Kim replied quickly to my text, and we were able to set up the ride that same afternoon. The ranch is tucked into a small valley with quick access to the highway and Moss Beach, so it was easy to find but felt quiet and peaceful once we arrived. We were paired with two beautiful horses, including an enormous draft horse named Buck. Kim, the trainer, was warm, welcoming, and clearly loves her horses. She guided us through the foothills and into cool forest trails, where we even stopped to visit other horses along the way. Ashley the 2nd trainer joined us on the ride, and she was kind, supportive, and helped make the experience even more enjoyable. The entire afternoon far exceeded my expectations. From the breathtaking scenery to the comfort and confidence we felt with the horses, it was unforgettable. I highly recommend Moss Beach Ranch if you're looking for a truly unique and memorable riding adventure. read more

Had a great trail ride with Kim and Ashley! My wife and I hadn't ridden in a decade, and they put us right at ease with their friendliness and expertise. We had a very nice time riding into the hills, through wildflowers and past very nice vistas of Half Moon Bay. Our horses were great, the easy-going coaching of Kim and Ashley was appreciated- such a wonderful afternoon! read more

Moss Beach Ranch - Nice trail ride in the coastal hills from Moss Beach Ranch - Horseback Riding Near Me - Moss Beach, California

I like how the horses are treated well, our tour guide Kim was very friendly and it's a very relaxed experience read more

Moss Beach Ranch - Chilli dog in the middle is the one I rode - Horseback Riding Near Me - Moss Beach, California

See all

I have taken four private horsemanship + riding lessons from Kim so far and am really pleased with how they are going. Learning an entirely new skill as an adult (I'm 37) can be intimidating and frustrating, and I am really grateful that Kim is a very attentive and patient teacher. She takes the time to help me not only understand the "how" but the "why" behind what she's showing me to do, and we progress at a pace that feels appropriately comfortable but challenging. Each time I leave I feel like a learned a lot, and my lesson has quickly become one of the highlights of my week. It helps that the drive out to the ranch from San Francisco (where I live) is an easy and beautiful 30-minute drive. Highly recommend. read more

This is a a review of one of the Summer camps. I appreciated how easy the registration process was, and the convenience of preordering a camp sweatshirt. Our daughter attended last week and she had an ok time. She loved the horses, and she really liked her counselor Laura. The last day of camp was a little performance to demonstrate newly acquired skills. It was very enjoyable and well put together. Enough of a show that I'm glad I went with my gut instinct to invite Grandma too. Based on my daughter's experience, she doesn't want to return. She is a very petite 12 year old, and she said the camp was run by quite a few unkind girls maybe a little older than herself. She said that it was never what they said, but it was how they said it. She is a low maintenance kid, she's been around horses since she was 18 mos old, and not typically a complainer. Select Soccer Coaches, teachers, siblings, everyone agrees that she takes direction well. Obviously, when dealing with very large animals it may be necessary to have a no nonsense approach- just do as I say, and don't ask questions. But she attended another camp last year, with very pleasant supportive, and warm younger staff as well as two adults there to oversee everyone. I wasn't there during these unpleasant interactions at MBR, so I'm trying to write an unbiased review. It is my hope that when young people are put in leadership roles, that it is taken into account that they may lack the maturity to make sure campers feel encouraged and welcome. It can be tricky. In all fairness, I also work with kids and I know that stories can get twisted, stretched, and a wee bit dramatized at times. One thing is still haunting my daughter though. She said they were on a trail ride and saw a very thin horse who had an open leg wound.One of the campers inquired about it, and they were flatly told- that the horse was fine. My child encouraged a fellow camper to ask another question that she had. According the to the two kids in my car, the young staff said that it was their lunch break and not to talk to them during their break. My daughter expressed that she wished the young girls were friendlier and it's why she will not be returning. So in summary, I still recommend it just like any other safe and educational experience for a kid who loves horses. Registration is painless The performance was really cute, very enjoyable. read more

See all

Knowledgeable, patient and friendly trainers. Spent a good amount of time getting to know the horses and practice in an enclosed area before heading out on a trail together. Buck is a large horse that followed the other horses. Was a little nervous to ride him, but he's friendly and more well behaved than some of the others. Eight year old rode Echo. Echo is probably the most well behaved horse. Perfect ride for the kid. Would love to come here again one day. read more

