Horse, Heart &amp; Connection

(375 reviews)

0.3 km

We absolutely loved this experience. Our tour guide, Dalton, was very knowledgeable and made the…read moreentire tour engaging and fun. Highly recommended!

A great jeep experience in Sedona. Our guide was great and the tour was great. We had to switch to…read morethe red rock panoramic due to weather issues that day. The pano tour was great! The off roading was much bumpier than expected, as this was a mild tour. My dad has mobility issues and he was fine, but it did feel a bit excessive.

Prickly pear and red rocks.

Kids love our tours.

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Buckle up!

Soldier Pass Trail

(78 reviews)

3.1 km

This is in the top 3 hikes of everywhere I've been all over the planet and it would have been much…read morebetter if I didn't forget the backpack with our water and snacks. We came during a busy season and the trailhead opens at 8 am and does get completely full. 10 minutes before the gate opens there was already a line of cars waiting to get in. They do have a shuttle at a parking lot about an hour away if it gets too busy. Because we didn't have water or food we were only out about a 3 hours and could have easily stayed for two more. The hike starts with stairs and handrails but quickly opens up into not clearly marked paths that feel like you are walking in nature and not on a path. You'll reach Devil's Kitchen quickly and the scale is much larger in person and har to capture via pictures. It's a sinkhole with no barriers around the edge so walk carefully. A lot of people come for the Seven Sacred Pools and if you come too early the lighting isn't that great. If you scramble down to the base of the pools you can walk the dry riverbed back to the trailhead for a different experience

Soldier Pass Trail was amazing, I've been wanting to see Seven Sacred Pools for a few years now…read more We parked at Jim Thompson parking lot and walked the Cibola trail to meet up with Soldier Pass Trail, since the parking lot is small and gate doesn't open until 8am. I would definitely recommend this route, it was probably a 45 minute hike to Devils Kitchen but fairly easy. I'm so happy that these trails stay clean, everyone does a great job of leaving it better than they found it.

At the top of the caves

Climbed up the cave

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Up by the caves

Horse Affinity

(20 reviews)

0.0 km

We went on a Sunday ride with Saara , Daisy the dog, and three of her wonderful horses. Saara only…read morebrings out your group--no mixing of strangers--so she can customize the ride to exactly what you need. She also has a variety of horses to accommodate for any level of experience. I booked a ride with my mother in law, who had no riding experience. Saara was very attentive with her to ensure she had the proper riding form and felt safe in the saddle. By the end, she was a completely different rider with Saara's help. I grew up riding, so Saara let me take the lead for much of the trail and we went at the pace we dictated. She was taking photos of us throughout and send them promptly at the end of the ride. The trails she selects have magnificent views, and you truly get to ride--not like sitting in a horse caravan with a line of riders at the big riding places. Her horses are clearly happy and well cared for, and they are alert and fun to ride. Again, nothing like the big places with worn down, overworked horses that hate what they're doing day in and day out. This is by far the best riding experience you can pick in Sedona for groups of four or less.

5 stars is not enough to describe the incredible experience we had with Saara and her horses. It…read morewas my 12 year old daughter's first ride, and had been years since I had ridden. Having been on rote trail rides that left me feeling underwhelmed and sad for the horses, I was apprehensive. Saara put all of my anxieties at ease. She was so patient with my daughter, and did everything to ensure her first ride was was a spectacular mix of excitement & adventure, paired with calm nurturing that made her feel secure and comfortable. My daughter rode Easy, and he behaved perfectly. I rode Doodlebug and she was such a sweetheart. The trail was absolutely gorgeous with majestic views, red rocks, dips and inclines. It was just the right amount of challenge - keeping riders and horses engaged in the experience. Saara was so easy to talk to, and it felt like riding with a old friend even though we had only just met. Not only was she a fabulous guide and teacher, she also took terrific photos that we will cherish forever. I will ride with Saara again, and I hope that anyone looking for a truly unique and special Sedona experience will give her a call. An afternoon with Saara and her horses is worth every penny and then some. In fact, I'd say the afternoon was priceless.

Koh and Thumper

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Horsin Around Adventures

(199 reviews)

12.2 km

Matt and Marina and Stan were the best!! I've been horseback riding at several locations and this…read moreone was the best!! Great staff! Great horses!! Great time!! Thank you! Judy

We were off to a bit of a chaotic start but we got moving along. There were smaller children- 7…read moreyear old triplets- that led the group so we had to take it slow. I think we were a mixed group of about 18 guests. All of our tour guides were professional, knowledgeable, fun, and lighthearted people. They made absolutely sure we were all safe and having a great time. If you don't want to wait on other people and prefer a smaller group, get the private tour. There wasn't much shade but we were dressed for the heat and had plenty of water and our guides made sure we stayed hydrated. Each horse has a saddle bag for water and small personal items. Jalynn (I think that was her name) did an excellent job rounding up the group and taking charge. She knew what she was doing and how to handle her horse. Chaz and Marina were also our guides and they did a great job of us staying in line. Friendly and personable. I rode Cody and my husband rode Blue. They provided water and Gatorade. There is only one outhouse. They have Clorox wipes, toilet paper and a hand washing station with soap. (And paper towels. ) The lady at our bed and breakfast recommended this place. I hadn't seen it online and they had same day availability. We were on the 2pm tour so if you don't want to be so hot, go in the morning. Lots of dust so be prepared.

