Great place to take your 8 year old for a horse back ride and learning how to ride the horse. I took my daughter to the one in San Francisco in golden gate park. read more

We signed up my toddler niece for this weekend's Little Ranchers session through the City of Redwood City. I've grown up in RWC, but somehow didn't get the memo about a trail stable being established at Wunderlich. The first thing I noticed when we headed down the hill was the smell: Trees, and horses. That's it. I've visited a lot of equestrian facilities, and whiffs of standing mud and muckout are just one of those things. The relative lack thereof here was impressive! The arena, round pen and walkways were clear and clean. The eight trail horses in the nearby paddocks were all in great shape with good feet, and took the kids and activity in stride. My niece took turns with six other kids brushing a pair of muddy ponies, and got a five-minute leadline walk on a big horse. All three animals were alert and engaged, but very patient with the kids. No rental pony thousand-yard-stares here. The instructor (whose name I'm so ashamed has escaped me today!) did a fantastic job keeping eyes on everything, and was super relaxed and pleasant with the kids. Minus one star for a couple minor things: It would have been great to have an additional staff member to keep an eye on the kids on the ground while the rides were taking place. I've got horse experience so I was able to watch, and the parents all seemed pretty on the ball and kids well-behaved, but I can't imagine that's always the case! Additionally, what we thought was going to be a four-child session had seven (plus a sibling who didn't ride), so it was a little crowded. There was also no parking -- part of this was due to PG&E work equipment, but the Wunderlich lot was totally full with no car owners in sight. It would be good to cone off some parking for people who signed up in advance. I understand this may also be RWC's issue and not Chaparral's, so if that's the case I'm happy to amend my review! Overall, it was an hour and change EXTREMELY well spent at what seems to be a modest and well-kept operation! We're absolutely bringing my niece back for more pony time and hopefully some trail rides. I haven't ridden full-time in a decade or two, but I'm looking forward to bringing myself back as well! read more

Last month I bought a pair of Cowboy Riding Boots. When I was going to use them, I didn't know. But I knew that someday I would be riding a horse, eventually. I am a huge lover of horses. I have this huge dream of owning stables one day and owning horses, but for now it's just a dream that one day I will accomplish. So my fiance surprised me by booking a trail ride for both of us. At this point I can say that I was a giddy little girl. I was going to be breaking in my boots! The ride up to the ranch can be some what confusing. But the view makes up for it. It's hard to believe that all of this exists above Milpitas, it's really a hidden gem. We got there a bit late, I thought they might not see us, but they told us that we can wait a little bit and go with the next booking. So we did, and a wonderful woman named Ginger, gave us a tour of the stables. We met her horses, and others that we're being boarded. It was time for our ride, Peter went on his horse first, his name was Master. My horses was Cruiser, he was notorious for stopping and eating the green grass on the trial's. Almost the entire ride, I had to keep pulling on him so he wouldn't eat. He was a piggy. The ride was so calm and relaxing, the views are beautiful. It was amazing. I loved it. We we're extremely happy with the service from the staff, and the horses we're clam and trained. I will definitely be going back again, they also have beach rides, which of courses we will book asap! My dream maybe far off from me right now, but for now I have Chaparral and I am Happy with that. read more

Chaparral Ranch - Peter with Master - Horseback Riding Near Me - Woodside, California

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My first time going horseback riding! My friends and i used the group deal--$80 dollars for 4 people! Good deal! Ranch can be a bit tricky to get too, just follow the directions they provide. Come early or else you ride time would be given to the next group. Staff here is super nice, knowledgeable and friendly. They did a great job teaching first time riders like myself. It's a very simple, easy and fun trail-- anyone can ride a horse! Great experience! Book early because they book up FAST! read more

Chaparral Ranch - Horse back riding! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Woodside, California

Fun and friendly staff with clean stables beautiful horses and beautiful ground can't wait to go back read more

