I absolutely love Nancy and everyone at Castle Rock Arabians. My daughter loved her week at camp through spring break and it never would have happened if it weren't for Nancy. I have 3 kids, my oldest child was shot with a shotgun and blinded while participating in a junior pheasant hunt hosted by the state of California when he was 11 years old. This has made it very difficult for me to go back to work full time and even more difficult to pay for things like a week long horseback riding camp. When my 9 yr old daughter asked me if she could go to horse camp I heard $$$$$ and thought that it would never happen, but I took a chance and called Nancy and see what I could do. I didn't tell Nancy about my son or monetary hardship, but she could tell by my reaction when she told me the price that I couldn't really afford it. Nancy asked me if I knew anything about horses or office work and when I told her I used to be an office manager she asked me to work for her at the ranch a couple days a week in trade for my daughter to go to camp. Of course I jumped at the opportunity. Not only did my daughter get to go to camp but I got to go with her and was able to see how much fun she was having and she really was having the best time. She loved the girls that worked with her, as well as riding and grooming the horses. At the end of the day she would go on and on about all the fun things they did and how much she loved camp and all her new friends which I later found out were the apprentices. I believe that is what makes them different, the apprentices. Even though there are always 4 adult trainers running the camp the apprentices are the ones the kids seem to bond with the most. The young adults that work there are experienced riders who have been riding and training for years and know what they are doing. Nancy doesn't let just anyone that wants to work there work with the kids. They have to have a lot of experience and knowledge just to be considered for the apprenticeship program and eventually a proven ability to teach . They have to earn the right to participate in camp and teach lessons. They start at the bottom and work their way up to apprentice trainer. This means they had to clean stalls, feed and groom horses, and work on the ranch. As you can imagine I am a bit overprotective when it comes to my kids after what happened with my son and I can say I believe it was not only safe but a lot of fun for all the kids . I got the chance to know most of the apprentices and they are some of the most responsible young women and men that I have met in a very long time. There have been times that appointments have gotten mixed up or people have gotten mixed around but that happens everywhere and anytime a customer is unhappy with their experience Nancy personally addresses the issue and does her best to make them happy. I intend to continue working for Nancy in order for my daughter to continue enjoying the lessons and camp as much as possible and because I enjoy being there with Nancy and the Rebecka. I would not allow my daughter to go back if I thought it was not safe or if there were un qualified staff or instructors working with her. I highly recommend Castle Rock Arabians to everyone that will listen. read more

They are so weird, don't reply messages, can't make an appointment. I reached out to them yesterday, and just text me one message and then disappeared. read more

My review has been a long time brewing, mostly because I thought, who is going to care what I think of my experience at Castle Rock? I signed my kids up for a week-long horse camp experience. Since it was the first time they'd be in a camp setting and with people I didn't know, I stuck around the first morning. I'm glad I did! It was blistering hot, and there was minimal shade. There were at least 40 kids ranging in age from 5 to 12. No adult was to be seen. No water available. No place to really sit down. The "leaders" were all between 14 and 17 - clearly they all knew each other and hung out in a cluster while the campers tried to figure themselves out. There were a couple of horseback rides around a ring. Then go sit down. Then the next group of kids got on and walked, then sat down. Sitting down meant sitting on a rock or dirt in the hot sun. After one hour, I took my kids and we left. Very disappointing, poorly organized, and for $600+ per student for 4 days ... a rip-off. read more

We came here for a riding lesson with my daughter's Girl Scout troop. All of the Brownie's had an amazing time. They got to ride horses and learn how to take care of them. The staff were so helpful, kind, engaging, and patient. We have plans to go back for individual lessons soon. read more

An excellent place to learn and ride. Learning from Rebecca, was an amazing experience! She is such a knowledgeable teacher/trainer. She has all the best qualities you would want learning to ride. Professional, kind, passionate and very patient. The horses are gentle and sweet. Wonderful place! read more

Awesome teachers and staff. Great experience for our granddaughter. Summer camps are wonderful. read more

Castle Rock Arabians - Camp - Horseback Riding Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

