Wow! My boys ages 2 and 4 just had their first lesson and had a blast. I was worried about their safety because they have never ridden before, but their horse Tango is seriously THE sweetest. Rusty is great with my kids. His super knowledgeable and patient. He explains things in a way that they can easily understand even at a young age. This was no pony ride! My boys learned a ton in a short period of time. They are so excited to go back. Feeling blessed we found this gem! read more

The Riding Academy - My little cowboys - Horseback Riding Near Me - Menifee, California

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Just had my first riding lesson at The Riding Academy. Sarah taught me to walk and groom Orion and Rusty taught the riding lesson. So informative and so much fun! Sarah is knowledgeable and friendly and Rusty is very professional, knowledgeable and focused. I kept forgetting some instructions and Rusty was very patient in reminding me and answering my questions. Great experience! I especially appreciate that that The Riding Academy is geared toward new students and offers various reasonably priced options. I will be signing up for the club and I am looking forward to my next lesson! read more

The Riding Academy has the best program in the area for new and experienced riders. They focus on Equine Science and horsemanship, and don't just make you ride around in a circle for an hour or force you into a specific discipline. Their animals a well cared for and safe, and the facility is always clean and very well cared for. Most barns let students, especially children progress way too fast without learning fundamentals, and The Riding Academy is the only facility I have been to where the students learn every aspect of horsemanship safely and properly in order to create a lifelong love of riding, in any discipline. If you're looking for the best experience for yourself or a child, look no further. read more

The Riding Academy, I'm disappointed that it took me having to leave a negative review for you to respond and even still you had to hide behind a clients response. Like Marcos E Ortega said, all I was looking for was a response. A conversation, and is it really that hard to take care of your clients by simply changing a rider out? I love your comment about "poor Rusty waiting on us" because IT MAKES NO SENSE when we were in GROUP lessons, we were not in private lessons where I would totally agree that poor Rusty waited on us... oh, also, not to mention that he supposedly waited with "her horse" when she had to be the one to pull the horse out and get it ready on top of having to switch horses several times... (that's in your policies too, so why lie?). Additionally, my daughter didn't decide to stop taking lessons which was followed by 5 missed lessons, we missed 5 lessons when I found out that my friend passed and I went to support my friends family and when I was with my family out of town in unexpected hospice for my father in law who took an unexpected downturn. When all the chaos began to settle is when it hit me that we had missed lessons and it surprised me to find it had been 5. I decided to reevaluate with my daughter whether she wanted to continue at which point she declined and that's when I contacted Sarah. Very little compassion and kindness seems to exist nowadays. Sarah, you are making this situation worse by adding lies and I'm sure you're just going to continue as you've already demonstrated that's the kind of person you are, all I was asking was that you own up and speak to me versus ignore me. Had you taken a moment to speak to me, you, Rusty, and the horses could have easily had another year's worth of money from me if not more because I loved going there. But $135 was worth more to you than $1320. read more

The Riding Academy - Horseback Riding Near Me - Menifee, California

My daughter is seven and just completed the week long horse camp provided during the summer. She learned so much! I was quite surprised by all the terminology she came home with. When she finished she was so upset it was over. Everyone was professional and no complaints from my daughter. She rode Bailey which was a wonderful horse which she became attached to. I thought i was going to hear complaints about the heat but she enjoyed it so much I don't think she noticed it was almost 100 her last day. We will sign up again!!! read more

Great place for Riding Lessons! Well mannered horses (and trainers)! My daughter has been going to The Riding Academy for about 3 years now and loves it. The owners stay current on trends and techniques and there is a nice mix of new and experienced horses. read more

The Riding Academy - Sarah, Mejo and two campers! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Menifee, California

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My daughter signed up for the individual lessons offered by The Riding Academy through the City. My daughter is almost three and loves horses. Within five minutes I could tell she was on the verge of tears....not because of the horse riding, but because the instructor was being harsh and cold with her. I was worried at the beginning when we walked her over and he didn't even say hello or introduce himself...or even ask her name. Just said come over here so we can put your helmet on (while scolding her for not putting her head up while he did so). When she ended The lesson early in tears, again nothing but coldness from him. He did t even acknowledge myself or say anything more to her. She's 2.5!!!!! Why would they have someone like that teaching a class geared for that age group?!? She's had lessons for other things and has always done great. I'd mention the instructors name, but never was there an introduction....even though we were standing right in front of him. Very odd... read more

We just love The Riding Academy! Rusty is a great teacher and Sarah is very personable and professional. I appreciate the reasonable prices and friendly atmosphere. I originally purchased the 4 lesson package as a Christmas gift for my daughter and we have continued lessons since then. I am looking forward to continuing lessons each month. Thank you, Rusty and Sarah! read more

The Riding Academy - Rusty takes the time to help students prepare before going out to the arena. - Horseback Riding Near Me - Menifee, California

We have been clients of The Riding Academy for almost 11 years. All three of my children have taken lessons from Rusty and Sarah. My youngest started out with the Parent and Me program. They all have excelled and their love of horses and riding has continued. We purchased our first horse under the guidance of Sarah. We boarded our horse at the Riding Academy and had nothing but a wonderful experience. My daughters have gone on to show their horses. Sarah has been a wonderful instructor. My daughters are now adults and still take weekly lessons and continue to show their horses. The Riding Academy is absolutely the best. We love Rusty and Sarah and their program they offer! read more

The Riding Academy - Sarah with Alysha & Stetson - Horseback Riding Near Me - Menifee, California

