I showed up feeling more nervous than I expected. Being around horses made me very aware of my…read moreenergy, and I was definitely a bit tense at first. Christal quickly changed that. Her calm, genuine presence helped me relax and get out of my head before even interacting with the horse. She brings a lot of intention to the experience, focusing on mindset and connection. Once I settled in, everything within me shifted, and being with the horse felt natural and surprisingly grounding instead of intimidating. And then came the riding... which is definitely more of a workout than it looks. I went in thinking I'd float along effortlessly, but "light as a feather" takes some serious effort . It's humbling, a little funny, and you'll discover muscles you didn't know you had. Christal is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about what she does. She creates a space where you feel supported and connected the entire time. Go in open-minded and give yourself time--it's a unique, meaningful experience that leaves you feeling more grounded and wanting to come back.

Christal is amazing! She truly loves what she does and loves her horses more. She took the time…read moreexplaining and also helped me get into a more peaceful mindset before meeting Buddy. All for good reason! She emphasizes the importance of connection and making a true effort to make your experience the best one for you and the horse. Her knowledge and compassion is beyond. If you decide to go on this adventure, please be open minded and patient. It's a process but a healing one!

I took my 9-year son here and it was the highlight of our mini-vacation. It was absolutely…read moreamazing!! The horses are really gentle. The staff is excellent. Nancy was our guide and her family has lived in Sonoma for decades. She is a wonderful story teller and it was so much fun to hear her stories and see their beautiful grounds, which includes grapes, apple trees, and lovely metal artwork by Nancy's son. This is truly a very special experience and I highly recommend it to anyone! I felt very safe (I was nervous getting on a horse!) and honestly felt like I was part of the family when I was there. Prices are VERY reasonable!

Such a lovely ride with wonderful people! My husband and I recently did a one hour ride. Booking…read morewas very easy. I called and Melissa was so helpful on the phone. She answered all my questions and got us a spot right away. The staff were friendly and accommodating and they did an excellent job of ensuring COVID safety precautions. We appreciated that! The horses were the sweetest and so cute! Felt comfortable the whole time! Loved seeing the landscape and art around the property. Very relaxing! Highly recommend!

Thank you Dominic for a wonderful ride! My husband and I did the private hour and a half ride in…read morejack London state park. We rode sunny and Annie, both horses were amazing and rescue horses. You can tell from the moment you arrive the horses are well taken care of and loved. For me, that is the most important thing I look for when trying to find a place to ride. We were lucky enough that we could trot our horses a little as we were the first ride out and no one was on the trail. You will be responsible for your own horse, and you are given clear direction on how to have an enjoyable ride before you leave the grounds. I felt very safe and comfortable out riding, and we will be repeat customers and can't wait to go riding again. Thank you!!!

Brought the family out to wine country for a long weekend to get away during the pandemic. We like…read moreto go horseback riding wherever we go and this place does not disappoint. At first I thought an hour and a half was not going to be enough time, but given the rigor of horseback riding up a steep incline with lots of switchbacks, it was perfect. Our guide was amazing, and the view was spectacular. The horses were very gentle and knew their way. Loved having two dogs along the trail with us, as well. I noticed that they are putting in a couple of tiny houses for people to stay on site. I intend to book one of those as soon as we can. Highly highly recommend.

From the first moment I set foot at the barn, HoofBeats has revealed itself to be my dream place of…read morelove and safe self-development, where: - I can explore my language, love and flow with horses and become a better horse woman - all my self-development nots in turn come to the surface, where they meet Jenny's gentle and graceful coaching, thus getting channeled each time to a constructive learning outcome - my body started feeling good, in shape and useful - I found a family away from home - activities and interactions bring me to higher and greater clarity about my self, my life, my work and relationships. This is not a push-the-button riding school. It's a space of self-discovery through interaction with horses, from the ground and from the saddle, and its depth has brightened my life up like I didn't even know was possible. If you live in Sonoma County and you are looking for a safe place of exploration, this is THE place!

Jenny is amazing. She's overall a beauitful person inside and out. I received a equestrian guided…read moreeducation session as a gift, and it was amazing. Jenny's horses are all rescues and they all have a calm and easy going demeanor. I never worked with horses and got sppoked the first few times they initated contact with me. They are such gentle giants and by the end i am definitely now a fan of them! All the horses were great to work with and Jenny was awesome at giving guidance and feedback. Her passion in her work is immediate. I highly recommend attending one of jenny's sessions, she's one of the sweetest people I ever met. She's very generous and really created a personalized session to fit my needs. Overall I had a great time just being in her space and interacting with Jenny and the horses! She's a kind, compassionate and thoughtful teacher! There's something indescribable about being in the space, it's like for a second, nothing else matters besides being in that moment. Thank you Jenny!

Me and my gf had an amazing experience horseback riding with the help of Kiera and Katie, guiding…read moreus through and making sure we are comfortable and safe. I had a wonderful time with Dozer! I highly recommend trying this experience as a beginner like me :))

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

beyond wonderful! well cared for, energized horses are super fun to ride. the vineyard trails are a…read moredream. we celebrated a fun ladies' birthday ride followed by lunch at Girl & the fig. doesn't get any better!

We had such a wonderful time horseback riding through Bartholomew Vineyards with Sonoma Valley…read moreTrail Rides! Skye was such a beautiful horse for our bride on our bachelorette trip, and we loved learning about the estate. The ladies took so many amazing photos and made the day so special. The wine at the end was a very fun treat! Would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a special activity while visiting Sonoma!

I'm a lifelong horse-lover. I grew up riding and showing Saddlebred horses in Oklahoma. After…read morecollege and moving to California I found myself 8 years out of the saddle. I never really thought I could find a trainer or facility that compared to where I grew up riding. Then I found Brigitte Scholl and Monarch on the American Saddle Horse Association website in January of 2010. Monarch Stables is the best barn I could ever have imagined. The facility is beautiful, well-equipped, and serene. Most importantly, Brigitte Scholl, the owner and trainer is a true horse whisperer and a gifted riding instructor. She operates every aspect of Monarch Stables with passion and integrity. Every horse is cared for immaculately and in a manner uniquely suited to his/her personality. Every rider has Brigitte's undivided attention. If you're a veteran rider or a novice who's always wanted to give Saddleseat riding a shot, you will be equally welcomed. If your child has been bugging you for horseback riding lessons, go for it! In my opinion there's no better outlet: through horseback riding they can learn the subtleties of communication with both horses and people, the responsibility of caring for an animal, the self-confidence that comes from competing with true sportsmanship.

I've been so impressed with Monarch Stables. My 7 year old granddaughter started her initiation…read moreinto this wonderful world of horses last September. She had had the best experience one could have with the expertise, and extraordinary patience! of her trainer Cheyenne Cairns. The facilities are in a beautiful setting, and there are many options for riding - even in inclement weather! I am a complete novice to this sport, and everyone I've met have been very helpful and supportive. From my first visit in 2018, Brigitte Scholl has always been warm and patient with my questions and concerns. I highly recommend this facility for anyone, and especially for folks new to the sport. Thanks to all at Monarch Stables!

I've been taking lessons here for about 6 months and absolutely love it! Carol is incredibly…read morepatient and has lovely horses that can suit any skill level. I love being able to go ride every week- and the group lessons help you to meet other riders as well. Highly recommend!

Apple Creek is a great place take horse lessons for all ages. Carol has infinite patience and is…read morealways supportive and positive. All levels of riders can find a lesson horse that suits them from beginners to advanced riders. It is also a great place to board a horse, the horses get great care and fed 3x per day and live in a very clean environment.