I honestly had high hopes for this experience, especially since I've been eager to learn more about…read morehorses. I read the glowing reviews and expected a warm, educational, and patient environment because everyone seemed to love it. Unfortunately, that's not what I got. From the beginning, communication was confusing and inconsistent. When we called, we were told we'd get to groom and saddle the horses ourselves, which I was really excited about since I'd only learned grooming in the past. we did groom the horses, but with putting the saddle on, that part was completely skipped and she did it all herself. I asked about it and was brushed off with a vague "let's stay in the present moment" comment--something she repeated often to avoid directly answering questions. It came off dismissive, not peaceful. The ride itself was stressful. I'd told her it was my first time riding without a lead guide and this is my first time having full control. She didn't offer any instruction on how to stop or control the horse before mounting. The horses clearly had a strong bond with her and would follow her no matter what, even when I tried using the reins. I was told to "have control" but wasn't shown how to do that properly and beforehand. I had no control because the horses were trained to follow her--not us. And then I got blamed for it. At one point, my horse started walking off and I didn't know how to stop him. Instead of calmly helping me and telling me what to do, the guide stood there silently with her arms crossed and an annoyed or pissed off expression followed with annoyed sighing and rude comments like "oh gosh help me" acting like I was supposed to know everything even though it was known I'm a beginner at this. Later, when I finally got a basic instruction ("pull the reins to your stomach and say hooo"), I followed it--but the horse still didn't respond fully, because again, it was just fixated on her. That's not a beginner rider's fault. She also snapped at us multiple times over small misunderstandings--like which halter to grab--and never took the time to clearly explain what we were doing wrong, or how to do it better. My mom even asked a question after the ride, and the guide cut my mom off followed by an annoyed "Anyways...." and no question was answered. It was hard to enjoy the experience when the environment didn't feel calm, or respectful. For someone who talks a lot about peace and presence, she was surprisingly impatient, reactive, and dismissive. If you're a total beginner, I'd strongly suggest finding a place that's more beginner-friendly--where the horses are better trained for guests, and the instructor actually takes time to teach, guide, and support you with patience. Seems like i'm not the only one with this problem and I wish I read the reviews on a proper website beforehand. Super unprofessional and bipolar behavior. Honestly felt like a big scam. She has us do the hard work for the majority of the time but once it was time to start riding, we immediately got scolded and rode for not even 20 minutes? This experience wasn't it.

My daughter and I spent a wonderful and amazing evening at Western Trail Rides for her birthday…read morethis September. The horses Trigger, Oliver and Levi were all so therapuetic, calm, and seemed happy to help us on our 1st meeting and trail ride. Melissa was a fantastic coach as well and you can really tell she absolutely loves her boys (horses). She had a very caring, calm and patient energy as well which made us feel at home. We both left with the biggest smiles after feeding the horses some carrots at the end of our evening. I would recommend completely for anyone or any families looking to try something new and or just down to earth petting and grooming of these majestic animals. Absolutely going back and thankful it was within our budget to go back again.

Had a FANTASTIC experience today! It seems some of the less than favorable reviews below are…read morerelated to the other business with the same name. We met our guide at a private lot with direct beach access. (No crossing freeways or long rides to the beach) Our guide Steve was friendly and we were given clear instruction before mounting the horses. My husband had never been on a horse before and he was nervous but afterward said he had a great time and felt confident on the horse as we rode. While we did not book a private ride, our group ended up only being our family of three and it was a truly gorgeous day and awesome experience. If we lived local I would do this all the time!

This trail ride was perhaps the worst I've ever experienced for multiple reasons. Two of the…read moreemployees in particular were so rude, uptight, and condescending. I brought a water bottle attached to a lanyard and both of these employees felt the need to judgmentally ask me if I "really needed that water bottle" and "are you sure that won't fall off?" Of course, the water bottle did fall off. When we got back, the man rudely and unnecessarily remarked "I told you it would fall off." I was paired with a terrible horse who did not follow any of my commands, constantly ate the vegetation, pinned his ears at and would try to bite the other horses for no reason, etc. I have some experience riding horses and I was doing my absolute best with this out-of-control horse. In turn, I was continually being barked at by the guides to "pull up on the reins and release, don't let him eat, kick him, go to the back, catch up to the rest of the group, keep him away from the other horses" etc. In addition, we rode through a very busy freeway overpass with multiple onramps/offramps and cars everywhere. We also passed right next to an active railroad. Of course, a train roared past a mere ten feet away from us. The horses spooked and it was a miracle that no one was thrown off. We were not given any prior warning that we would be riding in the middle of these very dangerous environments. If there was a warning in the waiver, I wouldn't have known because we were so rushed to sign it and had no time to read it. We finally made it to the actual beach and spent a mere 20 minutes on the shore before riding back through the danger zones towards home. I spent the entire ride pissed off, disappointed and feeling unsafe.

