Steve was friendly & talkative, his horses are cared for & they were well trained. We asked to do a beach trail but instead we met at Manzanita County Park. It was a hard trail with no shade & lots of ups & downs & steep hills. It was hot & instead of a 2hr tour it lasted almost 3hrs. There wasn't enough padding under the saddle so our butts were hurting, especially the last hour. We've been on 10+ horseback riding tours. This was the first time we didn't have to sign waivers or wear helmets & Steve was encouraging first time riders to stand on top of the horse. The horses liked to gallop & trot, I had to keep slowly down my horse. If you're on a schedule & prefer a more structured tour & don't want to trot or gallop, this is NOT the tour for you. He doesn't take pictures unless you ask him to & he said he'd send us pictures but never did. So make sure you stay & have him send the pictures before you leave. read more

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Steve is top notch in all ways imaginable. I can't tell you how many trail/beach rides I've been on (too many to count) and In all honestly, NONE of them compare to what Steve offers. Real talk, he goes above and beyond to make sure you're really enjoying your time with these amazing horses and creating unforgettable memories which are honestly priceless. He has so many stories, jokes and wisdom to share. His passion for horses and ability to make people feel as ease is a true gift. Thank you, we'll for sure be back again! ;) read more

Flying horse adventures - Horseback Riding Near Me

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We had a wonderful time with Steve and another couple on a recent trail ride. The horses were great and Steve was super friendly, supportive and took lots of photos and videos for us without us even asking. Highly recommend! Just a tip that it's not a beach side ride like I had thought from other pics. Instead we went through a pretty hillside with lots of opportunities to go fast. Thanks Steve! read more

Steve is amazing! We absolutely loved our trail ride with him, the whole family had a great time and everyone got their own horse. We'd definitely recommend booking with him! read more

Flying horse adventures - Horseback Riding Near Me

Amazing ride with expert guide. Steve was a great, friendly guide. He tailored the ride to our skill level and experience. I would rate this as a "do not miss out experience"!! The trail itself was breathtaking, winding through scenic landscapes. The horses were well trained and appropriate for beginners and experienced riders. read more

This was by far the best horseback riding experience of our lives! My husband and I went to Monterey for our honeymoon and really wanted to do horseback riding so decided to try this business. Steven, the owner, was so incredible and made the experience very worthwhile. He made sure we got the right horses for our skill level and even let us canter! Which was so much fun compared to the more boring trail rides I've been on. It was just such an awesome and personalized experience overall, and we're already looking forward to doing it again the next time we visit Monterey. read more

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The Highlight of the trip! Our 21 year old niece and her friend were visiting and really wanted to do a beach ride. Steve was super accommodating even at short notice. He was careful in matching the horse to the each riders' skill level, but not so careful as to stifle their good time. He and his helper were excellent guides, did not rush the experience and everyone felt very comfortable. The beach is only about 30 minutes north of Monterey, beautiful, empty and wide open. A must do for the equine inclined! read more

The best trail ride I've ever been a part of. The horses are sure footed and did everything I asked mine too. I sadly don't own my own horse anymore so to have a ride that was not nose to tail walking the whole time was incredibly freeing and felt like I was home in the saddle again. Steve is so kind and cared that we all rode to our level which is more than rare. Loped as much as everyone wanted which was fantastic. 100% the most incredible ride. Manzanita Park is beautiful and the trails were easy. Wide, smooth and with Steve as your guide you will have the ride of a lifetime. Like I said I've owned horses my whole life and since my beloved boy passed away I've missed connecting with a horse and nature more than I knew. BRAVO Steve. See you again soon. read more

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Our horseback ride with Steve was absolutely incredible! He let us run the horses, which made the experience feel so freeing and unforgettable. The views were breathtaking. Honestly, it was one of the coolest things we've ever done. Steve was so friendly and clearly knows what he's doing. If you're even thinking about booking a ride -- do it. You'll be talking about it for years. read more

Super fun and safe ride. I had a great time. Loved my horse a big TB who moved really nice.

