We signed our boys up for riding lessons about 6 - 8 months ago…read more I wasn't sure how things were going to go (meaning if my boys were going to be in it for the long haul or get 'tired' after the shine wore off of a new adventure). Kimmie and the other folks at the stables are extremely helpful - answered all my questions - we were invited to book a day (for our family) to "try it out" and get a feel for the lessons, the facilities, the people. It was really awesome and gave us all a very good idea of what to expect and what was expected of us as learners. Fast forward - my kid is getting ready to go to his lesson today. He is so excited! His confidence has improved. He has a deep desire to really learn and further his horsemanship abilities. He shares what he has learned, what he was able to do (after lots of practice), and how that made him feel really great! If you are looking for a stable whose owner has impeccable integrity, a desire to really work with people and horses (together). Look no further.

Yeah, don't go here…read more Your instructions will be teenagers (not even 18-19, like 16-17 year olds). You can pay less than $100 for 3 hours... but about 45 minuted of that is riding. The other ~2 hours? Free manual labour. You pay to turn out and lunge other peoples horses for 2+ hours. The teenagers teach, train, and do barn chores and care for all the horses. Honestly if these lessons were discounted it would be better, but they're $100+ for lessons. For the teenage instructors. It is honestly ridiculous. These horses aren't abused, this is a pretty ethical riding facility other than the kids continuously instructing other kids and getting paid to do manual labour. Turnout and pasture during summer. The stalls can get pretty filthy and according to my daughter, the only "scheduled" cleaning of stalls was the 2 hours of labour the teenagers did. Again, she was only there on Saturdays, so she didn't see everything. I would NOT take training or lessons here.

Excellent facilities and a great trainer on-site. Jill Tindall works hard to maintain a well run…read morebarn.

We board our horse here and it is a wonderful place. The owners are very nice and so are the…read moreclients. The property is stunningly gorgeous. There is a covered arena, an outdoor arena, and a gallop track among other amenities. I definitely recommend checking out Sunset Ridge Equestrian Center.

I'm really happy having my horse at Briones Horse Center in Martinez. It's a great place and you…read morecan tell the horses are genuinely cared for here. I want to give a big thank you to Carlos who works super hard every day cleaning stalls and feeding all the horses. That's not easy work and it's really appreciated. Also the owner Karl is amazing. You can tell he really loves the horses and cares about the place. Just wanted to say thank you and that I really appreciate everything they do.

I boarded here for a few years. Right next to the trails, which is wonderful. The only reason I…read moreleft was because my horse only got out of his stall when I took him out. I moved him to a facility where the horses are put into herds and put out together everyday except Sundays. Although I don't have direct access to the trails, my horse is a lot happier. If I have to move again, for whatever reason. I would probably go back to Briones Horse Center.

The one thing that needs to be said: you KNOW your horse is being taken care of even if you can't…read moremake it out there! Been there 15 years...

Update at the end of 2024: Cindy has been super busy with…read moreall kinds of projects around the barn. She's upgraded both of the arenas at the far end of the property and they are GREAT! She put mulch down on the bridle paths and it feels like you are walking through a springy forest. Really nice. The place is hopping every day with happy horses and nice people. I feel very lucky we found this barn.

Yay I get to be first to review Paxton LLC, specifically Dana Robinson. My girls have taken…read morelessons from Dana for the past few months. Since we have some experience getting lessons and seeing different barns in the bay area we have some perspective. In short, Dana is first-rate. If you take lessons through Paxton LLC you will have that wonderful combination of a great trainer, great horses, and a great barn. Its really tough to get that combination here and for us it is worth the drive out to Livermore.

From the owner: Paxton LLC is a boutique hunter, jumper and equitation horse sales/training business offered at…read moreCaldecott Stables in Briones, CA. We provide top tier training and sales for the the serious rider with ambitious competition goals. The horse sales portion of the training business focuses on quality equine athletes paired appropriately for each rider/horse combination. The farm offers top of the line footing in both the large covered arena and outdoor arena. Every stall includes a large stall plus an outdoor paddock, automatic waterers, great turnouts, hotwalker, daily cleaning and both full or partial service is available.

Jessica is one of the best trainers I have ever had. She is not only willing to train you, but also…read moreget on the horse and get it going correctly so that you can feel how the horse is supposed to feel. Her ability to explain and demonstrate complex dressage concepts I am able to grow much faster in the sport than in previously times. Thanks Jessica!

Jessica is an amazing English riding instructor. Flexible, personable, communicative-- and also has…read morethe chops to bring your child to the next level of riding. I've seen her excel with beginners through experienced horsewomen (and men.) Compared to other barns, Rancho del Lago is relaxed and welcoming - just what we were looking for. Jessica has spring and summer camps for kids just getting into riding, too -- check them out for an awesome intro into your eventual horse addiction!

Cici is an incredible trainer and riding instructor! She is extremely knowledgeable in equine care…read moreand training, and is phenomenal at instructing students of all ages and capabilities. I think what makes her special is her ability to communicate in a way that helps you move past your apprehensions and fears, without making you feel incompetent. Her knowledgeable, gentle and intuitive instruction is the only thing that got me unstuck and helped me progress to the next level of riding. I am forever grateful for her in this respect. Also, as a first time horse owner, I knew very little about horse care and health. Cici has helped me every step of the way in caring for my mare who was in bad shape when I took her on. I am so grateful to Cici because she helped me save this horse and get her into excellent health. Cici has turned my mare from a skinny, ill-tempered bucker into a healthy, responsive, respectful and connected horse. She turned my horse and my life around for the better! It's easy to see that Cici absolutely and truly loves what she does. She's a true teacher and horsewoman, and I am so lucky that I found her! Highly highly highly recommend!!

cici is an amazing trainer and has done wonders for both me and my horse. She is great with kids of…read moreall ages and all different types of horses, lessons with Cici help build your confidence as well as well as your skill in riding. Cici can help kids with all different needs and all different confidence levels for riding.