fabulous experience at Starbrite Riding Academy in Norco with trainer Ray Ariss. He took my colt who had bucked off somebody and has turned him into a thinking, motivated, quick learner and trustworthy colt. I highly recommend this trainer and this facility. I have had horses for 50 years and this is the best trainer I have ever come across. Very impressive no regrets. read more

Star Bright Riding Academy is truly an exceptional place to learn and grow as a rider. Ray and Pip are absolutely amazing instructors who bring a perfect combination of knowledge, patience, and passion to every lesson. My wife, Maggie, and our daughter, Elsa, both take lessons with Ray and absolutely love every minute of it. Since training with him, their confidence has grown tremendously, and their riding skills have improved beyond what we ever expected. Ray has a unique ability to make riders feel comfortable, capable, and motivated while helping them reach their full potential. Ray is an outstanding horseman, talented, knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, professional, and genuinely passionate about teaching. His ability to connect with both horses and riders is remarkable. He builds confidence, develops skills, and makes every lesson both fun and rewarding. Pip is equally wonderful, supportive, caring, knowledgeable, and dedicated to the success of every student. Together, Ray and Pip have created a positive, welcoming environment that feels like family. The care given to the horses, the quality of instruction, and the overall atmosphere at Star Bright Horse Academy are second to none. If I could give more than five stars, I would. In fact, I'd give them 12 stars! I highly recommend Star Bright Riding Academy to anyone looking for exceptional riding instruction and an incredible equestrian experience. read more

I took my daughter Aubrey for her very first riding lesson today and honestly, it was such a great experience. Ray and his son Austin were patient, kind, and made her feel completely at ease. She started off shy, but Ray kept high-fiving her every time she reached a little milestone, and you could just see her light up. By the end, she was smiling ear to ear and so proud of herself. Hashbrown was the perfect horse for her--gentle, and so sweet!! We'll definitely be back! read more

Star Brite Riding Academy - Aubrey and Hashbrown - Horseback Riding Near Me - Norco, California

I have just had my first lesson with Ray and, after taking show jumping lessons for 4.5 years, driving with drafts and lessons for 3 years, and a bit of trail riding and western lessons, I have finally found a true and honest trainer, instructor, and master of dressage! His approach is an art within the art of being an equestrian! One million thanks Ray!!! Cristina D read more

Personalized lessons with very patient instructors. The facilities are beautiful. Thanks to Ray, Pippa and Austin for their help.

We went to Star Brite as a group of 11 to do horse riding 101-a friend of ours boards his horse there and organized it. Ray and Pippa were incredibly kind and informative, and it was a completely new experience for me, even though I've ridden horses in like a line while on vacation. This was totally different--we were super hands on and got to learn so much. We even rode bareback and jumped onto the horses. I brought my 6 month old and Pippa was so sweet, getting me an umbrella for the sun and having me sit in the golf cart with her. It was a great time and everyone learned so much!! It was a family-run operation and we felt so welcomed. read more

See all

Highly recommend... The owner and his wife are the kindest and so welcoming. Really good with my grand daughters . The place is clean, the horses look so well taken care of . Professional with a touch of genuine kindness. read more

Ray is a true horse whisperer. He had my mare neck reining in 6 minutes. She now loads and looks to me for direction. His technique is unique and humane, respecting the horse. I am a beginner rider and in less than 20 minutes he had me posting at a walk-trot-canter with no hands, only using my seat and legs. I had never even cantered before then and never trotted on purpose. Ray is not the only amazing person there, it is a family business and Austin is fabulous. Can't say enough good things about the Aliss family. read more

We had a fantastic time doing complete beginner riding lessons. Ray and Pippa are super knowledgeable and professional and made the day a ton of fun. And they have a great trio of training horses "the potatoes" that are very tolerant and forgiving for novices. Thanks Ray and Pippa for your great hospitality and a fun day. read more

My 3-year old is horse crazy. I was nervous she was too young to do anything but pony rides, but after calling Star Brite Riding Academy and speaking to Austin, I felt reassured with their process and scheduled an evaluation. I cannot emphasize enough how amazing Austin is working with kids! He is so patient and encouraging, and really personalizes the lessons. My daughter's confidence and skill level has grown exponentially since we started. Don't look any further, call them, I promise you you you won't regret it! read more

I had an amazing experience at Star Brite! Ray's training fundamentals are essential to a safe, sane, and enjoyable horse. I'm so glad my horse was able to gain a significant understanding of correct and concise direction. read more

