This stables is a special place. I have grown up riding, working and boarding at many boarding…read morestables since I was 7 years old across the country. Marin Stables is lovely! The management, people and community are wonderful and caring. I have experienced polite, caring, people from everyone at this stables. The trails are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen with many different types of trails and views. The horses are very well cared for at this facility and that is the #1 in my book. I find the rules are basic safety, common sense and curtesy and this is a public facility that hikers come through the trail head and there are bikes on the fire road and multi-purpose trails and most of the horses are trained to deal with the bikes and most hikers, runners, bikers are considerate and follow the "Slow-and-Hello" suggested public safety approach. Come and see for yourself how quiet and pleasant it is to be in this magical place, while walking by on the trail to the trail head of the Canyon Trail.

Hoo boy. I haven't been here in a year now and slowly have begun to unpack the extent of how messed…read moreup my experience boarding here for almost 2 years was. I knew many things I experienced were wrong but didn't grok the magnitude because this was the first barn I've ever boarded at with the first horse I've ever owned myself as an adult. Additionally I am both a survivor of severe childhood emotional abuse and a person with Asperger's Syndrome. I present as very shy and malleable and have a tendency to apologize for things that are not my fault in order to keep peace and not rock the boat. I was 35 when I boarded here and the next youngest people were in their early 50s, with everyone else being older. So I was conspicuously different and an easy target. One particular person who now runs this barn noted these traits in me and took advantage of them by essentially bullying me. I fully acknowledge that my horse was young, difficult, and above my skill level. I tried my hardest to reach out for help from people with more experience. When I first arrived this person acted as if she were trying to help me but really just wanted to dominate, manipulate, and gather information on me. Finally I politely told her I did not want her to "help" me anymore. When she took over running the barn she was constantly trying to find things she could harass me about that were "against the rules". Rules that were not documented anywhere and I had no idea about, like using slow feeders as example. Funnily enough a lot of those rules didn't apply to her or to many of the oldtimers she liked. In the pursuit of leveling up my skills to be able to match my horse's level I took group lessons some mornings with the resident trainer. Everything was going okay until one day when my horse had a meltdown over some deer that spooked him on the hill. This trainer fought with my horse for an hour on a lunge line and when he wouldn't submit told me he needed someone super dominating to be able to retrain him, and that if I didn't do that he was dangerous and useless. She also said he reminded her of the horse in the film "Buck". You know, the one they put down because he was too "crazy" and untamable. Speaking of the deer on the hill, the layout of this barn is probably the worst and most dangerous I have ever seen. It sits in a forest canyon and the arena has steep wooded hills on all sides where deer like to graze and pop out of nowhere. It is next to a public hiking trail where people emerge from a blind corner and scare the horses all. The. Time. Most of the people at this barn are OBSESSED with "safety" and put the responsibility of being safe onto individuals, seemingly not realizing or daring to admit to themselves that the environment itself (the aforementioned insane arena + the highly trafficked Mt Tam trails with mountain bikes whizzing by + horses being cooped up in small stall/paddocks) is a primary contributor to accidents and the lack of safety. There are a handful of cool people here who agree with much of what I said above and continue to board here because the location and trail access works for their lifestyle. These are strong enough people to ignore, withstand, and push back on the resident tyrant as they see fit. I am so grateful for those people and their help during my time at Marin Stables. You know who you are! The only really good thing that happened as a result of boarding here was that during the last 9 months of my time at Marin Stables (while I was recovering from a major surgery) I was able to work with another boarder, Heidi Craig, who is an experienced and humane horse trainer. She really understood my difficult horse and was different from almost everyone else there. Instead of a constant onslaught of domination she listened to my horse and knew how to engage with him and get him to work with her without a fight. She was the role model I needed who helped me see another way and I so wholeheartedly recommend her as a trainer or person to take lessons from. This negative review has nothing to do with her! If you're considering boarding here just know the dynamic you are walking into. Somehow this horse facility has more drama than the dressing room of a strip club! If you're looking for a peaceful place in Marin to board your horse and ride the trails I recommend Creekside. I was planning to move my horse there but then my husband and I decided to buy some land and keep my horse at our new home instead. I feel so grateful we were able to do this and the changes in my horse since he's had a larger paddock to move around in, access to 24/7 hay in a slow feeder, and shielded from the presence of people who criticize and condemn him as "crazy", "useless", etc. has been incredible to watch. I'm so glad I didn't listen to the advice of many here to sell my horse. I actually almost did. They made it seem like I had no other option. It's so sad and I am not the first it's happened to at Marin Stables.

