Though it may be a challenge to tailor riding lessons to small children as well as adult learners like myself, horsemanship academy makes it look easy. I've been riding with them for a year and have only great things to say. They recently moved to a beautiful new location on Via de la Valle-- same great ponies and instructors though. The instructors are so friendly and competent. Kajsa, the owner, is wonderful and my instructor Laura is a great combination of patient, entertaining and knowledgeable. read more

Horsemanship Academy - My favorite horse, Madison, loves belly rubs! - Horseback Riding Near Me

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My daughter started private lessons beginning of summer 2018 and I've never been disappointed, so far. For the high cost of private horseback riding lessons, I was looking for a true horsemanship school. I found the place. Horsemanship Academy is not just your regular place to learn the PROPER way of horseback riding, that is, if your goal is to become a polo player. This place provides real horsemanship training. Kajsa, the owner, has been very friendly, accommodating and gets back to your e-mails in a timely manner. My daughter's instructor and academy manager, Ariel, has been super patient when it comes to learning how to prep the horse for riding, cleaning, etc. Ariel is a pro, she sure makes sure you learn horsemanship in the truest form. This place is really well managed. read more

I had a heck of time trying to get my boyfriend's daughter into a riding school that she actually enjoyed and that I approved of. We have tried nearly every riding school in the area but none of them were a good fit. She is a shy little thing with a huge heart for horses but she always felt too insecure to really be herself at the places we tried. I was looking for a school that had super friendly instructors, a ranch where she could meet friends and have fun, and just an overall welcoming atmosphere since I knew we would be going there all the time together. Finally, on our 3rd school we trialed I knew we had found the one! At Horsemanship Academy she made a few new friends right away and was so eager to tell me all the new things she learned. The first night after her session she found their Business Facebook Page and went through the photos naming some of the horses she fell in love with. She brags about her instructor being the coolest person alive and wakes up with eagerness to get back to the horses and learn more. It has already become her second home. I also enjoy Horsemanship Academy and have a good time mingling with the other parents. The staff is so knowledgeable and they have the horses trained so well that I might get on a horse too after watching how much fun everyone has! There seems to just be an overall great feeling at this place, so if you are looking for an enjoyable, dedicated school, then this is the perfect one to join! read more

The Horsemanship Academy has been a wonderful experience for our whole family. Our 12-year-old daughter has received generous time and attention. She has grown as a rider and an individual. Kajsa treats her as a person, not a child, and allows her to learn and ride at her own pace. This makes our daughter feel special and empowered to grow. Through Kajsa's generosity, our daughter has been able to get involved in the workings of the barn as well as special activities. She has made friends and discovered a whole new world. She is always excited to ride, as much as she is excited to work in the stable or the tack rooms. This experience has enriched her life well beyond the ring. The facilities at Horsemanship Academy are excellent and easy for children to navigate. You can't beat the wonderful environment of Rancho Santa Fe, with trees, sky, water, and plenty of fresh air. It's hard to think of a better environment for a child. And, of course, the horses. We have all made friends with the numerous gentle, happy animals at this barn, all of whom have taken a special place in our hearts. They are well-cared-for, happy animals that are a treat to know and work with. Overall, Horsemanship Academy is truly a five-star experience. Thank you, Kajsa! read more

I was visiting family in California and had the opportunity to get my 13 year old daughter in for riding lessons. They were great that they worked with me for the month we were there. My daughter can be moody and tempermental and easily lose her cool. Riding a horse was the perfect cure. Thank you, Autumn, for training my daughter! She learned in that short month that she had to be "graceful and assertive," as Kajsa, the owner and instructor, taught her. No time for hissy fits or she would be sorry. Kajsa had a great way with my daughter who totally blossomed and matured in those lessons better than any of the tactics taught in any of the books I've ever read. Obviously none of those authors have real daughters they spend time with and none of them have just subscribed riding lessons! I was so fed up when I brought my daughter that I pulled Kajsa aside and told her, "Let the horse throw her. It will be good for her." She laughed politely to give me a save face, but assured me that isn't their method. My daughter would be perfectly safe at all times. And she was. Because my idea was a bad idea!!! Besides my personal motives of wanting help with a moody teenager, my daughter did have a great time too. Her sour face turned happy. It was truly an amazing experience. I will definitely bring her back next time I'm in California. read more

My 10 year old daughter has been riding here for a couple of years. We spent soooo much time researching every option in North County. Horsemanship Academy is conveniently located on a beautiful ranch...very large, beautiful, serene and clean. The trainers are very good, they are reliable (yet flexible), and will tailor the program to your needs. Kajsa and her team are very down-to-earth and their values are aligned with ours (hard work - no entitlement, etc) Unfortunately, horseback riding is the most expensive activity out there - but if your child has the horse bug that just won't go away - I feel that this place gives you the best value for your investment. read more

I have two elementary school aged daughters who have been riding with Kajsa, Ariel and her team for over a year. I love that a lesson encompasses not only riding, but how to care for the horse before and after as well. The lessons are the perfect blend of education and fun, my daughter says she still gets butterflies before she rides and appreciates the different type of horses as well as the encouragement from older students, no mean girls or guys here. We are so grateful to have found Horsemanship Academy and Kajsa. read more

My daughters have been training with Kajsa at Horsemanship Academy for the past 3 months and I could not be happier. The ponies are perfect for my girls (they are beginners) and the equestrian facility is the perfect setting. I was a bit nervous letting my 6 year old learn how to ride, but after watching the head trainer Kajsa (pronounced KAY-SA), all of my fears went right out the window. The staff is professional, caring, and extremely knowledgeable. Kajsa has a way with the children as well as the horses. I would highly recommend the Horsemanship Academy for all ages and for all levels of experience. read more

