I wanted to go horseback riding for my birthday. I found Stillwater Ranch by searching for trail…read morerides. I am so happy I did. This place was EXACTLY what I was looking for. The owners, Barbara and Dalton were so nice and down to earth, They are true animal lovers just like we are. They have over 20 horse, 3 dogs, 2 mules and they offer it all. This isn't your 1 hour trail ride up a dirt road and back. This ride is 3 to 4 hours long, through trees, down what looks like animal trails in the woods, you criss cross through the woods and clear cuts in the Skykomish River Valley then you head up mountain to this amazing lookout and have lunch. I rode a wonderful gelding named Bernie. Bernie's a Missouri Fox Trotter and he was super sweet. Chris rode Comet, she's a Tennessee Walker. Chris said she floated. You can see for miles up on "the rock". When you look down into the valley and see just how far you have ridden, you are amazed. Dalton said it is probably 5 miles. The lunch is amazing, it's from the Sultan Bakery and it is one of the best lunches I've had. Sitting up on the rock just me, Chris, and Dalton was so relaxing. We became instant friends. Stillwater Ranch offers a variety of rides that include river rafting, fishing, moonlight rides, overnight camping and much, much more. You can ride in all seasons - We are looking forward to a winter ride when the valley is covered in snow. They are even starting a wine dinner ride - woo hoo. The next time we need an equestrian fix, we will look to Stillwater Ranch to supply it.

From the owner: Professionally Guided day Horseback rides in the Cascade Foothills- less than l hour from Seattle…read more Horse and River Rafting Trips Drop Camping with horses and mules Horse drawn hay wagon rides Summer Day Horse Camps Classes on Horse and Mule Packing Team Building Events

Absolutely love this barn, happy horses, happy people, happy clients, happy staff. Just a great…read moreplace to be

I moved my daughter to this center after the promise of good communication, plenty of riding…read moreopportunities, and what sounded like a structured learning methodology so that my daughter could continue improving her skills. Unfortunately, I experienced cancellations that would actually occur just minutes ( like 23 minutes ) prior to the lesson time due to things like mud from rain, and other reasons that I wouldn't receive until getting to the center as I was already en route. My daughter spent very little time on the horse in all. The disorganization was blatantly obvious and very frustrating. Their muddy dogs jump into your car as soon as you open the door so watch out if that would bother you. The faculty is very unwelcoming. I do NOT recommend this place. Go anywhere else that would appreciate your business.

My 3 granddaughters love going here for lessons. Cat, Athena, Martti, and all the other helpers…read morehave been so wonderful. The horses are beautiful and so gentle. It's so nice to have boots and helmets available to use, also, if needed. I especially like that Cat has worked with our schedules. I've been looking for a place that is friendly to those who are not horse owners and experts on everything about horses. This place is great. Down to earth, safe and so much fun! Thank you so much for everything you do to make my granddaughters love their lessons!

Gates Equestrian is owned and operated by Kristi Gates. I've been riding with her for well over a…read moreyear now, and I have nothing but positive experiences to share. Every horse-back-riding lesson Kristi teaches is custom to the rider, and though I've been riding for a long while now, I'm constantly being challenged and learning new things. The facility itself is spectacular. It's located in Monroe of Old Owen Road. It's easy to miss, but there's a brown Gates Equestrian sign by the entrance to the driveway. Once you're parked and enter, there's a single barn aisle with many stalls for horses. In the center, there's a bathroom right next to the two wash stalls, which is super convenient. The tack room is across from the bathroom, and the entrance to the arena is adjacent to the tack room. Everything you need is in one central location and covered, so you don't have to worry about getting wet on a rainy day. The arena is massive as well and covered. Kristi owns several horses and ponies for her lesson program (which are all super high quality and well taken care of). She also teaches lessons to people who haul in and bring their own horse or board their horse at the facility. I've seen her teach kids who've never been on a horse before and riders who compete over large jumps. No matter the type of rider, she can come up with an incredible lesson so you always feel like you're getting a quality lesson. I highly recommend taking lessons and boarding your horse with Kristi!

Amazing experience taking our two little ones (turning 2 and 3.5 years old) for a pony ride with…read moreKristi. Kristi was fabulous with the children, and handled the older child's nervousness brilliantly. She gave the children carrots to feed the pony, and time to pet the pony before riding. She even did "jumps" walking the pony over some logs of wood, which the kids loved! The facilities are top notch and the ponies were healthy and very well cared for. We couldn't recommend Gates Equestrian more highly. We will certainly be back again and look forward to the children's weekend pony rides once those are up and running!