See all

Great place to learn how to ride and much more. The lessons and camps are great and they have an apprenticeship program my daughter loves were kids can go up to six days a week. read more

See all

I went to this ranch a couple of times during the summer and it was so cool! The staff are all very knowledgeable and great with the kids and horses! Rebecca Is doing a great job and I would recommend this place for kids looking for fun in the summer. read more

it surprised me to see the ratings written below, as I felt well appreciated and respected at this facility. I was able to learn about horses as well as dive head first into what it's like not only riding horses but caring for them as well. Everyone I met seemed to be in great spirits and were ready to teach me anything. There are a plethora of children and adults of all ages which keeps it very inclusive and a very exhilerating environment. It was so fun to see all the different skill levels throughout my time there. read more

My daughter likes the camp, she went 2x and she asked me to go again. I didn't really know exactly what they were doing, because all the parents were out of sight. But my kid loves grooming the horse :)) First time, they started late, hence the 4 stars and wasn't really clear about the schedules. Summer can be hot! I highly recommend wearing boots to get dirty. read more

What a great place for learning and riding horses. My adult daughter and granddaughter plus her friend went and received instruction, groomed the horses, learned about what's involved in horseback riding which culminated in a great experience riding. Rebecca who is the supervisor and her staff of wonderful middle & high school students were an absolute delight. read more

Hasn't honored our Groupon despite multiple attempts. We did get to go to one session (supposed to have 3) and it was fine. Although she uses "apprentices" for trainers, at no time did I see an adult other than parents. Groupon was more than happy to refund me but I told them I wanted to give her a chance to fulfill the 3 sessions. Now its been over 4 months. This isn't a well run business. This is someone's hobby that shes figured out how to finance. read more

Castle Rock Arabians - Horseback Riding Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

See all

Every little girl dreams of becoming a princess..... Not my little angel.... she wants to be a cowgirl! and when the little merry-go-rounds at Nut Tree or the beautiful double decker merry-go-round at Solano mall doesn't pacify her desire to yell giddy up.... what's a Mother to do? Horse riding lessons. I happen to find an excellent groupon for 5 private one hour lessons at CRA. I bought the groupon, called that day and within an hour my daughter had her first lesson set up to go. I am very impressed by the owner Nancy, she is very friendly and patient with us city slickers and a champion horsewoman with photos of her, her horses, numerous ribbons and 'purses'. My daughter started out on a beautiful pony, Goldie, the perfect size for her and has an incredible 14 year old Coach, Caroline. I was a little caught off by a child teaching my child to ride a horse but I was amazed at the knowledge Caroline had of horses, the control, and handling. Safety is a big factor, all riders wear helmets, wear proper attire, and learn horse safety. CRA has a several lesson packages, internships, and summer camps. Oh most importantly.... watch out for the poop-poo nuggets and don't wear sandals. read more

See all

We'll it took awhile (this is after all an unusual time), but my mom and her student got in and had a great time.

I took my daughter Sophia she's 8 years old first time riding a horse very nervous but it was a great experience she had tons of fun and she will definitely go back the girls are there that train lessons are awesome. I will continue to take my daughter for riding lessons and recommend for anyone as well it's a great experience fun with people are great the horses are nice. read more

I bought this deal from Groupon. For both me(34yrs old) and my two daughters( 4 years old & 10 years old). Total of three peoples. As another person said, the apprentice teaches us a clean horse and that the horse knows we will have one hour's experience with them. All of us love there teaching, its different from the outside. Thanks for all your help. we have every good memory. Thanks read more

The trainers Brittany and ??? We're great. They were warm and welcoming. They were on-time. They worked well with my son and niece, neither of whom had ever ridden before. They spent a short amount of time teaching them how to groom the horses and most of the time learning to ride. The woman who booked our appointment stopped in the middle of booking our appointment to argue with someone else for about 5.5 minutes. I heard the entire argument and it should have definitely been a private business conversation. Finally, she told the woman she was on a call. But we scheduled and were excited anyway. Upon arrival, we had no idea where to go, as there are no signs. The desk person had a very bad demeanor and wasn't welcoming. But if you take her and the phone woman (who could be one in the same person) out of the equation, it was nice. Oh I think the horse they put my niece in had a broke or hurt hind right leg. read more