Chaparral Ranch - Horseback Riding Near Me - Woodside, California

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Went on a ride today and what a perfect day for a climb in the saddle through Ed Levine Park, cool and foggy. The staff at the ranch were very nice and patient with the beginners and the horses were just as great...super friendly. I had the pleasure of riding June who was a bit slow at times but seemed at ease and really cautious on downgrades. Can't wait to go back with a big group and see if I can get June again. read more

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I have been involved with horses in the Bay Area since Golden Gate Park stables was still a functioning business. Since then I have been to many stables between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay. After years of being on the coast, I cannot express the gratitude I feel to have found Chaparral Ranch at Woodside and being accepted in to their community. I am one of the boarders at Folgers stables and I have not been this happy since my very early days in Pacifica. Shawn and his team have been invaluable to me. They take exemplary care of my horse. He is fed quality food, turned out and all his needs have been met. Most recently I experienced a medical emergency that required him to be medicated multiple times a day. The Chaparral team came together to assist me in medicating my horse when I was not able to do it. After my years of being on the coast where I would have been stuck on my own handling this challenging situation, the response the Chaparral team had to caring for my horse was amazing. I cannot recommend this barn enough. Whether you are an advanced rider or a child or adult beginner looking to learn about horses, Chaparral will welcome you in and give you a positive experience. THey care for their boarders, the people that come to take lessons, their staff and, most importantly, their lesson horses. Its been nothing but a joy to be there. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would!!! read more

I never right negative reviews yet this joke of an establishment is well deserving. I can not speak to lessons, beach rides or trail rides but as a camp they stink! So this review is strickly regarding their camp. They say they provide a horse camp they are hardly that. I sent my daughter there for horsemanship and riding. She rode for an hour a day which I expected but other than that the kids sit on their duffs doing nothing. There are no structured activites, no crafts and horsemanship is looking at a coloring sheet and identifying parts on a live horse. If the kids are lucky someone might take them on a hike. The horses look miserable and the staff is unfriendly. Camp was to start at 9:00. At 9:45 the staff were still saddeling the horses. At 9:45 one of the staffers got up on her soap box and proceeded to lecture the children by looking down on them. These people have no sense of how to communicate or work with kids. How about introduce yourself so the kids know your name, show them where your port-a-potty is, who do they go to when they need assitance and talk to them or with them not down on them. Lunch is at noon for an hour and camp ends at 1. They have mastered the art of doing nothing but take your money. Spend a few extra dollars and take your kids to a real horse camp down the road. read more

They charged me for a session schedule and the instructor left the ranch and they stopped picking up my calls. They robbed me of my $85 read more

DANGEROUS. This place does not train their horses well and as a result, the horses have dominance issues that have never been fixed. I signed up for a beginner lesson and when my horse came close to another horse, it jumped on two legs and started furiously kicking the other horse. It bucked 5 times and launched me off its back. My friend on the other horse also got kicked by my horse. I also found ticks on myself after the ride. read more

I took a group of kids to their pony rides at Golden Gate park and was super disappointed! Not only was the staff rude and disrespectful, I paid for 15 min and only got 6 minutes! I mentioned it to them and they said to call the office. They are scammers! Never again! Oh! And half the time the staff didn't have a mask on!! read more