The place is beautiful with well kept horses. Love it! Cyd is awesome trainer and everything is run…read morewell

Lisa and Cyd run an incredible stable. In 30 years of riding, I've never experienced the level of…read moreservice Longview provides. The horses are impeccably cared for. The training rides are top notch, the show schedule is extensive and the lessons are challenging. I can't say enough to recommend this barn. it's abs the best.

Erin and Harleigh are phenomenal horse women. They care for their horses as well as their riders…read more They can push you as far as you want to go. Fantastic trainers! If you are looking for a local riding school this is the place to be!

MHRA is amazing! Harleigh and Erin are exceptional trainers. They clearly love what they do and it…read moreshows. My daughter started riding under Erin's patient and intuitive tutelage and blossomed into the capable rider she is today, but more importantly, she understands how to communicate with and listen to the horses and ponies she rides and cares for. Harleigh and Erin take really good care of everything. Their ponies are happy and well cared for, the facility is neat, and the program is organized. If your child can't stop talking about horses or you want to get back in the saddle or experience an extraordinary creature for yourself, Marshall Hall Riding Academy is the place to go. You won't be disappointed.

I'm disappointed with my son's experience at the one-week camp. He came away having learned very…read morelittle. It appears that he was afraid or hesitant, and instead of helping him work through those fears, the instructors simply allowed him to opt out of learning. We also received no communication during the week about the challenges he was facing, so we had no opportunity to support him. I would have expected the staff to both keep us informed and encourage him to gradually overcome his fears rather than letting him avoid the activities entirely.

This place may or may not be great, unfortunately they are unable to accommodate adults over 160…read morepounds. What an incredibly disappointing experience.

Worth every dollar!!…read more Hello Yelpers! Baywood is like the Four Seasons Hotel of Horseback riding. The bedding in the stalls is plush, the rings are clean, orderly, and lined with mirrors. I only have to mumble to myself that I need to retrieve a pony from the paddock, and one of Helle's staff is already bringing him towards me. The facility is absolutely five star, impeccably clean; no signs of rodents or any other critters. Not to mention that the people are courteous and professional. Oh did I mention, they also have TWO real bathrooms?! Forget the port- o- potty ! I highly recommend riding with Helle, who is encouraging, pleasant and humorous. All qualities that are usually scarce amongst riding instructors. All in all, beautiful stalls, well behaved animals, indoor ring, and large outdoor ring... I never feel stressed out riding there, or unwelcome. I would definitely board a horse here!

Never did I think I would have to explain to my son why a third private…read moreriding lesson was never scheduled. My husband, son and I decided to stay at our weekend home in North Beach while our kindergartener transitioned to distance learning. Our son's private school offers equestrian lessons to students as little as 2 years old. Our son is going on his fifth year on a pony/horse. While he did dressage at school, he also trained on the sport of Polo with a 5 time Champion from Argentina. Our tour of the stables was scheduled on a Monday at 2:30pm. The summer camp ended at 2:00pm. My husband and I arrived at 2:45pm. She accused us of arriving an hour late. My husband and I didn't bother with her false accusation. Then as we were going over policies and procedures, she made it a point to mention that many of her students find her to be mean. Sarah, I suggest you to be honest with the families that you are perceived as a bully and not mean. That way when you act the way you acted towards our family, we can understand better. First lesson was scheduled and our son was excited. My husband was unable to attend, his had just deployed to the Middle East for a yearlong tour. After his lesson, I was eager to see if my son had liked it and hear how the lesson went from Sarah. She said to me "I think you think your son has more experience than he really does". She proceeded to tell me that he was about to place the saddle backwards on the horse. Than Sarah proceeded to give me this look of disgust that my son would make such a mistake. Second lesson is scheduled, she requires payment well before the lesson. When I scheduled the second lesson I gave her a check, that check was cashed the next day. Cashed not bounced. $75 is super low compared to the $125 we are used to paying in the city. Second lesson starts at noon on Sunday. After the lesson, again I was eager to hear from my son how the lesson was. I tried asking Sarah, but was immediately ignored. While I was standing with my son getting ready to head out, she looked at me and said "we will be in touch for the next lesson". This was back in July. Whatever reason you had to not grant my son a third lesson is your business. I recommend you step outside and see all the amazing things minorities are doing in the equestrian sport. My son trained with two Polo instructors, one from Chile and the other from Argentina. If my son were a beginner, i dont think he would feel comfortable troting while swinging a full size Polo mallet. When we attended Polo matches, many of the players were from immigrant decent. Players from South America, India, American, African American. I would hate to think that Sarah negated service to my son due to the fact that he is biracial. That is the only explanation I can conclude. Our son had the riding pants, boots, helmet, this isn't foreign to him. What is foreign to him is having a middle aged woman have such a rancid attitude towards a small child. Shame on you Sarah.

