Prior to making out reservation, I called Dave (the owner), left a voice mail and he called me right back! He was so polite, answered all my questions and I could tell the way he was talking about his horses, he REALLY loved his horses, and wasn't doing the tours for profit! We bought out tour tickets directly from his site! I would recommend doing that so it gives HIM/his stable/ HIS horses all the money and Groupon not taking any portion! We did the 10am tour that lasted a little over 2 hours. Upon arriving Dave met us, told us we were just waiting for another couple to come (there was bad traffic) and then we would be on our way. Upon everyone arriving he asked every one how comfortable we were and what our level of riding was. Even though I have rode horses several times growing up, I still considered myself a beginner. He matched us up with our horse, allowed those who could hop right on to get on, but gave me a step to get on to get on to my horse (my horse was REALLY TALL)! Dave stayed back at the stable and let us go out on the trail with our guide (sorry forgot his name)....but he was EXCELLENT TOO!!!! We tried to stay in a single file line with the beginner horses in the front and middle and the novice riders in the rear to try and keep everyone on the trail...even though my horse and I were matched for me being a beginner, my horse just wanted to stay in the back, in the bushes and eat anything possible! PERFECT MATCH! We were out on the horses for about 45 mins and then we took a break. The guide lead us to where there were 2 picnic tables and brought us snacks and bottles of water! It was great to take a break and to get some great photos w/ our horses. I could go on and on about how great the guide was, the horses were and Dave, the owner! I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT, and hope to go back soon! Thanks Dave!!! PS-My horses name was "One eye...." I forgot the rest...but he only had one eye! LOVED HIM!!!!!!!!!!! read more

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Dave really has no customer service., Hes an old school rancher that does things his way. Trails were sandy/dusty and narrow through bushes and trees at times. Picnic was a small bag of chips and a mini water. read more

Had the most amazing time on the trail with Dave and his horses. Dave found a calm sweet horse for me which I was grateful for since it has been a while for me. The trail was beautiful and by the end of the ride I knew I'd be back the first chance I get. Last weekend I brought my family and just as I imagined my boys had a blast. On our drive back to SD, the boys couldn't stop talking about Dave and the horses. He was so kind and graceful with the boys, he made it a great experience for all of us. This ranch is like heaven for me as I have always been mesmerized by horses but what stands out to me most is how Dave treats his animals. read more

Warner Valley Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Warner Springs, California

Dave is an amazing tour guide! The trails are amazing with plenty of scenery! Hop, skip and jump from Julian and all major San Diego cities. read more

Warner Valley Stables - Yippee!!! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Warner Springs, California

This is my third time coming here and I love it. I love the atmosphere, the horses and the people. Dave is really genuine and fun to talk to. Every single time I have came it had made horseback riding so easy. From someone with no experience. Horses are well trained and friendly! Until next time! read more

Warner Valley Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Warner Springs, California

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We had the best time ever at Warner Valley Stables! My 8yr old has been begging to try horseback ridding and I am SO glad I picked here for her first experience. Dave was great in setting us up with our reservation and George, our guide, made sure to take such good care of my little one. He rode her out and then within time, she was riding on her own. The horses were beautiful and calm animals. Everything was perfect for a first time experience. Thank you Dave and George. Funny how something so fun and easy made my little sarcastic child say "horses are now my absolute favorite animal". Thanks guys!! read more

Warner Valley Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Warner Springs, California

Went out this weekend for a two hour trail ride and it was amazing! Our guide, George I believe, was so knowledgeable about horses and the area. He took us along the Pacific Coast Trail. His co-guides were also amazing. Helpful and engaging. We stopped at a small picnic area about an hour in and had snacks and beverages they provided and headed back. The horses are very well cared for and trained. Will definitely go back!!! read more

