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April 2008
My daughter loves being with and taking care of horses. She has been
taking English lessons for years. However, she just cannot seem to get
past some of her fears when she is actually on the horse. Her
instructor thinks she might do better riding Western - no jumping,
slower gait, bigger saddle, etc.
Can anyone recommend a barn where she could hang around and help with
the horse care, take lessons, and do some trail riding?
horsey girl's mom
My daughter has the best teacher/trainer ever! We had many less than
favorable experiences with riding teacher and places, and that led my
horse loving daughter to fear. Marie has made her a better, safe rider,
has taught her all about horse grooming and care, natural horsemanship
and how to truly have fun.
She is patient, supportive and fun. Teaches western only.
Call Marie Grisham at 510-304-1025. She is great and reasonable!
Varda
June 2007
My 4-year old daughter is developing quite a fascination with
horses (all things cowgirl, books, Breyer horses, barrel racing
videos on YouTube . . . ). In our efforts to satisfy this, we
took her to a pony-ride place where the ponies are on one of
those carousel hookups. She loved the riding part, but only
wanted to know 1) why there wasn't a bridle, and 2) why the
ponies had to stay on the carousel. Does anyone do riding
classes (horse or pony) for 4-year olds? We're specifically
looking for classes, not a camp. I'd prefer western. We're in
Oakland, and wouldn't want to travel too far. Thanks for any
recommendations!
anne
You can find places that will give riding lessons to 4 year olds,
and a good resource for barns in the area is www.bayequest.com. I
would recommend waiting until she is a bit older (say 6 or 7),
however, since most kids aren't ready physically or mentally to
learn to ride at 4. I say this as a former riding instructor who
also has a horse crazy daughter who is about to turn 5. We have
horses at home so you can only imagine the pleas to add a pony to
the herd. Until kids reach a certain age, physically they are
somewhat top heavy and often lack the balance to manage their own
body and control a horse.
A general rule of thumb is that they should be able to confidently
ride a bike w/o training wheels before they start riding lessons.
Mentally they need to be able to listen to a teacher and focus on
a task for at least 30 minutes, and have enough resilience that
they won't be too traumatized if they roll off the pony. Finally,
make sure that you purchase your own helmet for her and make sure
it is well-fitted and won't
shift during lessons. Vista Madera tack store in Oakland or
Western Saddlery in Pleasanton are good sources. Good luck!
Vali
October 2006
I am looking for horseback riding instruction for a beginner
and advanced beginner, both girls aged 11 & 14. We just want
to stick with Western and would prefer someone in Oakland or
nearby. We want someone who is reliable, responsible and warm
and relates well to her students. Sadly, I know a number of
parents of kids taking lessons and none feel like they can
heartily recommend their instructor. I'm usually not that hard
to please, but after being around a few instructors in the past
with my older daughter, I am getting pretty selective,
especially since the cost is not insigificant. Thanks
My daughter has been taking lessons from Bev Vreeland for three years. She is
at Hayward Hills Equestrian Center. Her number is 925-963-6400. It takes us
less then half an hour to get there from Alameda. She teaches English and
Western. We think she's great. Betsy
Sept 2005
We took a family vacation to south western Utah. We went on a
1/2 day horseback trailride in Capital Reef National Monument.
(WOW!!!) My 10 yo very anxious and shy son was very excited
about this trip. The woman who led the ride and owned the ranch
was FABULOUS with my son. To our great delight he took to riding
like he'd be doing it his whole short life.
He loved it, handled his horse beautifully and was beaming for
days.
So, now that we're home, getting back to school and routine I
would like to find a stable and riding teacher for him.
My son doesn't speak to new people (he has a social anxiety
disorder called Selective Mutism...he speaks to kids, some
adults, no new people, etc).He communicates non-verbally. This
teacher would have to understand that and be able to work with
my son under these conditions.
I'm hoping also for convenience...we live in East Richmond, so
Bkly, Tilden, San Pablo or Pinole area would be ideal.
Thanks for any leads on this.
PS If anyone goes to Capital Reef and wants a FABULOUS horseback
trip, 1/2 day, full day, or multi day, Hondoo Tail Rides is the
place to go. www.hondoo.com THe woman who owns it is Pat and she
is a gem.
June
I have a recommendation for you.
Betsy Arcellana at Chabot in Oakland
(http://www.chabotequestriancenter.com/lessons.htm - off 580 at
Keller and Skyline) is a trainer who has worked with children who
have a variety of developmental issues. In fact, she has been
advocating for the son of one of the stable staff - who has
selective mutism! so she really would ''get it'' about your son.
My son, who is almost 10, rode with Betsy on her pony Flash for
most of this past year. He's grown out of it now, but he really
enjoyed being with the horses, talking away to them etc.
