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.

Fabulous! We loved our beach ride. What a lovely and unique experience…read more Our guide was lovely. She was so patient and kind, especially since I am not an experienced rider. My daughter is and this was her wish. I was going to spend time with her. The horses were excellent and gentle. I would highly recommend if you want to ride while in the area

Loved this experience. My partner took me for a little anniversary surprise and was unforgettable…read moreadventure! The horses were very calm & comfortable the whole time! The trainers with us were also calm and informative. I never felt unsafe or scared. It drizzled a bit, however, still had a great time! We stopped to have a little picnic that they prepared for us! Overall very professional & great experience

We've been meaning to plan a horseback riding excursion for the past five years during our…read moreThanksgiving weekends at Cachuma Lake Campground. This year, we finally made it happen--and it was everything we hoped for and more. After searching Yelp for nearby stables, this ranch stood out with the best reviews by far, (now I see why), so our hopes were high. I'm so glad we decided to trust the reviews and drive the extra 15-20 minutes to this place. I was tempted by the value of the half-day ride, but since it had been several years since either of us had been on horseback, we decided to go conservative and chose the 1.5-hour trail ride instead. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Jack, who checked us in and handled the paperwork. He was funny, friendly, and efficient--such a great start to the experience. I grew up riding English, with all the rules drilled into me from childhood, so being told (for only the second time in my life!) that I didn't have to wear a helmet felt almost rebellious. Yes, I know safety matters, and yes, my daughter was smart enough to wear one--but I have to admit, it felt wonderfully freeing. Russell was fantastic as well. Our horses were fully tacked and waiting, ready for us to hop on. As someone accustomed to doing much of the prep work myself, it felt strange--and a bit indulgent--to have mounting steps and a completely ready-to-go horse. My old riding instructors would be ashamed and shaking their heads at me. Though I felt a little "spoonfed," I know this is a huge perk for beginners or anyone unfamiliar with horses. Personally, I would've enjoyed grooming or prepping my horse, but that's not the norm for organized trail rides like this. After the ride, Russell was right there to help us dismount, cracking jokes and keeping us laughing the whole time. I had to laugh when he said, "You're just like me--good looking and short on legs!" Our trail guide, Elrich (Elrick?6, was excellent. Our group was small--just my daughter and me, plus one other couple. My daughter and I are both experienced English riders, while the other couple had never ridden before. Elrich struck the perfect balance, giving the beginners enough guidance without making the ride dull for the rest of us. While I always love a bit more trotting and cantering, I know that's not typical for these types of outings, and honestly, I had an absolute blast just being on a horse again. I've missed it so much. My daughter and I are already planning to return next year for the 2.5-hour ride. The trail itself? Absolutely breathtaking. I've been riding since childhood--now over 60--and have been on countless trail rides. This is, truly the most beautiful trail I've ever experienced. Waterfalls, streams, a few ocean views and stunning mountain scenery... it was spectacular from start to finish. If you're choosing between this ranch and nearby stables, I highly recommend trying this one first. You won't be disappointed, It's a wonderful experience, a gorgeous trail, and a fantastic way to spend the day.

This Ranch is so beautiful the pictures don't do justice! I've been on many horse back rides all…read moreover the US and the guide from Montana that does the tours is phenomenal! He loves what he does, is very knowledgeable, pleasant to talk to and shared a lot of nice stories about the outdoors. He is definitely an asset to Circle Bar Stables. For anyone booking try to go on his tour!! The nice gentleman that answers the phones is very sweet, I had to call several times to change my tour and he was so helpful I can tell he has been with the Stables a long time and loves being there. When I arrived I was the only one and he told me to go walk around while I was waiting I guess he read my mind. I had to take off 2 stars because of the Gentleman from Texas that works there. He honestly seems like he hates his job, he asked me several times if I was on a horse before and I told him give me any horse I'll be fine. He chose AXE and while he was bringing him over to me AXE was being a little stubborn and didn't want to come not because he didn't go on the trail but he was uncomfortable with the Texan. What bothered me most was he said "AXE STOP BEING A JERK" which made me really upset and uncomfortable. I don't like it when people wok with animals and call them derogatory names.

I love this place just for spending time with the animals, even though I haven't gone horseback…read moreriding yet. The kids love seeing the horses, goats, llamas, and much more up close. I know it's America and other places might see it as a liability, but I hope they continue to let people come and roam free!