Complete frustration - is a very gentle description of our experience. We paid for four 1hr lessons for two kids (two for each) for their winter break (12/9/2022 and 12/12/2022). We remembered this nice ranch at Wunderlich Park from the past and thought it will be the same this time. Nope! The instructions we received by email stated that we have to arrive 20 min before our scheduled ride. Well, we arrived 30 min in advance - all these 30 min we were waiting for someone to come and take care of us. There was an instructor at the arena busy with a beginner rider. We told her that we are waiting for our turn, but she came only when our scheduled lesson has already started. It took 20 minutes for her to pick two horses and prepare them for the ride. Okay, I thought kids are on horses 20 min late, but it is when our lesson starts. I was wrong, those 20 min were counted toward our lesson, so the actual lesson was 40 min. Next time we came 25 min in advance. The arena was empty, there was no human around. I called to the office and explained that we came for a lesson and nobody is here. Okay, ~7 min before our scheduled time the manager Ms. Erazel Ortiz came and started to clean and prepare a horse Angel for a ride. I explained her that our previous lesson was 20 min too short. She promised to make it up this time and also offered a free lesson. (Okay, the free lesson was perhaps a lie, I send her a message to schedule it, but did not get a reply.) The new instructor Aby came 15 min late, and it took 20 min to get horses ready and get kids on horses, altogether 35 min into our scheduled time. Then kids had 1 hr ride, no 20 min make up, and the instructor told us that she counted from the time when she herself came. She offered us 5 more min, but it did not make any sense. So, for what god sake reason we were said to come 20 min before our scheduled time if we had to wait until 20-35 min AFTER our scheduled time to get on horses and then when our SCHEDULED time is over, the lesson ends. Now let me comment about the lesson itself. The lesson itself was not what we expected. It was just a posting training, the whole hour. While it may be appropriate for a beginner (one kid), it did not suit another kid (intermediate), because she had already completed this type of training. We told this to Aby, but it made no difference. Overall, I have an impression that the ranch, at least in this location, is in a pretty steep decline compared to our past experience. read more

My boyfriend and I went riding here for an hour or 90 minutes. It started late because the riders were coming back from their previous ride. We checked in and were each assigned to a horse. There was a stool placed by the horse for us to get onto the horse, so mounting was not a huge issue. My main complaint is that while we were riding, my horse got spooked and when I pulled back on the reigns, he moved backward instead of stopping and he almost slipped and fell down the ledge. He figured out he was falling and was able to pull is back onto the trail. When we got back to the ranch, the lady who was leading the ride said very loudly to her coworker that one of the riders almost fell and that would have meant the end of their business if I had been seriously injured. I understand people caring about their business, but it made it sound like they don't care if I was hurt as long as their business is not affected. I won't be coming back here. read more

If this was the first place I went to ride a horse, I would never want to ride horses again. I've enjoyed going in SF or even out to Half Moon Bay (when SF has those long cold fronts), so with the Zozi deal I was excited to check out the south bay scenery. I tried to book at Woodside, but they only offered coupon redemption at Milpitas--No effing-wonder: Not only was it was worst trail I have ever been on, but also the dullest experience with the rudest guides I'd ever have. Immediately after loading about a dozen customers on the mismatched, inconsistently geared horses, some of the guides loudly bitched and moaned right at the customers about being exhausted and hungry (all the while collecting hundreds of dollars per hour and booking a dozen people per ride). During the whole trip, they were impatient, borderline hateful and severely emphatic about making some people feel bad about horse riding while sprinkling a sarcastic "good job" here and there. Pretty much every other place I have been, the ranchers are genuinely good and will allow you to bond or teach you to take some reign with the horse (trotting, moving adjacent or freely, etc). At the Chaparral Corp, I was mugged and yelled at just for petting the horse. Others were blamed for "not kicking hard enough" when horses were unresponsive. The horses at other ranches are extremely responsive by comparison but here they are given very mixed messages and are trained in an unfortunately limited way. One of the guides, Miss Sandy, would scream at cars that drove by; but they built the horse trail to twist right onto an open street?? They wank off about safety while demonstrating such hypocrisy. God, they were so unpleasant and made me feel anxious when I had gone in with joy and excitement. Their "eccentricity" may be acceptable or even considered cute on the ranch, but some of the guides at Chaparral definitely need to get out once in a while and realize how civilized people behave. Damn ATMs for not dispensing smaller bills, because I hella over-tipped my guide. In all fairness, some guides were fine, and I am attributing a lot to a few. Maybe it was just my experience. Still, if you even voice your complaint, they shouldn't get so butt-hurt and defensive. Safe to say, I will also never return. read more

