I'm an adult doing lessons for a little over a month now and I've been so impressed by everyone at…read moreMWS. Theresa, Brigga and Madison have been patient explaining things to me and their passion for riding is evident in their work. My weekly lesson is the highlight of my week. Thank you, MWS!

Our Mommy and Me hobby!! In my younger years I rode, but…read moretook a big break to start a career and family. Fast forward to my daughter being 7 & feeling the same horse bug I once did, we found Mark West Stables. The initial lesson program to start kids (& their mommys) out is fabulous! The Summer Camps are fully catered to kids. They teach hands on horsemanship & skill improvement. These camps provided my daughter the basics she needed to move to the next level. Both my daughter and I were fitted with outstanding leases on pony and horse that enabled us to become a part of the regular training curriculum and ultimately members of the Mark West Family. On our journey, we have supported & educated with each step from tack to next level horses & their care. Mark West Stables is our home away from home & I encourage anyone who is looking to get back in the saddle or mount up for the first time to reach out & come up to see what my daughter and I are so in love with!

I'm a lifelong horse-lover. I grew up riding and showing Saddlebred horses in Oklahoma. After…read morecollege and moving to California I found myself 8 years out of the saddle. I never really thought I could find a trainer or facility that compared to where I grew up riding. Then I found Brigitte Scholl and Monarch on the American Saddle Horse Association website in January of 2010. Monarch Stables is the best barn I could ever have imagined. The facility is beautiful, well-equipped, and serene. Most importantly, Brigitte Scholl, the owner and trainer is a true horse whisperer and a gifted riding instructor. She operates every aspect of Monarch Stables with passion and integrity. Every horse is cared for immaculately and in a manner uniquely suited to his/her personality. Every rider has Brigitte's undivided attention. If you're a veteran rider or a novice who's always wanted to give Saddleseat riding a shot, you will be equally welcomed. If your child has been bugging you for horseback riding lessons, go for it! In my opinion there's no better outlet: through horseback riding they can learn the subtleties of communication with both horses and people, the responsibility of caring for an animal, the self-confidence that comes from competing with true sportsmanship.

I've been so impressed with Monarch Stables. My 7 year old granddaughter started her initiation…read moreinto this wonderful world of horses last September. She had had the best experience one could have with the expertise, and extraordinary patience! of her trainer Cheyenne Cairns. The facilities are in a beautiful setting, and there are many options for riding - even in inclement weather! I am a complete novice to this sport, and everyone I've met have been very helpful and supportive. From my first visit in 2018, Brigitte Scholl has always been warm and patient with my questions and concerns. I highly recommend this facility for anyone, and especially for folks new to the sport. Thanks to all at Monarch Stables!

Love the facilities. I have brought my horse here for their monthly schooling shows!Another great…read morething to check out at the Santa Rosa Equestrian Center is their European Pony School!

Lauren A. I wish I could help you out but I know almost nothing about equines. The only thing I…read moreknow is that they need lots of love and patience. They are intelligent creatures and can pick up on negative people.

Review #132 - 2020…read more I've always wanted to take my 4-year old daughter out on a horseback riding adventure, but every place that I've looked into has an age requirement of 8 and up. Sadly, we'd have to wait another 4 years in order for her to enjoy that experience. Luckily, I saw Triple C Ranch's ad pop on my Facebook page for their kids's horseback riding summer camp so I dug in a little deeper to see where they were located and what the age requirement was. I sent Cianna a message on July 6th and she responded almost immediately. We went back and forth on what would work for my daughter and I and we decided to schedule our adventure for Thursday, July 9th at 4 PM. I decided to ask my 11-year old and my 15-year old nieces to see if they would be interested in coming along and they were super excited! The day came and GPS showed that we would arrive at 3:15 PM so I immediately sent Cianna a message asking her if it was ok if we showed up early. She was super sweet & accommodating and agreed to meet us at 3:30 PM. Sadly, because I wasn't familiar with the area and I had no cell reception, we didn't show up until 3:45 PM. So much for GPS! When we arrived, Cianna was still assisting her other customer so I didn't feel too bad for showing up late. From the first moment that we showed up to the last moment before we left, the girls were super excited. My daughter and my 11-year old niece took turns riding on Jake, while my 15-year old niece and I took turns riding on Tanner. Being that it was our first time on a horseback ride, I was kind of scared because Tanner is huge! Cianna made us feel super safe and comfortable! She gave each of the girls a fitted helmet, while I didn't need one since I'm over 18. Being that it was so hot, Cianna gave us the option to ride in the indoor arena. Yay!! We got to ride for 15 minutes each, but my daughter didn't want to get off. I originally wanted to do the half hour ride for each of us, but I was afraid it would be too long and my daughter would be scared so I thought 15 minutes was safer. The girls couldn't stop talking about how much fun they had and how nice Cianna was the whole drive back home. They're already asking me when we can come back again...these kids are definitely spoiled! If it wasn't such a far drive for us, I'd be coming once a month, but we'll have to see when I'm willing to make the drive back out again ;) My older brother & younger sister also said they're interested, so we'll have an even bigger group next time we return. Thank you, Cianna, for opening up your stable for us to enjoy!!

A friend and I did an adult day camp. We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and then…read moretook a ride through the vineyards. After our ride they provided us a lovely brunch. It was a beautiful day I will always remember! highly recommend!