So happy to have found Happy Path Meadows. Great location and right next to Lord Hill Park for…read moretrail riding. April builds confidence for you and your horse which creates a great riding experience. Your horse will be so well cared for if you board. If you are looking for riding lessons you'll find April is so patient and provides great guidance and education!

Finding Happy Path Meadows was a dream come true for my 8 year old daughter. We didn't know at the…read moretime that my 4 year old son would also be similarly infatuated. They've experienced love and growth in unmeasurable ways. I've watched her confidence grow, his gentleness expand and their appreciation for the equestrian world blossom. April makes horsemanship fun and exciting in a warm and safe environment. She keeps the kids engaged and excited while allowing them the opportunity to learn what the universe needs to teach them that day (patience, compassion, physical advancements). My kids started with vaulting and quickly learned to ride with balance and Grace. They love coming to this amazing property and just being present. We all leave the lesson feeling refreshed and happier than when we arrived, The Happy Path is addictive!

My wife and I attempted to book riding lessons with the main instructor Rachelle Shreve for our…read moredaughter. Rachelle was a terrible communicator, flaky and disrespectful. After booking with us, she proceeded to double book us and not tell us. Then when we found out, she did nothing to right her wrong. We had heard that she was a strict and blunt teacher, but now you can add what we experienced. I highly recommend looking elsewhere for riding lessons. Maybe in 5-10 years after she's matured, Rachelle will run a better business.

From the owner: Our lessons revolve around three things: safety, fun, and progress. We use a lot of natural…read morehorsemanship principles to help us interact with horses in ways that make sense to them. Hanging out around the barn with horses and friends is fun! We use a lot of games and activities in our lessons so you and the horse get to think and have fun while learning to ride. We have a clear, progressive curriculum to help you learn about horses. Our learning includes horse care and maintenance, using tack correctly, safety and horsemanship, balanced riding, and good communication with the horse on the ground and under saddle.

Teri (owner & head trainer) does a tremendous job taking exceptional care of the horses/ponies; my…read moredaughter has a young (6 yrs.) horse in training and he is thriving. She is also deeply committed to maintaining an intentionally positive and uplifting atmosphere!

I've been riding here for nearly two years and love it. Teri, the owner, is an expert instructor…read morewho gives solid instruction and feedback. She really knows what she is doing. She works patiently with where you are at. She genuinely loves to see her students excel and is happy for you when you improve. As an adult coming back to riding, this has been the highlight of each week for me! The horses are well trained and clearly well cared for. The vibe at the stable is friendly and relaxed. It's perfect for adults, children or teens. I am really glad I found this stable!

I was extremely disappointed watching the poor handling of horses coming in from turn out on…read moremultiple occasions. Horses are brought in using a golf cart in groups of often three at a time. The horses aim to kick and bite each other and all the handlers do is yell at them. If that wasn't bad enough, I watched the lead stablehand lead a very gentle older mare into a stall and when she didn't go he smacked her with the lead rope on her face and she spooked and bashed her head on the overhead beam of the stall - he seemed less than concerned. When horses kick for dinner they throw brooms and other items at the front of the stalls. The stalls frequently smell of heavy ammonia. Horses are constantly escaping their turnouts. Running down fences, bolting out open gates and getting away from handlers with the golf cart. One poor filly even ran the fence and got in with another horse and was kicked, broke her leg and was euthanized. Horses will be horses but there are no changes being made. When these concerned were brought to the owner, she denied that her staff is hard on the horses and claimed her fencing was in working condition and safe. Boarder beware.

We have had our our horses boarded at Greatful Pines for two years. I have never seen someone who…read morecares for the horses here like Kelly does. We were out of town for a while when the weather was hot, we got a call saying they suspected our mare was colicky, in our absence Kelly walked our mare and cooled her off until she felt better, then checked on her through the night. There have been numerous times that either her or Lisa have been available to help with an abscess or any number of injuries our horses may have managed to acquire. Top quality training is also available at GP- I have taken lessons from both Lisa and Kelly-I love them both!! For the time my husband I were there we felt like we were a part of one big family. Sadly we have had to move, but we take with us many fond and happy memories of our time at Greatful Pines.

I have been to this building a bunch of times w family during the state fair and I must say I love…read moreeverything about great seats, great views, I love watching the horses & their riders/drivers doing what they do best I will be coming back. Looking forward to it in 2024 & beyond I Also highly recommend this is one nice attraction while visiting the state fair you can visit anytime, usually me & my family come later in the day sometimes last after doing all the rides and such. And I love horses so much