We tried to schedule a horseback ride with this operation and it was frustrating. It took repeated phone calls before anyone answered (there is no email address and calls were not returned). The person we spoke with (Olivia) said she was incredibly busy and could not talk then. After a second call that she answered, she texted us a form that asked for names, weights, heights, contact info, etc. We texted all this as requested. We assumed (naively) this was a confirmation since she had given us a time and date for the ride. Wrong! It meant nothing. We got no response to that text or another text requesting a written confirmation. We showed up on the day of the ride, earlier than the time scheduled for us. However, there was no record of anything! They might get great reviews by people who have actually gotten to ride; however, buyer beware. If you do not have a definite confirmation (and we have no idea what that might consist of), you have an excellent chance of not having a ride. In our opinion, this is not a customer-friendly and professional operation. read more

What a good time! Olivia was a fantastic guide and the horses were so well behaved. Also such a beautiful trail. Will definitely be coming back again! read more

Such a great experience. Visited before the crazy rain falls. Called the number on website to schedule and it was super easy and convenient. Arrived at location following their very detailed instructions on website, greeted by Jessica who was also the tour guide. Was fit for safety items and horse and got started on trail. Amazing views, great info by guide. read more

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We absolutely loved our ride with Kate and Olivia today! They were so flexible with us being late from the freeway being shut down and were so patient with everyone at different riding levels. Highly recommend!!! read more

Wonderful day on the trails. Horses well cared for, friendly people and absolutely beautiful surroundings. Can't wait to go back!

I tried to schedule a trail ride with this stable and a) it took a very long time for anyone to get back to me. When they did text me, they got the weekend I was trying to book incorrect. When I corrected them with an additional text I didn't hear back. So I called and left a message and didn't hear back. After 5 days I texted again and finally got someone to respond. When I spoke to the employee, she was very rude and curt and wouldn't let me explain our situation. She kept cutting me off with a negative answer for why they couldn't accommodate my group. Super unprofessional and now I've got a very disappointed group who was looking forward to a trail ride. Good luck to anyone trying to book with this stable! read more

It was my late birthday present. The place is busy and we did have to book a month ahead. Due to the pandemic, they don't hold trail rides for multiple groups together right now, which was really perfect. For the same price, it was a private trail ride for me and my husband. Mery was a wonderful tour guide, and she did a really nice introduction of how to communicate the basic commands to the horse before we went on the trail. Dolly, the horse I got to ride was somewhat lazy and was looking around so I got to exercise the basic commands of "go left" go right" "slow" "go" "stop" during the trail, which was fun! She took a lovely photo of us at the end on the trail. I'd love to go back again, hopefully again when we can do a private trail ride. My husband said he'd wanna do a longer ride next time! Thank you! read more

Wonderful ride. And the guide was great. Highly recommend. The horses are well taken care of.

My grandchildren are here visiting from Florida and this was going to be their big adventure before they went back. I booked a trail ride for us in April 2023 to assure a reservation. I've been telling them all week that we were going horseback riding. Today, August 4, 2023 is our scheduled trail ride... it is a couple hours before we are suppose to arrive and I just recieved a message that they wont be able to do the trail ride... they cancelled 2 hrs before we were to arrive. My grandchildren's hearts are broken and I am sick to my stomach. Thanks Mt Madonna Stables... way to go read more

The experience here was one I will look forward to sharing with my daughter one of these days, when she's old enough to ride that is. Good down to Earth people you will enjoy the company with along the trails, and well trained horses with unique personalities that will make the journey entertaining. Great way to shake off that cabin fever from cOVID-19 stay at home/ work at home orders and clear one's mind while be surrounded by the natural beauty of Mount Madonna's Forest. Definitely would recommend to friends and family for a fun adventure. read more

We had such a nice ride with our guide Jesse last Friday. She was so pleasant and made the ride very easy for my girlfriend and I. We are both over 50 and had not ridden in quite a few years. I rode Kool and she rode Rain. The horses were good with our commands. I will definitely be back. read more

Worst mistake ever! I called a few days prior to the date, spoke with a gal, gave her our info, she set the time. My husband and I arrived at our scheduled time, had to wander around to find someone. I informed her we were there for our scheduled ride. Thinking nothing if it, I figured a barn full of at least 8-10 horses, 4 riders in all could make a "group" She started asking me was I sure? Could we reschedule for next week. I said no, not really. We just drove over an hour to get here, this was our scheduled time. She was already taking 2 out, they just didn't have the horses to accommodate us. The only thing she offered us was to wait in the middle of nowhere for two hours and if her next appointment didn't show then she could take us?? Assuming if they did show, we'd be ass out again. Not only that, but it reached the 90's today, if she planned on riding the same 3 horses all day, I didn't want any of that either. These people are totally unorganized and offer something they obviously can't provide. Nor do they have any respect when it comes to visitors time and gas. read more

BEWARE: if you're planning on visiting the stables for a trail ride, make sure to receive a confirmation in writing or risk the owner claiming she never received your voicemail, messages or a call from you in their call log. Seriously, my teenage daughter thought that excuse was pathetic. Voicemails and text messages don't go missing, especially when someone leaves more than one. How about three? I was told she would only accept cash, which in hindsight was a red flag to begin with. There are several horseback riding alternatives within 45 minutes. read more

My family and I had a great time going on a one hour trail ride here. This was my 9 year old nieces first ride and she loved it! Our trail guide, Mary I believe, was great! She made sure we were all comfortable on the horses and gave easy instructions to follow. The horses we rode were all very nice and clearly the staff take good care of them and are knowledgeable about each of their unique personalities. Can't wait to go back. read more

Was a great place to take the kids riding while camping. The staff was friendly and the horses were calm. Thanks.

