Cash only business and the owner doesn't 1099 her employees. Cash only with a very unsecure payment system. My cash payment disappeared and when confronted about it, the owner laughed. Lesson ponies aren't treated well and the instructors clearly aren't treated well. If you value honesty, integrity, and believe in decent treatment of animals, avoid at all costs. read more

Wanting to start lessons again after a very long time away from riding. I've just went through a major surgery removal of a bone tumor in my frontal sinus and been in recovery for a few weeks so I had extra free time to go check out some stables for lessons. Met Peggy and she showed me around. Really lovely facilities. Really sweet lesson horses. And from my front door to the stable is only 19 minutes I'm looking forward to coming back and signing on the dotted line, just waiting for my surgeon to release me both back to work and back to riding See and meet everyone soon DJ Amber Leigh read more

Very good. Good trainers. Clean facility. Healthy horses and ponies. Good bridle paths. Good lesson program. read more

Went there to look at possible boarding options, lots of availability, some of the stalls seem better than others. Overall happy horses! The arena footing is good, glad to see they extended the covered arena. Lots of lessons going on. Few available turnouts. Was not impressed with the pasture, have heard of water and feeding issues in the past. Horses overall look healthy. read more

We came to Graceland for the lesson program about 6 months ago. It is completely revised with a new instructor in place with great ideas. Miss Dannielle Hott has expanded the lesson program and added camps and paddock clubs - all which has made the students bond as a small community. Ms. Dannielle is a very well educated instructor with a flexible mind suitable for all levels of riders. The lesson program (which is continuously growing) sport a number of horses and ponies that can accommodate a wide variety of students, skills and equestrian goals. The barn has two great arenas, where one is covered and made riding through out this years' torrential rains a possibility. It is large enough to accommodate lessons and borders without being crowded. I came to Graceland to revive my dressage skills which has been dormant for about 15 years...and I have not been let down. I have enjoyed and looked forward to every Saturday lesson. My 8-yr old daughter has ridden for 2 years and previously thrown numerous times. She was so excited to go to lesson after lesson without falling off, and instead get to jump higher jumps and more advanced courses as her skills grew. We are now part of the lease program and can come out 3 times per week to ride in the ring or out on the trails. My daughter is in love with 'her' pony and spends her weekends in the barn honing her skills by completing listed barn-chores, hand walking horses, working at the wash racks or assisting in getting a horse ready for a photo shoot. We could not be more pleased with the lesson and lease program provided at Graceland. read more

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Graceland came highly recommended from several friends who have boarded their horses at the gorgeous facility over the years. Peggy who owns the facility is very nice, so after speaking with her I decided to sign my child up for lessons. Unfortunately, our experience with their program and those who lead it was an absolute nightmare. I really tried to love this barn, but unfortunately, the staff providing lessons should not be working with humans, let alone children. My child has been riding for 4 years, so we knew what to anticipate when it comes to horsemanship and expectations of the young rider. The person leading the program might be good at interacting with horses, however, she is condescending and downright rude towards both parents and children. I've watched her berate kids in the barn during and after lessons. She is demeaning, does not provide any positive feedback or reinforcement during the lessons, and is passive-aggressive when dealing with parents. I would give this barn another chance if there is a turnover in the people leading the lessons program, but until then I hope others will spare themselves and their children the terrible experience and money that will be wasted taking lessons at Graceland. read more

I have been boarding my mare in the largest of the pastures GL has to Offer for 2 years now. And it is the happiest I have been. I am NOT affiliated with a training program, only a young person struggling to balance work, college and riding at the same time. In fact I am probably the most reclusive rider at the barn and thats honestly how I like it. I want to be left alone. The barn is my sanctuary. At GL I have not had trainers or barn owners invade my bubble despite GL being active within the show world of equestrian sports, however, at times in the past my toes have been stepped on but since then any turbulence has been ironed out. The horse world inherently contains many_Entitled personalities_a sensitive breed of individual than will never be escaped in this hobbyOne' must learn to roll with it as they those types generally weed themselves out naturally and what your left with is a facility of good people. Among the women I have come to know in the pasture, they all look out for one another. You cannot expect the BO to have a constant surveillance of the entire acreage of the barn but what i do know is that anytime i have alerted the BO about a problem she is quick to resolve it. And as a result i have a healthy mare who is fed and watered. Barns are what you make of it -- serious equestrians and decent human beings only please Godspeed, Sara G. PS. Visitors and current boarders, the road is not a highway, horses have great a sympathetic nervous system reaction to large objects moving fast in their direction. :) read more

