I'm surprised by the 5 star reviews. Nobody picked up the phone or returned my messages, do better.read more

My boyfriend surprised me for my birthday by taking us to Sonoma for the weekend. The highlight was…read morewaking up Sunday morning for a horseback ride with one of the most beautiful views. Our guide was wonderful and friendly, the horses were absolute gems, and overall this is one of the best trail ride experiences I've ever had. Getting the mountains, water, and some redwoods was fantastic! We were fortunate to be in a small group (us and two others). It made the ride feel more intimate. I rode El Negro and highly recommend. His gait is smooth! (He is a walking horse after all). My boyfriend rode Leslie who was a bit slow and liked to trail at the back but sure footed and a sweetheart. We ended the ride with a glass of wine overlooking the lake. This space is often use for weddings as well and I can absolutely see the appeal! I would love to go back some day!!

I absolutely recommend Cloverleaf Ranch to any family considering horseback lessons for themselves…read moreor their children. We've been at their ranch since September 2024, and every single staff member we've encountered (including office, groundskeeping, and instructional staff) has presented themselves with the utmost professionalism, kindness, and enthusiasm. They've taught our boys how to ride and care for horses in a safe and skilled manner, all while exhibiting patience, dignity, and grace. They are friendly and welcoming at all times, and I feel no hesitation to trust our instructors with the safety of my children. The safety of their students and horses are of primary concern here--as it should be. I must offer an extra special thank you to Mia and Izzy, who have always made it their goal to teach my kids everything they possibly can about riding and equestrian care. It has been a blessing and a joy to work with them, and we love them both dearly! Thank you, ladies, for your dedicated work, and for always bringing upbeat smiles, wisdom, and positive attitudes to your students. I'd be remiss if I didn't also give honorable mention to Carley, who is not our instructor, but who is often on the training grounds during our appointment time. She makes us feel welcome, and goes out of her way to be friendly and encouraging while we are there. Thank you, Cloverleaf. Your pursuit of excellence in your craft has been of great benefit to our family. Keep up the good work!

Everyone here was so nice. Cassie was an awesome instructor for the lesson and trail ride for my…read moredaughter. She also took some nice photos from me and sent them along right after. Really great place and people!

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.

Beautiful place n Wonderful people…read more Especial thanks to Miss 'T' For making our trip memorable Great person n Best horses

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!

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

I had stayed here 3 years ago when it was known as Highland Ranch, and had an exceptional…read moreexperience back then. When I booked a couple of nights at the now Blackbird Farms for this month, I was hoping that it would be the way I remembered it. I was not disappointed! We came for the horseback riding and were pleased to ride well-trained horses that were clearly well cared for. All the meals were delicious and fresh, as BF now grows all their own vegetables and fruits, and they purchase meat from local sources. The cabins were freshened up with some paint and A/C. A wonderful place to go for a little R & R.

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!

Amazing ride with great horses and trail guides. Will for sure recommend to others. Beautiful…read morebeach ride.

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!

Beautiful place! It's heavenly and staff is amazing. I loved my stay at Enchanted Hills - I will…read moredefinitely come back.

Wonderful staff and delicious meals. Lovely setting for the outdoor heated pool. Wonderful modern…read moredesign architecture.