My wife and I first went here for her birthday and instantly fell in love with Tess and all the staff ( oh and all the horses as well- mines name is Bounce). If you are a beginner or an experienced rider this is the place for you. Their staff is attentive and friendly patient and knowledgeable. The scenery is very beautiful as well being that it is right outside of Mount Madonna County Park. Pretty much halfway between Gilroy and Watsonville. My wife and I loved it so much that we had to come back for Mother's Day with our kids and enjoyed some private one-on-one lessons with an instructor that went out of her way to come down when it was raining so we got to ride in the indoor arena. Awesome! You will not be disappointed. read more

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Had a wonderful time for my daughter's 12 birthday surprise! Tesi is amazing! So patient with the girls, and us adults who tagged along! Meagan is hooked and we will be back! read more

Meri was our trail guide. The training course she went over with us at the start of our ride was very easy and informative. The ride was AMAZING! The horse I was on (Dolly) was the best! Great for any riding level! 10/10 would recommend this place and I will 100% be returning! read more

Great experience! Brought my granddaughter for her first ride experience here. Staff was amazing-friendly, helpful, and fun. Beautiful trails and scenery. We will definitely be back and do the longer ride...she's hooked! read more

Just had my first riding lesson with Tesi...one of the best things I've done since I moved to the Bay Area five years ago. She is an excellent teacher, the setting is breathtaking, and my horse, Dolly, just happens to be stunning. Thank you very much for an amazing experience. read more

We just went to Mount Madonna Stables for a birthday party. I was very impressed at how long the girls were allowed to ride for and the fact that they were taken on a little trail ride outside the fences. What I was not impressed with was the woman leading the group. From the first moment we arrived (a group of about twelve well-behaved albeit excited little girls) the woman hosting the party was rude and snapped at both children and adults. She rarely smiled. She was quick to point out when a child wasn't doing what she said to do (not in dangerous situations but in the rider's form etc.) and she constantly complained to the other girl who was helping her that the girls weren't good enough to take outside the ring. Most of the second group of girls that got to ride, rode for much less time than the first group and were embarrassed that their 'teacher' didn't think they could do anything even though she gave them less time to learn the ropes. She even told all us moms watching on the fence that the girls weren't doing well and shouldn't expect to go outside the fence. What I found strange about that was, was that the second group seemed like they were doing the same as the first group and were being treated worse. We chatted amongst ourselves and decided the woman leading the group was probably tired from a morning in the hot sun with the girls and the horses but I thought a review on here was necessary because if you don't like people, perhaps you shouldn't be hosting parties and events. It doesn't take much to be kind to your paying guests. So, to recap--the facility, horses, and time on the horses was great--our hostess was not. (I will say that her quiet assistant was much kinder.) read more

This is, hands down, the best place to rent horses and ride in the Bay area. The Mahoneys are a long-time horse family that runs beautiful operations with horses that are treated like their children. Experienced rider or beginner- you will be taken care of here. You can do trail rides into the gorgeous Mt. Madonna County park and never get tired of the scenery- 3300 acres of it, with views of both the Monterey bay as well as the Santa Clara valley. It's gorgeous! Everyone gets a mini riding lesson in the corral before leaving on your ride. Afterwards you can get more practice in the ring and your wrangler will be glad to take your pictures. Young children as well as older riders can be accommodated. The horses are sweet, experienced and quiet. If you are up for a more spirited mount, they can help you with that as well, but not before testing your skills. (Note- the Mahoneys are world class equestrian competitors themselves, with many prizes in both Western and English styles and they also breed, sell and train highly competitive horses for roping, Western and English pleasure, Country Pleasure, show jumping, show hunters and even Olympic level three day eventing.) Safety is their most important concern here and they are serious about it. Come with closed toed shoes with a heel and long pants. You will be fitted with a safety certified hard hat. Take the family, a company group or all your friends. Guaranteed you will NOT be disappointed. Tessi will take great care of you. There are also great kids' summer camps, lessons, group or private, and horse shows, if you want to get that involved. Only one caution- you will get hooked and be going there for more. My husband, who had never sat on a horse, bought his rented mount on the spot and we both board our horses there and ride weekly and love it. We usually take a picnic and stop in the park for lunch. We are retired now and this is one of our major hobbies. Don't hesitate to call and talk to Tessi- she will tell you anything you want. Go up and try one ride and I guarantee you WILL be back! read more