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High Mountain Trail Rides

4.9

(25 reviews)

32.0 km

Had a great time on Tomblers Trail Ride, with my wrangler Robert. He was great, amazing…read moreconversation and a very nice way of communicating instructions, he even offered to take a photo for me on the way back. The hour ride was beautiful and the horses seem very happy here and with Robert as well. For such a good price it was a great experience!

My family had a great time! It was my sisters first time and she enjoyed it. Eric was a great guide…read moreand very informative about the horses. Would highly recommend anyone to book this lovely trail ride.

Stagecoach Ride for the girls

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Trail Horse Adventures

4.7

(61 reviews)

22.3 km

Trail horse adventures has a great selection of mild mannered horse ready for the glue factory…read more This is a compliment for the first time riders like my wife. She had a great ride that was a good hour and a half. It was such a beautiful day through the local terrain. She highly recommends Trail Horse for all whom desire to just ride a horse without all the headaches of owning a horse.

Highly recommend stopping by especially if you're visiting Sedona. Stan is the best tour guide you…read morecould ever ask for and the real John Wayne. He's hilarious and well knowledgeable about his horses and the land. You can truly see how much he loves his animals and his job. It is a beautiful park with great views. Charlotte was a beautiful calm horse and Stan made me comfortable riding her. 10/10 recommended this business. (Stan's also great at taking pictures if you're a solo traveler like me)

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Fay Canyon Trail

(48 reviews)

6.8 km

What can I say, breathtaking views on an easy trail, which is well marked! What an incredible way a…read morefamily can see the beauty of Sedona! This trail is short and sweet, I believe it's less than a mile from beginning to the end and then of course you have to hike back to your car. At the end, yes there are some rocks that you can climb up and if you do, you will be greatly rewarded! You certainly don't have to go to the top and I understand it gets very challenging so it's up to you. I only went up a little bit that I felt comfortable, but was still able to get some of the best views I saw during my entire trip and Sedona! I do recommend trying to go a little ways up. You certainly don't have to go further than you're comfortable. Well, let's talk about the actual trail, certainly the best, well marked trail I saw during my trip. Also, what's face it? It's an easy trail, which is awesome because you can just enjoy all the breathtaking views of Faye Canyon and will not need to worry and you could bring family members along young and old. You can knock this hike out in about an hour to an hour and a half and some of the best views I saw in Sedona I saw during this hike. But to be clear, there's some challenging parts if you wish to take them for one thing, there's a large pile of boulders and rocks at the end of the trail, which I mentioned before, but you can climb up those to a height that you feel comfortable and you will be rewarded with some of the best views that you will see during your trip. There is also a side trail halfway through the trail that goes off to an arch. I've read up about this and saw some videos and it looks very challenging and I would do that if you're an experienced hiker and you feel comfortable, I passed on that, but I was very satisfied with the views I got during the easy trail and a little bit of the rocks at the end. The parking lot is huge with a bathroom. I'm really not sure what else you can do to make this trail a great experience! Highly recommended for beginners and experts! Don't miss it, and this is the only trail in Sedona where I felt comfortable, not using an app like all trails, the trail is so clearly marked plus you're in a canyon so kind of impossible to get lost.

This was an easy trail but trying to find the arch lead us to a more difficult climb but so worth…read moreit. Sedona is just breathtaking so any hike will give you great views but if there's a large parking lot it starts the hike off in the best way. $5.00 all day parking and even better they have a restroom.

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Outside of the arch

Palakti Heritage Site

(9 reviews)

10.0 km

The tour was amazing. The guides were very knowledgeable. It was a minimal hike. The area is…read morebeautiful. It is definitely a must see!

*Note: You must have a red rock parking pass and reservations to tour the site*…read more Cyn(Cynthia) was our tour guide for the cave dwellings and the roasting pit/grotto area and she was so informative! It was super fascinating see how the natives in the area lived, built, and learned so much from Cyn and se genuinely seems to love what she does. The one downside is that I I thought it was going to be more of a hike, but it's not. Anyone can do it who can go up steps. The information might be a bit much and not as interesting for kids though so younger kids I would say 10 and below may find it boring. But super interesting and if you like to learn about local history, this is the place to go. Thanks Cyn for the super informative and fascinating tour.

Grotto

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View from grotto

Slide Rock State Park

(411 reviews)

10.7 km

Slide Rock is a natural water park. Families abound. The water was a tad cold but I spent most…read moreof my time lounging on the rocks. So fun. Please come and create your own adventure.