Went on a coupon like a lot of other people. The stable and horses are in really "rough" shape..very dirty and broken down. The ride was up and back on the same path and walking only. But no one should be surprised by that fact, since the walking part is stated on their website. The staff were all friendly and tried to point out various things along the short ride like where folks go hand gliding and the dog parks (all part of the Henry Levine Park). I left there feeling sad for the horses. Won't ever go back. read more

The lessons and general horse work seemed great. The camp seems to be lacking any arts and crafts , team building, etc. The first day of check in the just have the campers wait around for 30 minutes or so while people check in. They could be playing games, doing friendship bracelets, etc. It was very educational about horses, etc. My kids were happy to go each day and loved the trail ride on the horses. read more

My daughter and her friend both know how to ride a horse and wanted to give this ranch a try. They had their first horseback riding lesson and they did not want to return at the end of the class. They didn't get much instructions from the instructor because the instructor was on her phone texting with friends constantly. The arena had different events going on at the same time and the horses were going in all directions. It was poorly managed and a total waste of our money and time. When I called the ranch to give feedback, all they said was we'll talk to the instructor. We will not recommend this place to anyone. read more

What a great experience for my 2 boys! It was their first time riding and they had a blast! Their instructor Ashley was kind, patient, and full of knowledge. My boys definitely want to go back for another lesson- thank you Chaparral for such a wonderful introduction into horseback riding! read more

Today I got on a horse for the first time in 30 years. Becca my trail guide was very sweet and encouraging. The ride through the woods was beautiful and everything I had hoped it would be for my birthday treat. I looking forward to coming back and maybe trying out their beach rides. read more

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This place is horrible! My friend that used to volunteer there brought me here to go on a trail ride, and when she took me around the ranch, I saw a lot of malnourished horses. It was disgusting and sad. Not only will I NEVER go back there again, but I will make sure none of my friends ever go there and I suggest no one else go there either! Please don't support a place that mistreats the reason it's in business (let alone a LIVING CREATURE!). If you love animals, please do not go here. -A read more

We purchased a LivingSocial voucher for only $40 for 2 people (1 hour) horseback ride. I've driven planes, helicopters, skydived, cars, vans, ATV's, go karts, and even a turtle in hawaii, but never a live horse before (the pony ride in 2nd grade doesn't count I guess). It's definitely worth doing one time. Our main guide, Brian, was awesome and made it very safe and serene. The other guide, I forgot her name, traveled along our group of 6 to take pictures with my iPhone and for safety. The horses are very gentle and easy to ride. They kept everyone in a straight line, so I couldn't relive my best Dirty Harry full 30mph speed rides into the hills. I really wanted to at the end though, but I didn't. Regrets. Definitely worth it, it's not very exciting, nor is it an adventure, but it's a peaceful ride on a horse, away from technology. The scenery around the ranch and manmade lakes in Milpitas is decent too. Horses poop a lot FYI. read more

I haven't been to many ranches before, so I can't really compare, but what I can say is that my first horseback riding lesson was great and so much fun! It's a little tricky to find since one of the roads is unnamed, but they have a good amount of parking and a large arena. When I came on Saturday, it started raining right before our lesson, so thank goodness they have an indoor arena, although it's smaller. Watch out for the dogs running around (as you're driving too), but don't worry, they're well-behaved. I had my lesson with Rachel and she was great. I can't wait to take my next lesson!! We had a group of 4 and it was $40 per person for an hour. You can also choose to learn either Western or English (what I'm learning). read more

