I was recently given a (surprise) first riding lesson with Four Star Farm, and my world will never…read morebe the same! As a neophyte to everything equestrian, I began the lesson with the simple goal of surviving what I assumed would be an hour of fear and embarrassment followed by an afterglow of melancholic guilt. Once the lesson began, however, I experienced several important revelations: 1. I'm a self-absorbed neurotic who overthinks everything. 2. Learning to ride is thrilling but not once did I experience fear. 3. Horses are incredibly affectionate and intuitive creatures. Interacting with them had a remarkably calming effect on my over-stimulated amygdala. 4. Natalie is an amazing teacher, with a pedigree of competitive accomplishments that were mostly lost on me. It felt akin to taking a drivers-ed class from Danica Patrick. It didn't hurt that the setting is beautiful and idyllic. The facility (Valley Dressage and Sport Horse Center) feels professional and well run but with a comfortable, informal atmosphere that I appreciate. Admittedly, I have nothing to compare my experience against, but my sense is that I was quite lucky to have taken my first ridding lesson with Four Star Farm.

They are very nice here and great training! I really enjoy coming here. I have had about 6 or 7…read morelessons now and it is lots of fun, all of their lesson horses are super sweet and calm. Very organized and clean, and very nice arena's. I recommend Four Star Farm :)

Fran is the best! I was honestly nervous about my daughter's first lesson because she can be very…read moreshy and fearful. I really wanted her to have a good experience with her first riding class ever and Fran exceeded all expectations. She was so kind and gentle in teaching my daughter and extremely patient. She helped my daughter feel confident and excited for her lesson. My daughter was sad to leave she had so much fun and has been counting down the days until her next lesson! You can tell Fran is a natural teacher and nurturer with children. All the horses at the barn are so beautiful, healthy and happy because of Fran's dedication, hardwork and passion about what she does. There is truly no better instructor out there!

Fran is an excellent and detailed instructor. My daughter is a beginner and Fran is very…read moreknowledgeable and patience with her introductory lesson. My daughter really enjoyed the whole lesson. We really appreciate all her help.

We have 3 kids 9,7 and 5 who take lessons here. We homeschool and are with Visions in Education. I…read morelove that they are a vendor. My kids love their lessons here. It's a lovely place the instructor Lorraine is so good with the kids. She truly cares about the horses and her students. They get to learn how to ride and also how to actually take care and saddle the horses which is so important and awesome. We love the nature, they have other farm animals hanging around and a pond plus a little stream of water that my kids love to play in they bring their net and enjoy nature. If you are looking for your children to learn about horses how to ride and take care of them this is the place !

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this horseback riding school. My grandson is autistic…read moreand intellectually disabled, and he does not learn quickly. From the very beginning, the owners Ellen and the instructors Bri, Lorraine, and Charlotte have shown incredible patience, kindness, and understanding. They truly take the time to work with him at his own pace, never rushing him and always encouraging him. Because of their dedication, he has gained confidence, skills, and joy through horseback riding that we never thought possible. It is rare to find people who are not only skilled instructors but also genuinely caring and compassionate. We are beyond grateful for everything they have done for my grandson. I highly recommend this school to any family, especially those with children who need extra patience and support.

This is a wonderful place to acquire horsemanship skills. Shelley is an exceptional instructor and…read moreis great with both people and horses!! She has in depth knowledge of horsemanship and how to teach it. I recently arrived from the Midwest and was afraid I would not find a trainer here. After many years of instruction I rank Shelley as one of the best teachers I have encountered. She has dozens of young people following her around the barn hanging on her every word. She exemplifies the best in teaching horsemanship. Her love of the sport is evident and radiates through her teaching experience. The horses are beautiful and so is the property. Young or old; you can not find a better place to ride. Deb B

Sterling Riding Academy is a great resource for beginner riders up to experienced riders. I took…read morelessons from Shelley and Melissa, starting in their beginner program through the city, until I graduated from high school where I was riding and competing regularly with them. They have a very strong beginners program with many safe and reliable horses and a well rounded lesson program. Beginner riders learn about grooming and tacking up a horse, basic horse care as well as how to ride. One of the best parts of Sterling for me, was Melissa's commitment to making me a well rounded rider. I rode many many different horses throughout my time at Sterling, each with their own quirks and challenges. Similarly, though I competed in Hunters and Equitation, Mellissa also taught me jumper, cross country and dressage lessons. Even though they each have a different skill set and purpose this kind of "cross training" is instrumental in being a good rider. I highly recommend any of the programs at Sterling and I really appreciate the family that Shelley and Melissa have built there.

Our son, who has autism, has benefited greatly from his participation in Horseplay located in…read moreDixon, CA. Over these past 20 years of riding with Horseplay our son's focus and concentration on tasks has increased, his body core and sense of balanced have greatly improved, and his ability to ride a full grown horse independently is absolutely amazing! Thanks to the wonderful PATH certified instructors and fantastic volunteers, our son looks forward to each weekly session. I wish you could see the big smile on his face when he rides his horse. Horseplay is a non profit organization and charges us a reasonable fee for each session. You can check them out at www.horseplayriding.org.

Elk Grove Milling is an excellent company that puts quallity, integrity & research into their…read moreproducts. If you're in the e market for horse feed they are well worth your consideration.

Great service and staff. They know me by name, but then again I come here alot. Very helpful with…read moreall my questions, and requests for information. Product is mostley consistent, and if I ever have had a problem they more than make it right.

I've been taking my endurance horse to be trimmed and shoed by Kirk Adkins for three years now and…read moreit's been great all around. He has 40 years of experience as a farrier and has seen the good, the bad and the ugly - and has used the knowledge he has gained to develop a great product, the "sneaker." These shoes work so well for my mare that I'll probably never go back to anything else. Kirk is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to a horse's anatomy and physiology and can come up with a plan very specific to your horse's needs and discipline. He does not have a one-size-fits-all approach at all and takes pride in doing an excellent job. I can highly recommend him.

My daughter that's 6yrs old has such control over every horse she has ridden because of the lessons…read morehere at valley brook! Kind, firm and direct teaching is excellent and help form the discipline involved in equine sportsmanship. I can't say enough amazing things about this stable.1

LIterally the best barn ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They have Amazing horses. Shout out to London,…read moreBubbles And shadow Also Devon And Laura Thay are the BEST!