The place is beautiful with well kept horses. Love it! Cyd is awesome trainer and everything is run…read morewell

Lisa and Cyd run an incredible stable. In 30 years of riding, I've never experienced the level of…read moreservice Longview provides. The horses are impeccably cared for. The training rides are top notch, the show schedule is extensive and the lessons are challenging. I can't say enough to recommend this barn. it's abs the best.

I am actually quite surprised that Kilham Farm does not have more reviews but maybe it is because…read morethey do not offer trail rides as a service. I purchased a package of 3 riding lessons as a Groupon deal and I have already had my first two lessons. My last lesson is this Saturday and I intend to continue my lessons here. The area that Kilham Farm is located is absolutely gorgeous and the facilities are just as beautiful, clean and very well maintained. In addition to this, their horses are happy, easygoing, and easy to work with - I can attest to this with Lizzie, the horse I have been training with. Making appointments is easy and I have never been bumped or not scheduled because I used a Groupon (a total plus in my book). Or if I need to reschedule, that isn't a problem either. I've left two messages and have gotten same day responses for both of them. When I arrived for my first lesson, I wasn't sure what to expect but the women of Kilham Farm are friendly and gracious. There was none of the pretentiousness that I have heard of at some equestrian locations. They even have spare boots for me to borrow! The outdoor covered training area is spacious and a great place to train. It's quite a drive for me to get there (1.5 hours each way) but it is worth it! I would very much recommend Kilham Farm if you are interested in horseback riding lessons.

Kilham farm is the best place I've ever been! The trainers name is Holly and she isn't one of those…read morestrict ones that make you sad. They have horse gear to borrow so you don't have to bye your own. From the second I walk up to my horses stall to the second I get in the car it feels like the most fantastic moment of my week! So I think Kilham farm is the best place to go!

This suburban farm offers horse boarding, riding lessons, kids camps and birthday parties…read more We have friends who's daughter attended their summer camp and loved it. Based on their experience we decided to have our daughter's 6th birthday party here and it was great fun for all. For Birthday parties you essentially have the exclusive use of a little park-like area in the center of the farm that has a play structure, picnic tables, a good number of shady trees and a small barn with petting-zoo type animals. The party rentals are two hours, with the first hour offering pony rides and during the second hour the petting zoo barn is open. We had two pony's at a time for the kids to ride, and with 10 kids that worked out to about two rides each. This was perfect timing so that we could do Pizza and cup cakes after the pony rides, then once the kids were done eating they excitedly ran over to pet the animals in the petting zoo. For the petting zoo portion there were chickens, pigs, bunnies, goats, sheep and a miniature horse the size of a large dog. The kids LOVED petting and brushing the animals. You don't need to add any additional activities or entertainment for the kids because the two hours are nicely full. The kids were constantly in motion and playing on the play structure when not riding a pony or in the petting zoo. All the kids seemed thrilled with the activities and were having tons of fun. All-in-all the process of having a party here, from reserving the day to clean up afterward, is pretty smooth. The only downside was a multi-page contract form that had to be signed by the parents of all the kids. The forms have to be returned to the hostess and the hostess then returns them to the farm with a guest list, as one packet, the Thursday before the party. It would be easier if the parents could just do the form on-site, but I'm guessing that the management wants to be sure the parents read it fully and agree to the terms in advance. But despite the paperwork I highly recommend Morning Star to anyone with grade school age kids.