Graceland Equestrian Center - Vedra and I riding in the large covered arena - Horseback Riding Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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This facility should be #1 for the potential it has. However here are the main points of disaster are as follows: 1. Their "breeding" program is horrific. The weaned foals are starving, un touched, and look ill standing in knee deep mud in a crowded tiny paddock. 2. The footing in the round pen is literally a hazard. It is full of rocks, poop, hay, and has not been maintained in what looks like years. Completely unsafe for working horses. 3. The Graceland owned horses/ponies need to be rescued from these people. I watched countless lessons where the "trainers" would continue to use lame and sick animals for lesson after lesson. They rarely use any leg protection for jumping and usually jump for 40 min straight- no wonder the poor things are lame! 4. The teenage students with Graceland "trainers" are spoiled and uneducated in horsemanship and safety. They are praised for crazy and erratic riding styles with no concern for the horses or other people in the ring-they can be down right dangerous to ride with. 5. The "trainers" that are hired are children themselves. I have literally had to walk away or make my child leave the ring while these so called trainers are teaching and even riding on their own because its so so embarrassing to watch them beat and over jump the horses. Their "training" techniques are almost reportable. 6. The owners Chuck and Peggy are so incredibly rude. They only have a smile and an interest in those wallets who grace their "trainers". If you are not their new prized possession then you are basically rubbish to them and may be subjected to horrible treatment. I have witnessed shouting fights, foul language, and horse neglect if they don't like you. I have been a horse woman for almost 20 years now- I have been in small quaint barns as well as 5 star facilities. I have run my own 40+ facility and I know that horse safety and respect for the client are the things that will keep your business running well. This horse world is too small to piss off any one but I am hoping that my review will save horses and riders the grief that is currently Graceland. read more

My brother and I have been at Graceland for past 6 years and I must say that my experience at Graceland have been wonderful. We remember the day that we visited Graceland for tour of the property, and we were so impressed of cleanliness of surrounding and well maintained 90 acres. The owners Peggy/chuck Moore are true professionals whom boarders/horse are their first priority.The barn's atmosphere is truly like your own home where you enjoy being there every minute. Since then we have boarded three horses at Graceland and we have a 3 1/2 yr old gelding of the resident stallion Lubero Star. He is doing wonderful and he is in a training program. My daughter also has been riding in Graceland for past five years, and must say that by far, this is one of the best barns which we have been member of in Bay Area. One of the comparison to other barns is that at Graceland, you have a feeling of belonging to a big family and willingness of owners chuck/Peggy Moore to help at anytime. The other comparison is that at Graceland, the professionalism of chuch/Peggy to maintain this 90 acres facility is behind what I have experienced at other barns, like keeping the barn clean at all times, well maintained trials, well maintained indoor/outdoor arenas, feeding program, breading, and etc. Strongly recommend to visit Graceland and experience this great facility firsthand yourself. read more

Graceland Equestrian Center - 3 1/2 yrs old gelding from resident stallion Lubero Star. - Horseback Riding Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Our granddaughter is taking lessons at Graceland. Stables are so clean and the horses are beautiful. Her previous stables owners retired and we came to Graceland. Ronnie is a wonderful lesson instructor and Chevelle loves her. Dannielle does a great job running the riding program. Wonderful place. Thanks so much read more

I've had my horses at some of the top facilities in the east bay, and Graceland doesn't disappoint. It's very accessible from 680, yet you feel like you're up in a secluded area in the hills. There's a nice mix of highly competitive riders all the way to beginners, and everyone seems good about sharing the spaces.Things are well-kept, the horses are happy and get good quality hay, all of the trainers and boarders there are respectful and friendly, and the trails are a huge bonus. I really like that the owners encourage a sense of community in the barn. And the clubhouse is perfect for parents or spouses while they wait on their horsie family members, or for getting warm/dry on a stormy day. The review by KL sounds like it was written by someone with an axe to grind. Sure, the staff makes minor mistakes occasionally - who doesn't - but they are quick to rectify them when made aware. As far as Graceland having a known bad reputation in the horse community - complete baloney. read more

The barn is nice and obviously has higher end clients..That being said do not take your child here for riding lessons. The boarders are snotty and rude and openly talk about the kids being in their way. This is not the type of place where a child is welcome unless they have their own horse and bring in $$$. The regular old kid taking lessons is not treated well. Plus the scheduling is all messed up. read more

