Oh my goodness, Diane's riding place was truly spectacular. Diane took our 3 year old on about a 30 minute ride all around the property (not just around and around in a circle like most places) and our daughter LOVED it. Diane was so sweet and kind and this was a fantastic experience for us and our daughter! Highly recommend! read more

Diane's Riding Place - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bend, Oregon

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We came to Diane's 5 years ago, with neither of our kids ever having been on horses..my daughter, who was only 5 at the time wanted desperately to ride a horse. My son, who was 3, was terrified. He was in love by the end of his first ride as was our daughter. Five years later and we made it back! This time for our daughter's tenth birthday celebration. And while they ALL loved it, my son especially, said that he absolutely loved it. We now have 3 kids wanting horseback riding lessons and 5 kids that LOVED their day. Once again WE ALL loved the experience and thank Diane so much for the incredible experience. read more

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Diane is amazing with her horses and her knowledge and experience. Totally recommend Diane's Riding Place. read more

Diane and he assistant were super helpful and they clearly love what they do! They horses are clearly being taken care of properly and are loved! The grounds are well maintained and the trails are fun for what they are! My daughter is 3.5 yo and did phenomenally on Mr Bill! He was a sweet 27year old pony! This was the only place I could find I was willing to let a rambunctious 3 1/2-year-old get on the horse! Everywhere else, they wanted them to be at least five years old for some reason! to me this place is awesome. I highly recommend it and I will be coming back again. read more

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My daughter just had her first riding lessons at Diane's and loved it. Diane was super knowledgeable, helpful and patient. We can't wait to go back! read more

Diane's Riding Place - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bend, Oregon

We hadn't been to Diane's in years. I had taken my daughters when they were in there low teenage years. My wife booked a surprise visit for our 3 year old granddaughter for a 1/2 hour pony ride. When we arrived my granddaughter was a little apprehensive about getting onto ride "Lilly". Diane who is a mainstay in the area was terrific. My son had to accompany my granddaughter along the ride. Diane was encouraging, and helped engaged my granddaughter to ride Lilly . After the ride we all gathered around Lilly and petted her. We hope down the road we can come back with our other grandchildren and give them the same kind of experience our granddaughter had. read more

Absolutely love Diane & this place! We love coming every year to take my daughter and myself on a little pony ride! It's one of the things we look forward to every summer! read more

Diane's Riding Place - Pony ride - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bend, Oregon

Great place to take your kids to learn about horses, their care in addition to riding. Our five year old twins were trotting on full size horses within a couple of lessons! Diane, owner, is very committed and holds her students to a high standard when around the animals. I would highly recommend Diane's Riding Place. read more

Vicky and the mini horse, Lilly, made my four year old daughters' day! We are from out of state, and my little girl has been begging to "go ride horsies". After a quick search on yelp, we found Diane's. Vicky was so great with my daughter. We did a quick 30 min "pleasure ride", and that was perfect. When we are back in the state again visiting family, we will definitely be stopping back by! read more

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Took my 4 1/2 year old grandson to Diane's yesterday. He's been Horse Crazy since he was 2 or younger. He loved touring the Barn, seeing all the horses, the arena, the Tac Room. Most of all, his first Pony Ride on Mr. Bill. This was a Life Memory event for him. Diane did an amazing job with him. I can't imagine how many times she's done this for kids of all ages. She's an amazing person. Very safety conscious, instructional, fun and enthusiastic. I highly suggest that if you have a horse enthusiast in the family, take them to Diane's. There's a reason she's been doing this for so long. She's excellent at it. I'm sure we'll be back when ever my grandson comes over to central Oregon to visit. read more

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I took my two Daughters to Diane's Riding Place to celebrate their 6 & 8th birthdays. After searching the internet for a place for my kid's to go horseback riding, I was so happy to find this place. They had an absolute blast and gave their experience two thumbs up. This was their first time on a horse. Diane was such a lovely person to meet, and very knowledgeable that I felt very comfortable at her Riding place and so did my kids. She made them feel at ease right away and it was all smiles from there. All of the staff and employees we very nice and all were busy about the property doing there job. I also had my little two year old with me, so we played at the play house by the main building while my two bigger kids enjoyed a 30 min guided walk on horses around the property. We would go back and do it again. Thank you Diane and thank you to your team. read more

My 2 kids and I took a guided horseback ride today at Diane's Riding Place. Diane is terrific-- well prepared, great sense of humor, and a good teacher. Her staff also contributed to making this a positive experience for us. My kids, age 9 and 10, haven't ridden horses before. They enjoyed the ride and felt comfortable. We would recommend Diane's place for anyone who would like to spend some time on horseback. read more

I had an amazing time with my wife and would highly recommend this place! We really enjoyed the ride around Diane's property, she was great with our son as well and our whole family enjoyed our time there. Diane is very kind and even a great photographer!! Thank you for the great memories made & we will be back on our next trip to Oregon. read more