I was an English riding student at Sunset Riding Academy (owned/operated by Shawn Mott, who now has Chaparral Ranch) until my doctors told me I had to quit riding due to back problems. I missed it desperately, though and, when I saw a sandwich board by the road advertising horseback riding at Ed Levin Park, I looked them up. One of the first faces I saw on the website was that of Maisey, the school horse who I loved so much that my husband offered to buy her. Unfortunately, we weren't in a position to do it. I figured that I would never see Maisey again ... but there she was. I contacted the ranch and explained my situation. I asked if I could please ride Maisey for a half hour. Despite Maisey being one of their most popular lesson horses for little kids, Shawn agreed to have me come up and ride her. Not only did Shawn remember me, so did Maisey. (I was surprised, but Shawn said "Oh yeah, she knows you. Look at that!" as she put her forehead against my chest). They could have told me I had to take out a different horse because of Maisey's schedule, or flat-out refused my request ... but instead the folks at Chaparral Ranch allowed a precious reunion with "my" school horse. It doesn't get any better than that. read more

I ride quite a lot and told them that upon arriving here I didn't expect to be patronized. Pull the the left, pull to the right, pull back to stop.... Yeah... I know.... I was surprised that helmets were not mandatory. I always wear a helmet, but given the trail we were taken on and the S L O W pace I can see why they don't mandate helmets. Its like wearing a helmet while you sit in the bathtub. The path is paved for some of the way, and you pass right next to a road. Not a busy road, but I was expecting something more scenic, like Garrod Farms or Half Moon Bay where you "get away from it all" I really expected a little time to canter along the trail not sit one behind the other like kids on a field trip. I have been on far more exciting rides at other stables. I had a groupon to come here and will not be returning. read more

this review is for the HORSEBACK RIDE TRAIL I bought a coupon for this service and it was awesome! I would love to do it again. The staff was friendly and the horses were very gentle. the trail ride was completely relaxing and I was in a good mood for the rest of the weekend. the site did look worn down but that did not hinder my experience. for those who are bit more high maintenance, perhaps you should go horseback riding on the beach or something :) read more

Came here with a homerun voucher (groupon -like), $20 for a trail ride versus the regular $40. I reserved the trail ride online at 11pm, and at 10 am the next morning I got a confirmation call back right away. We got there a few minutes late and called them to let them know. They were really accommodating! No hassle when we got there. Tip: Don't rely on google maps OR your GPS. Our gps took us way pass the ranch. Check their website for precise directions. My horse was Salem. :) It was my first time riding and I was terrified. Salem knew what to do, although he didn't really like it when I pulled the rope back to stop him. SUCH an awesome experience. Jen is awesome! She rode in the back most of the time so we chatted it up. The hour just flew right by, and by the end, I was very comfortable riding, more like walking. Helmets are optional, but we chose to wear them anyways because we forgot to bring hats! You must keep in mind that this is a "trail ride" and NOT a lesson. If you come with that mindset, you'd have an awesome time. They give basic instructions and let you go at it. My group was mostly 7 - 11 year-olds. read more

Purchased an hour trail ride for $20 (normally $40) from Groupon. The booking process went smoothly. Susan was very helpful with any questions I had and also very prompt at returning calls. Horses were clean and friendly and had a blast on the trail ride. read more

I've always loved horses but this was the first time I ever went horseback riding. It was a trail ride but given it was my first time, it was a great experience. We had a trail ride scheduled for 12pm and it was only 4 people and 2 trail guides on this trail ride. I like the fact that it was a small group. The place is kind of hard to find so only GPS the location until the freeway exit and then make sure to follow the directions on their website. Don't forget to wear long pant, sunscreens and closed toe shoes! :) I will definitely be back! read more

My friends and I used a Group On deal on Sunday. They voucher was $80 for a 1 hour horseback for four. My girl friends and I missed our scheduled time at noon but they were able to reschedule us for the next ride which wasn't a hassle at all. The staff here is really friendly and knowledgeable about their horses. We went on a cloudy day and it was cold but the ride was still really nice. I rode on Tink. A beautiful tan horse that didn't give me any problems at all. My friend however rode on Skye which took a lot of work because Skye is really slow...Everything went well and I recommend anyone who hasn't ridden a horse to check this ranch out. Great for first timers like myself. read more