Castle Rock Arabians - Beautiful horse - Horseback Riding Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

I took my 9 year old granddaughter for her first lesson this morning. Checking in with my Groupon was easy. We went to the stable to meet her instructor, Kendall () and her horse Gyn (pronounced gin). The stables are clean and well constructed. I haven't been to Castle Rock Arabians for at least 20 years and the improvements rendered it unrecognizable to me, but very impressive! The lesson started with brushing Gyn and an explanation of the proper tools and use of them, followed by getting the bridle and saddle and the helmet required for my granddaughter. Then Kendall put the gear on Gyn explaining every step and the reason for it. My new rider then took the lead in her hands and guided Gyn to the rink. The lesson proceeded with amazing attention and ended joyfully! read more

My six year old has been coming here for six months and loves her pony, Patches! I definitely recommend this place. Jennifer was the first to teach her and was kind, gentle, patient, yet firm with her instructions. My daughter gives her a hug every time we go. Nikki also has been instructing her and she is a very confident young lady who gives my daughter encouragement and positive reinforcement while on the horse. They are professional and passionate about what they do. Nancy is the owner and is there to watch her students learn and grow. Definitely say hi when you go. She is pleasant and a real gem. Any concerns or compliments are welcome here. They want to make sure you are getting all that your rider needs. We will be continuing our lessons here. read more

Castle Rock Arabians - Here she is off the lead with her instructor, Nikki. - Horseback Riding Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

See all

I've taken trail rides and riding lessons here and am very happy with the instruction I've gotten. On the trail rides they would offer to take pictures for me, which was nice.They would also point out sights along the way, and sometimes let me go faster than just a walk since I have prior riding experience. The staff is great! They also focus on more than just riding, but overall care of the horses which lets me know that their horses are well taken care of. While getting ready for a trail ride, I've seen kids there for summer camp. Seems like fun for the kids. They ride and learn a lot about horses. Lesson instructors are knowledgeable and certified. I've enjoyed all my lessons - English and Western using the ranch's horses. Weather is great out here, so you can ride virtually year round. read more

Castle Rock Arabians - large outdoor arena - Horseback Riding Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

My kids (11 year old son and 9 year old daughter) have taken the lessons (I found them on Groupon). They have really taken to their lessons and I have decided to continue with it. My son has mild cerebral palsy and although he is fully capable he developed some confidence issues because of it. He's been reluctant to join sports and I love that this engages his core, helps with balance and requires him to connect with something other than an electronic device! My daughter is small in stature and being able to take control of a 2,000 lb. animal has definitely been a confidence booster for her aswell! Rebecca and Clayton have been their main instructors with a few apprentices coming in to assist. Everybody has been fantastic! We love it here! I especially appreciate having the kids join in on the responsibility and brushing down the horses in the beginning. read more

My kids reported having a great time at Memorial Day camp. Neither had any real horse experience, but they were excited to go. At the end of the day they told me they had learned to trot (and were very pleased with themselves!) and they each had a favorite horse to tell me about :) Moreover, in our registration we mentioned that our son has developmental differences and the owner called me personally to talk through what would help make his time there great. I loved her being proactive and open/receptive to making accomodations. Not every place is so caring and thoughtful, so it is greatly appreciated. The kids are already asking when they can go back. read more

This was a great first time horseback riding experience for me and my girlfriend. We both really enjoyed it. We arrived a bit late but was able to get started right away. Our instructors were very knowledgeable and cool. I personally had Clayton and he was very patient with me. I messed up a couple of times but he got me on the right track after a couple of tries. He even stayed a little bit longer even after they closed to get me to finally ride Tuscany correctly around the course. We both left the place with smiles on our faces. Will most likely come back for another lesson once I have more time again! Thank you! It was really nice to meet everyone! read more

