Today is the 6th year anniversary of my daughter riding with Ms Joanne Gladstone from Gladstone Equestrian. This place is more than a home to my daughter. Joanne put her heart and soul into these kids, and making them be the best of they could be. She has great knowledge of horsesand tons of teaching experience in this sport. We are so grateful and proud to be part of the Gladstone family! read more

My daughter enjoyed the camp, but it was nothing what we expected. First off, the camp is advertised as half days for $800 and full days for $1200. What they leave out of their website is that lessons do not continue after the morning (half day) session. Joanne, in a very rude manner, insists they do "horse related things" all day long, but in reality my daughter just played around the barn with another little girl who was still there. The second half of camp is 100% not worth the additional $400. I emailed Joanne and asked for a refund for the second half (minus the one day my daughter did stay), and she didn't even have the courtesy to write me back. The website also says campers will ride both english and western styles, but, once we were there, Joanne herself even told me they do not do both - another thing we paid for and did not receive. On one last note, I did not really appreciate the way she spoke to the campers. Let me first say, I do not think kids should be coddled and I am not a fan of "participation award," but the way she spoke to the kids was rude, demeaning, and belittling. There are several barns next to Joanne and I know the other coaches and trainers at those neighboring barns do not hold her in high regards either. Overall, the camp was not a total bust, but I absolutely wouldn't send my daughter back. read more

Gladstone Equestrian - Horseback Riding Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

We have been at competition with this barn and the coach has not been a good example for the kids with sportsman ship. The coach should lead by example and teach these kids to have grace and kindness no matter what the out come of a competition is. Her kids are feeding off her negativity and being the mean and disrespectful kids to other teams. Remember to surround yourself with positive people that will lift you up and have a good, happy, fun experience for your kids. read more

My daughter found Joanne Gladstone Equestrian through Groupon five years ago and it was love at first ride. I now consider her my daughter's "barn mom" and she has taught her so many valuable life lessons beyond how to ride. Joanne has worked with horses her entire life and really knows all there is to know about horses and equitation. She goes above and beyond in every way as a trainer and I am so glad we found her. Her teaching style is firm, but fair. She doesn't coddle her students but teaches them confidence and is generous with praise when it is earned. Her riders become like family who support each other and gain confidence. I couldn't be more happy with my daughter's continued experiences at Gladstone and would highly recommend Joanne Gladstone. read more

Gladstone Equestrian - 2020 Summer Camp - Horseback Riding Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

The absolute worst experience I've ever had. We had an appt scheduled for my girls to ride at noon. My girls had even bought new riding boots for this lesson. The owner Joanne said to go to her office. 1210 no one is here so I text her, no response. 10 more minutes goes by, no response. 40 minutes after our scheduled lesson I get a text back from her that I can "walk somewhere else and other people wait for me and don't get offended"... read more

Haven't been riding for many years but Joanne put me at ease and gave me the confidence to do more than I expected! Before we got in the arena she talked to me about my previous experience and goals. It was an excellent lesson. Joanne is an observant and patient instructor and I am very excited to return. The lesson horse she provided was well mannered and sweet. Since my helmet was old and outdated she loaned me a current, certified helmet. Overall safety is a priority and there are plenty of arenas, covered and open, to ride. Everyone there is friendly. Joanne offers several lesson packages and her prices are competitive with other trainers. read more

Gladstone Equestrian - Horseback Riding Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Joanne is an amazing trainer. If you want to learn to be a true horse person, she is the one to teach you. She has a lifetime of experience and has a special gift with horses. When you take a class with her, you not only learn the necessary tools to be a good rider, you learn how to care for a horse as if it was your own. She has wonderful horses and great staff. Everything from start to finish is top notch. I recommend her equestrian school to everyone! read more

Very Happy to be a student at Joanne Gladstone. She is an amazing trainer, very passionate about what she does, always watching and fixing her students, always focusing on every little thing. Also I like the horses that they have, safety is always first and they perfectly pick a horse for your level. All horses are loved and very well taken care of. I would recommend all new riders to take at least 2 classes a week, so then you will see the improvement much sooner. Thank you guys for warm welcome! read more

It's been 20+ years since I regularly rode and I was bit worried that the gap in time and my age (60+) had left me too out of practice and out of shape to be more than a mediocre rider. However I missed horses and riding began trying different Groupon horseback riding offers until I found just the right instructor in Joanne. Joanne is patient, encouraging and knows her business and her horses. I leave each lesson feeling like I've moved one more notch closer to being the type of rider that I would like to be. Joanne evaluates and works with your current abilities and gives you that extra confidence to do better, while making the lesson safe, informative and enjoyable. I highly recommend her! read more

After a bad experience on horseback when I was a child, I held on to that memory for the next five decades. When I turned 60, I decided it was time to face my fear. I found a Groupon offer for two 45-minute lessons at Gladstone, took a deep breath...and had one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Joanne was patient and encouraging, and by the end of the second lesson I was cantering and even learned how to post. I can't recommend this experience enough! read more

I've been riding with Gladstone equestrian for almost a year now. Joanne is a very knowledgable, dependable and passionate trainer. Her expertise and passion shows in the quality of the lessons and care for the horses. Whether you're new to riding or an experienced rider, Gladstone will provide a safe and comfortable learning environment to grow as an equestrian. read more

Gladstone Equestrian is amazing! If you are lucky to get in Joanne's schedule DO IT!! I have never ever found a more down to earth trainer. She believes in the true rider and horse equitation. She is not a trainer that is just about money. The money mill horse trainers basically have you pay for a pony ride in a circle (just with a horse and not a pony). And she is reasonable priced. Joanne wants her students to love the ride, to feel the love she has for both the sport and the horse. She makes you work hard but it is well worth it. I just have to say she is amazing. read more

I've had many horseback riding teachers but Joanne is hands down the best. She really cares about the safety of her students, is very knowledgeable and has so much experience. I'm so grateful I found her...it's so hard to find a good teacher for this sport who will make sure you are safe at all times. read more

Our daughter just finished a summer riding camp at Gladstone's. She had no prior experience with horses and she is 13. Our daughter enjoyed every minuet of the the camp. Every night she would talk about how much she enjoyed the horses, trainers and counselors. Joanne and Jill have so much experience and are so kind and patient. Our daughter learned so much in one week about horseback riding and the care of horses. All of Joanne's horses are awesome and our daughter feel in love with one of them. Joanne gave her lots of time to ride, groom and hang out with him. We will be back soon to take lessons. Thank you Gladstone's for giving our daughter such an enriching experience! read more

My daughter loves riding with Joan. She has so much fun. The lessons are fantastic. Not only do you learn how to ride, you learn about horses and proper horse care. Summer camps are also fun and are a great environment to make new friends. read more

I have heard so much good things about this place. will check them out for sure!!

Joanne is an excellent trainer. My daughter has been taken lesson with her for over a year. It is wonderful to always have the same person giving the lesson. She is able to clearly give directions that my daughter is able to follow. Joanne is very knowledgeable with the horses. My daughter is always excited to go to the stables. read more

Joanne and her staff are just wonderful. Her horses are beautiful and very well-trained. Everything is done in an organized manner, and the children are able to groom the horses and learn so much about them. The lessons were done in a covered arena so we were in the shade which was very nice. Joanne is extremely knowledgeable and she is very attentive to the children. She explains the theory of riding and communicating with horses, so that the rider can develop a rapport and understanding with the horse. This just makes the whole experience so much more fun and interesting. read more