We have been here for almost 2 years now. Kay is great with the kids and the horses. We tried other stables, but here the kids learn how to not just ride but actually taking care of the horses read more

We brought our granddaughter here for summer's camp and she had the best time and learned so.....so much. I cannot believe how much shes learned in 2 weeks. Kay and her teen counselors made her experience something very memorable, her riding ability and confidence was so uplifted. She's learned more in 2 weeks than she's learned in 1-1/2 years of private lessons. We now have her enrolled in group lessons as well as boarding her newly acquired horse. So happy my granddaughter is here at Barking Elf Ranch!!! read more

She was rude and aggressive to my daughter (we were looking for something to build her confidence). . Kid fell off a horse as we watched and she barely reacted. Made some snide remark. We left. Sure, maybe she is old school, but that doesn't mean she should be insulting or intimidating. Bad vibes all around. Was also dirty and felt unsafe. read more

This barn is fantastic. My daughter stated riding there years ago. She has grown in her equestrian knowledge and as a person. We can't thank Kay enough for all she has done for our daughter and family. Lessons camps and boarding. All have been wonderful experiences. Highly recommend!! read more

K was rude to me and was grabbing at me to move so she could tell me to do something. I was not even supposed to ride yet and it was raining but she had me do it anyway. I got on the horse and she was yelling " straight legs" but she never told me what that was. When she needed me to stop i did it lightly to not hurt the horse but she tugged on my arm so hard to get me to stop. She also bent the horses ear in a bad way that could hurt the horse. When I got off she told me to put the tack away but she did not even tell me where. Overall I do NOT recommend her. She also had us wait for 15 minutes until she came down. Do NOT come here. read more

We love this barn! It offers amazing camaraderie, life skills, and builds up their confidence and strengthens their independence.

My daughter and son (who wanted to be a knight) both took lessons from Queen Kay for several years and attended many of her magical camps. They still talk about those camps years later, and are a favorite memory. Queen Kay indulged my son's knight dreams, and my daughter considers Kay a major influence in her life and an amazing example of a strong independent woman. We highly recommend Barking Elf ranch for lessons, and for the very best summer camps you will find! read more

My daughter rode with Kay for about 2 years and loved every minute. Kay teaches her students every aspect of horsemanship, not just riding. The girls mucked stalls, fed the horses, tacked the horses, and performed ranch duties. She allowed the older girls to gain leadership skills at her summer camps. During lessons, Kay was attentive but not quick to overreact when a child fell. She remained calm and assessed the situation without frightening the child. My daughter learned great riding skills, but even more, life skills at this ranch. If you are overprotective and don't let your child learn through failure, you need to bring your child here to learn some real-life skills. I am an elementary school teacher and wish that all my students could come learn some real-life skills from Kay. I highly recommend Barking Elf Ranch. read more

The owner, Kay Greenwood, is one of the most crass people ever. She's mean and rude and you really don't want your children to be around her influence. She may know a thing or two about horses, but NOT children. My husband and I took our daughter to another stable.Also, we found out she euthanizes under performing horses simply because they do not meet her "performance standards". That is not humane. read more

This place is my daughter's happiest place on earth! She has been riding here for 3 years and she would love to come every single day. The trainer, Queen Kay, is so talented, professional and loving to the kids! My daughter has grown and perfected her riding skills with her! We switched from another barn and we couldn't be happier. My daughter's favorite birthday party was at Barking Elf Ranch. All of her friends had the best time and wanted to start riding. Kay made sure they all had the best time! read more

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Amazing experience for kids to learn safely about horses. They not only get to ride but they also learn about them as animals, their conformation, how to groom and feed, and they even learn to tack up. Kay is inspiring because she gets the kids respect as well their affection- she's created an atmosphere that's fun yet focused on the serious aspects of horse handling. I've taken 2 grandkids there for 3 years running and it just keeps getting better! Thank you Kay and all the counselors! read more

Love this barn. Kay is a wonderful coach and really strives to teach you to have a good foundation as a rider. She teaches you horse basics, saddling, safety, and proper riding. My passion for riding is back thanks to Kay and her horses. read more

My daughters have been riding at Barking Elf Ranch for about two years, and the experience has been fantastic. Located in beautiful Elfin Forest, the ranch is friendly and inclusive, without any snobbery. Good vibes abound. It's a relaxed environment and all levels of experience are welcomed. Not only do students learn how to ride, they are also taught how to properly tack up, groom, and care for a horse. They develop confidence and grit, important lessons they will apply in other areas of life. It's clear that Kay cares deeply for her students and my girls have thrived under her instruction! Highly recommend. read more