It took everything in me to not act like I was in Red Dead Redemption. I wanted to lean down while…read moresoftly petting the horse and say "Wooaah eaassyy there Nelly. Don't be scared. If we must die, we'll die. But sometimes death is the only way to remain free..." This was actually my first time riding a horse. Horses are so beast. Like that thing could have killed me anytime he wanted to. When we were checking in for our ride, a cowgirl in a long sleeve camo shirt, navy blue jeans, and some cowboy boots with spurs came out and said "Hey y'all!" in a thick Western accent. I look over and the rest of the staff are also full cowgirls. I had to double check I wasn't in the Even Cowgirls Get the Blues novel. Great read. Her name was Sissy and she was our trail guide for the day. She passionately explained how old each horse was and a bit of their backgrounds. My horse's name was Graham and he was a straight thug. He used to carry solar panels up the mountains. Straight workhorse. She had to put him near the back because he wanted to LAP all the other horses. After a 30 minute ride, we were able to walk around the grounds, and see all the other animals on the ranch. Mules, Donkeys, Cows, Horses, Alpacas, Sheep, etc. It was pretty rad. I got a good boot rec from Sissy (Double H Boots), as I'm in the market for some quality boots. Not cowboy boots though I'd be a phony. It was inspirational to see how people still live so differently. Sissy has been riding since she was in diapers and teaches lessons at the ranch full time. I often wonder if this simple of a life leads to greater happiness than climbing the corporate ladder. Comparison is a thief of joy though. If I were a screenwriter, the Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company would provide me with plenty of inspiration for a hit film. IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov_reviews

Rachel is awesome! Super knowledgeable of the ocean, water, marine life, and history of the area…read more What a rad human being to have guiding the tour. As it turns out, all of the harbor seals, and sealions have names. We befriended one named Steve, he is much better at swimming than I am. He also taught me secret techniques to paddling. This one Pelican named Parry got into a barking match with some sealions, which is a fight he wasn't gonna win, let's be honest. Though I was hoping to see an M-A-N-A-T-E-E ... next time! If you're gonna go down on Haley street, where the dogs are easy and the sun is cheap, you never know just who you'll meet, on Haley. (But hopefully it's Rachel from the Santa Barbara Adventure Company, and you get her kayak tour; shout out!)

A heartfelt thank you to Santa Barbara Adventure Company for creating such a memorable birthday…read moreexperience for our daughter. From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. We had a fun ferry ride to the islands and even got to slow down to watch a large Sunfish (Mola Mola) snacking on some jellies. I recommend getting in line early to secure the best view seating on the ferry. Our kayak guides, Chuck and Adam, were exceptional--knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They made the entire trip both fun and informative, while ensuring we always felt safe and well cared for. We were fortunate to have perfect weather and warm water, which allowed us to explore all seven sea caves--many of which are inaccessible during high tide or rougher conditions. It made the experience even more special. Having lived in Santa Barbara for 22 years, this was my first time visiting the islands, and it was truly unforgettable. The pristine landscapes, abundant sea life, and even spotting several tiny island foxes while enjoying our picnic lunch, made it an unforgettable adventure. We can't wait to do it again--highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique and exceptional experience!

Christy is the kindest woman with an awesome team. There is no one more thoughtful with her animals…read morethan this beautiful soul. It is not about the business for her, it is about the animals and the joy of sharing her safe space. The trail ride was awesome and the perfect length for my friend and me. It was my friend's birthday, and she is more well versed in horseback riding than I am, and she also had high praise for the whole experience. I learned a lot! Christy really deserves the world, and I will be back because it was one of the best days we have had in a while.

Christy and Rob were friendly and welcoming hosts. My wife and I took a one hour lesson and a…read morethree hour ride. The instruction was helpful and encouraging , the horses were wonderful, and the scenery was beautiful. What more could one ask for? Oh, yeah, we also had perfect weather. I look forward to visiting again for the sunset ride. My only recommendation is that you take a couple of 15 minute breaks from the horse if you are a newbie and are planning a four hour ride. Otherwise the muscle soreness is no joke.

We had a really nice time at Vino Vaqueros. Our group did the 9am ride, which ended up being a…read moregreat call as the weather was cool and comfortable, and it made the whole experience more enjoyable. Char was our guide, and she struck a good balance of keeping things relaxed while still making sure everyone felt comfortable, especially since a few people in our group hadn't been horseback riding before. I rode Boomer, who was steady and easy to ride, and we appreciated that they gave a simple safety overview before heading out. After the ride, we did a casual tasting of both a red and white wine and then chose a glass of our favorite to hang with. The setting was quiet and pretty, and it felt low-key in the best possible way. One of the dogs Nana even joined us for the ride. Overall, it was a calm, well-paced outing that felt thoughtfully run without being overly structured.

Had a lovely time on our trail ride! Some of the horses were a bit stubborn at times, but whatcha…read moregonna do? Just added some amusement and laughs to the experience hahaha. Our two guides were great and one took plenty of pictures during the ride, which was really nice because we got to have those memories documented without worrying about having our phones out while on horseback. The trail itself was a beautiful view of the springtime flower blooms on the hills. I'd recommend bringing a hat or sunglasses because it can be a bit bright, and there's room for a water bottle in the saddle bags.

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.

Took my parents up here for a visit and we loved it. Katie was really wonderful. She was kind,…read moreaccommodating, and made the whole experience really enjoyable. A great way to spend a relaxing morning while seeing the gorgeous rolling hills. Would definitely recommend. I'll be making sure to stop by again when I'm back that way.

The most amazing experience! The land is beautiful. Our guide was so informative and we even got to…read moresee all the animals on their land. We finished off our time at Fess Parker with a great win tasting! Would recommend to everyone looking for a more personal experience.