Castle Rock Arabians, its owner Nancy, and the apprentice Lexi D. gave my 4 year daughter an experience to remember! She was ecstatic about her half hour lesson and couldn't wait to go back. Signed up for another package of classes. The staff and owner are extremely friendly, the grounds are well kept and the animals seem to be very well cared for. Thanks again Lexi, you were the apple of Willow's eye! Would highly recommend Castle rock! read more

This place is awful. Not even worth one star. I sincerely suggest anyone who is interested in horseback riding lessons for kids to stay away from this place! I purchased 3 tiny-rider lessons for my 4.5 year old son from Groupon. Our experience of the three lessons was extremely awful. Long stories short, here are the high lights: - The way they schedule and planned staff resources for lessons is very unorganized. All three times when we arrived at the place, the owner had no coach scheduled to give the lessons and had to scramble to look for somebody to do it. And every time I was sent to run around looking for whomever the owner named and often the persons she named were not available and I had to go back to the owner again to find another available coach. All three lessons were scheduled at 4:00-4:30. At the first lesson we didn't finish and leave until almost 6:00, at the second lesson we left around 5:00, and at the third time we left around 5:30. Most of the time was spending on waiting for them to figure out who could give us lessons and myself and my son running around looking for the named persons. Totally waste of time and very frustrating! - The owner was rude at times in many ways. Sometimes speaking without respect. One time she even tried to avoid me when we had waited for 30 mins while she still had no one who could give us the lesson. - Clearly you can tell that the owner just wants your money. At the first lesson, while I went back to talk to the owner since we had been there for more than 30 mins and the person who she sent to be our coach came and then disappeared, instead of urging to fix the problem, she tried to sell me more lessons already. - Worst of all, while I expected certified and experienced coaches to give the lessons to my son, all three lessons we got young girls aged between 10 and 13. I was extremely uncomfortable and worried the whole time, every time. The young girls gave some instructions and took my son riding miniature horses around the arena. But what about safety? What if something happens, can the young girls handle the situation and protect my son?? The answer is obviously negative! But the manager said she always sent her "apprentices" to handle the tiny-rider lessons and they knew what to do. That just made me feel that this place and the people are really irresponsible and couldn't care less about my son's safety. Overall, really bad experience dealing with the owner and taking the lessons in CRA. The way the lessons were done was terrifying because obviously rider's safety is not taken into consideration. If you are looking for kid's horse-back riding lessons at which riders' safety is seriously considered and assured, stay away from this place! read more

My little nieces loves horses. And I mean LOOOVVVEESSS horses! Therefore, I decided to get her a Living Social voucher for 3 Tiny Rider Lessons. I called up beforehand to introduce myself and I spoke on the telephone with Dayna Gordon, who was polite, helpful, and professional. She gave me 3 time options for dates a few months ahead. This was perfect, as I could confirm the times and dates that would work for my niece and call Dayna back to confirm. Everything was set up without an issue once I called back to confirm, and my tiny niece showed up for her lessons on time and ready to groom the horses and learn to ride. (We had signed the e-mail release form ahead of time and I had confirmed that the mother needed to sign the form). Even when the final class had to be rescheduled, it was easy to do so. The whole family showed up to watch her last class, which was taught by a young apprentice. We all stood in a little gated area that was next to the riding area with another family of spectators. My niece told me that she began and ended each class by grooming the horses, a part of the class that she absolutely loved since she could get up close and personal with the animals. The riding portion of the class consisted of instructing her how to get on the horse, sit, and ride while being led back and forth by the young apprentice. There were plenty of photo opportunities that will create lasting memories. And my tiny niece was THRILLED to be this close to horses! It appeared to be a gentle introduction for a tiny tot to the world of horses. read more

My 11-year old daughter and her friend attended one week of summer camp at Castle Rock Arabians and just LOVED it. Every time i pick them up they can't stop talking about all the great things the did. She was almost new at riding when she started but one week later she felt as she was riding for months. She even had her first show and it was great. Staff is great and everyone was friendly. I will definitely sign up for more camps and strongly recommend this place. read more

Castle Rock Arabians - Show during summer camp - Horseback Riding Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

