I recently spent 6 months in the area and took lessons with Maaike - she was absolutely incredible!…read moreFrom the very first lesson, I felt welcomed and supported. Maaike is not only super friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable, with a deep passion for horses and helping riders of all levels improve at the pace and style of learning that is right for them. As someone who had taken lessons as a child but not ridden in 20+ years, I was matched with her lesson horses, which were the sweetest, most patient horses you could imagine. The bar is now very high for the future horses in my life! Her style of teaching, way she explains things, and how she structures the lessons is awesome. I gained so much more confidence in the saddle and reaffirmed my love of riding. I looked forward to being challenged every lesson and having those breakthrough moments of conquering something new. Safety is obviously top priority with riding, and I always felt completely at ease in Maaike's care. She has an incredible ability to read each horse's temperament and energy, and if she ever sensed that one might be having an off morning, she'd quickly adjust to make sure you were set up for a great ride. Watching her work with more experienced riders on their own horses, it's clear that her expertise is respected by everyone at the barn, and her clients and their families adore her. The barn itself is beautiful and well-kept, and the community of riders there is warm and welcoming. It's a place where people genuinely love their horses and the time they spend with them. Since moving away, I honestly miss my rides with Maaike so much, and I'm looking forward to visiting again in the future. I honestly can't recommend her enough!

We cannot say enough wonderful things about Maaike. My daughter has been training with her for a…read morefew years and has grown immensely in both confidence and horsemanship. She now rides Western, English, and is even jumping courses. Maaike is consistently positive and encouraging, with a deep understanding of new riders. She ensures that each rider progresses at their own pace, making the entire experience enjoyable and supportive.

Sent a message, left a voicemail, and haven't heard from…read morethem after days. Disappointing to see discrimination against customers in California. UPDATE: As you can see below, the owner reached out 6 months after my review, claiming that they didn't receive my message. I still have their 2450 number recorded on my phone. What a disappointing series of decisions in customer relations.

My son has great time at the summer camp. They teach the kid how to prep and ride the horse…read moreproperly. It also give them some education about horse. Annika was great with kid. There are some art and craft. (paint the horseshoe and drawing of horse) The location was nice with cover arena. It is nice at the summer. It is good introductory for young kid to get into horseback riding.

I had the opportunity to take my daughter and her friends to Pereira Ranch for a bday lesson with…read moretrainers Sara and Rachel. They were AWESOME!!! So friendly, talkative, provided so much information regarding the behaviors of horses and overall provided a GREAT experience! The facility was well maintained and the horses were all well behaved. I would highly recommend this ranch

One of the better boarding ranches I've been to. Friendly, helpful staff that goes out of their…read moreway to be helpful. Trails into the Mt Diablo foothills are scenic and take you to great views of the surrounding area. The arenas and round pens are well maintained and free of hazards. Storage for Tack and stuff is available. A large animal vet lives nearby and is available plus a clinic for shots and deworming is scheduled about every six months.

Words cannot describe how amazing Julie is as a riding instructor. Her teaching style is tailored…read moreto each rider; there's no set deadline or timing. That's what I loved most about her program-- she truly personalizes her lessons to fit your progress. One of her best skills is that she is acutely in tune with your form, comfort level, and confidence. She is so good at understanding how the human body interacts with the horse so when you're learning the fundamentals, you're learning it from an almost anatomical perspective. I originally started out at a different equestrian center but the instructor there made me feel anxious and unsure every time. I carried a lot of that over to Julie's lessons where I had to unlearn a lot of bad habits. In my almost year of riding under her guidance, I've learned proper techniques and gained back my confidence. Julie has the innate ability to make you feel safe and secure when riding. I love that she teaches to build confidence so you can master the technical skills. If you are ever thinking about horseback riding but scared to try it, get a lesson with Julie. An instructor like her is one of a kind.

I've been a client of Julie's for over 7 years and would recommend it to anyone! Julie teaches her…read moreriders in a safe and effective way while customizing each lesson to you and your horse. She is more then willing to help with special needs and lives on the property, so your horses are never out of her care. I have a crazy schedule and she is always able to fit my lessons in - even if they're at 8pm. Not to mention Creek Hill is a drama free, fun barn - something that is hard to find in the equestrian world!! A true hidden gem!

As an Equestrian with my own ranch~I would love to live here! This place is absolutely beautiful…read more The equestrian facility is so clean and the trail horses are well groomed horses~I could tell they had great training before they were beautifully retired to trail rides at this most special winery estate. I researched hard to find a great place like this to ride and I will be back! Thank you to the great staff that also made this experience amazing! The food, service and ambiance of the estate was wonderful..Enjoy! worth every penny! Janise Msh, Florida

Katie and Kiera were awesome! Beautiful experience and lovely setting. Highly recommendread more

Niara you have horse racing today and I can do it for youread more

This place is awesome! The farm is beautifull and well cared for and looks loved. The staff from my…read morefirst email and phone call was very attentive. Our first visit was a tour of the training center and we asked many questions that were answered in a candid and open manner. The horses here are meticulously cared for and show it. One of my daughters leases a horse and one takes lessons and they were both accomodated. We have been to many ridding schools and this is by far the best. Signed, Very Happy Customer

Stayed at the nice trail camp. Clean bathroom. Nice picnic tables. No water and the park insured we…read moreknew. 2 faucets at the camp, but not working.

