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!

AMAZING experience!!! The ride was beautiful and so fun! The team was incredibly sweet and shared…read moreso many fun facts throughout the way! And took so many pics too! We definitely had a time...The horses couldn't be cuter as well and Raven their dog is SO SWEET!!! would do it again 10000 times

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.

I have just started boarding at PBR, but I am so thrilled to be here. My horse Beau arrived on…read moreSunday and everyone here has been so helpful. I'm a total noob and all the boarders and the owner Michelle do everything they can to show me the ropes. Michelle is one of the most friendly and accommodating people I've ever met. Her cheerful attitude makes my day. I'm still letting Beau settle in so I haven't ridden him yet, but everyone raves about the trails. PBR is backed up to Indian Valley and Ignacio Valley preserves and has direct entrances from the ranch. No trailering needed! Good for someone like me with a Hyundai. I'm happy with my portion of the tack room, and Michelle offered to put up another saddle rack for me. She also offered to fix the mats in Beau's stall, as they're wonky and make it difficult to clean. This is not a show barn, so the atmosphere is very relaxed. There are not trainers on site, so you would need to arrange for one to travel to PBR. I've been told there is a dressage trainer down the street, but I'm not sure if they travel for lessons. There is a large arena and large round pen for turn out. No pastures.

Pencil Belly, from Stall to open space in less than 4 minutes. Happy horses, happy people, not…read morecrowded. Way to be Pencil Belly!!

This suburban farm offers horse boarding, riding lessons, kids camps and birthday parties…read more We have friends who's daughter attended their summer camp and loved it. Based on their experience we decided to have our daughter's 6th birthday party here and it was great fun for all. For Birthday parties you essentially have the exclusive use of a little park-like area in the center of the farm that has a play structure, picnic tables, a good number of shady trees and a small barn with petting-zoo type animals. The party rentals are two hours, with the first hour offering pony rides and during the second hour the petting zoo barn is open. We had two pony's at a time for the kids to ride, and with 10 kids that worked out to about two rides each. This was perfect timing so that we could do Pizza and cup cakes after the pony rides, then once the kids were done eating they excitedly ran over to pet the animals in the petting zoo. For the petting zoo portion there were chickens, pigs, bunnies, goats, sheep and a miniature horse the size of a large dog. The kids LOVED petting and brushing the animals. You don't need to add any additional activities or entertainment for the kids because the two hours are nicely full. The kids were constantly in motion and playing on the play structure when not riding a pony or in the petting zoo. All the kids seemed thrilled with the activities and were having tons of fun. All-in-all the process of having a party here, from reserving the day to clean up afterward, is pretty smooth. The only downside was a multi-page contract form that had to be signed by the parents of all the kids. The forms have to be returned to the hostess and the hostess then returns them to the farm with a guest list, as one packet, the Thursday before the party. It would be easier if the parents could just do the form on-site, but I'm guessing that the management wants to be sure the parents read it fully and agree to the terms in advance. But despite the paperwork I highly recommend Morning Star to anyone with grade school age kids.

Kid's Birthday party review…read more Discovered via local moms club and "background checked" on yelp, we decided to have our son's 4th birthday party at Morning Star and I prayed it would live up to its stars b/c we had friends driving from Concord, SF, and beyond to attend. The verdict is that we'd give it a 6th star if we could! The things we loved were that they have a covered option in case of rain, a sweet playground at the uncovered area, where the 2-5 yr olds had a total blast, and a little petting zoo. The trainer Rachel, who led the kids and ponies, two by two, was a pro and helped even the nervous kids feel confident. Each kid got about two rides, which was perfect. The owner helped us set up tables and put up a shade/rain structure since it had rained all morning and we weren't sure if we'd need it. Also, $200 for a 2-pony party for two hours is a great deal in my book, esp compared to $800-1,000 Discovery Museum party price tag (we love it there too, just, gulp). The only down side, as others noted, is the release forms. They are necessary of course, but the onus of getting each family to sign them and submit before the party is on the party-thrower. It is time consuming up front and I wasn't making any friends for a while there, but it makes it so guests don't have to mess with forms when they get there. One idea is to have people use CamScanner or another scanning app on their phones so it can all be done electronically, and to leave a few day's cushion for missing forms. Lastly, I appreciated that all of the animals looked very well-cared for and the whole property was clean and inviting.

Susan took me on a 2-hour ride up Black Mountain, I am so glad there is a place the takes great…read morecare of their horses and caters to more experienced riders.

The BEST advanced ride I've ever been on! An absolutely unforgettable adventure! Riding a…read moremagnificently smooth Arabian horse through the awe-inspiring redwoods, guided by the incredible Susan, was nothing short of magical. The perfect blend of an exhilarating fast pace riding, stunning natural beauty, and amazing company--pure perfection! Can't wait to ride with Susan again.

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!

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!

Erin and Harleigh are phenomenal horse women. They care for their horses as well as their riders…read more They can push you as far as you want to go. Fantastic trainers! If you are looking for a local riding school this is the place to be!

MHRA is amazing! Harleigh and Erin are exceptional trainers. They clearly love what they do and it…read moreshows. My daughter started riding under Erin's patient and intuitive tutelage and blossomed into the capable rider she is today, but more importantly, she understands how to communicate with and listen to the horses and ponies she rides and cares for. Harleigh and Erin take really good care of everything. Their ponies are happy and well cared for, the facility is neat, and the program is organized. If your child can't stop talking about horses or you want to get back in the saddle or experience an extraordinary creature for yourself, Marshall Hall Riding Academy is the place to go. You won't be disappointed.

Shannon is a life saver! Her Acuscope Myopulse therapy has done wonders for my accident prone mare…read more She has treated everything from leg lacerations, swelling and sore muscles for her and gotten her healed and back to work faster! Seeing the reduction in swelling(kick wound) after one treatment is so impressive! I've noticed an improved topline, overall better movement and a MUCH happier horse. Can't thank Shannon enough!

From the owner: SL Horsemanship offers colt starting, problem solving and tune ups…read more Training is based on correct horsemanship and positive education to help each horse build the confidence they need to grow into a more mature, safer horse on the ground and while ridden. Training ranges from colt starting to tune-ups to working with problem horses. Training time varies from day to day depending on the horse's learning curve, temperament, and athletic ability. The horse will be exposed to ground work and time under saddle. SL Horsemanship also offers Acuscope and Myopulse Therapy. Shannon is an ATS certified Equine and Canine Therapist. The Electro-Acuscope is a highly sophisticated electronic medical instrument which is designed to scan and treat many types of electrical stimulators called TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation). TENS means that the instrument uses electricity to reduce pain by stimulating the nervous system of the body without puncturing the skin in any way. The Myopulse, companion instrument to the Acuscope, gently stimulates the muscles, tendons and ligaments, reducing spasm, inflammation and strengthening tissue damaged by traumatic injury. Together they comprise the most technologically advanced and effective electronic physical therapy equipment available in health care today.

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.