Diane's Riding Place - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bend, Oregon

This feels like a full circle review. After riding at almost every other place in the area, the consensus is that Diane's is the best. She is an awesome lady, fantastic with the kids and provides a very positive learning environment. While I still wish there was a little more of a trail ride experience, after having one child traumatized on a trail ride at another place in the area, I've come to really appreciate the experience here. read more

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Diane is awesome! She is so laidback, friendly, fun, but also no bull- she cares for the safety of her riders and horses. I love being able to go on the trail rides, learn tricks, and even canter my horse here. She is super patient and encouraging with my younger sister as well. My family always makes sure to stop by on our annual trip we love it so much. read more

My 3.5 year old had the best first riding experience today at Diane's. They put her on the perfect size and temperament pony, Lily. Then they took her all around the property for 20 minutes, including through a little obstacle course. The teens who led the horse talked to our kid throughout the ride and really engaged her the entire time. Our kid loved it and we will definitely be back! Thank you! read more

What a great place to take the family! Was like having riding lessons and a family horseback ride in the same trip!!! Great locally owned business. Very friendly and professional. So much fun and relaxing!! Thank you for such a great day!!! read more

My family of four went for the hour long horseback ride. We are not experienced riders; we had only gone on a trail ride a couple of years ago. This horseback riding was around Diane's ranch - and it was a totally different experience, and it was fantastic! I would highly recommend her ranch. Diane is great, and the ladies that she has to help lead and guide are fantastic. Side note, my oldest son is autistic, and they provided a little extra help for him and made sure he had a good time too. read more

Diane is great! We loved her. We go to Sunriver every year and every year, the kids ( now aged 13 to 21) want to ride horses. We've done the dusty trail rides so this year we tried Diane's. It is a pleasant drive from Sunriver to her astoundingly beautiful property. Diane is great with horses and kids and older teens/20-somethings. She let them ride in her arena to get used to the horses then took them on a ride around her huge property. She had little obstacles for them to ride through/over. The hour ended with them back in the arena - walking, trotting and loping. Our 4 riders varied in abilities (from first timer to seasoned rider) but all had a wonderful time. There was so much laughter and Diane was so encouraging. We'll definitely go back again next year. read more

We visited Diane's after getting a great deal on living social. My mom and I are both experienced riders and have owned horses for most of our lives up until about 8 years ago. We were very excited to get to ride again! Once Diane learned of our experience, she rode the aforementioned obstacles with us and chatted with us about horses and our life stories. We were a bit worried we'd get stuck ambling around and only allowed to walk our horses, but not at Diane's. She set us free a bit early (due to another portion of the group we were supposed to be paired with showing up much later) and let us do as we pleased in the arena. We shared so many laughs with Diane in just one hour, took pictures of her great view of the mountains and were thrilled to be able to get some freedom in our riding. Once the other latecomers joined us, she did a great job of melding the two very novice riders with us. Definitely worth going out for a ride with Diane and her beautiful horses! From first time riders to experienced riders that no longer own horses, Diane's is the place I'd recommend. Thanks Diane for your upbeat attitude and laughing with us! We truly enjoyed every minute and will most certainly be back. read more

Wow! so much fun!!! So exceeded our expectations!! Kids had so much fun and Diane super sweet and nice lady. So beautiful ranch with beautiful horses prices so good... read more

Diane's Riding Place - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bend, Oregon

Diane's Riding place was an unexpected treasure especially for our 6,5, & 2 year old. Most of the places in Bend Oregon require your kids to be 7 or older but Diane's riding place was excellent with our three little ones. She has little pony's who are so gentle and great for kids. She has riding helmets which fit even our 2 yr. old. She is fabulous with kids and warmed up our most fearful child in seconds. She charges $25.00 for 30min. and goes over the signals with your horse (pucker kiss = start) (Yee-Hah = having fun) (Whoa=stop) She has lots of energy and a fun little obstacle course to take your little ones on. This was so much better than being on a pony going round and round in a circle for 15min.! I am sure she accommodates older children to adults but our experience was with the little ones. This will be an annual tradition for us in the coming years. Thanks, Diane Here is her website: www.bendhorseride.com read more

My 12 year old daughter (both with no riding experience) had THE BEST time on a 1 hour pleasure ride. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. Diane was amazing with my daughter and made sure everyone felt comfortable and had a great time. We will be back for ride the next time we are in the area! read more

We had an amazing time! My daughter has always wanted to get on a horse, but it's difficult to find some basic riding places where we live (unless you commit to lessons, camp, or buying a horse). Diane and her staff were patient and skillful. I only wish that we lived closer - I would sign her up for camp. read more

This was the perfect first experience for my 8 y/o to get an intro to horseback riding. She was extremely nervous at first and by the time we were done, she was talking like she was a pro. Diane personally worked with us, walking alongside my daughter the entire hour, coaching her with patience and knowledge that helped my daughter get comfortable and confident in managing her horse. Overall, the best intro I could ask for for her. read more

