I grew up riding horses in the Oakland Hills next to Joaquin Miller Park and close to Skyline…read moreRanch. Back in the day, the area was affectionately known as "horse country." The reason for this is that over the years, more and more open space around Joaquin Miller Park in the hills was preserved and protected, creating a giant, beautiful expanse of protected and accessible land. The vast trail system networking these parks were created in large part because of the support of the local horse community. Over time, a bunch of horse facilities were established in this area, drawn by the amazing trail network and the proximity to hundreds of square miles of California ranch land east of the ridge line. Among the local stables, the truly iconic Skyline Ranch and its sister facility, the historic Piedmont Stables, stand out as two of the oldest and most enduring. To me, they are a wonderful reminder of the East Bay's deep-rooted horse culture and an important part of Oakland's "horse country" tradition. Skyline Ranch is a community-oriented full-service operation that blends superb boarding facilities and high-quality instruction with smooth, professional, safe, secure operations. Both barns provide direct and immediate access to the amazing network of Oakland Hills trails. Some of the reviews I've read have had issues with communications. The reason for this is that there's no office staff here waiting to take calls - everyone is digging in, hands-on, teaching, and working with horses and owners!  So, the best way to learn more is simply to come VISIT. Inside the main barn, you'll find large whiteboards with contact numbers. The most effective way to reach someone about lessons or boarding is to TEXT JUDI Martin, the owner and head trainer. She is almost always nearby, either giving a lesson or working with a horse, raking the arena, helping students and boarders, or pitching in wherever she's needed (she's a hands-on, engaged, busy but very friendly lady). When in doubt, just ask anyone around the barn and we'll connect you with her. The instruction is great. Although the primary focus at this barn, and most barns in the area nowadays is English riding, I ride Western (I think I'm the only one here).  I train with Judi personally, and I take private lessons in both Western and English. She has a deep understanding of general horsemanship, and is a natural fantastic teacher, patient and insightful, and she truly understands how to get the best out of each horse and rider. You have to work hard during her lessons, but I appreciate that she's trying to improve my competence and therefore making me a safer rider.  My progress has been tremendous, and my enjoyment of the hobby has improved dramatically as a result.  The other trainers at Skyline, including Jackie, Jerry, and Tracy, are also excellent. Whether you're just starting out or riding at a high level, there's real depth, experience and teaching ability here that can help you achieve you or your child's goals.  There are many little kids and adult beginners and they all get a great start based on the teaching team's decades of experience, love of horses, and genuine caring engagement with students. They have many experienced solid, well trained, safe school horses. Depending on your needs, Summer Camps, workshops, group lessons, horse first-aid classes, and many other learning opportunities are also available. The barn itself is very well run and thoughtfully maintained. Boarders have access to indoor stalls that are kept clean daily, comfortable with plenty of bedding, and protected with active surveillance, alarm systems, and human security patrol.  Horses are turned out daily and fed (good quality hay and alfalfa) three times a day. There's a strong support system in place, including regular visits from farriers, several vets who are frequently on-site, and a knowledgeable staff that truly cares about and looks after the horses. Parking is easy, security is active, and Judi and her team are always willing to share their expertise when it comes to horse health, exercise, feeding, training, access to resources, or anything else you might need help with. I keep two horses here and they are both very happy. Pricing for boarding and training is consistent with the market and very reasonable. More than that, you get much better value here compared to other barns in the area. What makes Skyline Ranch truly special is the completeness of the ecosystem. It is not just a barn with horses and an arena. It is a well-maintained, fully integrated environment where everything and everyone works together in support of the horses and the riders.

Wonderful facilities and excellent instruction, very close to Oakland and freeways but backing up…read moreonto magnificent trails

Jerry is an amazing instructor. I have been taking English lessons for the past few months and have…read morereally felt immersed in the lifestyle. My weekly lesson is something I really look forward to. As an instructor, he is patient, professional and friendly. His love for horses and passion is evident and has sparked my interest in my new favorite hobby. Not only is it so nice and calming to be outside, it's fantastic exercise. You don't realize how many muscles are used to keep balanced. If anyone is looking to learn how to ride English, Western or just spend time with horses I highly recommend QUEST equestrian.

I was visiting Oakland and Jerry kindly put me into his schedule for Sunday and just today. I am…read morean adult adv beginner rider. He said he loves adults. He quickly was able to figure out spots to work on, and we drilled, especially riding with my seat. His apprentices was friendly and very knowledgeable. Can't wait to come back and ride again! Beautiful barn and well cared for horses. Only thing don't take Uber. Uber's GPS is not able to locate the facility. The facility is located off a main road Skyline Blvd and very easy to get to.

I board my two young rescue horses with Melanie and can't say enough positive, good things about…read morethis facility. My boys are treated beautifully and they are loved by all the folks at the facility. Stalls are clean, hay is high quality, horses get lots of interaction and attention, and the arenas are always clean and dragged nicely with great footing. If you are looking for a quiet, low key barn environment with very happy horses, this is the place for you.

Riding/stabling horses in Oakland? Well yes to both actually…read more Just off Skyline, slip back in to what seems to be an oasis for horses with an ocean view. But keep your speed down- the city boy in me cruised in at what seemed to be a medium pace and was told that that was tooooooo fast. 5 mph or less. So okay. Helped move a new vendor in who will have tons of horse supplies available on site. I'd rattle off some more lingo like saddles and bridles but I don't know what anything else is called. They're there though. And there are numerous signs that indicate that dogs are not allowed. Just an observation.