Star Brite was a blast! It's a family owned business and you can tell how passionate and respectful they are with their horses. This makes it safer for us as guests to learn how to ride a horse. They didn't skip any steps and so you were able to earn the horses trust fast and start riding! read more

See all

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this place and the people here! We can start with my first ever horse Kurt when I was 15( I'm now 29) I got an OTTB as my first horse that was just freshly gelded and literally just came off the track we had tried three different trainers prior to finding Ray and pippa the system that they used got my boy trained and rideable without be dangerous. I now have two more OTTB I inherited and a Quarter horse that got away with the world for far to long and they were very troubled, wild and dangerous horses. One of them having no training after the track at all and she is now 10 years old, so we decided to send them to training with the Starbrite team for 5 months and if we could send them for longer we would have but for now we will have to trailer in for continuous training, but oh my goodness they are all three completely different horses then they were when we sent them it truly is a heaven sent blessing. I literally cried happy tears the first time I rode her again. They are amazing and phenomenal trainers that do not abuse animals to train them! There technique and training methods are like none I've ever seen before. They are all so amazing if it was not for them I don't think I would have ever sat in a saddle again after my accident I had with my first horse prior to sending him to training. I couldn't be more happier and I Highly recommend them not only to train your babies but to take lessons with! They have helped turn me from a very scared panicked rider into a more confident horse woman. The knowledge they have is amazing! Let them help turn your babies into amazing show horses! Thank you Starbrite for everything you have done to help me and my horses! I will always appreciate everything you have done and continue to do to further my training and my horses training. Oh and did I mention they have horses you can lease. Yep that's right some amazing safe sweet willing and predictable horses to lease so you can be safe while riding. If your thinking about getting into horses don't waste your money on horse lessons else where come to starbrite and you will not be sorry they will teach you any discipline you want to do! read more

Ray and his son Austin are the real deal. I have nothing but respect and thanks for the work they are doing with my complicated and sometimes difficult horse. Slowly they are peeling away his issues. Ray is patient and kind to the horses, always allowing them to find their way. They are immediately at ease with him, and understand what he is wants in no time. Star Brite came into my life at a time when I was nearly out of options with this guy. I am now able to have some hope. Thanks guys from the bottom of my heart.. Beautiful family values and a fun place to learn..Safety is always a number one priority.. read more

Well I can't say enough about how thankful I am that I brought my friesian sporthorse Saphirra for training at Starbrite Riding Academy! When I bought her I thought she was my dream horse until she started grabbing her bit and bolting with me. I tried everything I could think of to find a peaceful way to change her behavior with no luck and I became discouraged and scared. Thankfully, my good friend pointed me in the right direction and suggested I send her to Starbrite to train with Ray and Austin Ariss. Through lots of hard work and positive reinforcement they taught her how to be soft, willing and predictable. During the 6 months she worked with them, I learned so much from their ways of communicating with horses and so thoroughly enjoyed my lessons that I decided to bring the whole family for riding lessons. My daughter thoroughly enjoys her riding lessons with Pippa and looks up to their equestrian super star daughter Maite so much as well. Tomorrow, Saphirra comes home and I am thrilled that she is going to be the best partner for me. They truly worked a miracle with her and Ray and Pippa both rebuilt my confidence as a rider! I know Saphirra will miss them, but we will be back weekly because I am all in to continue to learn and grow as an effective rider with their help and support. read more

See all

If you strive for excellence in horsemanship, come to Star Brite and meet Ray Ariss. He's a world class trainer with vast knowledge in dressage. read more

See all

I love Starbrite for training horses and riding lessons. I highly recommend them. Ray Ariss is the best trainer!! I have seen him work with problem horses that no other trainer could work with and turn them into respectable horses. Although he is known more for dressage he can train western as well. I brought him my gypsy, draft type horse, and Ray has him doing everything. I ride my boy on trails, do obstacles, show in halter and riding classes, as well as parade. I ride him western and english. Thank you Ray for the wonderful job you have done from the ground up with my boy. For riding lessons you can't beat Pippa Ariss, she is wonderful. For a beginner or advanced riders this is a great place for lessons. Ray is also a great lesson instructor. read more

Star Brite Riding Academy - Horseback Riding Near Me - Norco, California

Ray is the best trainer around! I knew absolutely nothing about horses when I began. He taught me basic horsemanship from tacking, cleaning hoofs, ground handling and more -- all with safety in mind. I purchased an Andalusian who he has trained to an amazing level of skill - bringing out the best in his inherent abilities! Ray is now teaching me to ride my horse and it has been incredibly rewarding and fun to glean from his lifelong expert experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, Ray can definitely take you to the next level! read more

