Never did I think I would have to explain to my son why a third private riding lesson was never scheduled. My husband, son and I decided to stay at our weekend home in North Beach while our kindergartener transitioned to distance learning. Our son's private school offers equestrian lessons to students as little as 2 years old. Our son is going on his fifth year on a pony/horse. While he did dressage at school, he also trained on the sport of Polo with a 5 time Champion from Argentina. Our tour of the stables was scheduled on a Monday at 2:30pm. The summer camp ended at 2:00pm. My husband and I arrived at 2:45pm. She accused us of arriving an hour late. My husband and I didn't bother with her false accusation. Then as we were going over policies and procedures, she made it a point to mention that many of her students find her to be mean. Sarah, I suggest you to be honest with the families that you are perceived as a bully and not mean. That way when you act the way you acted towards our family, we can understand better. First lesson was scheduled and our son was excited. My husband was unable to attend, his had just deployed to the Middle East for a yearlong tour. After his lesson, I was eager to see if my son had liked it and hear how the lesson went from Sarah. She said to me "I think you think your son has more experience than he really does". She proceeded to tell me that he was about to place the saddle backwards on the horse. Than Sarah proceeded to give me this look of disgust that my son would make such a mistake. Second lesson is scheduled, she requires payment well before the lesson. When I scheduled the second lesson I gave her a check, that check was cashed the next day. Cashed not bounced. $75 is super low compared to the $125 we are used to paying in the city. Second lesson starts at noon on Sunday. After the lesson, again I was eager to hear from my son how the lesson was. I tried asking Sarah, but was immediately ignored. While I was standing with my son getting ready to head out, she looked at me and said "we will be in touch for the next lesson". This was back in July. Whatever reason you had to not grant my son a third lesson is your business. I recommend you step outside and see all the amazing things minorities are doing in the equestrian sport. My son trained with two Polo instructors, one from Chile and the other from Argentina. If my son were a beginner, i dont think he would feel comfortable troting while swinging a full size Polo mallet. When we attended Polo matches, many of the players were from immigrant decent. Players from South America, India, American, African American. I would hate to think that Sarah negated service to my son due to the fact that he is biracial. That is the only explanation I can conclude. Our son had the riding pants, boots, helmet, this isn't foreign to him. What is foreign to him is having a middle aged woman have such a rancid attitude towards a small child. Shame on you Sarah. read more

I am stunned at Jessie's review, so sorry to hear this, and frankly do not understand how this could happen. My experience has been the TOTAL opposite. I came to Baywood Equestrian in the summer 2010 after a terrible accident in another stable's group lesson. Helle has been so kind and encouraging to me , helping me persevere regain my confidence and teaching me all about caring for a horse as well as riding. ALL the people I have met have been really friendly and welcoming, unlike the previous venue.The horse I ride is the sweetest , calmest horse and he receives excellent care. I can't say enough to praise the operation out at Baywood. I am now riding with greater ease and better form .Baywood is the highlight of my week. read more

Baywood is amazing! Much nicer than any other barn I've ridden at in the past! When I moved to the Bay Area I spent a day going around to all of the stables in the area to see which one felt right to me and Baywood won by a long shot. I've been riding there almost 3 years now and not only is the place gorgeous and well maintained, but everyone is incredibly friendly and welcoming. The horses are happy, healthy, loved, and very well taken care of. I've been fortunate enough to take lessons with both Helle and Heather, and both have been amazing experiences. They are both patient, kind, encouraging, and incredible horsewomen. Their knowledge and love for the animals really shines through. I can't say enough positive stuff about this stable! Do yourself a favor and go take a lesson there - or even a walk around the property to check it out like I did - and see for yourself :) -KL read more

Worth every dollar!! Hello Yelpers! Baywood is like the Four Seasons Hotel of Horseback riding. The bedding in the stalls is plush, the rings are clean, orderly, and lined with mirrors. I only have to mumble to myself that I need to retrieve a pony from the paddock, and one of Helle's staff is already bringing him towards me. The facility is absolutely five star, impeccably clean; no signs of rodents or any other critters. Not to mention that the people are courteous and professional. Oh did I mention, they also have TWO real bathrooms?! Forget the port- o- potty ! I highly recommend riding with Helle, who is encouraging, pleasant and humorous. All qualities that are usually scarce amongst riding instructors. All in all, beautiful stalls, well behaved animals, indoor ring, and large outdoor ring... I never feel stressed out riding there, or unwelcome. I would definitely board a horse here! read more

After boarding my horses for three years at Baywood, because of the convenience, here is the experience in a nutshell. Want to show up one day to find your horse with a six inch long gash with stitches on her leg, swollen as big as a grapefruit, and when you ask what happened, be told, by another boarder: "Oh, that happened three days ago - nobody called to tell you?" Um, no. Want to have your credit card over-charged every month, only to have it caught if you diligently scan your bank statements constantly? And then get an attitude when you mention it? Want to have them still bill your card even after you retract permission for them to do so? Want to be told you are insulting them when you pay out of your own pocket to have your own hay brought in because they went the cheap route and got straw for hay saying "we got free delivery!"? Want to be showered with arrogance from glorified backyard trainers? Send your horses to Baywood. On a side note, Nicole and Heather (who train for the establishment) are wonderful horsewomen. They belong at a classier, more professional place. read more

It's a shame what happened to Jessie's horse as described in her review BUT I have to say I think it is out dated information. Baywood's owners have recently taken over management of the day to day operations and have made HUGE improvements over the past years. I boarded here years ago and when I recently returned to the area I hand picked this barn to move my horses back to. Because it is so conveniently located close to town I SAVE a lot of $$$ on gas. Additionally turn out is included with box stalls and they don't charge extra for additional hay if your horse is a hard keeper (many other barns do have these hidden costs!). Full-service additions are available and any time I need extra care or exercise for my horse when I travel they are quick to schedule it in last minute no problem. The huge outdoor arena was just renovated with NEW state of the art German Geo Textile footing. The indoor is always nice for those rainy days and it's never over crowded. The trails are ENDLESS too. The management is willing to make necessary adjustments for horses with special needs, medical or otherwise. The upper barn now has extra-large stalls that were recently built out. The boarding rates are totally reasonable in my opinion because of the amenities and because my horse is so well taken care of there. There are three trainers/coaches available for you, your horse, your kids - Introductory Riding lessons, Dressage, Hunter Jumpers. If you haven't been out there lately I say go check it out!! read more

Baywood Equestrian Center - Horseback Riding Near Me - Fairfax, California

Great place! great management and great trainers! highly recommended! they will treat you well at baywood! the review above couldn't be more wrong! (boarded there for 3 years and loved it) read more