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!

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.

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!

Emeri Kitchell of Ijula Equestrian has set up an outstanding riding program at Jaz Creek in…read morePetaluma, CA! Emeri is such a knowledgeable instructor who knows horses and how to get the most of your time riding them. She does this with a gifted understanding of how to feel your way through to communicating gently, but clearly, with your horse. She has an extensive set of tools that bring horse and rider enjoying their time together. The skills that Emeri brings to Ijula Equestrian combine with her wonderful eye in her horse and pony selection. Each of them is a good-natured, hard-working, and comfortable ride. The horses seem to really want to work with the rider. I credit this to the environment and training regimen that Emeri has created at Ijula Equestrian. Besides being an articulate instructor who explains recommendations well to her clients, she is so warm and friendly all while being a consummately caring professional with a great sense of humor. In addition to the wonderful combination of Emeri Kitchel and the horses she has selected for us to enjoy, Ijula Equestrian at Jaz Creek offers outstanding facilities. My favorites are these: 1. Enormous indoor arena with exceptional footing 2. Large outdoor arena with a great variety of ground poles and jumps to match all levels with a variety of patterns, routines, and courses that allow Emeri to offer a tremendous variety in our lessons' activities. 3. Tack-up area indoors right next to the tack room with full supplies for grooming your horse or pony. Combining the qualities of this instructor, her horses, and Jaz Creek's facilities all under Emeri Kitchell's leadership, I cannot recommend Ijula Equestrian highly enough. It is for all these reasons that I always leave there feeling happy and energized.

From the owner: Ijula Equestrian is a premier training and lesson program operating out of Jaz Creek Inc. in Sonoma…read moreCounty. Our lessons offer an individualized experience with a focus on community and horsemanship.

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!

Love the facilities. I have brought my horse here for their monthly schooling shows!Another great…read morething to check out at the Santa Rosa Equestrian Center is their European Pony School!

Lauren A. I wish I could help you out but I know almost nothing about equines. The only thing I…read moreknow is that they need lots of love and patience. They are intelligent creatures and can pick up on negative people.

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 :))

Absolutely recommend Napa Valley Trail rides. My friends and I had such an amazing experience. The…read morestaff is so welcoming and patient. Our guides gave us all the basics to ride our horse and also provided lots of fun facts on the property. I was there for a bachelorette trip and our guides brought out Luna to take pictures with, which I thought was so sweet. I will definitely be coming back in the future! Thank you so much for a welcoming experience!

I'm getting so much out of my lessons with Amy and learning it all from the ground up. She is a…read morekind, patient and reassuring teacher who emphasizes understanding horses behavior as well. She is truly helping me achieve my goals and dreams!

My 7-year-old daughter recently started lessons at Amiable Sporthorses, and we couldn't be happier!…read moreAfter just one lesson, she learned more than she had in six weeks at another riding school. The instruction is kind, supportive, and really focused on helping the kids grow in confidence and good horsemanship. My daughter looks forward to her lesson every single week. Gem the pony so sweet and well cared for, and the overall vibe is friendly and welcoming. We feel really lucky to have found this place -- it's been such a great experience so far!

Many arenas including 2 indoor ones for rainy days. For those w issues calling, try their website…read moreto contact TRAINERS not the property owner, as that's who you set up riding with. The place is almost always full of boarded horses, but you can haul in horses and ride there for a small fee.

I took horseback riding lessons from Monica Lukes, and I absolutely loved it. She is a patient…read moreteacher and always finds a way to make her feedback positive. Her lessons were about an hour and a half long, which is very generous. I learned how to groom and prepare horses for being ridden, which is something I've never been able to do. I really enjoyed getting to bond with the horse I rode, named George. She is a great trainer and George always listened to her, even when he'd just come in from being ridden and was getting prepped for my lesson. Great facility with numerous arenas. Monica is the best!