You can reach Betsy through the stables or by calling 510 568 6262.
hope that helps.
njl
July 2003
My daughter has fallen in loves with horses this summer at her
camp. Does anyone have recommendations for a place that she
could go weekends and ride/help exercise/help groom/help clean/
etc.? Years ago we had a neighbor who stabled her horse
somewhere and there were some horses that were rather neglected
by their owners, and they needed extra attention that the stable
crew could not provide. Any suggestions as to where she can get
horse time? for not too much money? as a volunteer?
When my daughter was around 12 she also got bitten
badly by the horse bug. She had attended ''horse camp''
for a couple of summers at Tilden Park (by the pony
rides) and had gotten to know the woman who ran the
pony rides. I don't know if it's the same person there
now or not. My daughter offered to come up on the
weekends to help and they were very happy to have her.
This was about 5 years ago, so I don't know whether
something like this would still be possible, but you
might check it out.
Judy
You didn't say where you lived but there is a low key and VERY
inexpensive horse stable place in El Sobrante. We have been
there and it is $25.00 per hour to ride around. My daughters
also groom, saddle and lead. Patty is very nice. It is VERY
''rustic''. Their phone no is (510)223-7249.
anon
June 2003
I am looking for recommendations for horse riding lessons
for a nine year old with some experience already. We are in
Oakland and are willing to travel some for a really good
teacher. She has been riding English. We are concerned
about safety and a positive learning environment.
The only suggestion on the site is for Bottomley and we
found them a bit more geared towards the competition than
we like.
Sharon
Try Briones - there's a riding stable there that gives English
lessons.
susievav
I have a friend who takes lessons in Marin. The stable is
called Miwok Livery and she raves about it. They have
classes and camps for children. The URL is
http://www.miwokstables.com . Hope that helps.
Mollie Hart
Skyline Stables, Redwood Road, Oakland (has a pony club)
FoxRidge Stables, Redwood Road Oakland (may have a summer camp)
Rancho del Lago, Rancho del Lago Road, Martinez (off Bear Creek
Road about 1 mile from Bottomley. has summer camp for kids, has
a pony club)
Half Halt Farms, Rancho del Lago Road, Martinez (see above)
Poplar Place Stables, Bear Creek Road (next to Bottomley, has a
pony club)
Nancy
I took english riding lessons at Black Point Farm in Martinez,
which is down the street from Bottomley. I learned a lot about
horses, grooming, etc. I even had to put the bit in the horses
mouth, which for me was a bit much at first, but got used to
it. I was there for 6 years, but stopped because it became to
expensive. It's been since 1996, so not sure if they're still
around. The smaller children were taught on ponies. The place
had a very nice and homey feel. Nothing fancy, but the horses
are well taken care of and healthy. What I liked about the place
was that the owner had a variety of horses and you could ride a
different one or the same one each lesson. The owner is Carole
Dwinnelle. I was taught by her daughter Beth, who is very nice,
patient and very good with horses. She grew up around horses
and use to compete so that made the experience much better. I'd
like to know if they are still in business. I would love to take
my daughter there.
Cheryl
Jan 2003
My 13 year old niece is coming to visit us in April. Her Mom (my
sister) would like for her to be able to go horseback riding
while she is out here. But here's the catch. They live in
Upstate New York, where horseback riding is ubiquitous. What my
sister wants her to have is a ''California'' horseback riding
experience. On the beach; on a bluff overlooking the ocean; or
through the redwoods, something like that. Can anyone recommend
a place that offers this type of unique scenery and experience
while horseback riding? Thanks in advance for your
recommendations.
marianne
I know they offer such classes in Redwood Park in Oakland, but I
don't have any contact info. Call them or look up on the
internet - they were recommended last summer.
Maria
I recommend Chanslor Ranch on Hwy 1 just outside of Bodega Bay.
It's a small B and B and they have horsebackriding on the beach,
sand dunes, etc. We stayed there over New Year's and very much
enjoyed it. You can go and ride horses whether you are staying
at the ranch or not. Also, nice wetlands area for hiking.
Pat
No redwoods or beach, but rolling foothills, great vistas and oak
trees, I recommend Sunol Regional wilderness. In April she will
have beautiful green hills and wildflowers. Sunol is part of the
East Bay park district, www.ebparks.org The horses there are
well taken care of. I've also heard good things about the Marin
county places, but have not rented there, see:
http://www.trailcenter.org/guides/stables/stables-pr.htm
I have rented from the Half Moon Bay places and was appalled by
the condition of the horses and equipment. I would not support
those operations.