Barking Elf Ranch - Horseback Riding Near Me - Escondido, California

I went to the website and called to inquire about initial beginner riding lessons. It was 7:45 am when I called. The website does not have hours of operations nor listed prices or further information which was why I called. I thought there would be a voicemail with further information. Instead the owner picked up and rudely stated that it was too early in the morning and to call back later. Which I won't. read more

The BEST ranch ever. I board my horse here and have had many opportunities to watch Kay interact with clients. Not only is she knowledgeable and warm, she is witty, which makes every visit fun. I plan to sign my grandkids up for a week of Kay's Horse Camp this summer. They both love Kay and beg to visit the ranch. read more

Barking Elf Ranch - Boarders Sporty and Hemingway love the Barking Elf ranch! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Escondido, California

Queen Kay runs a top notch program that turns out accomplished riders and confident ladies. My daughter has been riding at Barking Elf Ranch for over 3 years and we couldn't be happier. read more

We had my daughter's birthday party at the ranch. We were very excited about the day. I was disappointed with the owner. She had young girls showing the girls how to ride. One of the guests ended up falling off the horse. The owner wasn't too concern or worried, kept trying to play it off. The horse seemed restless and the trainers were too young. She had children watching children during party and riding horses. Besides, the owner's side comments and being frank to our guest. Telling our guest, you arrived an hour late. There was no need for her comments. When my husband asked what happened with the horse, her response was are you going to reprimand me. Very unprofessional. read more

Our daughter has been riding at Barking Elf Ranch every summer for camp, and weekly for over a year. It's a great place to learn, and has been a great environment for our daughter to build lasting friendships with other girls who ride there. My daughter likes how Kay encourages her to grow as a rider, and helps her get outside her comfort zone. This is not a ranch that pushes you into buying/leasing a horse, nor competing. It's more about building solid riding fundamentals, character, and responsibility in the riders. read more

Our 8yo daughter did the week-long camp at Barking Elf Ranch this summer, and this place is a gem. The kids learn horsemanship, leadership, confidence and have so much fun! It was just such a breath of fresh air to send her off to a place where she interacted with the animals, got dirty and messy and wet. The counselors are teens who ride with Kay and they hone their leadership skills with the younger kids (under adult supervision) which also provides amazing role models of 12, 13 and 14 year olds who are excellent riders and confident with the horses. If you are looking for an experience for your kids that takes them outside the standard school-like structure, and gain confidence on the back of a horse, check this place out. read more

I have known Queen Kay for about three years. My little sister rides there but whenever I come she lets me ride. She is a very good coach and she is a very nice person. It is not a very competitive atmosphere which I perfect for beginners and anyone who doesn't really want to ride competitively. My family loves Kay! She is amazing! read more

Great place for kids to take lessons, wonderful horses and teacher is supportive and fun. She also puts on an amazing summer camp!

This place is great. Our kids have both taken lessons and attended summer camp. Miss Kay is a great teacher, has a great sense of humor, and is a great communicator to us as parents. If there was a moment during the day, or a particular lesson that is worth reinforcing, discussing, or celebrating with our kids, we know about it, which is really cool. Highly suggest this place. read more

I have had my daughter here for over a year and we have been very happy. She LOVES the horses and the time spent out on the ranch. You never feel rushed out of the place or that you are merely a revenue source. The owner is always there and likes to give the girls the opportunity to teach and encourage each other. My daughter is now starting to jump and is gaining confidence in her riding abilities. We have been pleased with the progress she is making and are happy to see her so passionate about riding and horses. Very family friendly and a great peaceful setting. read more

My daughter has been riding at Barking Elf Ranch with Kay for four years. It has been an amazing experience for her. Not only has she learned to ride in a non-competitive environment, she has learned discipline and to always look out for the other riders. I like that the girls tack up their own horses before they ride and groom the horses afterwards. She has also participated in each of Kay's camps and it has always been a great experience. My daughter is definitely a horse girl and this has fed her passion! Kay also loves the girls and would do anything for them! They learn to have confidence and poise without being "snooty." I know that the lessons she learned will help her in the future outside of riding. I recommend that you check it out for yourself and come to your own conclusion! read more

My daughter has just started to ride with Kay, and it has been a wonderful experience. She has learned so much in a short amount of time. Kay is a great instructor who really teaches her students to ride correctly. She loves the girls who ride with her and is more than just an instructor to them. She takes amazing care of her horses and their well being is very important to her. Kay is not a "clock watcher" but allows the girls to ride for their hour and then some, so the girls can get their "fill" of riding for the day. read more

Unsafe - stay away!! Check with the County - there have been several accidents where the paramedics come and carry people away.