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Absolutely the best experience horseback riding ever in all of Southern California. Dave was so gracious to allow my daughter and I the chance to ride outside of normal trail ride hours. I had spent all morning trying to locate a place that would accommodate my daughter and I on our little mommy daughter vacation away from the chaos of the world to enjoy some trail rides with beautiful horses in an amazing environment and Dave came through. I guess during these trying times most people only operate Friday Saturday Sundays but Dave made an exception. Not only did he offer to take us on a ride outside of normal business hours he was gracious, caring and very thoughtful of my daughters novice riding skills. Warner Valley Stables is a beautiful kept little secret just off the beaten path and Dave will give you great directions on how to locate the gate for access. A two hour ride through beautiful landscape out in the quiet with not a sound of news, no gossip, or rhetoric of the every day fast paced rat race. Just what we needed to calm nerves and a lovely reminder that life goes on regardless of what is happening. If you're looking for an experience that makes you forget about Covid, home schooling, and/ or politics, hands down across the board I highly recommend Warner Valley Staples for the best horseback trail rides in Southern California. Thank you Dave, you were phenomenal and we appreciate you so much God bless you and all those beautiful horses that you take care of. We'll see you again real soon!! read more

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Had a blast riding horses. Polite hosts and beautiful location. The horses had personality which was funny to witness them.

My background with horses is that I'm a novice rider but have spent lots of time around horses as my children ride regularly. I do a lot of grooming and mucking so I have some familiarity with horse behavior. I'm also kind of an anxious mom. I counteract that instinct with lots of deference to those with more experience with horses, and lots of second chances if I see potential red flags. So that might explain how despite the many growing red flags I waited until just before the ride to call it quits, get the family off the horses, and go home. As soon as we walked in at the stable, I noticed a chill in the air. The leader of our tour, Dave Hart, was getting another family on their horses. Dave was not friendly. He looked frustrated and irritable. There was a young boy on an anxious horse that was tied to a post next to another horse he clearly did not like. The horse was acting anxious, moving back and forth. One by one I started noticing the other horses acting anxious. In fact at the time I arrived a horse had just reared as someone was getting on the horse. My daughters told me later this horse reared. Afterward Dave insisted the horse was fine and the man was about to get on. Then the horse really reared. Dave took this horse back to the stable. I think its normal to expect a little behavior before a ride as some horses just don't like others and there is a pecking order. But already this is too much. Usually, the tour operator knows which horses they can put together and where to put them and that usually resolves minor outbursts. From what I could tell it just kept increasing and it was a majority of horses having issues. After one scary incident with the boy where the horse attempted to lunge at another horse, the grandmother called out to Dave but he did not respond. This horse later tried to kick another horse. Me and this grandmother who I did not know previously were giving each other looks. I could see she was nervous. She even asked if my experienced daughters might be comfortable helping her grandson off his horse. Unfortunately, they could not as it would not have been safe. And when he came out he seemed irritated. Later when I tried asking him a question he revealed he is hard of hearing. Which is something you don't want when you are on the trail and something is happening. The helmets were a sad collection. They were mostly missing insulation inside and didn't fit well. When my daughter couldn't get a good fit he downplayed it. I was hoping it would get better on the trail. But I felt really uneasy with Dave. He did not inspire trust. The final straw was when my daughters horse, who was tied up, started setting back, pulling sharply away and she could not immediately get it under control. She is experienced and would not have done anything to trigger that horse. Dave spoke angrily at my daughter accusing her of tightening the reigns which she did not. It became clear that all of these horses were poorly trained and also that Dave didn't care. Additionally, my daughter observed that the horses seemed skinny and had more sores than usual. Not terribly decimated, but noticeably skinny. I let Dave know I was not comfortable, and we needed to leave. He did assist them off their horses though not providing blocks. My husband stumbled and fell and there was no concern from Dave. The other family also cancelled. Horse riding is an activity that is not entirely without risks. There are some situations that can't be controlled, like a deer running out and spooking your horse. But this was something in another category. I could charitably assume the horses haven't had much exposure during Covid. But that doesn't explain the crappy helmets and general uncaring attitude. Oh yeah, despite our issues both my family and the other went out of our way to be courteous and not freak out. Dave's response to us after cancelling was "you all need to find another hobby, not horses"! So rude! Especially as my kids are established riders. I can only imagine how this experience might scar the other kid in the other family. I recommend avoiding this place at all costs. I checked my credit card statement and found that he charged me the day that I made the reservation. After requesting a refund he only offered a partial refund. So I'm taking up the rest with PayPal. Additionally I have gone out of my way to speak politely and directly with him. He has not done the same. He talks like a bully, the find another hobby comment above and also later telling us we "chickened out". I was puzzled by the positive reviews on Yelp. But once I got to the Groupon Reviews I could see that he exudes charm when things are going is way and you are in agreement. But as soon as you voice any concern or disagreement this other side comes out. Numerous other reviewers pointed out unsafe conditions with an uncaring attitude. read more