If you have kids 4+ I would highly recommend this place. I can say anything bad but only have positive regards for Diane's riding place! Once I move out here, I plan to have Diane teach my daughter to ride and train all my future horses! Thank you Diane for a wonderful time and experience. read more

Exactly what this group of 4 was looking for during our Sun River vacation!! 42 yr old and 13 yr old with good riding experience, and 41 and 6 year old with no experience! Many stables in the area require kids to be at least 7. This was no question at Diane's. The ride around the property was beautiful and allowed for more engagement with the horses than riding in circles in a stable. Our 6 year old was riding on her own! All horses extremely well behaved! A fun 1 hour ride for all! 5 stars to Diane and Team. read more

This was my second time horseback riding in the area, and this one was a little different than my first time. Diane got us on our horses, rode us around the property, taught us some tricks and took some photos. She was really friendly, I just would have liked to go off the property to somewhere more country. Great prices though! Joe and Fiesta were the cutest, friendliest horses. read more

Diane is wonderful with kids. My daughter (7) and her cousin (3) loved riding. Great introduction to these wonderful animals for fun or lessons. read more

I came to Diane as a beginning rider. I've been on a horse maybe a half dozen times in my life. I was so very excited to make this new venture in my life at 58. From the moment I got there to 3 months later I still am very excited to be there learning from Diane. She is great with people, very professional, knowledgeable and highly encouraging! She has a gift. It's never boring. Always fun! I always leave excited for the next lesson. There is so much to learn about horsemanship and riding. I'm confident that she can keep teaching me. read more

Great place for a ride! Diane is a hoot and the setting is fantastic. Good value too for a one hour ride - my daughter loved it

Have taken two of our granddaughters there for fun. Excellent facility and staff would highly recommend it for children of all ages and level of experience. read more

I have been a client of Diane's for 13 years i have done kids camp to private group riding lessons... she has kept me up to date and confident in my skills to ride. has all types of horses pony rides to advanced!!!! BEST IN TOWN!!!!!! read more

I took my two year old daughter for an impromptu riding lesson here. Diane was fantastic. Patient and tactical about getting a first timer to feel comfortable around a pony. What a fabulous memory. Hope to be back soon. read more

We love Diane's! We ride here every year when we stay at Eagle Crest over spring break. Diane always matches us with the perfect horse for each of our skill levels. Diane is a hoot, and a great teacher to boot. We never miss the chance to ride with her. read more

Diane is great with kids, easy going and makes riding fun. We booked a one hour trail and arena time for our family of 7 with all different levels of experience. Everyone got to ride at their level. The price was so much better than the stables in SunRiver! Will be back here next year. read more

My daughters (8 and 10 yr old) just finished a week long camp at Diane's. They REALLY enjoyed the camp and learned so much. They are very new to horseback riding, having only done a handful of rides in the past. They not only learned some basic riding skills, but also learned a bit about taking care of horses, including scooping poop and bathing/grooming. Diane is so great with the kids, positive and so funny. My daughters are already to come back next summer. read more

My daughter and I first lesson with Diane and oh we all including Diane laughed and laughed and had the best time I have had in years. Diane made it SO much fun! And my horse Fiesta was just a sweet heart. Diane let us ride freely in the areana as she sat on her horse to oversee our riding skills. And then we rode all around on her property... What a blast. I live in Portland and my daughter in Bend. Would I do this again with Diane.....BIG YES. I highly recommend this to those that love to ride....thanks again Diane!!!!! read more

"You get what you pay for" applies here! This is a low budget, low overhead operation. First - Beware that it is a cash/check only business! (Strange, considering the relatively high cost of services and being in a tourist area.) There was no warning of this in Diane's ad-card/flyer nor when I made the reservation. Consequently, after the "I'm sorry, cash/check only, " I had to drive 3 miles to an ATM to get the additional cash needed, plus will get hit with the ATM fees. Diane is friendly in a rough Western way and she seems to work well with children and spends 10-15 minutes with orientation and horse handling. The trail ride itself was mediocre, in a hot, dusty, open environment (July). Nevertheless, our granddaughter appeared to enjoy her experience. The Sunriver Stables has better trails, office, setting, staff, etc., but it does cost $15 more and, at least, takes credit cards! read more

We enjoyed our time at Diane's. We were tourists from Portland, visiting Bend, with very little experience on horseback. Diane made it fun, casual and safe. The 'trail ride' isn't much more than taking a bit of a tour around the ranch, and for folks that are experienced with horses, I'm sure it's not too exciting. But for newbies like us it was just right and a great way to get a little time on a horse. Mine was a sweetheart (Fiesta) and my daughter had a great time also. Locals obviously enjoy the lessons there. Recommended. Thanks Diane. read more