I honestly had high hopes for this experience, especially since I've been eager to learn more about…read morehorses. I read the glowing reviews and expected a warm, educational, and patient environment because everyone seemed to love it. Unfortunately, that's not what I got. From the beginning, communication was confusing and inconsistent. When we called, we were told we'd get to groom and saddle the horses ourselves, which I was really excited about since I'd only learned grooming in the past. we did groom the horses, but with putting the saddle on, that part was completely skipped and she did it all herself. I asked about it and was brushed off with a vague "let's stay in the present moment" comment--something she repeated often to avoid directly answering questions. It came off dismissive, not peaceful. The ride itself was stressful. I'd told her it was my first time riding without a lead guide and this is my first time having full control. She didn't offer any instruction on how to stop or control the horse before mounting. The horses clearly had a strong bond with her and would follow her no matter what, even when I tried using the reins. I was told to "have control" but wasn't shown how to do that properly and beforehand. I had no control because the horses were trained to follow her--not us. And then I got blamed for it. At one point, my horse started walking off and I didn't know how to stop him. Instead of calmly helping me and telling me what to do, the guide stood there silently with her arms crossed and an annoyed or pissed off expression followed with annoyed sighing and rude comments like "oh gosh help me" acting like I was supposed to know everything even though it was known I'm a beginner at this. Later, when I finally got a basic instruction ("pull the reins to your stomach and say hooo"), I followed it--but the horse still didn't respond fully, because again, it was just fixated on her. That's not a beginner rider's fault. She also snapped at us multiple times over small misunderstandings--like which halter to grab--and never took the time to clearly explain what we were doing wrong, or how to do it better. My mom even asked a question after the ride, and the guide cut my mom off followed by an annoyed "Anyways...." and no question was answered. It was hard to enjoy the experience when the environment didn't feel calm, or respectful. For someone who talks a lot about peace and presence, she was surprisingly impatient, reactive, and dismissive. If you're a total beginner, I'd strongly suggest finding a place that's more beginner-friendly--where the horses are better trained for guests, and the instructor actually takes time to teach, guide, and support you with patience. Seems like i'm not the only one with this problem and I wish I read the reviews on a proper website beforehand. Super unprofessional and bipolar behavior. Honestly felt like a big scam. She has us do the hard work for the majority of the time but once it was time to start riding, we immediately got scolded and rode for not even 20 minutes? This experience wasn't it.

My daughter and I spent a wonderful and amazing evening at Western Trail Rides for her birthday…read morethis September. The horses Trigger, Oliver and Levi were all so therapuetic, calm, and seemed happy to help us on our 1st meeting and trail ride. Melissa was a fantastic coach as well and you can really tell she absolutely loves her boys (horses). She had a very caring, calm and patient energy as well which made us feel at home. We both left with the biggest smiles after feeding the horses some carrots at the end of our evening. I would recommend completely for anyone or any families looking to try something new and or just down to earth petting and grooming of these majestic animals. Absolutely going back and thankful it was within our budget to go back again.

Great quality and quantity fish shrimp and oysters service good great value with family meals. Our…read morego to place for fried fish

I have been catching incredible sunsets here for years. My husband finally experienced Ojai's "pink…read moremoment" for the first time last month. December and January are the best months to catch a spectacular sunset. Highway 150 is one of the most scenic drives in Ventura County, and this viewpoint is a must no matter what time of day. Ojai lies below, surrounded by mountains protected within nature preserves.

Fabulous! We loved our beach ride. What a lovely and unique experience…read more Our guide was lovely. She was so patient and kind, especially since I am not an experienced rider. My daughter is and this was her wish. I was going to spend time with her. The horses were excellent and gentle. I would highly recommend if you want to ride while in the area

Loved this experience. My partner took me for a little anniversary surprise and was unforgettable…read moreadventure! The horses were very calm & comfortable the whole time! The trainers with us were also calm and informative. I never felt unsafe or scared. It drizzled a bit, however, still had a great time! We stopped to have a little picnic that they prepared for us! Overall very professional & great experience

Great place to hone your jumping skills. Owner, Trainer, Jonathan is a competitive Show Jumper. He…read morehas developed a system to take much of the guesswork out of grids, strides and courses. If you want to jump your horse higher, look no further. Point Break Farms also produces high value jumpers(horses.) Located at the same ranch with Krystal Clemente of Black Mountain Horses (Eventing/3-day Trials) and Hannah Finch (National Hunter/Jumper/Dressage Champion 2022) . This family of Grand Prix level equestrians are the trifecta of great horsemanship.