This camp is billed as an 'equestrian day camp'. In reality it seems to be an opportunity for the owners to get grooming and exercise services for their horses while also getting paid. It's run by teenage girls, the maximum on-horse time is about 45 minutes a day (out of a 9am-3pm camp day) and the rest of the time is spent walking the horses through the hills or grooming and 'learning about them'. Our daughter and her friend came home every day frustrated, saying there were too many campers, too many small children that had to be tended to and quite a bit of sitting around. They do learn about the horses, equipment and details, but for the high weekly price I thought there would be much more time on the horses. Find another camp that's legit! read more

This place is so poorly managed it's scary. I can't believe that no children have gotten severely hurt here. The lead instructor is high on pot 90% of the time. The owner Nancy DuPont hasn't been a part of the horseback riding for years because she's 82 and can't. She hires children to run the ranch for so she can pay them pennies on the dollar compared to qualified instructors. I took my 12 year old there for lessons and her instructor was 2 years younger than her and had very little horse knowledge. Afterwards my daughter got lice from their disgusting helmets that look like they've never been cleaned. They have a horse named famous that is so skinny and uncared for you can actually see his hip bones rub together and they make that old horse work the camp all day long in the heat. The ranch also employs a drunk who comes out around 2 pm or 3 pm daily stumbling around slurring his words, he is Nancy's long time boyfriend/partner. He is also the handyman and security camera control man. Everything is broken or breaking and Evan the arena has garbage in it. I hear it used to be a great place for kids but now it's a broken down ranch where kids should never be allowed. read more

See all

Despite odd previous experiences emailing with the owner several years ago, I went because of a personal recommendation from someone who worked there. When I got there, I found out that person doesn't work there anymore and it's obvious why. It was very hot. The owner promised she would provide us with water but we had to ask several times. There was nowhere to sit and watch lessons. There was only one person present who MAY have been an adult. She looked 17 or 18. She sat down and played on her phone and made the two 14 yos working there do everything. One 14 yo was nice. The two other "instructors" acted pissed we were there. There was nowhere to change into riding clothes. There were two 10 year-old children working there, and one said they only had hot water to drink and weren't allowed to go to the owner's house (which is on the property). Lesson was $100 per kid per hour. Given the employees are all under age and don't have sufficient resources for their own safety, I was incredibly concerned about the safety of the kids I brought for the lesson. read more

My daughter (now 5yrs) and son (now 10yrs) have been riding at Castle Rock for over a year. They have attended camps, taken individual lessons, and we all love being here. I have always seen the adult camp director Brittany, or Juliette, as well as Nancy (the owner), and at least one other adult each camp we attended. I can't say enough praises about the staff, and what a wonderful affect nature, and the horses have on my children's outlook. I love the fact the kids are away from any kind of screen, and they are enjoying all the ranch has to offer. Nancy Dupont is is an amazing lady. Besides owning this non-profit organization for over 35 years, she is caring, knowledgeable, and has no problem passing on her vast experience to her staff and helpers. This ranch is a learning and teaching ranch. Several CA state champion riders got their start at Castle Rock. This amazing program gives teens, tweens, and young adults an opportunity to be with horses, learn how to ride, how to train, eventually how to teach, and become CHA certified (all the while having fun). The horse stalls are professionally cleaned each week, and apprentices help out in between cleanings. I have run into the Farrier Buck, and the ranch vet on more than one occasion during our year here. The animals are well cared for. The horses are always groomed before being ridden, and bathed at the end of each week of camp. I only have positive things to say about Castle Rock. My experience has been to take the time to get to know the helpful staff, and stick around to experience for yourself all the benefits Castle Rock has to offer. read more