We took the whole crew to Slide Rock State Park, and this one surprised a few people. On paper, it…read moresounds simple. A creek, some rocks, a natural "slide." In reality, it's a full-on experience. First thing you notice is the setting. You're tucked into Oak Creek Canyon with red rock walls rising up around you, water cutting through it like it's been doing forever. It's one of those places where the scenery alone would be enough. But then you add the water. And that water is cold. Not refreshing. Not brisk. Cold. The kind that hits you and resets your entire nervous system. Once you get past that initial shock, though, it's perfect, especially with the Arizona heat doing its thing overhead. The main attraction is the natural rock slide, which is exactly what it sounds like. Smooth, worn stone with water rushing over it, turning the whole thing into a fast-moving chute. Kids loved it. Adults pretended to be cautious and then went right down anyway. It's controlled chaos in the best way. People laughing, slipping, climbing back up to do it again. We had a bigger group, so we claimed a stretch of rock and sort of set up camp for a few hours. There's enough space to spread out if you're willing to walk a bit. Towels on the rocks, bags tucked away, everyone rotating between the water and just sitting back taking it all in. It does get busy. No way around that. This isn't some hidden, quiet spot. But it never felt overwhelming, just lively. There's an energy to it that works. Families, groups of friends, everyone there for the same reason, to cool off and have a good time. A couple practical things. Wear shoes with some grip. Those rocks are no joke. And keep an eye on your footing, especially with kids. It's fun, but it demands a little respect. What stuck with me is how simple it is. No overthinking, no production. Just water, rock, and gravity doing what they do. You show up, you get in, you laugh a little, maybe get knocked around once or twice, and you leave feeling like you actually did something with your day. If you're anywhere near Sedona and it's warm out, this is an easy call. It's not polished, it's not quiet, and that's exactly why it works.

Rock formation overlooking the picnic area

Western Fence lizard sunbathing

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Slide Rock Park

Watson Lake

(154 reviews)

63.4 km

This stunning lake is just outside of Prescott. The scenery is spectacular, with amazing rock…read moreformations around and in the lake. There are several hiking trails around it. There is some boating/kayaking allowed. Boat ramps, some playground equipment, picnic tables. It costs to get in, but you can buy an annual pass which gets you into other parks in the area. We love coming here when we're in the area.

It seems like this lake is a good place for activities like kayaking or paddle boarding. However,…read moremy plan was to hike a loop around the lake. I have been hiking for 40 years in Arizona, and this was one of my worst experiences. The map they give you at the pay station is worthless, and the maps posted along the trail were also worthless, because they didn't have an "X" to indicate where you were. I ended up getting lost and hiking almost 3 miles farther than I had intended. Yes, that is partly on me for not doing more research before I drove up from Phoenix, but some comments I read online said there is a good loop hike around the lake, and that is definitely not true. Just do an out-and-back hike along the east side of the lake and you will be OK.

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Sunset Park

(28 reviews)

1.8 km

We were visiting Sedona and saw this park before heading over there. Our kids had a great time and…read morethe park was big enough! Very clean and well maintained, with shade which was amazing! I recommend it for a chill hang out for the kiddos and the adults too!

This is a fantastic park located just minutes from downtown Sedona. We met several locals who were…read moreincredibly friendly and gave us great recommendations for local food and entertainment. My children and I loved having enough space to toss a softball around on the large, grassy field--it was such a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. If you have a few hours to spare, don't miss this little gem. Enjoy your day!

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Rainbow Trout Farm

4.2

(154 reviews)

9.1 km

Entrance fees, then processing 8 fish, cost an additional $151.00…read more About $100 to much for 8 fish. Strongly don't recommend it, unless over paying is your thing!

Rainbow Trout Farm is easily hidden on State Route 89A. They're located just before you enter…read moreUptown Sedona. This is a great family-fun activity. For $1.50/person, this includes the cost of admission, fishing bait, and the use of their fishing equipment. The check-in process was extremely fast, as you'll get a handful of bait and a bucket of water for the fish you'll catch. We did beat the rush and arrived about 30 minutes after they had opened. As the first ones to arrive, we had the advantage of scoping out our spot to fish. This is also great as the fish are hungry and ready to eat. So, within 40 minutes of arriving, we did catch three rainbow trout. We had caught 12", 14", and 16"! This was an epic activity to do as my son was extremely excited whenever we caught a fish and was eagerly happy to grab the net and remove the hook from the fish's mouth. Now, I do want to warn everyone that THERE IS NO NET FISHING, AS WELL AS CATCH AND RELEASE! You will be charged a fee of $25 if caught doing so. Now that we have caught our three fish, whichever fish you caught will be weighed at $1.25/inch. They do offer a cleaning service at the cost of $0.50/fish. Also, located around the ponds are a lot of grills and benches to cook your freshly caught, hard-earned fish. The grilling kit costs $1.50/fish, which includes a bag, plates, utensils, salt, pepper, butter, and garlic seasoning. There is a 2-hour limit use of the grill, but no cost to use it. