My instructor Sierra is very helpful and patient. I was finally getting strong enough to really properly post the trot when the Covid19 lock down hit. I cannot wait to get back to the barn and to the horses. I highly recommend California Riding Academy.

Brenda runs an amazing program out of Shiloh West. You can tell she truly cares about the success…read moreof her clients and health of her horses. She is a very talented dressage trainer and has great other talented trainers working for her. I have been leasing a horse through her program for a few months and highly recommend her and her facility.

We haven't rode with these guys yet but I have to give them 5 stars just for their demeanor and…read moreattitude from what I've seen so far. We popped in to see if we could ask about some of their horses for lease and were able to talk to Brenda as well as her trainer Kyana. They were so nice, informative and welcoming and that's a breath of fresh air from the reception we've been getting at other barns! We're searching for a new trainer since ours is moving and they are on the top of the list. We've been with the same horses and barn for a long time and switching to a new place can be intimidating, we didn't feel uncomfortable and they offered to let us watch a lesson. We will be circling back around to them when the time comes! The barn is also COVID conscious masks being worn which is appreciated.

Kristen is an amazing instructor! Not only is she incredibly kind, flexible, and patient, but she's…read morealso a very skilled teacher for anyone looking to learn western riding. Her lesson horses are all wonderful to learn on, and I love the warm and welcoming community Kristen has fostered at her barn over the years. Through Kristen, I have become a better horsewoman, and she has even helped me through the process of owning my first horse! I highly recommend Rancho de las Reinas for beginning riders and anyone looking to learn more about western riding.

Learning how to ride horses with Kristen Zuraek at Rancho de las Reinas has changed my life. Before…read morestarting lessons with Kristen over 4 years ago, I had minimal experience with horses, no riding knowledge, but a desire to learn how to interact with these powerful animals. Thanks to her down-to-earth, patient instruction, I am now a skilled Western trail rider. Every week, I look forward to my time in the saddle; centering myself on the beautiful trails of Los Altos Hills; and getting in touch with the horse. Horses are wonderful creatures that can teach us so much about ourselves, and the lesson horses at Rancho de las Reinas are no exception. If you are looking for beginner Western riding lessons on trustworthy horses, taught by a friendly, knowledgeable professional, then look no further! Going to Rancho de las Reinas might just be the best decision you ever made.

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!

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.

Amazing with children to adults of all ages! Beginner-friendly horses to intermediate level riding,…read moreboth Western and English. Great place to learn!

My daughter wanted to ride a horse for her 6th birthday and finding Urban Cowgirl Ranch was a…read morehidden gem! On the website you can find the number to contact someone about the toddler tot program. But basically they allow kids a chance to meet horses, get comfortable around them and then ride them. The staff were amazing and great with kids. We got to pet some rabbits and meet many horses. The most kid friendly horse the kids can even paint and turn into a unicorn, a little girls dream! My daughter got to ride 2 horses and loved it. I couldn't recommend this place enough.