Boarding at Moss Beach Ranch has been a dream come true. The care they take in making sure my horses are cared for and the support I get from the ranch has been amazing. The endless trails, multiple arenas and family like setting make everyday with my horses feel special. Truly a magical place! read more

I've boarded at MBR for 8 years now. My horses and I have been very happy there. The trails are amazing and go on for miles. We've seen owls, jackrabbits, foxes and even a bobcat on our rides. Highly recommend this barn!! read more

See all

I had so much fun at Moss Beach Ranch and doing a trail ride with Kim! My boyfriend and I were hoping to do a trail ride last minute with Kim. We messaged on Wednesday and asked if she had any openings on Saturday that same week in the morning. The forecast was rain, so she suggested we try for 60 minutes on Saturday morning. We confirmed and met her at the ranch / barn at 10am on Saturday. Kim was already there, prepping the horses. She gave us our helmets and introduced us to our horses, Echo (female, for me) and Ernie (male, for my bf). She then took us on a bit We had a great trail ride, even though it was raining during our ride! It started off raining pretty hard, but got less and less rain as the ride went on. Kim was really friendly and great at answering our questions about horses and about the horses we were riding. Overall a very enjoyable experience! Would recommend for folks living in the Bay Area for a fun weekend trip! read more

DO NOT BOARD YOUR HORSE AT MOSS BEACH RANCH! The manager, Kim, has an anger problem and unpredictable mood swings. She and a couple of her followers at the ranch use the rough and tough cowgirl excuse, but she's just a Trumpian bully of epic proportions. Many people have quietly and consistently left the ranch because of her. An easy escape is to board at Ember Ridge next door, or several other functional local ranches within a one to three mile radius from Moss Beach Ranch. If you board your horse at Moss Beach, and no matter how respectful, conscientious, self-sufficient, under the radar, helpful neighbor and responsible horse owner you are, expect to be chastised, yelled at, laughed at, or hung up on for asking basic questions, or for even saying good morning. No matter how careful and conscientious you are expect to "break rules" you never knew existed. If Kim decides she doesn't like you from the very first second she meets you, expect your life at the ranch to be made miserable and your horse's safety and well being to suffer. If there is an urgency or emergency Kim and the staff are slow to non-existent to respond, and if you deal with it yourself you are berated. Large branches and whole trees from the dangerous eucalyptus groves come down in every storm, damaging stables, fences, and other infrastructure. When the electricity goes out at the ranch, which is often, the water system and pumps go out, and the horse's troughs run dangerously low. Management and maintenance at the ranch has no backup plan, and after long periods of time they finally start to run backup or borrowed generators to get the pumps going. But be ready to haul in your own water, and don't ask any questions. On a regular basis the water that fills the troughs is orange-brown and stinks. When you first start boarding your horse at MBR there is a mandated two to three weeks quarantine period for your horse to be isolated in a tiny pen with no exercise. My horse was forced to stay in a 10x10 stall up to his fetlocks in standing water for two weeks! Everyone kept asking me why I was not allowed to put him in the sanctioned turnout pen for quarantine horses to get some exercise and a break from the mud, since boarders before and after us were allowed to. Kim just kept telling me "no." I wanted to start off on the right foot and be agreeable as a new boarder, so my horse suffered, and got hoof damage! I will always regret that I didn't speak up, that I didn't call San Mateo Co Animal Control to investigate them, and that I stayed at Moss Beach Ranch for such a long time. The owner of the business, Rich, is gone for half the year overseas. All boarders must pay him through unsecure online direct payment services, like Zelle, which our bank won't even deal with. The boarders that stay at the ranch long term have formed a toxic culture of gossip, suspicion, and aggression toward others. Dianne, who is in charge of the Google group boarder communications, is a prime example, and will not stop nosing in to people's lives, and then back stabbing if you politely decline to engage with her immaturity. Lots of bully and control issues at this ranch. Looks pretty on the outside, but an overall toxic culture. Also, ranch workers and other low income folks rent space in dilapidated, substandard trailers on the ranch, no doubt income for the owner. Pros: The ranch is in a pretty valley right near the coast, and has direct access to GGNRA trails, which is why we boarded there. But the trails are chocked with weeds, Eucalyptus, Scotch Broom, and Pampas grass - and packed with off leash dogs and mountain bikers. read more

