I have known Kristin and Dennis for about 15 years...I think. I met Kristin at Las Maderes but…read moremostly got to know them at the beginning of our relationship through the ranch. I was a client. I was very impressed with how professional Dennis was and how calm his horses were. I had never riden a horse before but he made me feel completely comfortable. I can't say enough about the integrity of Dennis and Kristin or how much they care about their clients and how professional they are. There is nobody in South County that can come close to the experience you will get at the Bright Ranch. Kristin ended up being one of my very best friends...and her daughter Lauren is my goddaughter but none of that would of happened if they hadn't impressed me first as a client. What you get with Dennis Bright is a man that cares... a man that has devoted his entire life to horsemanship. Not somebody that is trying to make a go of the horse business...a true professional. I can't recommend these amazing people enough!

I got to know Bright Ranch and the Bright family. They are all caring. I have known them from when…read moreI was 8 years to when I was 19. I did weekly lessons and learned a lot about the horse and riding. I learned how to ride all kinds of horses from green (not fully trained) horses to the competition horses. It was one of the reasons why I became so into horseback riding. I loved Dennis's deep knowledge on horses and how he worked and partnered with the amazing horses he has in the stable. I also learned to work with cows and learned to do advanced techniques over the years. Dennis teaches you that patience helps you a lot around horses. He teaches you to be safe on the ground and in the saddle. Yes, it takes years to learn to horseback ride. It is the same for all sports and even learning instruments. You gotta understand that things take time. I describe horseback riding is like a tree. You learn the basics or the standard skill. Each basic technique you learn branches off to more advanced skills. Also, repetitions are key! Anyway, I recommend Dennis Bright as a caring and acknowledgeable horseback riding mentor. He has the safest horses to ride compared to the other stables I visited. The biggest thing he makes sure is that you the student is safe. Not many horseback riding teachers do this! - Kathryn K.

We've had such a wonderful experience with this barn! My son is taking horseback riding lessons…read morewith Johnny, and she is absolutely amazing. She's incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about what she does. She has such a special gift for teaching children--making them feel confident, safe, and excited to learn. My son looks forward to every lesson, and we've seen so much growth in his skills and confidence. Highly recommend to any families looking for a positive and supportive environment for their kids!

We love riding horses, and this experience meant so much to us. My daughter has special needs, and…read moreJohnny and Amanda treated her with genuine respect, patience, and kindness from the very beginning. Johnny took the time to understand her riding ability and encouraged her in just the right way, pushing her enough to grow while making her feel safe and supported. Because of that, she not only excelled but continues to build confidence every time she rides. We're incredibly grateful for such a thoughtful and inclusive experience. We look forward to our next session. We Highly recommend Johnny 6 Stables!

My daughter has only been riding for a year now and her experience at Painted Star Equestrian has…read morebeen nothing short of transformative. The riding program has not only honed her equestrian skills but also instilled a deep appreciation for horsemanship. Under the guidance of the dedicated instructors, she has developed confidence, discipline, and a genuine connection with the horses. The structured lessons cater to riders of all levels, ensuring a progressive learning journey. From mastering riding techniques to understanding the nuances of horse care, Painted Star Equestrian goes beyond riding to provide a comprehensive education. Witnessing my daughter's growth in both skill and passion for horses has been immensely rewarding. Painted Star Equestrian also hosts a variety of events throughout the year for its members to enjoy. Events such as barn days, barrel practice days, trail riding, and so much more! In the midst of these enjoyable activities, kids have the chance to build friendships. I highly recommend this exceptional riding program.

Shannon is an exceptional instructor. She has been teaching my daughter horseback riding for the…read morepast 10 years, and my daughter absolutely loves her kind, patient, and encouraging approach. Shannon has played a huge role in helping her grow and progress through the levels with confidence. My daughter truly loves the horses and the entire stable environment. It's also a wonderful place to spend time while waiting--calm, peaceful, and welcoming. We're so grateful for Shannon and the entire team.

I moved my horse to Blue Banner after a discouraging boarding experience at another local facility…read more Initially I. was wary and cautious, but to my great relief, Blue Banner's family welcomed me and my horse immediately! Everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) is friendly, kind, generous, and helpful! The facility is clean and well maintained. There are trees throughout to offer ample summer shade and a lovely mini trail course to allow for an amazing "out of the arena" experience! All the amenities are here...a covered and open arena, round pen, many turn outs, comfortable stalls and paddocks, run-ins that come with mats (!), hot water wash racks, a full indoor tacking / washing barn for those cold/wet days, two club house spaces, a large picnic area with kids playground, cows adjacent to the property provide great training opportunities, and a family friendly environment. I've found my home...and a haven for me and my horse. Thank you Scott, Karla and Blue Banner!