Hi! A friend of mine and I did a two hour horseback ride at your location a couple weeks ago. Unfortunately I've been out of town but I've been meaning to contact you regarding our trail riding experience. Our guide Bill (older skinny guy) kept making remarks about my friend's breasts the whole time ("I like to see them boobies bounce" "be careful not to let your boobs fall out" "I like to trot so I can see her boobs jiggle" etc.). He also grabbed get butt cheek as she was getting back onto the saddle even after she clearly told him that she can get on there saddle without his help. He also point blank told her that he was looking for a girlfriend and that my friend should stay on the farm with him. My friend and I were very uncomfortable and didn't know what to say. That's not even all of it from him. On the way back he started telling us how "you know, I don't get paid anything to work here. I just live off the tips" "I really rely on the tips to make a living" and "I greatly appreciate if you could tip me well since they don't pay me anything here". I'm all about tipping well when the service is good and I've never been pressured like this before. We didn't have a good experience and felt sexually harassed during our whole two-hour trail ride, especially my friend who was visiting me from Finland. I wanted to spend quality time with her and the horses while relaxing in the nature and the experience at your farm couldn't have been further from that. Please don't send women out alone with that trail guide again. read more

I had a wonderful experience riding a horse here. We went on a two hours trail in to the forest. The horses were nice, well kept and lively. It was fun to ride it and look around. I would definitely recommend the ride if you are in the area! There are more attractions on the site - like hot springs, glider airplanes, etc. read more

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We had a wonderful time! We took a two and a half hour ride. My husband, two daughters ages 9 and 11, and I all went riding. Dave Hart was very patient. My girls had a lot of fun on their first horseback ride. The scenery on the trail was beautiful. read more

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My family had a wonderful time on the trail ride. We did an afternoon ride that was ~2.5 hours long. The horses were in great condition and the landscape was stunning. Mr. Hart led our ride and he was a fun and laid back guide. I would highly recommend the ride to those who like horseback riding. To book: I think you can call direct 1-(760) 920-3852 or I think you may be able to go to Groupon. read more

Great place to enjoy a day of trail riding. Lots of horses and great views . Super fun and relaxed setting .

My daughter and I did this trail ride on Sat 6/6/20. I don't even know the name of the instructor, he did not introduce himself and was extremely short with directions/guidance with the horses. Definitely would not recommend this place. Usually any other place I've done rides with there is an instructor in the front and another one in the back of the group. We only had one instructor (8 people) and he ride in the front and did really not wait for us or even look back to see if everyone was okay. On the way back to the stables I end up being the last one in the group and as the trail curved me and my horse lost the sight of the rest of the group. My horse realized it and suddenly took off full blast and I fell off the horse. Spent 5 days in the hospital and still home with fractured lumbar vertebraes. Don't go here! read more

Thanks to Greg, we had a blast. Perfect cloudy weather and beautiful landscapes. Fun to cross the little creek and take a picknick in the wild with the horses. Recommended! read more

Had a wonderful trail ride there with my girlfriends. Horses were nice, place and trails were beautiful, Dave was very knowledgeable and had a great young guy Jim helping us. Just wish we could've went nextdoor and used the pools to relax in afterwards it would've been perfect! read more