Six out of 5 stars! I am not a consistent rider. I do not own a horse for that reason, but I enjoy…read morelearning what I can in the time that I can. Before I started taking lessons my previous experience was minimal...trail rides and very basic care. I had even taken a fall off of one that was running to the barn (and knowing what I know now I would not have been on that horse to start with.) Prior to lessons I was intimidated and maybe even a little fearful. All of that washed away in my first lesson. What I love the most is that she makes sure you see the whole picture from the first step into the barn to putting them back out. She helps you understand why the movements are so important and how in return the horse is reading them. Imme is a natural teacher and provides clear instruction. She has a passion for the horse and the ride.

I simply cannot say enough good things about Imme and the help she has given me. I started with…read moresome round pen clinics with her, and am currently taking riding/round pen lessons with Imme on my young and green arabian. She has a wonderful, gentle way of pushing me and my horse where we need to be pushed, and then guiding me to become better at the all important release. I am more confident after every lesson with her, and she always gives me great things to think about, and take away to work on for the next ride. I would recommend Imme to new and veteran riders alike (I've been riding my whole life).

Great place to hone your jumping skills. Owner, Trainer, Jonathan is a competitive Show Jumper. He…read morehas developed a system to take much of the guesswork out of grids, strides and courses. If you want to jump your horse higher, look no further. Point Break Farms also produces high value jumpers(horses.) Located at the same ranch with Krystal Clemente of Black Mountain Horses (Eventing/3-day Trials) and Hannah Finch (National Hunter/Jumper/Dressage Champion 2022) . This family of Grand Prix level equestrians are the trifecta of great horsemanship.

My daughter wanted to jump at a more advanced level and compete, so a friend recommended Jonathan…read morePhemister Kennedy from www.pointbreakfarms.com, her progress has been truly amazing. If you are ready to lease or own, he doesn't rush you into a horse, he devotes his full attention to finding a horse that is perfect for you. Jonathan helped us find the perfect horse for Jenna and we couldn't be happier. He cares deeply for the health and happiness of his horses and riders.Jonathan's positive teaching style and rock solid hunter jumper background makes him the absolute best in Santa Barbara. The program at www.pointbreakfarms.com offers very focused, personalized, patient instruction that builds confidence and horsemanship as well as ability. They work with riders from beginners to the A circuit. Jonathan trains some of the top horses and riders on the west coast, and has competed at the top levels himself, so he knows exactly what it takes to get you there. Even if you don't show, you are getting that same level of training. If you don't have your own horse, they have very high quality horses available for lessons and shows

Best boarding in town!! people are super friendly, helpful, management is amazing, and most…read moreimportant, my horse loves it! couldn't recommend more :)

Great place to board:) Been there for a few years now, I love it. Close to trails. Super nice…read morepeople.

I'd never been a horse person, or even interested in horseback riding throughout any point in my…read morelife. After coming out to the ranch and meeting the horses, Tiffany let me groom them and showed me that they are really just giant teddy bears that want love and company. We went for a trail ride after she taught me some of the basics, and wasn't overbearing or rude in any way to the fact that I was new to all of this. I rode on Flash, one of the beginner horses, and FLASH IS SUCH A SWEETHEART! She understood that I didn't know what I was doing, and took it slow with me, readjusting herself if she noticed I was leaning to a side. Not only is Tiffany a friendly, experienced horseowner and trail guide, but she is excellent in matching the rider to the horse to make the rides the most enjoyable. Now that I've decided I am definitely a horse person, I would absolutely recommend Trail Rides of Ojai to everyone!

Tiffany is of the most knowledgeable trainers out there. Does not use a lot of horse jargon. She…read moreknows it but she doesn't feel the need to use it to impress you. Instead she explains things in terms you can understand. I picked up a lot of bad habits over the years. She fixed them all in three lessons. Highly recommended

Great quality and quantity fish shrimp and oysters service good great value with family meals. Our…read morego to place for fried fish

I have been catching incredible sunsets here for years. My husband finally experienced Ojai's "pink…read moremoment" for the first time last month. December and January are the best months to catch a spectacular sunset. Highway 150 is one of the most scenic drives in Ventura County, and this viewpoint is a must no matter what time of day. Ojai lies below, surrounded by mountains protected within nature preserves.