I really wish I could've liked this place, but their customer service sucks. I had called almost a month in advance to book a surprise trail ride for my boyfriend for his birthday. No one had picked up so I left a message. After a week of getting no response, I decided to email them to make a reservation (After doing a lot of research in finding the best horseback trail ride, I really wanted to go here). I emailed them asking if I could book a reservation for Saturday February 9th. I get an email from Kim a week and a half later telling me that they have no appointments for that day. She didn't even recommend other days that she had available. So, I responded back asking if there was any other availability that weekend of the 9th. She had asked the weight of me and and boyfriend for horse availability. After I responded back, she emails me back a day later (mind you, we're already into the first week of February) saying that they weren't taking any horses out for this weekend (the weekend of February 3rd) because of the rain. I totally understand that, for the safety of the riders and the horses. But the thing was, I wasn't asking for this weekend, I was asking for a later weekend. It seemed like Kim wasn't at all interested in me helping to book a trail ride with her ranch. I was so excited to book it with Moss Beach Ranch! They are one of the few stables that looks like they take much better care for their horses and taught you how to properly ride before going off on your trail ride. But Kim was very unhelpful and made it uneasy to book a reservation. read more

We had a fantastic guided trail ride with Aline the other weekend! She was able to accommodate us week of and it made such a nice surprise experience for my boyfriend who has never been on a horse. The location of the ranch is beautiful and close to awesome coastal restaurants/ beaches in Half Moon, Pacifica and Moss Beach. We really recommend checking out the Distillery in Moss Beach then Gray Whale Cove. Aline has a clear passion for the horses she cares for and was a patient teacher/ guide. We spent the first 15-20 minutes learning riding technique then followed her on a great nature filled trail ride. The horses were beautiful, healthy and comfortable for beginners like my boyfriend, but we also had the chance to trot a bit (I had read many other trail ride reviews elsewhere and most are group setting or expensive solo rides with no trotting). All of Aline's rides are private, which made for the perfect setting. Her dog was also a treat to ride along with- such a cutie! read more

This is a beautiful ranch with incredibly friendly teachers and staff. High recommend for lessons and trail rides. read more

See all

Excellent experience doing a one-hour trail ride at Moss Beach Ranch in Jun 2023. Our guide, Kim Forbes, was calm, patient, knowledgeable about the area (and of course, horses). She kept a watchful eye on all riders to make sure everyone was feeling confident and having a good time. Horses were gentle and well-cared for and tack was in good shape. also, communication beforehand (getting pricing, possible dates, etc). was timely and succinct. After such a positive experience I signed up for private lessons for my daughter. Highly recommend. read more

Kim was a wonderful guide to have, teaching us newbies the basics and the personalities of our horses. Fun, no-stress afternoon.

I have been riding at moss beach for 5-6 years now. It was so amazing growing up in the community and learning things along the way. I started off as a little camper learning about my love for horses. But now I am a dressage rider confident and leasing a horse. I recommend Moss beach because it has been a pleasure going to this ranch. read more

This is the best, by far horse back ride I had in a long time. The place is well taken care of, organized, clean and has professional staff. I called 3 different places and none of them answered. When I called the Moss Beach ranch, I spoke with Kim, booking was easy and location was perfect. All horses where well taken care of and trained. Will be visit soon again. read more

See all

My daughter finished two weeks of horse camp this summer and she loved it. I was very impressed with what she learned about horse care, horses, riding and vaulting. She had great teachers and mentors that took excellent care of her as she is only six. Rich the owner is kind and the kids love him. We have already signed up for winter camp. Hopefully they start a pony club soon. I was so happy with the little show they put on at the end, my daughter felt like it was the most important and amazing thing she had done. Thanks again Moss Beach ranch. read more

First time horseback riding and it was a ton of fun. Kim was great and lots of fun and patience. Even the horse took its time with me and knew that I was a beginner read more

Went for a trail ride today with my boyfriend. It was a private 1 1/2 ride. Beautiful scenery. We saw an owl on our ride too! Super neat. Our guide was so nice and clearly loves what she does. Horses were great. Horses are tacked with western saddles (which I don't prefer as much but they keep you in...) if you want a relaxing trail ride with a great guide, good horses and no nonsense, come here. It was a very peaceful and fun Sunday afternoon :) Make sure to follow the orange signs leading to the arena. read more