We had family friends visiting and wanted to give them a unique experience. It was hard to find a…read morehorseback riding company that would respond back or have a phone number to reach them. I texted EquiFabula and Beany responded right back. She was very nice and accommodating for our request of a private horseback riding lesson. The lesson was for our family friend that is a 10 year old girl who had never been on a horse before. Beany asked her height and weight and experience and let me know she had the perfect horse. We arranged a time and date. Before our appointment Beany confirmed and sent us some paperwork and waivers to sign. This was great so that we could spend more time with the animals when we arrived. When we arrived, we were greeted by a beautiful property nestled in the Castro valley hills. The property is big and well kept. Beany let us through the gate and we parked by the stables. Beany asked if we would like to see some of the animals on the property. We had a wonderful time meeting 2 week old bunnies, chickens, a baby possum, chinchilla, and guinea pigs. It was a wonderful surprise that we didn't expect. After we finished seeing the various animals for half an hour we met Mona the unicorn! Our family friend learned how to brush Mona and take care of her. She was then fitted with riding gear and started her lesson. Beany walked with them the entire way and was a wonderful teacher. She learned how to trot with the horse, steer, and all about the basics of riding a horse. This experience couldn't have been better and Beany was a 5 star teacher. You can tell she loves what she does, has an immense passion for animals, and is very good with kids. She is able to ignite a passion for horses within kids and it's a sight to behold. We would definitely go back!

I've been consistently impressed by Beany's knowledge of horsemanship and the thoughtful…read moreinstruction she gives to students. I highly recommend her for anyone wanting to grow as a horse-person.

Never respond to my emails. Say they will book an introduction horseback riding session then go…read moreghost lol. I've been so patient and been going back and forth for years as this is near home

I started riding lessons at Kenilworth in June 2023, and have had a great experience learning here…read more I had no prior equestrian lesson experience (beyond some ambiguous basics from horseback excursions on some vacations years ago), so I had to learn all of the basics of tack care, horse care, as well as learning to ride! I started with Nia as my intro/private trainer, riding once a week until I and the trainers had availability for me to start riding twice a week. Now I ride with both Nia and Clara each week (1x lesson per trainer), and I feel like I've recently made a breakthrough in my progress given the combination of more frequent riding lessons and input from both of my trainers. Both are firm but understanding, and encouraging even when I'm being hard on myself. I really enjoy riding with both of my trainers as they each have had unique equestrian journeys, and their experiences help me learn and improve in different ways. The lesson horses are also all lovely and well care for. I love that they have personalities, and you get to know each horse as you ride and work with them. I do have a favorite horse to have my lessons on, and that would be Ellie, but really every horse is a good teacher and really forces us as riders to learn how to work with their unique personalities. The trainers and the program are also very understanding and flexible, so getting makeup lessons for holidays, absences, etc. is fairly easy. (The "system" itself is not a sophisticated one and recently changed, but it's working smoothly now after the initial kinks got worked out)

I have been boarding here for 4 years now. The barn community is drama free, kind, and a true…read morecommunity. The barn managers are amazing and the only people to get me to leave my sick horse, with a promise to watch him over night. The next morning I woke to a text detailing his changes overnight (and comparison photos!) and a recommendation to call the vet.

I had my horse here for around 8 months while we waited for other barns to have room. This is the…read morebarn perfect for people who ride western, love trails, aren't into showing, and want a very quiet barn. If you ride english, jump, and want to show, this probably isn't the barn for you. There is only one arena, and it is outdoors and very small. There is a round pen in the middle of the barn that is good for horses to roll in. The trails are very steep and rocky though. Keep in mind the arena is by an active road so if your horse is scared of motorcycles get earplugs for them.

beyond wonderful! well cared for, energized horses are super fun to ride. the vineyard trails are a…read moredream. we celebrated a fun ladies' birthday ride followed by lunch at Girl & the fig. doesn't get any better!

Wonderful experience riding the trails through the vineyard. The team was outstanding, what a great…read moreway to spend the day. Would definitely recommend!

Me and my gf had an amazing experience horseback riding with the help of Kiera and Katie, guiding…read moreus through and making sure we are comfortable and safe. I had a wonderful time with Dozer! I highly recommend trying this experience as a beginner like me :))

Katie and Kiera were awesome! Beautiful experience and lovely setting. Highly recommendread more

Affordable horseback riding day camp in the Oakland hills! Oakland Parks and Recreation…read moreDepartment, in partnership with In the Winner's Circle Horsemanship , offer weeklong half-day sessions (choose morning or afternoon) at beautiful City Stables., Through August 19. Ages 6 - 17. $250 per session. Sign up in person at Montclair Recreation Center. For information, contact Mark Zinns at 482-7812.

The RDLA facility has many attractive features for a multitude of riders. I arrived in 2019 seeking…read moreout local boarding with trail access, turnouts, and a variety of arenas. I really enjoy being able to tack up and head out on the trails but sometimes I just want to ride around on the property. My horse loves the grass turnouts and the nice wide private trails. We can ride up the hills to connect to the EBMUD trails with beautiful views. It is a great place for any discipline with lots of amenities.

My husband and I have boarded our horses at RDLA for the past 3 1/2 years. We felt right at home…read moreand welcomed by everyone as soon as we moved in. We love that we don't need to load our horses and trailer out to be able to ride the trails which is what we love. Multiple trails are available where you can literally saddle up and ride out. RDLA has four round pens, one of which is covered. We have a huge covered, lighted arena, as well as a separate jumping arena (which even us non-jumpers use) and a dressage arena. I love knowing that even when I am out of town someone always has an eye on my horses and there are trainers available to exercise or turn out your horse when you aren't able to do so. RDLA has been wonderful to us and we love being a part of the RDLA family.