Kid's Birthday party review…read more Discovered via local moms club and "background checked" on yelp, we decided to have our son's 4th birthday party at Morning Star and I prayed it would live up to its stars b/c we had friends driving from Concord, SF, and beyond to attend. The verdict is that we'd give it a 6th star if we could! The things we loved were that they have a covered option in case of rain, a sweet playground at the uncovered area, where the 2-5 yr olds had a total blast, and a little petting zoo. The trainer Rachel, who led the kids and ponies, two by two, was a pro and helped even the nervous kids feel confident. Each kid got about two rides, which was perfect. The owner helped us set up tables and put up a shade/rain structure since it had rained all morning and we weren't sure if we'd need it. Also, $200 for a 2-pony party for two hours is a great deal in my book, esp compared to $800-1,000 Discovery Museum party price tag (we love it there too, just, gulp). The only down side, as others noted, is the release forms. They are necessary of course, but the onus of getting each family to sign them and submit before the party is on the party-thrower. It is time consuming up front and I wasn't making any friends for a while there, but it makes it so guests don't have to mess with forms when they get there. One idea is to have people use CamScanner or another scanning app on their phones so it can all be done electronically, and to leave a few day's cushion for missing forms. Lastly, I appreciated that all of the animals looked very well-cared for and the whole property was clean and inviting.

Towards the end of my lady's and I eight day coastal trip on our way back down we had a blast doing…read morethe two hour private horseback ride, Our guide Romero was a really cool guy Good laughs, conversation, and an overall great experience. Saw a lot of cool wildlife on the ride including a bobcat or a mountain lion cub everything was A OK but the horses could definitely tell there was a predator in the area so they were a little spooked. Had such a fun time I will definitely be coming back for the six hour ride!!!

I booked a private beach ride (6hrs) for my friend's birthday. I can say that the experience alone…read morewas worth the price. Our guide Ramiro was great, he tested out our skills in the beginning before seeing we had experience riding and letting us take the leads during the trail. We also got to see dolphins! He told us in the 6years he's done this, this was the 2nd time he's gotten to see them. We ended up skipping the waterfall (couldnt get to it due to the tide anyways) and instead got to follow the dolphins! Highly recommend doing the wildcat trail with Ramiro! It is a 14mi ride, so be prepared to be in the saddle for a while. Experience is a plus, but Ramiro made sure everyone stayed safe and would always give pointers.

Never did I think I would have to explain to my son why a third private…read moreriding lesson was never scheduled. My husband, son and I decided to stay at our weekend home in North Beach while our kindergartener transitioned to distance learning. Our son's private school offers equestrian lessons to students as little as 2 years old. Our son is going on his fifth year on a pony/horse. While he did dressage at school, he also trained on the sport of Polo with a 5 time Champion from Argentina. Our tour of the stables was scheduled on a Monday at 2:30pm. The summer camp ended at 2:00pm. My husband and I arrived at 2:45pm. She accused us of arriving an hour late. My husband and I didn't bother with her false accusation. Then as we were going over policies and procedures, she made it a point to mention that many of her students find her to be mean. Sarah, I suggest you to be honest with the families that you are perceived as a bully and not mean. That way when you act the way you acted towards our family, we can understand better. First lesson was scheduled and our son was excited. My husband was unable to attend, his had just deployed to the Middle East for a yearlong tour. After his lesson, I was eager to see if my son had liked it and hear how the lesson went from Sarah. She said to me "I think you think your son has more experience than he really does". She proceeded to tell me that he was about to place the saddle backwards on the horse. Than Sarah proceeded to give me this look of disgust that my son would make such a mistake. Second lesson is scheduled, she requires payment well before the lesson. When I scheduled the second lesson I gave her a check, that check was cashed the next day. Cashed not bounced. $75 is super low compared to the $125 we are used to paying in the city. Second lesson starts at noon on Sunday. After the lesson, again I was eager to hear from my son how the lesson was. I tried asking Sarah, but was immediately ignored. While I was standing with my son getting ready to head out, she looked at me and said "we will be in touch for the next lesson". This was back in July. Whatever reason you had to not grant my son a third lesson is your business. I recommend you step outside and see all the amazing things minorities are doing in the equestrian sport. My son trained with two Polo instructors, one from Chile and the other from Argentina. If my son were a beginner, i dont think he would feel comfortable troting while swinging a full size Polo mallet. When we attended Polo matches, many of the players were from immigrant decent. Players from South America, India, American, African American. I would hate to think that Sarah negated service to my son due to the fact that he is biracial. That is the only explanation I can conclude. Our son had the riding pants, boots, helmet, this isn't foreign to him. What is foreign to him is having a middle aged woman have such a rancid attitude towards a small child. Shame on you Sarah.

