I wanted to go horseback riding for my birthday. I found Stillwater Ranch by searching for trail…read morerides. I am so happy I did. This place was EXACTLY what I was looking for. The owners, Barbara and Dalton were so nice and down to earth, They are true animal lovers just like we are. They have over 20 horse, 3 dogs, 2 mules and they offer it all. This isn't your 1 hour trail ride up a dirt road and back. This ride is 3 to 4 hours long, through trees, down what looks like animal trails in the woods, you criss cross through the woods and clear cuts in the Skykomish River Valley then you head up mountain to this amazing lookout and have lunch. I rode a wonderful gelding named Bernie. Bernie's a Missouri Fox Trotter and he was super sweet. Chris rode Comet, she's a Tennessee Walker. Chris said she floated. You can see for miles up on "the rock". When you look down into the valley and see just how far you have ridden, you are amazed. Dalton said it is probably 5 miles. The lunch is amazing, it's from the Sultan Bakery and it is one of the best lunches I've had. Sitting up on the rock just me, Chris, and Dalton was so relaxing. We became instant friends. Stillwater Ranch offers a variety of rides that include river rafting, fishing, moonlight rides, overnight camping and much, much more. You can ride in all seasons - We are looking forward to a winter ride when the valley is covered in snow. They are even starting a wine dinner ride - woo hoo. The next time we need an equestrian fix, we will look to Stillwater Ranch to supply it.

My wife and I have had our horse here for a few months and could not be happier. The atmosphere is…read moregreat. Everyone pitches in to make sure the barn and arena stay clean and ready for the next person to use. The trainer and barn manager both deeply care about the horses and their well being (even going so far as to give up their holiday to make sure the horses were doing ok with all the fireworks). Well organized and on top of schedules and communication. Would recommend to anyone looking for a hunter/jumper home for their horse.

Great park for my kiddos, ages 2, 6, 8. Location is great, it's only 6 minutes from our home. I…read morelove that it's tucked inside a gorgeous neighborhood!

Our adventure finding new parks in the area to frequent continued this past Sunday despite cold and…read morerainy conditions. My children and I were not to be deterred! We drove over to Mill Creek and found Pine Valley Park, which was stunning immediately from the road. There was no parking lot but there was plenty of street parking, so we pulled right up and began our adventure. Right up front is a beautiful playground area, a very sturdy and well-constructed pavilion, and plenty of seating for anybody wishing to watch their children from a comfortable spot. Not too far away was a basketball court and a beautiful field in which to run and play. There was a beautifully paved trail that went all around the outside of the park. And despite the time of year-early March-it was clear that this part was well-manicured and taken care of on a regular basis. Mill Creek parks seem to have so much character to them, and this one was no different. It was exceptionally clean and exceptionally well-kept, with plenty of things for everyone in the family to do. Probably our favorite piece though was the beautiful collection of trees-particularly in the park's center. In fact, we walked over to the circle of trees in the very center of the park and ended up finding a Mill Creek rock! Those who live in the area and frequent Facebook know that these rocks are part of a very humorous and rewarding game that people play with each other in the community. When you find one of these rocks, you take your photo with it and then re-hide it for the next person to find. It's a blast! The bottom line about this park is, even though it's not huge in terms of size, it's huge in terms of spirit. It's beautiful, there's plenty to do, and the people in the area are incredibly friendly as well. Recommended.

I moved my daughter to this center after the promise of good communication, plenty of riding…read moreopportunities, and what sounded like a structured learning methodology so that my daughter could continue improving her skills. Unfortunately, I experienced cancellations that would actually occur just minutes ( like 23 minutes ) prior to the lesson time due to things like mud from rain, and other reasons that I wouldn't receive until getting to the center as I was already en route. My daughter spent very little time on the horse in all. The disorganization was blatantly obvious and very frustrating. Their muddy dogs jump into your car as soon as you open the door so watch out if that would bother you. The faculty is very unwelcoming. I do NOT recommend this place. Go anywhere else that would appreciate your business.

My 3 granddaughters love going here for lessons. Cat, Athena, Martti, and all the other helpers…read morehave been so wonderful. The horses are beautiful and so gentle. It's so nice to have boots and helmets available to use, also, if needed. I especially like that Cat has worked with our schedules. I've been looking for a place that is friendly to those who are not horse owners and experts on everything about horses. This place is great. Down to earth, safe and so much fun! Thank you so much for everything you do to make my granddaughters love their lessons!

