Awesome experience for eight year old girls and their Dads some of whom have never ridden before,…read morethank you!

I waited until I had another experience with a riding stable before writing this review because I…read morewanted to be sure that my experience here was not good. I have never been on a horse before this experience and have a lot of anxiety with trying new and potentially dangerous activities. I shared this with the woman who was our guide for the tour because I figured that would let her know how to interact with me as I'm trying this new thing. However, the guide was not helpful or empathetic in literally any way and when I was nervous because the horse was not following my direction (after confirming I was doing it right) she just told me "yeah they don't listen in the arena"...okay, well if the horse can't follow my direction in the arena how am I supposed to feel safe to take him on a two hour cliffside ride? Absolutely not. I ended up having a panic attack after many more attempts to direct him with no success. At that point I decided not to go on the ride because I know horses are incredibly emotionally intelligent and I did not know how my stress would impact him. In addition to not feeling safe and not feeling like my guide knew how to handle that situation. After talking to the woman who was working that day I requested a full or partial refund if possible and the owner called me and was wildly condescending. She made sure to drill it in that this experience was my fault and everyone else does just fine! So even though I knew that wasn't accurate, I let it go because the refund wasn't that important to me. Yesterday I went on another attempt to ride a horse and again I was scared. I told the guide that I've never done this and I was nervous and she was incredibly helpful and made sure I was comfortable with the horse before we left the arena even though we were on a public group ride. Something that this ranch's staff couldn't manage on a private two hour ride. So for me, the service was an easy 0. However, the location was beautiful and the lunch was decent. Wine was not for me and the gal working couldn't tell me a single thing about any of the wines. Edit: After reading the atrocious response from the business I've decided this place couldn't possibly deserve a two star rating. I wish zero stars and a PSA was an option! I would like to clarify that the ignorance from the business owners is shown clearly in that they are pretending I had ruined an experience for a group of "all other riders" when the entire group was my girlfriend (who had no problem "sitting through it") and I. I also felt I stated clearly in my review that the refund was not a major concern of mine. I don't need the money, I just don't appreciate the way these people treat customers that don't have a stellar experience. Truly disgusting. Your horse did not listen, your horse absolutely did not stay still in the arena, and your guide assured me I was following instructions and navigating just as she showed me. Your guide also stated that horses don't listen until they're on the trail (which is a ridiculous statement and shoes that you do not have control of them. But again, no shade to the horses. They're beautiful and they're animals and I respect them far more than any of the staff at this point) Additionally, the wine was awful and your staff doesn't even know how to describe or recommend a single wine on the shelf. Thank you for further affirming my negative experience and showing even more unprofessional behavior! After reading other reviews and their responses to anyone who didn't leave 4/5 stars...I'm not surprised at the awful customer service!

Cloverleaf Ranch is a magical place! Our nine-year-old just returned from his second year of…read moresleep-away camp (He attended the day camp when he was younger.) and he has so many positive things to say. The counselors were fun and supportive. The activities were engaging. Thomas loved the food. This year he encouraged a friend from school to join him. That boy had a great time, and they both made new friends too. Thomas came back with greater confidence and displaying more independence too. We can't wait to get back the pictures he took with his disposable camera! What I love best, besides hearing the stories about him getting up early to care for the horses that he once found intimidating, was the call we received from Dawn mid-week. We weren't worried. We've had great experiences at Cloverleaf. We know the ratios of campers to counselors allows for attentive care. Still, the mid-week phone call telling us how his week was going just reinforced how much the staff really cares. For this reason, Cloverleaf will continue to be a Cremidis family tradition for many years to come. Next year, little brother will be old enough for residential camp and he's already making plans for how he'll spend his time.

I feel like parents should know the teen leaders they employ are from some summer study abroad…read more program and are boys sent here from other countries (New Zealand, Australia, etc.) and they aren't allowed to disclose their names (my daughter's camp leader was named "Cobra"). I didn't feel comfortable with this arrangement and am glad I didn't sign my daughter up for sleep-away camp. She enjoyed the day camp but the staff seemed more concerned with protecting themselves rather than allowing parents to protect their children. I was expecting some nice local horse riding girls to mentor her and instead had to leave her with boys who wouldn't tell me their names. She won't be back.