Simonne was great with my first lesson. She was very positive, and gave great feedback. She…read morealways encourages me to push myself to improve. Her care and understanding in riding techniques shows in each of our riding sessions.

From the owner: Simonne Berg began…read moreher riding career in dressage, later moving to show jumping at age of 13. Simonne progressed to the FEI Grand Prix level after years of hard work and determination. In 2021, Simonne and her horse Cooper earned their first FEI Grand Prix victory at the Split Rock Jumping Tour’s Sonoma International, a season marked by personal tragedy with the sudden loss of her boyfriend. In 2023, she debuted in her first senior championship for team USA at the FEI Jumping World Cup Final. Simonne runs Berg Equestrian Enterprises in Santa Rosa, focusing on training, sales, and flatwork development

Crysta is amazing! I really appreciated her approach to teaching and horses…read more It was easy to schedule riding lessons with her, and she was quick to respond when I reached out. I don't have my own horse, and I'm basically a beginning rider. She paired me with her horse, Bubbles, who is lovely. Crysta asked what I'd like to work on and we went from there. We focused a lot on getting in tune with my body and the horses movements - it really made a difference over just a few lessons. She was patient, positive, and explained why we need to do what we do as riders. We also worked on basic horsemanship and a little groundwork, which was new to me and so fun. Overall, my experience was wonderful and I walked away with a better understanding of horses and riding. I wish I lived closer so I could take lessons from her regularly!

Crysta does a wonderful job with her horses. Professional, kind and has a great relationship with…read moreher horses in training. She has a way of recognizing each horses special needs and enhances their natural abilities to their fullest.

I like Sara Horse Trainer's methods with the horses. Her horses are so well cared for, well groomed…read moreand ready for the riders. I especially like the horse Julie. She is very elegant and very nice to ride in. I will highly recommend Sara but you do have to work. You have to groom the horse you ride. Also ask her to use the speaker horn so you can hear her instructions well. I love horses and getting to know them is really a precious adventure. Sara does provide that environment. Take all necessary precautions like wearing helmet, start slow and thorough, and be sensitive to the horse and yourself. You will have a lifetime enjoyment. Good luck.

From the owner: In business in the Silicon Valley since 2014, Hoofprint farms is a professional quality Horseback…read moreRiding School that has relocated to the North Bay as of June 2022. We specialize in English Hunter/Jumper Horseback Riding that is focused on the wellbeing over the horse in every aspect of our interaction with them. We offer Horseback Riding Lessons, Training, Jumping, Hunters, Hunters and Jumping, Lesson Program, Trail Riding, Birthday Parties, Therapy, Groundwork, Horsemanship, Boarding, Rehabilitation, and more. Hoofprint Farms’ program is dedicated to teaching children and adults to ride in the English discipline. We are focused on establishing the essential foundation of horsemanship skills necessary for the successful fulfillment of goals in every equestrian discipline. We place a high value on being able to attain our goals while maintaining safety as our primary concern, and of course we have a lot of fun while doing it.

Anne and her team at Karuna are great. I've had my horse with her for four months now for…read morerehab/training and he is doing better than ever despite getting older. Unlike other barns, the team has a deep knowledge of equine nutrition, correct movement and correct hoof trimming and their effects on the health and performance of a horse. Everything is based on being as close to nature as possible, they feed timothy and orchard hay and they have it tested regularly. My horse is coming back from a tendon injury and Anne has been riding my boy in the correct frame to allow strengthening and in accordance with the doctor's plans. Her style is the French line of classical dressage and she has a lesson program too (which I have not partaken in yet as I live farther away and only come once a week to school my boy by myself). They have an outdoor arena with great footing and generous size individual turnouts for the horses. And the atmosphere at the barn is very relaxed and peaceful. Horse people will know that's not easy to find :)

Another stable that did not call me back! Why are you listed for people to call and not answering…read moreyour phone or messages?

SO awesome to go wine tasting without leaving city limits! This complex of urban tasting rooms in…read moreSanta Rosa is a great way to enjoy the perks of wine country, without making the drive. Yes, it's lovely to visit the postcard-perfect wineries surrounded by real live vines, but when a trip to the country isn't realistic, you can pay a visit to Vintner's Square and taste the same heavenly juice from multiple wineries in an ultra-casual setting. Luckily, my best friend lives down the street so we don't even need a designated driver. Perks! MJ Lords, Sheldon, and Krutz share a nice space with full barrels lining the walls, while D'Argenzio has their own tasting room (and cafe?) next door. It's not uncommon for the winemaker to be hanging around, and it's amazing how much you can learn while drinking with the boss! The coolest part is knowing these are small production wines, typically less than 100 cases each. So if you fall in love with a certain bottle, you can take it home knowing it's truly a work of hand-man art. Luscious, liquid craftsmanship at it's best. How can you say no to that? On Thursday nights the complex transforms into a miniature block party with "happy hour" specials, live music, and a taco truck. Mark your calendar!

Fun time winetasting with bocce ball, live music and a gourmet food truck on Thursdays! $5 gets you…read more4 tastes plus a glass of your favorite. Nice place to relax without driving too far. You can buy bottles of wine to take home but they will be expensive unless you join their wine club.