Daughter's third birthday party here. She loves pony's and this farm did not disappoint. Her…read morebirthday is in December and I loved the fact that there is a covered option in case of the rain was a great option. The kids had a ball riding the ponies around and than getting to play in the petting zoo. It was so much fun. Vicki is very strict with the forms, but she has every right to be and as long as you follow her instructions, you are good. Great place for a Birthday party! Thank you

This suburban farm offers horse boarding, riding lessons, kids camps and birthday parties…read more We have friends who's daughter attended their summer camp and loved it. Based on their experience we decided to have our daughter's 6th birthday party here and it was great fun for all. For Birthday parties you essentially have the exclusive use of a little park-like area in the center of the farm that has a play structure, picnic tables, a good number of shady trees and a small barn with petting-zoo type animals. The party rentals are two hours, with the first hour offering pony rides and during the second hour the petting zoo barn is open. We had two pony's at a time for the kids to ride, and with 10 kids that worked out to about two rides each. This was perfect timing so that we could do Pizza and cup cakes after the pony rides, then once the kids were done eating they excitedly ran over to pet the animals in the petting zoo. For the petting zoo portion there were chickens, pigs, bunnies, goats, sheep and a miniature horse the size of a large dog. The kids LOVED petting and brushing the animals. You don't need to add any additional activities or entertainment for the kids because the two hours are nicely full. The kids were constantly in motion and playing on the play structure when not riding a pony or in the petting zoo. All the kids seemed thrilled with the activities and were having tons of fun. All-in-all the process of having a party here, from reserving the day to clean up afterward, is pretty smooth. The only downside was a multi-page contract form that had to be signed by the parents of all the kids. The forms have to be returned to the hostess and the hostess then returns them to the farm with a guest list, as one packet, the Thursday before the party. It would be easier if the parents could just do the form on-site, but I'm guessing that the management wants to be sure the parents read it fully and agree to the terms in advance. But despite the paperwork I highly recommend Morning Star to anyone with grade school age kids.

This woman takes advantage of you. Stealing your time, money, and possessions so watch out she will…read morehold your child back. TIME: First off she rarely holds a lesson on time and does not value your time at all. She will allow lessons to bleed into each other ranging from children just learning to ride and adults on young, dangerous horses. If you ride with her expect to be at the barn for hours either helping her out for free (because she won't spend money to hire help and instead relies on free parental help) or being stuck in a lesson riding around in circles while she occasionally shouts things like "close your hand" or "put her on the bit" without ever instructing you how to do so. You will see little progression when riding with Jaimi and it will likely take your child years to learn even basic skills. MONEY: Never buy a horse with Jaimi. First, she will find a horse in a location convenient to her and her travel wishes! Whether that be Florida or Europe, wherever she can go on your wallet suits her and she will bring you back an average horse at best. Once the horse is at the barn she will sell you a "training" package. On days you cannot come to the barn your paying for her to ride your horse and school it. When in actuality, when you don't come to the barn she sells lessons to other children on your horse and considers this training, gaining herself a 2 for 1 deal, your money and this other parents money. Eventually after about a year you will realize your horse has developed a few bad habits, this is due to the horse never being taught what to do. These bad habits will continue to grow and will never be addressed. You and your horse will loose many skills when riding with Jaimi. POSSESSIONS: Like with the horse, Jaimi is using things without your knowledge. Do not leave your tack at her barn. She will use it with her lesson kids. whether it be your girth, bridle, that nice Antares saddle you just bought, or even your horse, don't be surprised when you come back to it dirtier than when you left it. Point is, only ride with Jaimi if you're a lesson child without a horse, that way you reap all the benefits the other horse owners pay for. If you would like to get serious, progress, and own a horse ... look for a different barn.