My son and niece had the best week last week at A-1 Horse Programs at Owen Ranch in Middletown…read more Helen, the ranch owner, and the instructor knew what each kid needed to be successful in their horsemanship journey, whether it was confidence, courage, encouragement, discipline, etc, she was there to provide what each kid needed to succeed. I was so impressed with her innate ability to understand the needs of the kids and provide what was needed at the moment to get the best results. It was really hot while we were there, like triple digits hot! The kids were hot and tired after each day, but they were still excited about camp and eager to go back each morning. Helen and her assistant Sam were good about keeping an eye on the kids and cooling them down frequently with a hose down, which the kids loved, lol. The kids also absolutely adored their horses. Both horses were very sweet and gentle. The kids loved rewarding their horses at the end of each day with an apple. From day one the kids were hands-on learning how to properly care for their horse and prepare it for a ride. On the very first day they learned how to securely tie it to a post when not being ridden and not in a pen, they learned how to harness and lead their horse out of the pen, they learned how to brush their horse before saddling, they learned how to bridle and saddle their horses. They learned how to walk their horses to warm them up before a ride, they learned how to properly hose a hot horse down to cool it down after a ride in hot temps. They did all that and still had some arena time so that they were also able to learn how to properly control their horse. Day 2 they did all their horse prep and care then had some arena time to strengthen riding skills and then they were off for a trail ride that was about an hour long. The rest of the week was about the same with the kids in the saddle a good 2 hours each day. On the 4th day they learned how to wash the horses and the last day was dedicated to a show the kids put on for the parents to show how well they had learned to direct their horses. On his first day my son was slouching in his saddle and saying he couldn't do a lot of what was asked of him. By mid-week his riding posture was greatly improved and Helen had him saying "I can, instead of I can't" She told him if he could control a 1000 lb horse at just 7 years old, he could do anything! I hope he remembers that forever! He was even excited to carry his horse's rather heavy saddle by himself by the end of the week because he knew he could do anything. Thank you Helen for the best week we had all summer, we will be back.

This place exceeded our expectations! Our non-equestrian family had an amazing time at the ranch…read more Helen was a patient, well versed trainer. She welcomed us to play with the goats while she saddled the horses. She matched us perfectly with the horses, from my 6'4" husband, my 60+ yr old mother, and my elementary age children. She was great with instruction and safety, and the trail ride, which included a walk through the running water was an hour perfectly spent. She even took photos that she shared with us at the end of the experience. Incredible customer service. Absolutely worth every penny!

I contacted Erin to do an evaluation for me since I was quite a distance from the barn and I had a…read moreback injury. She was excellent in providing all the information I needed to make an informed decision about a horse. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her.

Erin (and her assistant Katie) are awesome -- best instructors for kids (really individuals of all…read moreages). Erin clearly knows her stuff! She is an accomplished rider herself which doesn't always necessarily translate into being a great instructor, but in Erin's case, she is not only a talented rider, but also instructor. My 6 year old daughter absolutely loves her (and Katie) and counts the days until her next lesson! They have helped nurture a passion for horses. Erin really takes her time and is so genuine! She teaches horsemanship, not just riding which I think is so important. I have been around horses my whole life and have trained with countless instructors when I was younger. Finding the right instructor for my daughter was important to me. I wanted her to be able to build a relationship with her instructor as well as the horse. You don't get this at a lot of lesson facilities, especially for beginner riders. A lot of barns feel cold and very business like -- you get on the horse, you ride for 25-30 minutes and then go home -- not with Erin and Katie. I have never felt rushed. It is a totally different experience riding at her facility -- it is fun, educational, safe, and my daughter has gotten so much out of her lessons in just 6 months. I feel so lucky that a friend referred us (Her daughter goes to school with my daughter and was riding with Erin). As another reviewer pointed out, Erin is so gentle, yet not afraid to push a little in a good way. She has given my daughter so much confidence. My daughter has made so much progress thanks to All the Kings Horses. It is a whole family experience visiting Erin's ranch in Calistoga -- even my 4 year old has a blast! And we have all fallen in love with Erin's lesson ponies/horses! I can't say enough about All the King's Horses.

To my travel crew's either excitement or dismay, I always insist on a horseback ride while on…read morevacation. I understand it can be challenging for trail groups when there's a mixed group like ours - one advanced, some intermediate, and the rest beginners - but Five Brooks made it so every single one of us had an enjoyable time! We chose the Salmon Creek 1.5 hour ride and had a blast with our guide, Jay. I was a little disappointed that we didn't get that close to the creek as I thought we would from other reviews and the description on the website, but maybe it was due to our group size (7 + guide) or our mixed levels of experience. We did get a few opportunities to trot, and the sights were gorgeous. I may have fallen in love with my horse, Cody, a beautiful palomino (which is saying something because I have a palomino of my own at home) but he was so responsive that I really enjoyed riding him. I have family in the area, so I'm already trying to plan my next trip so I can go ride with this group again!

