My daughters and I have done horseback riding 4-5 times in Arizona and always tried a new place…read moreeach year. Trailhead ranch was hands down my favorite. For an extra $60 we were able to make the ride private which was completely worth it. The horses were well trained, better than other ranches, the trail as a bit more advanced, we went up a ledge and through cave creek (which was dry), and Russ and stormy were phenomenal guides. Location was also very easy to find. This will absolutely be our go to place in the future.

Went on a ride with Russ today. I highly recommend this ride while in the area. He was very kind…read moreand knowledgeable. Great horses!

Greggory and Frisco Farms provide an excellent foundation for new riders and can help a more…read moreexperienced rider really grow. He has safe and sound lesson horses but worked with me and my horse as well. The facilites are fantastic. I learned everything from bareback equitation to lower level dressage to trail obstacles. He even went out on trail rides to help solve some problems I had there. Five stars all the way!

My ten-year-old daughter has been taking lessons here for 8 months, and we are thrilled we found…read moreFrisco Farms and Greggory! She had never ridden before when she started, and it is amazing how much he has taught her in a few months. He recently took her to a horse show and she was so well-prepared that she won first and second place in several events. I love that he is very easygoing and great with kids, but at the same time manages to teach them a lot of technical skills that make them better riders. There is a strong emphasis on safety and he focuses not only on riding, but on horse care in general. My daughter has learned so much - she feels challenged and loves every minute that she spends at the barn and in lessons. As a parent, I feel confident that she is safe and in good hands. Without a doubt, I would recommend Frisco Farms to anyone looking for riding lessons.

I started working with Sam over a decade ago. I started as a beginner who simply wanted to learn…read morehow to ride a horse. I've been amazed at what I've learned over the years about horses in general and each specific horse I've ridden -- there have been many! Sam has a set of lesson horses that she can use in combination to teach specific lessons. And after I bought my own horse she taught me the specifics about my horse and how we can best work together Sam is able to quickly identify the challenge the rider and horse is facing. She is able to clearly communicate how to work to overcome those challenges. Sam is able to answer my endless questions and she always has a new idea about how we can continue to make progress. Sam creates a safe, fun environment where you are likely to have a number of laughs throughout your lesson. I recommend her completely.

"Our daughter has been riding for several years. However, It was not until this year '11 that she…read morestarted riding with Samantha Walker. Samantha's knowledge of the rider and horse is incredible! Right away I saw a remarkable difference in my daughters confidence and skill level. With each lesson she improves not only her skills but her self esteem. Samantha also has been training our horse. When he first came he was scatter brained, unpolished and not in tune with his body. Within four short months he has become amazing to watch. His mind and body are working together and it shows in his over all appearance. Not only will he be ready for showing I know the training Samantha is giving to both my daughter and horse will provide them both with an enriched life. I truly can say Samantha is one of the best trainers in Arizona!

Don't really have a review but as an fyi- the website says they take riders of all levels but when…read moreI inquired starting back as an adult (rode as a child/teen) it's a "show barn only" and the lessons are full.

Absolutley the best! I ride there and i love everyone. Bringing up Ali W. , it is a show barn, you…read morehave to specifically speak on texts to one of the trainers to have a lesson. I do that each week. Please understand that most trainers at the barn are incredibly busy with all the shows that they are attending for their other lessoners.

When writing a review here on Yelp, I try to speak from the heart and share great places that I…read morelike. I mean that's what Yelp is all about, to share, not to sell. Equi Spirit Experience by Dyane Golding Dyane's home & business in Rio Verde is well worth the drive of only 45 minutes from my home in Phoenix for an amazing experience. She invited us into her home, her business and the herd that she caters to daily Chrissy ( Matriarch ), Black Jack ( Lead Stallion ), Roja ( Young Buck ) and Essie ( Wounded Spirit ). The property has sweeping views of the McDowell Mountains and the Four Peaks, impressively situated on 4 acres at Broken Ranch Road. We went through 3 different exercises that allow you to better connect with yourself by how the horses perceive your communication with them. If 90% of communication is through body language, why do we tend to focus on the 10% that is verbal? Horses have an amazing ability to communicate primarily through their energy and it is very clear to them, whether or not they believe you, trust you, even wish to be in your presence. Each of the horses had their own personality, just like us with our good and bad traits. My personal experience was with Chrissy, the Matriarch of the herd. She is 16 years old and doesn't take much from anyone, it is a challenge to be present and connected with her because of her aloofness. I guess that's why I was attracted to working with her when we were invited to "lead a horse". I learned that in order to lead a horse, they need to believe in you, that you are heading in a good direction - with Conviction! I thought that I was leading, but was informed by Dyane's watchful eye that the opposite was true, I was sending mixed messages. As I was attempting to walk forward, I would look back at her. She doesn't need to me to WATCH her walk to move forward, she only needed to BELIEVE that I was walking in the right direction. Simply enough, once I was confident in MY DIRECTION, she would walk with me. It felt so completely grounding for me to connect with her energy as we moved forward together. Dyane mentioned that there are often Corporate Consultants that come and participate in similar 3 hour sessions so that they might better understand communication. I mean, that's what life is about, right? Communicating. As an individual that connects with people directly, I truly valued Dyane's gift of sharing her love of horses, it comes through so purely. If your at a crossroads in life, want to better connect with a partner, teach your children great basic lessons, call Dyane and make an appointment to have an experience that will forever change your life.

I've been to a lot of barns over the years, but Sweetwater is by far the best I've ever…read moreexperienced, and for so many reasons. Bailey and Lucy are so amazing! I feel complete trust in them when it comes to leasing or eventually purchasing, which is rare in this industry. They always have your best interests at heart, and it shows in everything they do. The quality of the horses here is top-tier across the board, so you know you're in good hands. But what really sets Sweetwater apart is the community. I grew up showing horses, and I've never been part of a barn family like this, everyone is hardworking, down-to-earth, and genuinely supportive. You don't just ride here, you build lifelong friendships. And the instruction? Next level. I've never had better coaching in my life. They don't just tell you what to do, they explain the how and why, down to the mechanics, so you truly understand how to ride and improve. It's not just about getting around a course, it's about becoming the best rider you can be. If you're serious about becoming an exceptional jumper, this is the place. Your horse will be cared for with the highest standard of love and attention, and you'll be surrounded by an amazing group of people who inspire you every day. This barn already means so much to me in the short time I've been here, and I'm beyond grateful to have found it.

Lucy is a terrific teacher and runs a top notch SAFE program! If you are looking for an honest,…read morewell run program, Sweetwater is your best bet.

This is a really great barn. My horse is so happy since she got here. I have checked out many barns…read morein the area and have not been too impressed. They are usually very pricey for not good service. What I like about this place: The stalls are really nice. Everyone has their own locker. I have my horse in a barn with a covered walk out. She loves it. It is usually about 15-20 degrees cooler in that barn. I like the multiple grass turnouts. It lets the horses be a horse for a little while. They also many large dirt paddocks. All night turn out is offered for those horses who do not have a walk out which is really great. The atmosphere is laid back and they are really accommodating. Overall a great place.

I ride here with Alice Sarno, and I can't say enough about this place! Well kept and clean. The…read morehorses are all happy and the facilities are fantastic! There's an exercise track, a jumping arena, a cross country course with multiple jumps, and two dressage arenas. Love this place!

I've boarded here for many years and continue to be impressed by the impeccable care of the horses!!read more