Chaparral Ranch - Tamed horses - Horseback Riding Near Me - Woodside, California

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I am so happy horses are back in Golden Gate park! The reason for 4 stars is that I wish the lesson would've felt more like one (I barely got any attention and there were just 2 of us) and the horses would look cleaner or better kept up. Seemed like a very scrappy experience, but I know they're just getting started. read more

We took a trail ride in Golden Gate Park (San Francisco) and we really enjoyed it. Nice staff, good horses and a fun way to see the park from a different perspective. We're super psyched to have horseback riding back in GGP!! read more

I've now had a few lessons at Chaparral Ranch and I can't speak highly enough about them. Everyone is super helpful and friendly. Classes are small so you get plenty of attention. I'm new to riding and I really want to get good at it. I'm more than satisfied with progress so far. Sean has been my instructor. I trust him completely. He is as knowledgeable a teacher as you could ask for, he explains things simply and clearly, and he is very patient. He's extra careful about not pushing you past your comfort zone, but he is a great motivator and keeps you learning. The only problem is I never want to wait for my next lesson! I would recommend this place to anyone! read more

Luv the ranch. So serene so peaceful. Its like a secret hide away from the city. My daughter loves it and enjoys the horses. Linda is wonderful. She is patient and very freindly. I have seen a lot of improvement in my childs riding. I feel like taking lessons myself. The horses are very well groomed and trained. Am glad I find this place. I highly recommend it for Horse lovers and who have even the tiniest interest in riding. read more

I love this Ranch! driving out there leads to a complete change of scenery. No matter if you go there to take classes or go on trail rides, it will be worth your while! Go ask for Rachel, she is the best! She teaches English and Western lessons, guides trail rides and is so much fun to be around! read more

I've always rented Horses on my vacations but never really knew how to ride them until now. With just one 30min lesson and another 45 mins of ridding around Ed Levin Park, I feel much more confident and motived to learn more about riding these amazing beasts. Shawn is a real cowboy and a great instructor. I highly recommend you give it a go. The price is very reasonable and if it's a slow day you are really going to get your money's worth becuase he will take his time with you. I'm going back as soon as I can. read more

I LOVE riding your horses! It makes me so happy! I always try to go when I can. The only reason I rated it four stars instead of five stars is because it is really hard to get a spot with a friend/friends because usually all of the spots are booked on weekends. read more

Bad customer service and rude boss/manager. My daughter didn't get enough time to ride and the horse given was barely walking. The instructors kept switching and didn't give enough attention. The lesson arena is very small for a group. read more

Both my kids and I have been riding at Chaparral Ranch for few months now and we have been very happy there! The staff is very professional and Shawn and Sue are fantastic! Everyone at the Ranch want you to have the best riding experience and will do everything to achieve that. Shawn has a great ability to focus on every student's needs and capabilities and provides great coaching and a pleasant learning experience to the students, whether it is a ring/arena work where when we get to work on specific technical skills or riding in the state park. My kids also have been very much enjoying their sessions with Sue and have all made great progress. The horses are very well taken care and the area is beautiful! All in all, a great experience! read more

Great experience... Very professional, friendly folks and horses. I'm going to take my kids next! read more

My son loves his lessons at the Chaparral Ranch in Milpitas. His teacher, Lynda, is kind and absolutely perfect for teaching kids. Lessons can be arranged at nearly any schedule that suits you. My son takes lessons every other week but we can arrange changes or add a lesson here and there just by talking with the teacher a few days in advance. The ranch is beautiful and secluded and backs up against Ed Levin park so the kids can take trail rides into the park as part of their lessons. The kids learn how to work with a horse and communicate in ways the horse understands, instead of just whacking them to get them to move. read more