My daughter Sofia got to do a trail ride with Kim who was very accommodating. She enjoyed her lesson and the trail ride. Thanks Kim for helping us out on short notice! read more

I was blessed to grow up with horses in my family, but after college and moving across the country, I wasn't sure I would be able to find anything like what I had been used to back East: big pastures, open trails, and friendly, down-to-earth people who just love being around horses and the outdoors. Moss Beach Ranch offers all of that, and more. From rank beginners to advanced levels of competition, MBR has horses and ponies available for lessons and even lease opportunities. There are a wide range of instructors available, as well as summer and vacation camps for kids (as well as some adventuresome adults!). The ranch facilities are simple but safe, and all the horses and ponies are happy and well-loved. What I love most about this place, though, is the access to trails. The ranch is situated on the border of the Montara Mountain open space, meaning you can literally ride for hours without seeing another human being. What you will probably see instead is a coyote, or even a bobcat! You will also be treated to some of the most beautiful, classic California views imaginable...mountains rolling right down to the sea. The other thing that I love most (I can have more than one, right?!) is the people. I had tried riding at a "fancier" show barn over in Portola Valley, and the people there were, by and large, your stereotypical snobby "horsey set" (or at least they liked to think of themselves that way!). The people at MBR are real people, supportive, caring, and fun. No one cares if you're wearing handmedowns and your horse's boots don't match. Everyone is just there to have fun and enjoy themselves and a wonderful (lifestyle choice) sport. I am especially impressed by the kids there -- they are all excellent examples of how spending time working around horses builds independence, confidence, and responsibility in a young person. The other other thing I love most is the variety of training available -- lead trainer Jeanette Jacobi is wonderful with the little ones and is also refreshingly challenging for more advanced riders looking to move on and even compete. And, most amazingly, there is even a cross-country course, and the ranch hosts two schooling-level combined training events each year! This is, in my opinion, the most fun thing you can possibly do with a horse -- but if competing is not your goal, the beach rides and camping trail rides are a pretty close second, in my opinion! I could keep going on and on, but the last thing I love the most about MBR is that it is exactly 30 minutes from my home in San Francisco, and the drive is beautiful and nearly always traffic-free; though even if it wasn't, it would be well worth it. read more

My twin daughters attended horse camp here this past July and had a great time. The instructors were friendly and it was a safe nurturing environment. They had a great end of the week 'show' where you can watch all that your children have learned. My only complaint is that the porta potties could be cleaned more often or better yet install real toilets. We definitely plan on attending next summer and maybe taking lessons in between. It is a well run ranch. read more

Had a good time here! Went for a Groupon deal for a horseback training and riding session on an overcast, cool Saturday. Driving in from the north along hwy1 was slightly confusing, as Etheldore Street is known as "St." Etheldore on some signs. If you overshoot, you'll see the street again though. Just be aware that you'll see the sign for "Ember Ridge", a neighboring competitor of theirs, more easily than the ranch's sign from that direction. Drive on down the road between those two signs til you see another sign labeled "Equestrian Center", turn in there and park. When we showed up around 15 min in advance, there were a few girls of various ages taking out some horses for a ride around a dirt equestrian track. We waited around for a bit, watching the horses with their riders walk or trot around, and later do a few jumps over the fences. 2 others showed up for the same deal, and finally our instructor and guide, Lisa. Lisa was friendly and talkative. She brought out some horses to explain first how to approach a horse and not get your ribs broken. Next were some grooming basics, such as brushing the horse (you can tickle them if you're too gentle with the comb!) and picking out dirt (poop) and rocks from their hooves, which we got to do ourselves after she showed us. This can take a bit of effort! Lastly if you haven't freaked the horse out yet, you get to saddle and harness them. Putting on the harness was the most difficult, esp. stuffing the horse bit in its mouth; Lisa basically did it for us while we struggled with hanging on to their heads. -_-; We had two horses amongst the 4 of us to practice on, so at least half of you can be amused by the show when harness time comes. Afterwards was a quick overview on how to control the horse (turning, stopping, going at a walking pace), and then mounting up for a ~1 hour trail ride. We had a little bit of time on the track to test out our skills, and then headed for the nearby trail. Lisa was in front, with the rest of us following her horse. These horses are pretty much on autopilot at this point, including pooping and eating (if you can't rein them in). My horse loved trying to munch on all sorts of plants along the way. Lisa didn't really say that much about the trail itself on her own, but will warn you about your horse if it sometimes behaves a certain way along certain stretches. That said, she's very talkative if you ask her anything. I learned a bit about other ranches in the area, what is a pony vs a horse, how horses can be like dogs, their social habits, the ranch's attempts at breeding briefly, other activities they do at this 'full service boarding and training facility', and other random stuff. Basically, don't worry about being ignorant and you'll have more fun! The trail is pretty, and I'm sure even more so in sunlight. Bring a jacket otherwise. Also, be ready to use some fast shutter speeds if you want to take pictures while on a bouncy horse. But our guide was kind enough to take a few pictures for us at the end, too. And just so you're not surprised, the guides here will solicit tips FYI, but it was fun so not a problem. If you've never ridden before but are curious, definitely consider this ranch. They make it seem easy, and if you're a dude, don't worry about feeling sore afterwards; I wasn't fortunately. And if you have kids and spare cash to burn, I'm sure you could make them happy here. Maybe one day they'll even find a way to work with the local schools! read more