Located just off coastal highway 1, Chanslor Ranch is 378 acres of open space with miles of hiking…read moreand horseback riding trails as a Sonoma County Regional Park maintained for erosion and wildlife protection. Five Brooks is the riding stables that provides a variety of group or private guided horseback rides, with a view of the ocean and includes rides along Salmon Creek or on the beach ! We choose the Picnic private ride along Salmon Creek which included a up hill majestic overlook ride where hawks and Ospreys were, and a duck pond where Herons and Egrets were seen, all beautiful and natural landscapes. We lucked out as it was a cloudless day with 7 mph winds as this area can be more windy and foggy. Andrea our guide was super helpful, friendly, accommodating and so easy to ride with, explaining the personalities of our horses. They help you mount and dismount, fit you to the saddle and encourage you to pet and talk to your horse. We rode up hill and down and the horses were very fit and in good health and eager to trot up the hill! I weigh 207 lbs and my horse Cody was not lazy underneath me a they have horses that will accommodate larger people. The views were spectacular and the trotting was fun. After our ride we came back to the ranch stables for a picnic on a park like table in a meadow that was tasty deli sandwiches, chips, Gatorade and some Snickerdoodle cookies, we brought our own wine which is allowed. It was a great ride, nice pace and the horses were fantastic, easy to ride, steer, and very easy going but energetic and not tired as they can be in public riding stables. Next time I go back I want to do the beach ride! Everything went well overall, the only minor hick up was my triple E width boots were too wide for the stir ups but they just moved them to a sideways position and adjusted the length and was fine. Leave earlier than GPS says as it takes longer on rural roads to give yourself time and there are speed bumps on the entrance road to the Ranch, so it's a slow approach. Cowboy Up!

Beautiful location, staff was very friendly and made everything so much more enjoyable to stay. I…read morecan't wait to go back.

Incredibly peaceful and affordable place to come and visit…read more For literally 23 years my family went to this ranch until it was sold to the current owners. We missed it so much that we decided to come back and visit, and we were not disappointed! There have been a few much needed changes and we couldn't be happier with how it turned out. I created a video that should show you just a taste of what it's like to visit. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpJCNIGGHb8

Eventing & Dressage trainers John Strassburger and Heather Bailey are a fabulous team. They work…read morewith the rider and the horse to instill confidence and skills to reach your personally desired goal. Or even beyond what you had imagined! Any age or level of experience is welcome to the fabulous 60 acre ranch for lessons, boarding and training. I am an older amateur rider having come back to riding later in life and let me tell you I could not ask for a finer place to have landed! Plus I really enjoy seeing the younger braver riders moving up the levels with joy and confidence. There has been so much growth for me and my understanding of horsemanship under the tutelage of these trainers!

I moved my mare up to Phoenix Farm at the end of January and I think we both feel like we've come…read morehome. Heather and John are fantastic trainers of both borses and humans. Their barn manager Roxanne keeps it all so clean you can eat off the floor. The best part is that everyone there takes care of your horse as if he/she were their own. I cannot recommend this place highly enough!

Awesome little place for a rural feel country horse ride place, and though we didn't avail of this,…read morethe boutique is super cute with Western west theme that's not gimmicky. They have shirts and tees, as well as jewelry aka brass/copper/silver/turquoise galore. Very quaint and prices to match! Warm and friendly customer service!

My wife and I decided to spend a lovely brisk day riding horses on the beach! We've both been…read morehorseback riding, but never combined into one activity such as this. My wife was paired with Matty and Zero (his horse), and I was with Christina and her horse (forget the name).... For my wife, she had a lovely time. Her horse gave a little sass. Sometimes it wanted to just pace, other times there was a little trot for playing catch up, but she enjoyed the extra little ride boost. For my ride, although I very much enjoy conversation and Christina was a very knowledgeable and friendly host, I do wish that I had been able to experience more of the ride experience in quietude. Taking in the views and talking with my wife a little more. Instead, I feel like Christina and I were sharing our life stories. Although I am not faulting her for the mutual conversation...... I just wish that the guides would keep it to the ride and landscapes vs trying to chat. The experience and this business is very lovely. I thoroughly appreciate the fact that I was able to text with the staff prior to answer any questions. I always prefer texting to phone calls these days. I would absolutely recommend Horse N Around to any of my friends that want to enjoy this type of activity. Again, I just wish that it was more about the serene experience, the horses, and beach vibes, with less chatter all around. Thank you to the team at large! From planning, to paying, directions, waiting patiently as we almost got lost, and giving us a nice ride. Thank you!

My daughter that's 6yrs old has such control over every horse she has ridden because of the lessons…read morehere at valley brook! Kind, firm and direct teaching is excellent and help form the discipline involved in equine sportsmanship. I can't say enough amazing things about this stable.1

LIterally the best barn ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They have Amazing horses. Shout out to London,…read moreBubbles And shadow Also Devon And Laura Thay are the BEST!

The owners are amazing! Kelly is the sweetest and goes above and beyond to ensure the perfect stay…read more The grounds are beautiful and conveniently located. I walked a few times over the Russian River via the pedestrian bridge into downtown Guerneville where there's the most amazing restaurants, boutique shops, wine and more! I will be back for sure!

Amazing group camp site. We had an expansive lawn with plenty of water hookups, electricity…read morehookups, and space. The restrooms and showers were close by and we greatly appreciated the tall redwoods that provided shade on this hot weekend. Russian River is connected to the campground and was perfect for our small kids. Downtown is a 15 min walk. The campground has festive Halloween decor and our site has cute string lights. We 100% plan to book again. Thank you!