This is one of those reviews where you sign up to Yelp just to post this review. It's a warning, a warranted warning. On the third week of March 1st I called Castle Rock Arabian to redeem a Groupon. I left a message. After not hearing back from them for 12 days, I called back. I left another message. The next day I left another message, informing them that I had left three messages without a return call. The next day they called back and we scheduled a lesson for April 10th at 2 pm. The lesson was scheduled for 2 weeks after we talked, one month after the initial call. The night before the lesson, April 9th, I received a message from Castle Arabian saying the lesson was cancelled. No reason was given. On Thursday April 12th at 3 pm, I called back and left another message to reschedule. By this time, I was done chasing them down. The lessons were prepaid and it wasn't my job to keep pleading with them to call me back. Another 12 days passed and no phone call. My wife called and left a message. Again, we didn't hear back from them. She emailed Groupon and filed a complaint. The next day we miraculously received a call from Castle Arabian. I called back a few days later, leaving the contents of this email on their voicemail. I said I expected a call back within 24 hours. Of course, they never called back. I called Groupon and they immediately refunded my money. I have no vendetta against this place, nor do i enjoy leaving a bad review for a small business; however, i'm appalled by how i was treated (and others according to Yelpers). If you have an option, go somewhere else. read more

Walked in was greeted by friendly staff. The horses were well groomed and looked well taken care of. Staff was trained my family of three on riding and at the end of the lesson allowed us to play a game against one another. Highly recommend, for a great family friendly activity! read more

The last barn I experienced that was this bad was sued for negligence. I'm quite shocked at the unprofessional demeanor the owner and instructors have. The boarders are equally bad. 1) arrived at lesson on time but instructors were running 30min behind. 2) boarder was in arena with lesson causing the lesson horses to get antsy. 3) a second boarder was attempting to enter the arena. This would have made 5 horses in an arena that can safely max out at for, and thats pushing it. The instructor then argued with this boarder ignoring the students and the lesson. 4) the boarder in the arena got too close to a student and the student's horse almost bucked 5) due to lack of staff the instructors were not paying attention the the students and simply told the first time rider "pull back". Absolutely deplorable to think this is safety. I've been riding my whole life, I've experienced good barns and bad barns. This barn is close to the worst barn I've experienced. On top of the experience the instructors don't know how to teach new riders and within 5 min allow them, these first time riders, to control the horse by themselves.... You want an accident send your child here. Otherwise go elsewhere. PS They have too many groupon calls and riders to stay organized. They don't seem to know their head from their ass. They even admit to being understaffed. read more

Unfortunately I would ***NEVER*** recommend this place. Rude, disorganized, unprofessional owner... had no instructors available as 3 families waited for their scheduled lessons. This happened each time we went! She made us feel unwelcome & bothersome despite having booked & confirmed each lesson months ahead of time via email. Lessons led by 9-13 year olds with no adult supervision. Seemed very unsafe & overwhelming for the poor "apprentices," who all tried their very best. Nancy Dupont, the owner, openly huffed & puffed about her dislike of customers using Groupon for their lessons, claiming that she "made no money on these." And yet the Groupon add is still running as I type this review!!! Doesn't make sense. read more

This place is a disaster . My son has had several lessons there and I have put up with the unprofessional rude staff for his sake. The last straw was today when I had to put up with 2 very rude and cranky women in the front office .Since my son was with me I chose to just walk out without saying anything. If this post does anything , I hope it keeps you from wasting your time here . The front office staff is unprofessional and unorganized . The lessons are taught by young teens . The horses look like they are neglected . I could go on and on , but I think you get the picture . read more

I have had the opportunity and the luxury to have spent time with Castle Rock Arabians for the majority of my life thus far. From pre-teen, (maybe 8?) to full blown teenager, to now being a 33 year old mother of a beautiful 18 month little girl....Nancy DuPont and her crew at Castle Rock Arabians have ALWAYS been a part of my life. As a kid growing up in suburban Alamo, finding Castle Rock Arabians was as close as living out an old John Wayne movie as my young mind could imagine. I had freedom, responsibility, and something to dedicate myself to. There's not much more you could ask for nowadays. My advice...enjoy the horses, ride the mountains, accept the chaos, and look forward to the most beautiful journey of your life. I am thoroughly hoping to put my daughter in some camps as she gets older! read more