Moss Beach Ranch - Horseback Riding Near Me - Moss Beach, California

See all

My experience here was fantastic. I wanted to take my girlfriend riding as a birthday present, and did some Yelp research to find a ranch. Most ranches in the Bay had very poor reviews. When I came across MBR's 4.5 stars, I had to contact them and was really drawn by their reviews and their customer service. My girlfriend and I booked a private trail tour on a Sunday morning with our guide Aline. The two of us were beginners with zero riding experience, but Aline was incredibly knowledgeable about horses, and got us up to speed in a matter of minutes. We learned how to correctly interact with horses, and how to properly ride and maintain control. The trail tour was extremely serene and peaceful, and we even saw a fox along the way! My horse, Billy, was a bit stubborn at one point, trying to snack on some tall pampas grass reeds, and it was really amusing. Aline helped me regain Billy's attention in no time at all, and the rest of the ride went perfectly. She even took pictures of us during a break, and emailed them to me after the tour was over, which was awesome! I could tell they really care about their horses, as well as their clientele at this ranch. Check this place out and give them a call, you will not be disappointed! read more

Had a great ride with Aline on Friday. Aline is very knowledgeable not only about her horses, but about local wildlife and the coastal area. She keeps a small string of horses and they are all well cared for, unlike the other place down the road. After I warmed up my horse in the arena and Aline was able to assess my riding level and knowledge, we headed out on the trail. It was a windy day, so we had to switch trails, but it didn't matter, I had a great time and the views were gorgeous. If you're looking for a place to ride on the coast, this is it. read more

My husband and I went on the groupon and had a great time! Husband has a little horse experience; I had practically none, but we were both turning our horses and stopping them reliably in the dirt ring within an hour. Hey, it's not galloping into the sunset, but you've got to start somewhere! After learning about the horses, saddling them and learning the basics, we set of for a trail ride with Lauren, our fabulous hostess/horse-wrangler. It's a beautiful location with hills on one side and ocean on the other. We were lucky enough to have a beautiful sunny day to boot. It was a great morning and we would definitely recommend it to others. read more

My daughter and I have been going here on and off for 4 years and it is a sweet small place where you can learn to ride a horse or board your own horse. After learning from a couple of different English instructors, we settled with Coleen, who teaches Western. We were both surprised at how much we love the style. My daughter really blossomed with Coleen who is so patient and really loves and understands how to teach someone well. She is young and enthusiastic and makes each lesson fun. read more

Went horse-backing riding with mom on a Monday afternoon. Lovely and friendly people, horses and dogs! Will definitely do it again! read more

Kim was a great guide. The trail is not ocean front but does have a view of the ocean. The trail itself was beautiful, winding through the mountains along the coast. The horses were well cared for and mild mannered. We had a fantastic time. read more

My boyfriend and I went on a trail ride the other day and had such an amazing experience! The scenery was very unique and the horse are all in really good condition. The instructor was a cheerful, helpful and nice woman who is very passionate about horses. She made us feel safe and explained everything well before she put us on the beautiful, really well taken care of horses. I can only recommend going on a trail ride at Moss Beach Ranch whenever you're in the area! Greetings from Germany!!! read more