Had an amazing time would love to do it every weekend ... my wife's first time and she loved it as well read more

Flying horse adventures - Horseback Riding Near Me

This is the best riding i've ever experienced! Sir Steve is the best horse whisperer!!! Very gentle with his horses and very knowledgeable, The ride was unbelievable fantastic! I couldn't put into words how happy i am with the experience, It felt like i'm on a fairytale really! I love his accent too! Thank You Sir Steve for the best ride! Can't wait to do it again! read more

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Such an amazing experience. Steven made sure we were comfortable with the horses and took us on a variety of trails. His comedy and accent were top tier which made the ride even more enjoyable. The horses are very well taken care of and we would definitely book again. read more

Absolutely incredible experience!!! If you want more than the typical walk/trot behind another horse trail ride experience, look no further! Steve was amazing! My daughter and I spent the evening galloping all over the beach as the sun set. Could not have been a better experience! Even as a horse owner myself, this was one of the best trail rides I've ever had! read more

Flying horse adventures - Horseback Riding Near Me

Steve / Flying Horse asked questions and actively listened to get a real sense of the kind of experience we were most interested in. He went out of his way to make it happen and seemed to sincerely want us to have a great time. Steve was flexible in scheduling - working around some rainy patches and our shifting itinerary, customizing our ride based on our interests & riding level. He's funny and his enjoyment of riding is contagious - making the experience feel like an adventure with a trusted friend. We saw lots of amazing things on our recent vacation in CA but my daughters agree that their Flying Horse ride was the best part of the whole trip. read more

AWESOME EXPERIENCE! My wife and I decided to book Steve for horseback riding but did not really know what we were getting ourselves into. However, the experience was completely worth the time and money. It was peaceful, exhilarating, fun, and informative! Would definitely do it again with Steve. He was very knowledgeable, kind, and funny! Had a great time joking around and honestly while safety is important I actually really loved that we didn't have to wear helmets. My wife and I felt that it was a more personal experience and now I can say I've stood on a horse to everyone haha. Overall, highly recommend! We chose 8am start time which was perfect! It was cloudy blue skies the entire time so the sun was not an issue and the horses are well-trained. We felt safe the entire time. Definitely recommend to wear boots and gloves if you have them but Steve thankfully had some spare gloves for me to wear. Can't forget to mention that we literally got to actually canter and somewhat gallop at certain points throughout the 2 hour ride which was so much fun. If anyone is looking for an amazing horseback riding experience, trust me when I say look no further! read more

Steve provided such a fun experience for all 5 of us. We had a group including an experienced rider all the way down to a 6 year old with no experience. A great time was had by all and we each got a horse just right for us! Thank you, Steve, for making our day such a memorable one! read more

Steve is the best! This was an incredible experience for my group especially for us who were first time riders! His horses know what they are doing and how to work well with beginners! He definitely showed us a good time by not only taking us around a gorgeous trail with beautiful views but by letting us trot and even cantor with the horses if we were comfortable with it! I 1000% would book with Steve again! I will say he does send you coordinates to the meet up location so don't be alarmed, read more

Worth it! Had so much fun!!! The best part of my trip!! I will definitely go back next time I'm in the area!

I don't like writing reviews, but I love horses and some times you just have to be there voice. I will start by saying Steve is a super nice guy, I know he has been doing this for a long while, that being said he should know better on caring for the horses that earn him money, caring for his horses safety and welfare period. Safety comes 1st . Frist thing is you do NOT EVER haul 4 horses in a two horse trailer!!! That can be a recipe for a disaster!!! It is so unsafe.... In all my years riding going to horse show competing I have never seen such a thing.......Special on completely balled tires on the horse trailer seeing this right off the start had my gut in knots The horse that I was supposed to have been riding clearly had some discomfort going on, Throwing its head with just slight pressure, I didn't know weather it was the bit, his horse pad/blanks or the horse was just burned out from a long day it could have been a number of things, but something was off. The other two horses were ok but needed better padding underneath there saddles. The tack on these horses are so old especially the saddle pads and blankets, so uncomfortable looking for the horses. If your not a horse person or have been around horses hardly at all a new rider would not notices these things they might think it's all normal, In my opinion the horses need a little more TLC, they deserve to be comfortable as well, especially if your looking for a nice ride. Now I don't wish to sound harsh nor am I trying to throw Steve under the bus, however the safety and care of his horses should come frist. I felt compelled to write a review. I wish our experience would have been a better one. I was so excited to ride on the beach that day, but it was actually an upsetting experience for me. So would I recommend this outfit .....my answer would be No. I am sure people who go with flying horse adventures experience have had fun, but for me it was a gut wrenching read more