I absolutely love this place. Gorgeous facility with trails on the property and their own cross country course! The barns are lovely with nice big stalls (big enough for a Friesian to lay flat out in). Incredible well kept with lots of wash racks and cross ties. There are two very large rings, one of which is covered. The people are simply fantastic. The owners are constantly making improvements and obviously love and care for horses immensely. There are wonderful trainers there including James Alliston (international level eventer), Hilary Johnson (A level hunters and jumpers ) and Kat Drake (also eventer and Pony Club instructor). It is a great atmosphere for horse and rider alike! I lease a horse here, but if I had one would def. board it here. The prices are great for such a high quality barn. Also lots of showing services now! Check out the website, it speaks for itself! read more

This review is regarding my experience as one of Diane Yeager's clients. The facility is top notch. Great footing, nice round arenas, great atmosphere. Diane is an amazing trainer. So helpful and great at improving you as a rider, but very calm and even keel. Great with the horses and riders. read more

I came to Graceland for lessons about 5 months ago and I have been taking lessons there ever since. Danielle and Nina are both fantastic instructors. The facilities are amazing and always clean and the horses are beautiful. I love coming here to take lessons and learning how to handle many different horses. While going here I have definitely improved my riding and continue to improve and expand my knowledge of horsemanship and riding. Overall I think this place is amazing in brushing up your skills. read more

Have three horses boarding and/or in training. It has been my second home for about four years. The horses are well cared for and they take care of my needs as well. The best trainers in the area, top notch! read more

Dannielle is a great instructor. Im consistently impressed at her ability to notice specific details in my riding that need to be fixed and to offer useful feedback for improvement. She takes an interest in helping students work towards their specific goals and structures lessons with those goals in mind. I highly recommend Dannielle as an instructor. read more

I don't know anything about their training facilities, but I do know I would never purchase a horse from them. I bought a "beautifully trained, perfect in every way" horse that was described as being suitable for a child. This horse, who belonged to one of their trainers, had an undisclosed bolting problem. Within 12 days of purchase, I was seriously injured. Their attorney reminded me that the horse's bill of sale disavowed any previous claims or statements. All I asked was they take the horse back and refund my money. Buyer beware with this group. read more

We have had a wonderful experience with better quality riding lessons here and been surprised it is more cost conscious despite being more beautiful than the facilities in the oakland hills, and the others along Crow Canyon Rd. Kat and Jame run an excellent program, and people learn to ride well. Kind property owners with the right motivations -- to make a fun and safe paradise for kids (and adults!) to learn -- top it off! Its not that far and absolutely worth the drive. read more

My horse has been at Graceland for four years now,'ve never had a weight problem or a problem with my bedding.In fact there was a point when we had to decrease my horse food.I'm not sure if Mink was aware but our state was in a drought last year and we all had to conserve water,Some people didn't get it I guess.Im not sure it was the footing that made the horses sore as Chuck and Peggy have taken great pride in adding and harrowing it to the correct depth,As far as the trails they are well groomed harrowed and rolled to keep them in good condition.Peggy and Chuck are in the barn daily and are very aware of whats going on .If theres a problem and people tell them about it then they can fix it.We have three great trainers and they all get along creating a positive learning place for us all.I am not wealth and feel the Moores treat me as they do the rest of the clients at Graceland and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for giving us all a great a safe place to call home for our horses. read more

I have been riding here for 4 years and have never been anything but happy here. I am a college student with not a lot of money, but I have still always been treated with respect and made to feel welcome. I have ridden lesson horses, but now I lease a horse at the barn, and she has always been well taken care of and happy. The hay is of excellent quality, and the stalls are always clean and fluffy with new bedding. The arenas are groomed daily, and the trails are magnificent. There are galloping trails to help keep your horse fit and picturesque views at the top of the hills. The owners are always working and doing things to improve the place, and if you have a problem with something they are happy to work with you and try to fix it. They really care about the welfare of the horses and are happy to give you advice if your horse is injured or you are having problems. For the most part everyone at the barn is super friendly and nice to everyone else. The barn feels like a big family, and there are always lots of activities going on as well. This barn is my home away from home, and I would spend all day every day there if I could. read more

Graceland Equestrian Center is a five star facility. Not only are Chuck and Peggy extremely fun to be around but they are the utmost professional. My dad and I have boarded our horse for almost six years now and have never had a complaint. Being only 17 years old and the main caretaker of my horse, Chuck and Peggy have not only watched out for me but have welcomed me with open arms. They are genuinely the nicest people I have ever met. Peggy in particular has been there for me through my horses "hiccups" and provided me with advise and a list of solutions. When it boils down to picking a facility, Graceland is by far the best facility around. Not just because of their groomed trails, or top quality hay, not even because of their outrageously clean stalls, but because they provide an environment that is hard to find. Chuck and Peggy are two people who truly care for the well being of you and your horse. read more