Cynthia
for a real great beach ride, Ricochet Ridge in Ft Bragg is
probably the best place - see http://www.horse-vacation.com/.
Don't go to the stables at Half Moon Bay, they were atrocious
when I went last time.
Here's a resource for finding places to trail ride in the Bay
Area:
http://www.trailcenter.org/guides/stables/stables.htm
nancy
Oct 2002
I am looking for friendly, relaxed horse riding lessons for my
4 year old around the Walnut Creek area. Does anyone have any
recommendations?
Hi,
I keep my horse at the Eagle's Nest Ranch in Castro Valley. There
is a wonderful trainer there that is great with young kids. Her
name is Beverley Vreeland. Their number is:
(510) 538-8249- office
(bev-direct line) 886-6851
Good luck,
Michelle Stern
My daughter's birthday is coming up in April, and she wants horseback
riding lessons more than anything. Can anyone recommend a place where
she would not only learn to ride, but have a very positive,
confidence-building experience? We live in San Ramon and would prefer
something in our area, but would be willing to go a bit further -
especially if lessons could be on the weekend ;-) Thanks in advance!
Wendy
My daughter has been taking riding lessons at Bottomley Farm in Martinez
for four years. She started when she was six. Bottomley Farm is a serious
riding stable, but it's also turned out to be a pretty friendly community of
people.
Bottomley Farm stresses care of its horses, so part of a riding lesson
is grooming the horse both before and after the lesson and cleaning the
tack you use. So though a private lesson is only a half of an hour, it's takes
15 to 30 minutes to get the horse ready and about the same amount of time after
the lesson to clean everything up. If your daughter continues with lesson,
at some point she'll be able to join a group. Then for the same price, she'll
be able to take an hour lesson with a group of one to three other riders at the
same level of ability. The cost of a lesson is $40.
Bottomley Farm also offers one-week day camps in the summer. Beginners
are welcome to sign up for these. They are from 9 to 4 and expensive (I
think $300 per week this year.) The children get to ride twice a day and spend
the rest of the time learning about horses, what they eat, what diseases they get,
how to take care of them, parts of the saddle and bridle, etc. There is a little
horse show for the parents on the last afternoon of the camp.
The phone number for Bottomley Farm is (925) 228-3766. Janet
October 2006
Hi, I'm looking for updates to recommendations for adult
horseback riding lessons.
I am in Oakland and would like someone in the East Bay (Grizzly
Peak thru Skyline preferred). I have been sporadically riding
since I was a little kid, from bareback to western to english but
not competitively. I would like to spend a few months getting my
muscles back in shape and then move towards a sponsorship and
trail riding. Emphasis on good form (english, western),
confidence building, strength and control. My timeline is to
start in March or so of next year.
Thanks for the tips
LR
http://www.jo-linstables.com/
Good place for kids and adults in El Sobrante for horse back riding lessons. The owners have a
noble mission for saving horses from destruction-retired racing horses and others.
Good luck,
David
There are 3 places in the Oakland hills that have riding lessons:
Anthony Chabot Stables on Skyline near Keller Skyline Ranch on Skyline at Redwood
Rd Foxridge Stables on Skyline at Redwood Rd. You might also try Grizzley Peak
Stables in the Berkely Hills. If you want to go farther there are many places in
Briones Valley along Bear Creek Rd. I recommend Rancho Del Lago, which is out
there. I believe you can find phone numbers for all these places in the yellow
pages under riding academies. You might also look on the bay are equestrian site
www.bayequest.com
Laura
For the person seeking horseback riding lessons, I would like to recommend my
instructor/trainer Mia Yellin. Mia teaches english style riding in Briones Canyon.
She has lots of experience teaching children, novice adults, and adults returning
to riding after many years (like me). She has two wonderful gentle school horses.
If interested, give her a call at 925-228-6554.
March 2002
Does anyone know of a good place for an adult to take
horseback riding lessons? Or of a place that rents
horses by the hour without a guide?
Somewhere in the East Bay would be preferable, since we
live in Berkeley.
Thanks a lot!
Gen
Hi,
I have my own horse, but began by taking lessons at
Eagle's Nest Ranch in Castro Valley. The best trainer
there for riding is named Beverly Vreeland. She is
kind and encouraging.
Their contact information is:
Eagles nest ranch
(510) 538-8249- Ranch office
Bev's direct number: 886-6851
Best of luck.
Michelle
One of the best sources of horse related info for the
Bay Area is at:
www.bayequest.com
They have a listing of trainers and barns in the East
Bay at:
http://www.bayequest.com/train_eb.htm
Recommendations are hard to provide without more info
on the type of riding that the adult is interested in...
english, western, etc.
Hope this helps.
BergaHoo
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