We've been part of the Holly Farm community since 2017, and it all started with my daughter…read moreattending a summer camp! From that first camp experience, we quickly signed up for lessons for her, myself, and my husband. Today, we happily board two horses and a donkey at the farm. Holly Farm truly cares about its animals and its people, and that shows in everything they do. The camps are a kid's dream--hands-on, fun, and thoughtfully run--and the events are creative and memorable (I made a clay mini of my horse!). Camps tend to fill quickly, so be sure to visit their website and get on the mailing list. Holly Farm is a special place that genuinely spreads the joy of working with animals.

Gates Equestrian is owned and operated by Kristi Gates. I've been riding with her for well over a…read moreyear now, and I have nothing but positive experiences to share. Every horse-back-riding lesson Kristi teaches is custom to the rider, and though I've been riding for a long while now, I'm constantly being challenged and learning new things. The facility itself is spectacular. It's located in Monroe of Old Owen Road. It's easy to miss, but there's a brown Gates Equestrian sign by the entrance to the driveway. Once you're parked and enter, there's a single barn aisle with many stalls for horses. In the center, there's a bathroom right next to the two wash stalls, which is super convenient. The tack room is across from the bathroom, and the entrance to the arena is adjacent to the tack room. Everything you need is in one central location and covered, so you don't have to worry about getting wet on a rainy day. The arena is massive as well and covered. Kristi owns several horses and ponies for her lesson program (which are all super high quality and well taken care of). She also teaches lessons to people who haul in and bring their own horse or board their horse at the facility. I've seen her teach kids who've never been on a horse before and riders who compete over large jumps. No matter the type of rider, she can come up with an incredible lesson so you always feel like you're getting a quality lesson. I highly recommend taking lessons and boarding your horse with Kristi!

Amazing experience taking our two little ones (turning 2 and 3.5 years old) for a pony ride with…read moreKristi. Kristi was fabulous with the children, and handled the older child's nervousness brilliantly. She gave the children carrots to feed the pony, and time to pet the pony before riding. She even did "jumps" walking the pony over some logs of wood, which the kids loved! The facilities are top notch and the ponies were healthy and very well cared for. We couldn't recommend Gates Equestrian more highly. We will certainly be back again and look forward to the children's weekend pony rides once those are up and running!

It's a fun place for the little ones, they can see animals like pigs, bunnies, goats, chickens and…read moreponies. If you're lucky and get there during feeding time you can watch the process and ask questions, staff is super friendly! There is also a small swing set and trails and they offer horse riding lessons.

I used to bring my son here over 12 years ago, so when we passed by the other day and we had some…read moretime to spare I walked through the park with my daughter who has never been here since we have been on the east coast for 10 years. It's still a fun little stop to just get outside and enjoy some fresh air, and well, animal air lol. It has plenty of wide open space for groups to play or picnic. The little animal area is fun for some laughs. The sheep were all quiet until we walked away and then they had plenty to say! And come on, watching the workers walk the pig....plain old fun!!! We enjoyed ourselves, even if age wise we might be older than the normal farm animals crowd. We also walked down the super nice paved path by the horses. There is a little shelter down that way and a tire swing. There are trails here and there is a nice map when you come from the parking area. I liked this park long ago, and still do. It's a great quiet spot not too far from town to just hang out for a little fun.

I was extremely disappointed watching the poor handling of horses coming in from turn out on…read moremultiple occasions. Horses are brought in using a golf cart in groups of often three at a time. The horses aim to kick and bite each other and all the handlers do is yell at them. If that wasn't bad enough, I watched the lead stablehand lead a very gentle older mare into a stall and when she didn't go he smacked her with the lead rope on her face and she spooked and bashed her head on the overhead beam of the stall - he seemed less than concerned. When horses kick for dinner they throw brooms and other items at the front of the stalls. The stalls frequently smell of heavy ammonia. Horses are constantly escaping their turnouts. Running down fences, bolting out open gates and getting away from handlers with the golf cart. One poor filly even ran the fence and got in with another horse and was kicked, broke her leg and was euthanized. Horses will be horses but there are no changes being made. When these concerned were brought to the owner, she denied that her staff is hard on the horses and claimed her fencing was in working condition and safe. Boarder beware.

We have had our our horses boarded at Greatful Pines for two years. I have never seen someone who…read morecares for the horses here like Kelly does. We were out of town for a while when the weather was hot, we got a call saying they suspected our mare was colicky, in our absence Kelly walked our mare and cooled her off until she felt better, then checked on her through the night. There have been numerous times that either her or Lisa have been available to help with an abscess or any number of injuries our horses may have managed to acquire. Top quality training is also available at GP- I have taken lessons from both Lisa and Kelly-I love them both!! For the time my husband I were there we felt like we were a part of one big family. Sadly we have had to move, but we take with us many fond and happy memories of our time at Greatful Pines.