We had a great time at The Riding Academy. It is an hour away but we will be back! We went to the riding academy because my daughter wanted to take riding lessons. We arrived early and watched as others were riding out in the arena. The instructor was giving verbal instructions as they were riding. When it came time for our turn we filled out the paperwork and then the instructor walked my daughter thru the steps of getting a horse ready to ride. Starting with checking the animals feet and brushing the anaimals coat to prep them for the saddle blanket and saddle. When the animals were ready the class walk them to the arena and mount up. They start by walking the horses to warm them up then progress to faster speeds according to the riders ability. Then as the class winds down so do the speeds. Followed by removing the equipment and checking over the horse. I love the approach of teaching the students to care for the horse. This way my daughter learns more then just proper saddle position. read more

The Riding Academy - Students learn care for horses and equipment as they start out each class grooming and checking the animals before each ride. - Horseback Riding Near Me - Menifee, California

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Anyone who is raising a child in today's upside down world has to be concerned about...EVERYTHING! My granddaughter came to live with us several years ago during a very dark time in her life. She needed to know that there are good things and good people in her life, we searched this entire area to find something that would help this little girl, most activities were as effective as video games in getting her out of her funk and to participate in discovering what interested her. Thats when I met Sarah and Rusty and learned of The Riding Academy. We had tried several "riding lessons" to discover that for many Ranches, lessons consisted of sitting on a pre-saddled horse and being led around an arena for a boring half hour, similar to the pony ride at the fair. We were very impressed and surprised that the Academy's plan is not for a pony ride but to expose your child what it REALLY is like to be responsible for the maintenance and care of your horse, Rusty is not there to coddle or babysit, he loves children and he really loves his horses and in his less than conventional way, strives to teach all his students why he loves horses and help them to understand that these aren't inanimate objects but living, breathing creatures that require the riders to communicate with them and control them in a safe and effective manner. Since we met these wonderful folks these many years ago, my granddaughter has grown in ways that I am still in awe of, she had never tried to accomplish anything until Sarah encouraged her to participate in the level program they created that starts with the most very basic skills such as brushing, grooming and saddling with close instruction from Rusty on mounting, directing, stopping and guiding your mount in a safe and efficient manner. The next levels will prepare the child for showmanship, identification, breeds, markings and terminology in horsemanship all the while exposing them to the thrills and pure joy of riding a horse. I never would have imagined what is involved in owning a horse but without the advise and skills that were provided by these dedicated professionals, Horse Ownership would have been a true nightmare for my family. Thanks to Rusty and Sarah, it has been an incredible and rewarding journey watching my precious granddaughter excel when conventional wisdom would dictate she would fail. Horsemanship is not for everyone, but if you have a source of good guidance and advice as we have in Rusty and Sarah Hill, having a horse can be an incredible experience. If I could give them ten stars, I would in a heartbeat. After reading some of the lesser reviews, I am reminded that no matter how nasty, and hateful some people have gotten on this platform, neither Rusty nor Sarah have demonstrated any animosity towards these people, demonstrating to me their true professionalism and dedication to their chosen craft. I was actually present on several of the days the lady that complained so much failed to show up for her appointments, Rusty had dutifully prepared the horse for each lesson, waiting for up to thirty minutes without a courtesy call from the disgruntled mom, I would be mad, but Rusty would just get ready for the next lesson. i guess some folks just can't be made to understand that an appointment missed is lost income in a business like this, so sad that she would assail hardworking and honest folks as these, Shame on her! I plan to continue to patronize The Riding Academy for a long time to come and I will always recommend them to anyone who is looking for an activity for their children and themselves that will offer more family entertainment than all the video games on the planet. After all these years, i still get a thrill seeing her skillfully ride her horse. Thank You SARAH and RUSTY! read more

My daughter had a blast riding Star and Rusty is a great Teacher !! Very patient.we will be back ! My daughter wont stop talking about how much fun she had .A great place to go and not to far from my home :) read more

This was my daughters first experience in riding lessons and sadly enough, it ended before our month was over because the trainer, Mr. Rusty was very rude and spoke to my child in a manner that no adult should ever speak to a child. She was in tears and begged me to take her home. It's very unfortunate that her first riding lessons will have a negative impact on her life forever. Thankfully we found and amazing horse farm in the next town. read more

Great experience. I am an adult with almost no riding experience. Sarah made making an appointment via the web and email very easy. I had a private lesson, which I thought was very reasonably priced. Rusty, my instructor was ready and waiting for me. Rusty did an excellent job, and I really enjoyed the experience. I will definitely be going back for more riding lessons. read more

My 5 year old daughter did the week day camp and it was so much more than I ever could have expected or asked for! Being only 5, never going to day camp, and never being around horses, I was a little nervous, but from the beginning, she did amazing! She's absolutely loved every moment, and I'm sure she'll be back in summer! I also really appreciated how they kept me up-to-date througout the day by posting pictures so I could see my daughter! read more

This is a nice ranch where are you can do lessons or vaulting. I will warn you though, it is VERY Hot out there so if you do go, bring a water bottle or two. Also just FYI this place is more for beginner riders, and the ring is on the smaller side. But if you're just looking for some cheap beginner low-key lessons this is the place for you. read more

My child took riding lessons here and I just feel compelled to write a review so that other parents know what kind of instructor your child will have to deal with should you chose to take them here. Sarah is a very nice lady but she was only there twice when my daughter was taking lessons. Rusty on the other hand is a negative, rude, and downright mean person and should NOT be giving riding lessons! Especially to children!! My child took lessons for 2 months and over the course of those two months he got worse and worse. The final straw was when my child left in tears after being torn down and talked down to repeatedly during the lesson. I urge any parents that would like to purchase horseback riding lessons to stay FAR away from this place. If you still decide to take your child here I suggest you stay for the entire lesson and see for yourself. I can guarantee you will not like what you see. read more