Round Valley Regional Preserve is a 5/5 gem tucked along the eastern edge of the Mount Diablo…read morefoothills. Marsh Creek runs right by the parking area, setting the tone for a peaceful start. The loop options strike a nice balance, not too tough, but enough variation to keep it interesting. Wildlife is part of the experience. You'll likely see cattle grazing, and if you're lucky, maybe a bobcat or a red-shouldered or red-tailed hawk overhead. Just plan ahead in summer. It heats up fast, so bring plenty of water. Simple, scenic, and quietly one of the best spots around.

I'm so glad I made the decision to bring my horse to Vanguard Eventing after they moved to Five…read moreStar Stables. I own a 6 year old off-the-track Thoroughbred, and since he's been with Dani and Joe, he's become a different horse. He was anxious and reactive at our old barn, but here, he's settled down into a gentle packer that is a joy to be around. Dani and Joe are patient and kind in their training, and they understand the needs of a young horse. Danielle and Ky also provide wonderful daily care to your horses -- I don't feel like I need to worry about whether or not my horse will get his feed or supplements when I'm not there, they care as much as I do! We recently had an emergency situation with my horse and Joe and several other members of the Vanguard team stepped up to help my horse while I drove up to meet the vet. I felt truly supported by a family, and I am eternally grateful for them. The facility at Five Star is also gorgeous, well-kept and has plenty of space for everyone. It's always peaceful, never overly busy and you'll never have a hard time finding space to ride with 3 beautiful arenas.

As far as I'm concerned, Joe and Danielle are as good as it gets when it comes to training and…read moreequine knowledge in general. I rode as a kid but stopped riding for a long long time. I'm so glad I found them when I decided to start riding again! They have great school horses and don't pressure you to buy a horse (even though I eventually did thanks to them finding me the perfect horse). They have definitely pushed me to be a better rider each lesson but they are patient and teach to every level. Plus they are flexible, reasonably priced, and fun to be around!! They have literally changed my life In so many positive ways. Stop daydreaming and come on down to Five Star (which is a great barn) and check them out. You won't regret it!

As an adult with a career, and many other obligations I was in search of a flexible equestrian…read moretraining program. It was essential that I had someone who could work around my busy schedule. I could not be more grateful to Kelly (the owner) for helping me find the perfect partner to ride. Kelly, has been more than accommodating with lesson times and my week to week schedule. The half lease has been perfect, and I enjoy the freedom she allows by trusting you with her beautiful horses. From going on trails to hacking to full on training sessions. It is the one highlight of my week. As a new rider to this sport, I was apprehensive to ever compete in a show. She has taken me to the next level by training me to go to my very first horse show this year! Kelly, has the experience, expertise and excitement for all things equestrian. I look forward to continuing my journey here and jumping to the next level with KMT.

We can't say enough great things about this barn! From day one when my daughter started at the…read moreAcademy program during Covid, the focus on safety and proper fundamentals has been clear, and it really shows in the progress she's made. She is now in their full training program and thriving! The trainers are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping each rider improve at their own pace. The horses are wonderful, well-trained, and clearly cared for to the highest standard. The barn itself is always clean and organized, creating a very welcoming environment. Communication is excellent as well, the team is responsive and always willing to answer questions from parents like us who were new to the riding world. Beyond riding, what truly makes this place special is the positive camaraderie among the riders and parents alike. My daughter has made lifelong friends (of all ages) and feels like part of a team that cheers each other on and celebrates one another's successes. If you're looking for a high quality program for you or your child to ride and grow, this is it! Check out their fun summer camps too, if you're not yet willing to commit. Highly recommend!

Keely took me on even though my horse bishop had issues as a high level hunter jumper used to a…read morevery strict regime Keely is a horse whisperer Bishop is a completely different horse as a result of her care, understanding and solid horsemanship that I have found you can not teach - you either have it or you don't While she is in the middle of rebranding - you can't go wrong working with Keely and indeed she will achieve greatness. She is that good

My daughter rode with Keely at Valley View Equestrian for a year and a half. We sadly had to leave…read morethe barn because we relocated out of the area. Keely is patient, kind, is an engaged teacher, and you can tell she LOVES her job and students. She is so knowledgeable about horses and helped my daughter build her self esteem and confidence with riding. We highly recommend her!