Went out to check on the barn earlier this summer for boarding. The horses are skinny and many appear ill. Jeanette lied to me about one of the horses that was for sale (my vet later told me the truth). I will avoid completely. read more

The Moss Beach Ranch is a wonderful place aka "Paradise on Earth". I mean it, people. It's tucked away in a gorgeous valley inland of Moss Beach. Thousands of acres of trails with drop dead gorgeous views of the ocean and coastal foothills. Oh, and horses. The great thing about MB ranch is you can get quality instruction onsite. You can take lessons, lease horses, board your horse, or send your kid to one of their leveled summer horse camps. I take a weekly lesson from Jeanette Jacobi who is awesome. I started riding in my fifties. Jeanette brought me along from rank beginner to someone who feels comfortable enough in the saddle that now I can go out and enjoy all those wonderful trails. Thank you, Jeanette! Thank you, Moss Beach Ranch, for being an oasis of peace and beauty here in the Bay Area. read more

I took my boyfriend horseback riding for his birthday, and our trail guide, Aline, could not have made is a better experience. She made me feel comfortable as a beginner on a horse with helpful tips and feedback. The horses were certainly loved, which added to the experience. When we finished our beautiful trail ride through Golden Gate National Recreation Area (overlooking the ocean and agriculture), we were able to rinse and brush our horses, as well as reward them with a snack. Aline was sweet, calm, and knowledgeable on the area, and the horses were patient, loved and well adjusted. We will make it a point to try to get back! read more

Hubby and I weren't aware this place existed until we stumbled on a Groupon recently. We're always looking for things for our guests to do when they visit and just couldn't pass up the opportunity to check this place out. Full disclosure - my mom took us to Sea Horse Ranch down the road when we were kids, and it was not a great experience. Poor exhausted horse had to be coaxed to the end of the trail then bolted back to the barn so fast my tiny body almost flew into the brush nearby. I drive by the horses each day...they always look so sad. :-( NOT the case with Moss Beach Ranch. The horses ARE well-cared for. I just adore the owner. While he and our trainer taught us the basics in the ring prior to our ride, the owner gave us the background on all of our horses. Mine (sweet Woody) was a successful racer until he fractured some small bones in his legs. The owner adopted him, paid for surgery to correct his lameness, and now he's a sweet beast living life in one of the most beautiful, temperate parts of the United States. The horses here are not the (bless their hearts) zombies you find at other places. They have a teeny bit of spunk and personality (just enough), and you actually get to ride on a trail that makes you feel *if just for a second* that you're riding your own horse somewhere beautiful. I'll be back to see Woody and his friends. With carrots. read more

Definitely the best place within an hour of the city (or maybe farther) to go for a trail ride. I'm a horse person and take lessons at a more formal barn on a regular basis, and it's quite difficult to find a trail ride operator where the horses are well cared for and not on total autopilot, but this is clearly such a place. And beautiful trails! No riding on the beach, but the views are great on a clear day, would definitely go back. read more

My 11-year-old niece and I went for a 90 minute ride on a Monday morning. We were both very happy with our experience. We are both beginners (I ride maybe once a decade, she rides maybe once a year). Aline was helpful, friendly. She showed us simple commands and I felt that she was conscientious in taking basic safety precautions (helmet, girth, assistance mounting and dismounting, etc). The trail was beautiful and Aline shared interesting bits of info about the landscape and horses as we went along. It was fun for my niece to assist in giving the horses a treat after the ride. I had no trouble calling on a Friday early afternoon to set up the Monday morning ride. Aline was responsive and prompt in returning my call and emailing the confirmation. I would recommend Moss Beach Ranch to anyone who wants a gentle ride with a friendly, relaxed, knowledgeable guide. read more

Aline is the nicest person! I had called all the places in the bay area, they were either rude or non responsive. Aline was very nice, professional, and patience. We had a great time horsing, definitely will come back. read more

We went trail ride with a groupon and it was fun. The ranch got a few arenas and the trail is beautiful.

Amazing ranch with wonderful staff and horses! I have been leasing/taking lessons here for a while and Jeanette recently helped me acquire my first horse as an owner! read more