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.

Kid's Birthday party review…read more Discovered via local moms club and "background checked" on yelp, we decided to have our son's 4th birthday party at Morning Star and I prayed it would live up to its stars b/c we had friends driving from Concord, SF, and beyond to attend. The verdict is that we'd give it a 6th star if we could! The things we loved were that they have a covered option in case of rain, a sweet playground at the uncovered area, where the 2-5 yr olds had a total blast, and a little petting zoo. The trainer Rachel, who led the kids and ponies, two by two, was a pro and helped even the nervous kids feel confident. Each kid got about two rides, which was perfect. The owner helped us set up tables and put up a shade/rain structure since it had rained all morning and we weren't sure if we'd need it. Also, $200 for a 2-pony party for two hours is a great deal in my book, esp compared to $800-1,000 Discovery Museum party price tag (we love it there too, just, gulp). The only down side, as others noted, is the release forms. They are necessary of course, but the onus of getting each family to sign them and submit before the party is on the party-thrower. It is time consuming up front and I wasn't making any friends for a while there, but it makes it so guests don't have to mess with forms when they get there. One idea is to have people use CamScanner or another scanning app on their phones so it can all be done electronically, and to leave a few day's cushion for missing forms. Lastly, I appreciated that all of the animals looked very well-cared for and the whole property was clean and inviting.

I have just started boarding at PBR, but I am so thrilled to be here. My horse Beau arrived on…read moreSunday and everyone here has been so helpful. I'm a total noob and all the boarders and the owner Michelle do everything they can to show me the ropes. Michelle is one of the most friendly and accommodating people I've ever met. Her cheerful attitude makes my day. I'm still letting Beau settle in so I haven't ridden him yet, but everyone raves about the trails. PBR is backed up to Indian Valley and Ignacio Valley preserves and has direct entrances from the ranch. No trailering needed! Good for someone like me with a Hyundai. I'm happy with my portion of the tack room, and Michelle offered to put up another saddle rack for me. She also offered to fix the mats in Beau's stall, as they're wonky and make it difficult to clean. This is not a show barn, so the atmosphere is very relaxed. There are not trainers on site, so you would need to arrange for one to travel to PBR. I've been told there is a dressage trainer down the street, but I'm not sure if they travel for lessons. There is a large arena and large round pen for turn out. No pastures.

Pencil Belly, from Stall to open space in less than 4 minutes. Happy horses, happy people, not…read morecrowded. Way to be Pencil Belly!!

I am actually quite surprised that Kilham Farm does not have more reviews but maybe it is because…read morethey do not offer trail rides as a service. I purchased a package of 3 riding lessons as a Groupon deal and I have already had my first two lessons. My last lesson is this Saturday and I intend to continue my lessons here. The area that Kilham Farm is located is absolutely gorgeous and the facilities are just as beautiful, clean and very well maintained. In addition to this, their horses are happy, easygoing, and easy to work with - I can attest to this with Lizzie, the horse I have been training with. Making appointments is easy and I have never been bumped or not scheduled because I used a Groupon (a total plus in my book). Or if I need to reschedule, that isn't a problem either. I've left two messages and have gotten same day responses for both of them. When I arrived for my first lesson, I wasn't sure what to expect but the women of Kilham Farm are friendly and gracious. There was none of the pretentiousness that I have heard of at some equestrian locations. They even have spare boots for me to borrow! The outdoor covered training area is spacious and a great place to train. It's quite a drive for me to get there (1.5 hours each way) but it is worth it! I would very much recommend Kilham Farm if you are interested in horseback riding lessons.

Kilham farm is the best place I've ever been! The trainers name is Holly and she isn't one of those…read morestrict ones that make you sad. They have horse gear to borrow so you don't have to bye your own. From the second I walk up to my horses stall to the second I get in the car it feels like the most fantastic moment of my week! So I think Kilham farm is the best place to go!

Me and my gf had an amazing experience horseback riding with the help of Kiera and Katie, guiding…read moreus through and making sure we are comfortable and safe. I had a wonderful time with Dozer! I highly recommend trying this experience as a beginner like me :))

Absolutely recommend Napa Valley Trail rides. My friends and I had such an amazing experience. The…read morestaff is so welcoming and patient. Our guides gave us all the basics to ride our horse and also provided lots of fun facts on the property. I was there for a bachelorette trip and our guides brought out Luna to take pictures with, which I thought was so sweet. I will definitely be coming back in the future! Thank you so much for a welcoming experience!

How can I write this review without gushing about Lesann? Rubicon Farms is our home away from…read morehome, and Les is so amazing! We have 3 "Winning" horses in the barn, and my daughter (8 yrs old) is making amazing progress on her pony! Brooke went from just trotting.. to jumping "courses" in weeks! Also, we just purchased a 5 year old from Texas recently...Lesann is really the only trainer I would trust with him. She is a miracle worker! LS

My 2 daughters have been riding and showing with LesAnn for the last 5 years and couldn't be…read morehappier. We feel like part of the family here and she has taught my girls to be Champions literally and to be wonderful well adjusted kids. For all this I thank her. She has given us some of the best and happiest experiences of our lives. We love you LesAnn! We are looking forward to many more to come.

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.

Amazing ranch and horseback riding program. The staff and volunteers are so great with all of the…read morekids in the adaptive equine program. My son loves it! Such a blessing to have an affordable option for my son who is non verbal and has autism. The horses are well cared for and their equipment is all top notch. My family used to own a horse ranch, and my mom enjoys joining us and watching her grandson trail ride on this beautiful property. Thank you to each and every volunteer and staff member at Halleck Creek!

This place deserves infinite stars. It's a 4-H riding club for disabled children and adults, run by…read moretwo people and tons of volunteers. Every Saturday, upwards of 60 volunteers show up to tack up the horses and take folks on horseback. Amazing! And it's completely funded by private donations from regular folks mostly. AND the rides are free for the kids and adults who benefit greatly from the challenge of riding a horse. Nothing compares to seeing how happy and totally independent these rides make the riders feel. If you have the chance, check it out. Or better still, consider donating your time/energy/love/money to this organization. The work they do is truly inspiring.

We love Giant Steps!! My son has only been to one session, and I have already seen so much…read moreprogress. His anxiety often keeps him from trying new activities. I was worried that being with these huge animals might be too much. Over the weeks though, with the gentle guidance of the staff, his confidence has soared! He is so proud of his courage to take new risks and his newfound success. He adores his instructor and his sweet horse "therapist". I can't wait to see what develops next session.

I think it's ridiculous to question how the funds are spent - running a center of this quality…read moreobviously takes money and commitment. To give the FACILITY a bad review because you didn't like the "sales pitch" is just mean spirited. I am a child advocate who was able to enroll a boy at Giant Steps because GS was kind enough to wave the fee due to financial hardship - as a ward of the court with delinquent parents this child would otherwise have had no chance to experience the benefits of the program. The facility, trainers, and horses are top notch. I can personally attest to the positive influence this center had on at least one child with emotional/behavioral problems.