Absolutely Fantastic Horseback Riding Experience! Steve is great rider, excellent guide, and a better person. Horses can be intimidating beasts but Steve was incredibly patient and relaxed, always in control, and made us feel completely at ease throughout the entire ride. His amicable conversation made the experience even more enjoyable. Steve expertly led my fiancé and me on a lovely ride through a beautiful park near moss landing. We've been on several horseback riding tours in the past, but this was by far our favorite and most memorable. The horses were exceptionally well-trained and clearly loved what they do. Shoutout to Snowflake and Gunner for being beautiful and trusty steeds. Highly recommend this service, especially for beginners. It was a truly memorable experience and worth every penny. read more

Steve was such a great find! He is kind, very bubbly and funny. A very easy-going person - booking was very easy and smooth. You contact him and he gets right back to you. He works with you on what kind of ride you're wanting to take and is willing to make a little bit more effort in order to make that happen. His horses are very well taken care of & very well mannered and trained. Absolutely beautiful horses with beautiful coats. Steve let us trot a few times which was a lot of fun - he lets you do what is most comfortable for you and made sure we were okay with it beforehand. He told us some of his wonderful stories of his life in his homeland of Australia. He's a very down to earth person and we enjoyed his presence immensely. He took pictures for us as well as videos and made sure to continually check that we were okay and not in need of help. This was my birthday gift from my spouse, it was a very very special experience. I have recommended him to all my friends, I very much appreciated his sincerity & the one on one contact with us to make sure we were very comfortable for our ride. 10/10 would recommend Steve for your next adventure. read more

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The greatest experience of my life. Steve was amazing and a very funny guy. He truly made the ride so much better. Highly recommend

Steve was such a pleasure and very accommodating with our last minute request. Such a fun experience!

It was an absolute joy to ride with Steve and his well trained horses through Manzanita Park and Moss Landing Beach. He teaches you the basics fairly quickly and if you are up for it, you can gallop and more! Flying Horse Adventures is highly recommended by the locals! read more

Flying horse adventures - Steve teaching some more horse riding basics at Moss Landing Beach. - Horseback Riding Near Me

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Hands down one of the best trail rides I've ever been on!!! Other than beautiful views and great horses, Steve was a show stopper! The man from down under made the whole experience all the better with his countless hilarious stories, fantastic advice and cheerful demeanor! If you are looking to learn while having having an awesome adventure I 1000% recommend!!! Thank you Steve for such a great day and for helping us make a memory to last a life time! read more

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Loved! Steve was a great guide and my family had the nicest time. We had the opportunity to ride on the beach, which was amazing. The horses are so beautiful and sweet. I loved the horse, Sally, that I was assigned to ride. read more

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Steve was FANTASTIC! Met us exactly where he said and exactly when he said. We met and were riding within 12 minutes. Horses were great, very well mannered and beautiful. Steve lead us up and down hills with beautiful views. It was a perfect day and I will only be calling Steve for anything horse related going forward. read more

Flying horse adventures - Stitch, Sally, and Ready. - Horseback Riding Near Me

Awesome time, awesome guide.... Don't be alarmed by the looseness of Steve's communication he will show you a great time Thanks Steve! HEIDE read more

Such an awesome experience!! Riding on the beach at sunset was so incredible! Highly recommend!! read more