I have been taking lessons with Ray for a few months now and also have had my horse Sophia in a few clinics and our progress is just astounding! The entire Ariss family is so welcoming and unbelievably knowledgeable! Ray's approach with the horses works and the change he can accomplish in even a single lesson is just amazing. Every lesson we learn something new and grow in horsemanship. Sophia will be trained for my daughter who is currently 4 and I wouldn't trust anyone but Star Brite Riding Academy to make sure she is safe for my child. My daughter Charlotte will be starting lessons as soon as she's able!! We love it here and can't wait to see how much we grow! I've also witnessed Ray's magic (literally) on three other horses where I board and I just can't say enough about how great this place is!! read more

My daughter just finished her summer camp. She had an amazing experience. Pippa and her team are incredible. Gorgeous horses. Great daily learning activities. My daughter was sad it was over. Highly recommended. read more

I have a horse with serious behavior problems. I just got back from a session with Ray Ariss and I could not be happier with the results. He is less expensive then other trainers because he gets so much more done in a short amount of time. If you want your horse trained well and and get the results you want have Ray Ariss do it. read more

My daughter rode with Pippa and Ray since she was 6 years old. We absolutely love this place. Only reason she stopped is because we moved to a different state. She learned so so much. Pippa is patient and so knowledgable. the absolute most wonderful teacher. If you are looking for an amazing experience take your kids to this ranch read more

Star Brite Riding Academy is like no other equestrian lesson you'll ever find. For starters, they teach every field of riding, western, English, etc. Their facility is huge so they have a variety of lesson spaces to work in depending on your need. But what sets Ray apart from every other person who calls themselves a horse trainer, is that he has the heart of a teacher. He's not just trying to sell another lesson. He wants to see that you understand how to ask the horse for movement and that horse and rider are working together. My wife recently purchased a new horse (6 yrs old) and was not feeling confident with the horse. Only 2 lessons in to a months' worth of riding and her confidence is through the roof as well as her and the horse are bonding and getting along. All the while Ray is teaching but in a sense my wife is doing the work and learning. Thanks Ray!!! read more

Great instruction, Friendly attitudes, and a Homely feel. I started off knowing nothing about horseback riding, but wanted to learn the sport since I was young. With just under a year of instruction from their veteran staff I've gained great confidence in both care and knowledge of the equestrian sport. Their instructions not only cover what techniques to use, but why they work to achieve the desired results. With their spectrum of trained horses there is a spot for every level of rider, and never once did I feel I was out of my comfort zone or in danger while under their instruction. Star Brite Riding Academy has not only helped me grow as a rider but as a person as well, and I'd recommend even just a visit for anyone. read more

To experience the knowledge that Ray Ariss has of horses is probably one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I have had Ray work with all three of my horses. The transitions my horses have had is amazing. Currently I have two horses in training. One horse is being trained in Dressage and the other is there for calming. The connection Ray has with the horses is truly unique. I once heard someone say to watch Ray with horses is Poetry in Motion.....there is no statement that could be more true. My horses and I say thank you to Ray read more

I adore Star Brite and the family vibe that you get at this ranch. The good feeling leaves you smiling and warm and fuzzy. I love and appreciate the time I get to spend there ! such a wonderful ranch read more

I had an evaluation done on my mare today. Ray handled her amazingly and did an excellent job at explaining everything he did. Pippa was great to work with over the phone and watching her instruct young riders was really nice. Both Ray and Pippa were quick to praise and encourage their students (human or equine!). They are friendly and make you feel welcomed right away. I have been hearing about Ray and Pippa for the better part of two decades and I'm very happy I finally get to work with them. read more

The team at Starbrite are true horsemen in every sense of the word - and that rare breed of horseman whose people skills are equally as strong as their horse sense. Ray, Pippa and Austin have been working with my young, skittish gelding for several months now, accomplishing what two prior trainers were unable to do. My horse has gone from completely un-rideable to a sweet, patient gentleman. Not only have they done an excellent job turning around a problem horse whom many would have written off, they've also taken the time to help me become a better rider. I'm so happy to have found them! read more

Love love love this place. Pippa is such an amazing instructor and is very knowledgeable. I hadn't ridden in almost 5 years and was feeling very nervous but the way she teaches I felt immediate confidence. They have so many beautiful horses to . read more

Pippa is a professional, patiently and nice coach, she teaches riding skills, not like other riding academy only riding for fun waste rider time and money. The environment is clean and organized, horses are healthy, beautiful and well trained! Highly recommended!!! read more