My daughter has been riding here for a few months, since we moved to California. I am so happy to have found a barn (and a Pony Club) where my little one feels completely at home. I was worried after moving that it would be hard to find a barn that felt like home. Kajsa, Ariel and the rest of the team have welcomed my daughter and made us feel like family. Kajsa has a keen awareness of what it takes to both challenge and nurture riding skills in a safe and supported environment. I can't tell you how much being here has helped my fourth-grader blossom. Nothing empowers a little girl as much as directing a 1200 pound partner to do what they want. Whether you are serious about competing or serious about getting in your barn-time, Hoesmanship Academy has something for you. read more

My 12 yr old daughter has been taking lessons with Dawn at The Horsemanship Academy for two years and has progressed at an incredible pace. Dawn's loving no-nonsense manner is PERFECT for Lily. She pushes Lily to challenge herself and really believes in her ability (so encouraging). She has become someone we can see in our lives for years to come. All of the instructor know their stuff and are willing to adjust each lesson to the students ability. Safety is always first when the students are around the horses. The horses themselves are all lovely, with different riding levels for different rider abilities. Our whole family enjoys hanging at the stable. Kasja, the school owner, fosters a friendly and down to earth atmosphere, but not at the expense of solid instruction. We recommend this school to anyone looking for instruction for their kids (or themselves). read more

Such a great place ! They really focus on their students and emphasis learning while having fun. If you are looking for a starter barn you've found the place! Great. read more

My daughter has been riding at Horsemanship Academy for two months and I could not be happier. After having a disapointing experience at another facility I was very sceptical about trying a new place. I grew up horse riding in the UK and I knew what I wanted for my daughter. I was very happy to learn horsemanship academy teaches their students on school ponies sized appropriately for kids and has the same style of teaching that I am familiar with. Most importantly my daughter absolutely loves it there and would go every day if she could! read more

I grew up riding horses so was particular about the kind of environment i wanted for my kids. i was looking for a safe, friendly and professional environment that taught above all else, a love and respect for the animals. The teachers here LOVE what they do and it shows. They are knowledgable and fun yet instill a work ethic with the horses that requires a quiet respect for the horses, the teachers and other riders. Your kids will ride in a beautiful environment which encourages a love for animals and riding in a safe and protective pace. i can not say enough good things about this school. The horses, staff , riders and parents create a phenomenal place to learn about and love all things horse! read more

My daughter has been riding with Horsemanship Academy for almost 10 years now. She started with a summer camp when she was 5 years old and has enjoyed herself every minute of the countless hours she has spent at the barn with Horsemanship Academy. She has known Kajsa, Owner and Instructor, for 5 years. Kajsa is an amazing person, friend and instructor to my daughter. She is kind, patient and is there to spread her love for horses to kids and adults alike in a safe environment. Horsemanship Academy is a wonderful place for beginners and advanced riders who are in the care of a loving team of expert instructors. My daughter has fun and continues to learn and improve her horseback riding skills every time she has a lesson. She has not only learnt to ride but has learnt about horses-their personalities, their needs, and their care. Kajsa and her team at Horsemanship Academy have done such an amazing job with my daughter that she wishes to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine especially working with horses. She spends hours there and I feel comfortable leaving her in the care of all those amazing instructors. My daughter has participated in some fun shows in the community and Kajsa makes sure that they are truly "fun". They are located at a beautiful ranch on Via De La Valle with a big arena. I would highly recommend Horsemanship Academy to anyone and everyone!!! read more

My daughters have been riding at Horsemanship Academy for a little over a year. I really appreciate the positive teaching methods and kind atmosphere. The ponies my daughters ride are patient, experienced school ponies, perfect for beginning riders. My girls are getting a solid background in horse care, learning to groom and saddle their ponies and to care for their tack. The facility is beautiful; we share the enormous arena with stunning horses and their amazingly-skilled riders. My girls ride both english and western, and my older daughter just competed in her first fun show -- what a great experience! The day camp in the summer is wonderful -- my girls had a blast and came home smelling like ponies every day. :-) read more

Both of my daughters (6 and 9 years old) have taken lessons here, and we recommend it highly. Unlike some other stables, they supply helmets, crops, etc. so you don't have to buy these yourself if your kids just want to give it a try. The staff is great, and the lessons were a good mix of pushing them to try new things but not asking them to do things they are apprehensive about. They have a super nice make-up policy if you need to adjust your schedule or cancel. Even if you don't intend to take lessons long term, horse riding lessons are really a nice experience that I am glad my girls had. The drive is also not too bad, but finding it the first few times can be hard if you have written directions (the roads are winding and hilly, and there can be bikers suddenly on roads with no shoulder), so I recommend using a navigation device if you can. read more

I am so happy that I found Horsemanship Academy as my riding home! As an adult rider who went from riding full time and competing relatively consistently to taking a long riding hiatus, I was really worried about finding a riding school that would be a perfect fit for my riding goals. I was looking for a place that I could take my time getting back into shape, but also have room to grow back into the avid rider I was in the past. Horsemanship Academy has been the perfect place! Kajsa has been more than flexible (even scrounging up some flood lights for the arena since I have to ride later in the evening due to work schedules!) and supportive of my goals. The instructors - especially Ariel - have been fantastic at meeting me right where I am at and giving me the perfect coaching as I work toward my goals. The horses have also been wonderful coaches - making me work and learn every lesson. I love it! read more