I am stunned at Jessie's review, so sorry to hear this, and frankly do not understand how this…read morecould happen. My experience has been the TOTAL opposite. I came to Baywood Equestrian in the summer 2010 after a terrible accident in another stable's group lesson. Helle has been so kind and encouraging to me , helping me persevere regain my confidence and teaching me all about caring for a horse as well as riding. ALL the people I have met have been really friendly and welcoming, unlike the previous venue.The horse I ride is the sweetest , calmest horse and he receives excellent care. I can't say enough to praise the operation out at Baywood. I am now riding with greater ease and better form .Baywood is the highlight of my week.

Erin and Harleigh are phenomenal horse women. They care for their horses as well as their riders…read more They can push you as far as you want to go. Fantastic trainers! If you are looking for a local riding school this is the place to be!

MHRA is amazing! Harleigh and Erin are exceptional trainers. They clearly love what they do and it…read moreshows. My daughter started riding under Erin's patient and intuitive tutelage and blossomed into the capable rider she is today, but more importantly, she understands how to communicate with and listen to the horses and ponies she rides and cares for. Harleigh and Erin take really good care of everything. Their ponies are happy and well cared for, the facility is neat, and the program is organized. If your child can't stop talking about horses or you want to get back in the saddle or experience an extraordinary creature for yourself, Marshall Hall Riding Academy is the place to go. You won't be disappointed.

We love Giant Steps!! My son has only been to one session, and I have already seen so much…read moreprogress. His anxiety often keeps him from trying new activities. I was worried that being with these huge animals might be too much. Over the weeks though, with the gentle guidance of the staff, his confidence has soared! He is so proud of his courage to take new risks and his newfound success. He adores his instructor and his sweet horse "therapist". I can't wait to see what develops next session.

I think it's ridiculous to question how the funds are spent - running a center of this quality…read moreobviously takes money and commitment. To give the FACILITY a bad review because you didn't like the "sales pitch" is just mean spirited. I am a child advocate who was able to enroll a boy at Giant Steps because GS was kind enough to wave the fee due to financial hardship - as a ward of the court with delinquent parents this child would otherwise have had no chance to experience the benefits of the program. The facility, trainers, and horses are top notch. I can personally attest to the positive influence this center had on at least one child with emotional/behavioral problems.

Wilderness Cubs is absolutely amazing--one of the best decisions we've made for our daughter!…read more Living in Marin, we regularly take her hiking, so I was initially hesitant to sign her up. But once we did, we couldn't be happier. Wilderness Cubs isn't just about hiking and running around outside--it's a fully immersive educational experience. Our daughter gets the opportunity to learn about reptiles, amphibians, farm animals, insects, local plant life, and so much more, all while exploring and having fun with her friends. The live animal presentations are incredible, and the amount of information she retains and excitedly shares with us at home makes us feel so lucky to have found this program before she starts elementary school. In addition to hikes and animal visits, the children create nature-themed art projects, read books related to the day's lesson, and learn to identify local birds, animals and plants around Phoenix Lake. I love that now when we go hiking she's is the one telling us and her little sister what type of plant or bird we are looking at. If you'd like your little one to stay longer, there's also a fantastic afterschool program available. Wilderness Cubs has been such a wonderful experience that we're already planning to sign up our younger daughter as soon as she turns three!

Our 3yr old son attends Wilderness Cubs two days a week and he'd like to attend even more! He is…read moreabsolutely thriving being outside for the full class day. They spend their days hiking, learning about nature, interacting with animals, and do the cutest daily projects that are both educational, outdoorsy, and fun. Not to mention getting to hang out at one of the most beautiful trailheads in Marin. Teacher Lesley has created a fun, comfortable, and outdoorsy experience, and our son comes home covered in mud with the biggest smiles on his face every day. It's so fun to see how much our kiddos can learn and enjoy by just being in nature with the class!