The moment we met Pippa and her family we felt comfortable. My daughter has only had 4 lesson and already she's riding like a pro. . This place has a playground so my other kids can play while their sister rides which is awesome for me as well. Pippa is an awesome training all around thankful read more

So happy and Intrigued with Pippa my Instructor . She is an amazing "Super Women" with a lot of talent . Very calm and confident when training you ... she has the ability to calm your mine while learning how to ride. I've learned so much in a very short time. I highly recommend her. Both her husband Ray and her are very welcoming people. I drive a long way up there about 40 min a few times a week but completely worth it read more

Starbrite is the best. Pippa is knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, and fun. My son has progressed so rapidly with her, and he loves it. Pippa and Ray are true professionals and experts. And I love the Norwegian Fjords they use for kids' lessons!! read more

If you have a Endless pocket book Ray is the trainer for you. I Paid Ray Thousands to train my horse. After Many month of my horse being at Star Brit for training and No improvement I pulled my horse out of Ray's training. It didn't help that Ray told me my horse is one of the few that will never accept a rider, But after a few months of working with my horse myself I am now riding him. So if you looking for a trainer that will give you your moneys worth Ray is not the one for you. If you wont to throw your money away than you and Ray will get along fine. read more

I just started taking my granddaughter to star brite riding academy. pippa is fantastic, she is patient, and rewards her students with praise, her teaching skills are the best I have seen. The grounds are beautiful the cost of the lessons are great. I would highly recommend star brite to any one interested in learning the proper way to ride and at the same time Enjoying the journey. read more

I have been a client of Pippa's for a little over two months and she has taken me from a timid to a confident rider in a matter of weeks. Every time I am at Star Brite Riding Academy I learn something new. Pippa and her family are kind and caring - qualities that are reflected in their horses. During my lessons she always challenges me to do better and I trust her completely. It was apparent to me from my first day at Star Brite that she really understands horses and they understand her - it's a beautiful thing to see. I know I have a long way to go, but with her help I have no doubt I'll be the best rider I am capable of being. read more

There is not enough world to say. How my daugther & my family LOVE Starbright. My daughter had been riding with Pippa for 3 months now. It's amazing to see how fast he is progressing. We love Ray & Pippa & there kids. They make you will right at home. It's was so cute the first day we went to inquire about my daughters riding lesson. They made us fell so welcomed and loved that she asked if she could stay and live there. I adore this Ranch they have made my family a part of there own . We have also made friendship that will last a life time. I'm very Blessed my daughter is learning to ride from the Best. read more

I have been sooooo amazed with Ray Ariss's ability to correct problems I have been having with my 2 yr. old filly that I thought it would be worth sharing so that others in similar situations may find help like I did. I have always been impressed with his abilities, but I have limited funds and was getting help from a less expensive trainer whom I thought would do a good job with my filly for a fraction of what Ray charges. My filly was loading fine into a trailer for the other trainer until one day she just decided not to load anymore. It was taking more that 1/2 hour to load her each time and she had welts from repeated tapping on her rump trying to coax her in. I decided to splurge and have Ray help me with this and within only a few minutes, he had her loading easily and did not hit her at all in the process. It took only one session and It was amazing to see, as I had witnessed her refusal to load for the other trainer so many times! So, she was then loading fine, but after hauling few times, she then decided she wasn't going to come out of the trailer! Same thing, the other trainer tugging, pulling, welts and then a huge dangerous leap out of the trailer to the point where we just couldn't haul her anymore. So, I again called Ray and once again, he corrected the problem easily, I was so impressed with how well he worked with my filly in other ways too, that I really wanted to switch her training over to him, but I didn't think I could afford to do that. I continued with the other trainer helping me with her twice a week, but this filly has attitude and is more difficult than most to train. So, with Ray's help, I decided that more could be accomplished having him work with my filly once a week than anyone else could do working with her two or more times a week, I am now using only Ray as my filly's trainer, and, it is not costing me any extra because it's only once a week and she is progressing so much better!!! Ray, if you are reading this, I would like to thank you all you are doing for me and my filly. I was concerned about investing much more time/money into her. But I am enjoying watching you work with her so much that I no longer consider it just an investment into her - it's also fun for me to witness! It is obvious that you have special skills for getting horses to work so well for you, and you are so considerate in explaining what you are doing and why during our sessions. I look forward to our time at your ranch each week and am still amazed that my filly loads and unloads with such ease every week to get her there! read more