For my daughters bday, they did a wonderful job of last minute accommodation! No doubt about the…read morefantastic service when it comes to making a great impression there BUT the instructor didn't seem to pleased to be very sociable. I mentioned it was my daughters bday many times. Not much conversation to my daughter to make her feel very welcome. For example, "hows your bday going so far? Or, Glad we were able to squeeze you in today to make a dream come true, or thanks for choosing is hope to see you back have a nice rest of your bday" Nope. Still gave her a nice tip though, even if her vibe was not happy to have us there ‍

I just moved to the area in June and was so nervous about finding a new trainer since I was coming…read moreall the way from North Carolina. The trainer Charis was so friendly and extremely responsive to messages when I first reached out. She even made herself available for our first meeting while she was actively at a horse show to give me info on her training program and about her barn. All the people sitting around her were beyond welcoming and chimed in enthusiastically. I decided to go ahead and book my first lesson. I honestly haven't looked back. As someone who values a community so much and feeling comfortable with the people I spend time with, she is that person.

I moved to Charis around a year and a half ago after having multiple bad experiences at different…read morebarns, and it is one of the best choices I have ever made. I came to Charis scared to ride over poles on the ground and since then I have gone to numerous shows and competed up to the 2'6 confidently to close out my junior career. This program has made me a fundamentally more confident and better rider, and given me countless opportunities to grow and gain experience in an amazing learning environment, on safe and quality horses. Charis truly has the horses', students', and clients' best interest at heart and goes above and beyond as a mentor, instructor, and professional to help rider's reach their goals and literally make dreams come true. This truly is the best program in the Bay Area for hunters, jumpers, and equitation. The facility is wonderful with ample turnout (a rarity in California) and top quality footing. This program has fundamentally allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a professional, which would have never been possible without Charis, her expertise, or any of her amazing horses! Weather you are an ambitious junior looking to compete and win on the 'A' circuit, looking to import or bring along a young horse, or just someone looking to have fun or learn to ride, there is no better place than this program.

My girls absolutely love Sam and Socks Summer Camp! They had so much fun with the trail riding,…read morehiking, and arts and crafts. One of my favorite things is that Ms. Susan takes photos throughout the camp, giving us memories that we truly cherish. We are so grateful for all the care and effort she puts into making camp such a special experience. We can't thank her enough for offering such a fun, engaging, and memorable summer program. Highly recommend!

Amazing teachers, amazing horses! During Covid I decided I wanted to finally learn how to ride and…read morebasic horsemanship. Susan and Sam are so patient and really tailor the training to the student no matter the age or ability. Even better they rescue horses and rehab them to be lesson horses - a gigantic win win. Their love and passion for horses is incredible. I can't recommend them enough

I brought my 10 year old twin grandson's to learn and ride. I highly recommend Jeanette because…read moreshe and her coworker were so patient with the boys and answered all their questions. Very professional.

Jeanette was amazing with my 5yr and 2yr. Wonderful experience, professional and so easy to work…read morewith. Everything we needed was provided and age appropriate.

Well kept covered arena. Happy , cared for horses…read more Bathrooms (not outhouses ) Easy to access off freeway.

Lone Oak is a great boarding stable. The facility is very clean and quiet. They have several…read morearenas. You will most likely have the arena to yourself. The arenas have great footing. They take pride in the facility and security. The only downside is fall is in the winter time only the covered arena is open sometimes. They do seal the outside arenas. So once the outside arenas dry out they open them back up.

This used to be a really nice facility but unfortunately has been going downhill for awhile…read more Britteny Streeval is the latest in a revolving door of barn managers. No one wants to work for the barn owner for long. He is rude, doesn't respect women, and condescending. Brittney doesn't know anything about horses or the care that they need. She outright refuses to address potential safety hazards, instead prioritizing weed whacking. If boarders come to her with complaints she is likely to lose her temper, yelling and waving her hands violently. There are many trainers with excellent programs, but if any handicap person wants to come watch their child ride there is no handicap bathroom for them to go to. Very disappointing that a public facility doesn't have handicap accomodations. In addition to this, the bathrooms chronically have difficulty flushing and the toilets are almost always full of poop. The arenas dragging is poorly done, leading to bad footing and rivets in the sand. This is a shame because the arenas used to have extraordinary footing, especially in the indoor arena. Break ins to vehicles is not uncommon, as well as cigarette butts found in horses stalls. Communication between management and boarders is limited. The board has been raised twice in the last 6 months, even during the decline in quality. On July 4th the horses didn't get fed until 10pm Sometimes the hay is moldy. Boarders are not always notified when their horse gets out. Stall cleaners do not always remember to chain gates.