As far as riding stables go... these guys are "A-OK" I'm an intermediate adult rider (nothing fancy, just English & Western Pleasure riding..been riding for about 5-6 years)...I was looking to fine-tune my riding skills. I've been to far larger facilities, but for what Castle Rock has, they make the most of it. The teachers are all very nice (a little TOO nice, in my opinion)... and the horses are all well taken care of and good lesson horses. They offer a lesson package, which is better than any other place I've found here in the bay area. I feel like this place is better for kids... I tried taking lessons here during the summer, and they had to squeeze me in between camper sessions. The kids seemed to be having a great time, and the camp counselors all seemed to like being there. However, I sort of felt like I was "in the way"... it would be great if they could do lessons AND camp. Not to mention I had quite a few lessons canceled due to extreme heat, and since they had camp, I couldn't ride in the early morning or late evening... which would have been more weather friendly for everyone involved. The teachers I had were all okay in their own right... except they kept changing instructors on me. This kind of sucked because each one had no idea what the last one was working on. During the summer the teachers were also all kids (probably not older than 18), and in some ways I felt like they had trouble dealing with an adult pupil. The last instructor I had was actually an adult, and she was very good. I'm used to tougher style of instruction... but it was fine. If you are looking for a place to start out, this is a great beginner place. Or if you have kids... I would totally send them here. read more

My 8 year old twins attended a summer camp here last week and we were sooo disappointed. Hence the 1 star. Fundamental issues as follows: Barely an adult in sight! Run almost entirely by teens and 10 year olds!!!!! Teens spent most of their time on their phones according to my children. Lunch time in 100 degree heat and all the counsellors inside in the air conditioning having their lunch.... And finally, get a call on the Thursday to say my son was unwell and I needed to pick him up. When I arrive at about 12.30, not a single adult or teenager in sight and kids from 5 years of age running around like crazy. Took me 10 minutes to find someone who was in charge. No one was waiting with my sick son. Anyone could have driven in to that yard and picked up any one of the 10-12 children running around. Seriously think twice before booking here. We paid a lot of money and my children were so excited to attend this camp. There are better options out there. read more

There are many reasons that I advice you to stay far away from Castle Rock Arabians. They will apply to anyone who thinks it would be a good opportunity to be an apprentice, to attend a camp or take lessons there. The only reason Nancy has the apprenticeship program is to get paid to use the kids for child labour. All the apprentices do is muck stalls, put away tack and clean everything. Not to mention get bossed around like slaves by most of the instructors and treated like dirt. They occasionally teach lessons (which is NOT safe at all because most of them are 9 years old). They get a "lesson" from an instructor once or twice a week. The lesson includes yelling from an instructor. The apprentices are not qualified to teach lessons in any way because they don't know how to ride horses or tack up well either. I have seen saddles (with kids on them) fall off of the horses while apprentices are leading them. The camp is nothing but sad. The subjects and schedules are put together on the spot. One of the classes is scooping poop. The stench inside the stalls is so bad that some of the kids almost threw up. That also goes to show the care of the horses which I will continue below. The kids only get to be hands-on with the horses for about an hour and a half a day. Don't waste your money, it's not going to a good cause. I'm ashamed at the lesson program. Nancy puts people on her schedule not knowing if she will have to cancel it based on if an instructor will be there or not (which you can see in other reviews as well). Most of the instructors just sit around and tell the kids what to do before and during the lesson. She also has unqualified apprentices teach the lessons. Please find somewhere else for your child to go where they will learn the bond that comes between a horse and human and how to properly ride and care for one. The conditions that the horses and ponies are in makes me very disturbed. The automatic waters are always leaking so the stalls are usually soaked. They often haven't been cleaned properly in weeks because the muckers are 15 year old boys who'd rather be doing anything else. Some of the stalls smell like ammonia and have maggots in them which can be lethal to horses and people. The lesson horses can be worked for hours at a time. The oldest of them aren't cared for anymore than the young ones and should be in their retirement. The stalls themselves are in bad shape and the horses get cuts on themselves from screws and nails sticking out. Their hooves are not done regularly enough and are often chipped and cracked. They are not groomed properly before riding which can lead to bruises and sores. Need I say more? Please don't go to this barn if you care about the children and horses being mistreated here. It's not worth a cheap lesson. In response to Cori S Please let Nancy defend herself. She is very capable to do so. read more