We have been with Skye Valley Training for 2+ years, through ups and downs, with good clients and…read morenot-so-great clients. Through all of that, I've seen the hardships they've endured (COVID, those tricky clients, lifelong horse pass of old age, etc.) Yet, they've handled it all with grace and professionalism. I've spent the last few minutes reading through the reviews below. There cannot be a more false representation of the business and ethics of Jaimi and Skye Valley overall - conjecture at best. Those who have given the retaliatory reviews below are doing so based on their inability to handle situations like adults through conversation. As a result, the reviews are based on a. childish retaliation, b. a hunger for drama c. to feel better about themselves by harming others. Jaimi and Ainsley (now Dr. Faraday) are some of the most selfless and loving people I have ever met. Do they run late sometimes, yes? Does your pediatrician run an hour late when you have a sick kid? Also, yes. Under Jaimi and Ainsley's care and coaching, we saw our daughter go from anxious, stressed, and sometimes sad to the confident, capable, and frankly excellent rider she is today (placed at Nationals - woot!). She has flourished in life, and I attribute a huge chunk of that to these women at the barn. She has ADHD and can be perceived as a LOT by some people. But, Jaimi and Ainsley always met her with grace, patience, and understanding. Most importantly, when she was off track, they would refocus her without shame and in a positive way - that's more than I can say for myself, and I'm her mom. Do you know what you want from trainers? Someone who is so safety conscious will reject a horse you have on trial because they don't trust it. No matter what. No, it didn't do anything awful during the trial, but she knew, and even I did. Jaimi and Ainsley had the care to tell a little girl that the pony she thought she was in love with wasn't the safest option and that she had to say goodbye. We now have what I consider one of the safest horses money could buy. As for the stealing accusation, bogus, stealing is willingly taking dozens of additional lessons from your "friend" and never paying for them. Everyone has terrible reviews sometimes. Everyone has bad days. But sometimes, you have to consider the source. Ask yourself, what kind of review would you leave if you were kicked out of a barn for bullying a tween, attempting to steal clients, and talking poorly about your 'best friend/trainer'? And then sign yourself up at Skye Valley, where you know you will be SAFE and cared for. Yes, you might even progress a little slower, but ONLY because it's the absolute fundamentals that will save your life when you move to the next step. Enough said.

From the first moment I set foot at the barn, HoofBeats has revealed itself to be my dream place of…read morelove and safe self-development, where: - I can explore my language, love and flow with horses and become a better horse woman - all my self-development nots in turn come to the surface, where they meet Jenny's gentle and graceful coaching, thus getting channeled each time to a constructive learning outcome - my body started feeling good, in shape and useful - I found a family away from home - activities and interactions bring me to higher and greater clarity about my self, my life, my work and relationships. This is not a push-the-button riding school. It's a space of self-discovery through interaction with horses, from the ground and from the saddle, and its depth has brightened my life up like I didn't even know was possible. If you live in Sonoma County and you are looking for a safe place of exploration, this is THE place!

Jenny is amazing. She's overall a beauitful person inside and out. I received a equestrian guided…read moreeducation session as a gift, and it was amazing. Jenny's horses are all rescues and they all have a calm and easy going demeanor. I never worked with horses and got sppoked the first few times they initated contact with me. They are such gentle giants and by the end i am definitely now a fan of them! All the horses were great to work with and Jenny was awesome at giving guidance and feedback. Her passion in her work is immediate. I highly recommend attending one of jenny's sessions, she's one of the sweetest people I ever met. She's very generous and really created a personalized session to fit my needs. Overall I had a great time just being in her space and interacting with Jenny and the horses! She's a kind, compassionate and thoughtful teacher! There's something indescribable about being in the space, it's like for a second, nothing else matters besides being in that moment. Thank you Jenny!