My daughter wanted to jump at a more advanced level and compete, so a friend recommended Jonathan…read morePhemister Kennedy from www.pointbreakfarms.com, her progress has been truly amazing. If you are ready to lease or own, he doesn't rush you into a horse, he devotes his full attention to finding a horse that is perfect for you. Jonathan helped us find the perfect horse for Jenna and we couldn't be happier. He cares deeply for the health and happiness of his horses and riders.Jonathan's positive teaching style and rock solid hunter jumper background makes him the absolute best in Santa Barbara. The program at www.pointbreakfarms.com offers very focused, personalized, patient instruction that builds confidence and horsemanship as well as ability. They work with riders from beginners to the A circuit. Jonathan trains some of the top horses and riders on the west coast, and has competed at the top levels himself, so he knows exactly what it takes to get you there. Even if you don't show, you are getting that same level of training. If you don't have your own horse, they have very high quality horses available for lessons and shows

Jaime was our leader for the ride and was amazing! Very knowledgeable and patient with our group…read more We were celebrating my bachelorette and it felt as we had a private experience. Would be back in a heartbeat and request Jaime! Also the guy checking us in, can't remember his name, but he was also so nice and sweet! Great experience overall!

This Ranch is so beautiful the pictures don't do justice! I've been on many horse back rides all…read moreover the US and the guide from Montana that does the tours is phenomenal! He loves what he does, is very knowledgeable, pleasant to talk to and shared a lot of nice stories about the outdoors. He is definitely an asset to Circle Bar Stables. For anyone booking try to go on his tour!! The nice gentleman that answers the phones is very sweet, I had to call several times to change my tour and he was so helpful I can tell he has been with the Stables a long time and loves being there. When I arrived I was the only one and he told me to go walk around while I was waiting I guess he read my mind. I had to take off 2 stars because of the Gentleman from Texas that works there. He honestly seems like he hates his job, he asked me several times if I was on a horse before and I told him give me any horse I'll be fine. He chose AXE and while he was bringing him over to me AXE was being a little stubborn and didn't want to come not because he didn't go on the trail but he was uncomfortable with the Texan. What bothered me most was he said "AXE STOP BEING A JERK" which made me really upset and uncomfortable. I don't like it when people wok with animals and call them derogatory names.

My fiancé (then boyfriend) surprised me with a sunset beach horseback ride, where he ended up…read moreproposing. Our guide Lukas was great! Friendly and made the experience even more memorable for us. He took a ton of photos without us needing to ask him to and captured a wonderful video of the proposal. We had such a great time and we will definitely be back! Incredible experience.

Pure MAGIC! The sunset ride is a great mix of…read moretrail/orchard scenery and a good amount of beach time! Lukas was our guide and was very helpful- even took a ton of pics for us! He also knew the horses all very well in regards to their personalities. Definitely worth it as a bucket list adventure.

I'd never been a horse person, or even interested in horseback riding throughout any point in my…read morelife. After coming out to the ranch and meeting the horses, Tiffany let me groom them and showed me that they are really just giant teddy bears that want love and company. We went for a trail ride after she taught me some of the basics, and wasn't overbearing or rude in any way to the fact that I was new to all of this. I rode on Flash, one of the beginner horses, and FLASH IS SUCH A SWEETHEART! She understood that I didn't know what I was doing, and took it slow with me, readjusting herself if she noticed I was leaning to a side. Not only is Tiffany a friendly, experienced horseowner and trail guide, but she is excellent in matching the rider to the horse to make the rides the most enjoyable. Now that I've decided I am definitely a horse person, I would absolutely recommend Trail Rides of Ojai to everyone!

Tiffany is of the most knowledgeable trainers out there. Does not use a lot of horse jargon. She…read moreknows it but she doesn't feel the need to use it to impress you. Instead she explains things in terms you can understand. I picked up a lot of bad habits over the years. She fixed them all in three lessons. Highly recommended