Flying horse adventures - Horseback Riding Near Me

One of the absolute best trail rides and experiences with horses I've ever had. If you're only reading the first two sentences of this review then know this, BOOK ASAP. Steven was quick to pick up and accommodate our 4 person trip just two days before the weekend during a very bustling time in the Monterey/Salinas area. Even more impressive to my indecisiveness, he was able to allow a 5th person to join our trail ride just hours before our scheduled appointment!! Steven was very personable and patient with our varied skill levels and riding experience. I felt that he matched each of us with horses that were our best fit. The cost and length was of the trip was 100% reasonable and well WORTH IT. Bonus: after our ride was over, Steven let us know that he had a couple new foals back at his ranch and let us come meet them (what?!?). Literal horse girl dreams made a reality. Long story short, Steven and his horses are amazing, he knows what he's doing, he loves his horses and he provided us an experience we will absolutely never forget. read more

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My boyfriend and I had a private ride with Steve. Steve made it fun, light-hearted and extremely enjoyable. He even switched horses with me when the one I was riding on was in a "mood" because it could sense my fear. I appreciate his time, patience and enthusiasm. Thank you Steve read more

We had the best time! Steven was so good with our kids teaching them about riding and totally made our vacation riding on the beach! We highly recommend! read more

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We were a party of 3 with a range of riding experience (nervous novice adults to confident teenager). Steve, our guide, took us on a 3-hour ride that included some beautiful trails. Steve was funny and laid back and put us at ease. It was clear that Steve knows and cares for horses. The trails ranged from open sandy paths to off-trail bush whacking, which was adventurous. While my sister and I were happy to meander leisurely with our horses, Steve also made time to make sure my niece had a chance to cantor with her horse, so everyone had a good time. Thanks Steve!! Things to note: - Wear long pants and a long shirt. There are parts where you'll be going through some pretty overgrown trail. - Be prepared that the set up is quite casual. Steve sends you the coordinates. We were unsure if we were at the right place as it's down a side road but he showed up with the horses and we were soon on our way. - There are no bathrooms at the start of the trail or on the way so go before you leave. read more

Steve Barlow is a top notch trail guide!! I booked a private ride for myself and my son. He will spend up to 3 hours with you and we had a blast. Even though I hadn't ridden a horse in years, and I was totally terrified, his horses were great and he was very calming. Up and down steep hills and the horses were great on the terrain. We will definitely book with him again when we are back this way, maybe a smoother beach ride for me this time! Or I'll be emailing Steve in Australia again in a few years to hang out and ride more horses. Thank you Steve & horses Stitch and Ready. read more

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Fantastic experience. Steve was a great guide and did everything to help us have a good time. Highly recommend booking him, including for absolute beginners. Don't be afraid. Just go. read more

They are amazing!! We were on vacation and looking for a fun horse experience and they did it perfectly! They bring the horses to the location so you can pick where you go if you like or if you're not familiar with the area they will pick a place. Steve (the owner) and his son Kenny are great at what they do and will go at your pace. We were looking for something a little more adventurous because we've both ridden horses and he was happy to pick up speed at times so that we could have fun. I can be a little more nervous initially and need to warm up first and I can say that he listened to that and respected it and did not make me feel bad whatsoever. If you are looking for a some laughs and a fun, safe trail ride from a lovely family owned business then look no further! If we ever come back this way for vacation I will most definitely be setting up another ride... read more

Flying horse adventures - Horseback Riding Near Me

Steve was the BEST! we had the best day! The horses were so well trained and Steve was so much fun and knew what he was doing! read more

Flying horse adventures - Fun for the whole family - Horseback Riding Near Me

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This was the ride of my life. The owner Steve and son Kenny take you on a personalized ride. We got to walk, trot and gallop with the horses. It was a true riding adventure you will not get anywhere else. We even went two days in a row for about 3 hours each. These horses are not your normal automatic horses you normally find on rides. It is an adventure that you will not forget. We will be back to see Steve and Kenny. read more

One, or more accurately, three of the best trail rides we've ever had! We rode with Steve and his adorable son Kenny (sorry, Kenny!) on forest and mountain trails and finished up with long gallops (my husband) and lopes (me) along the shoreline of a magnificent and secluded beach. The horses are well-trained thoroughbreds and quarter horses who respond to neck and direct reining, and Steve aims to please without compromising the safety of horse or rider. We would ride with him again in a heartbeat and so should you! read more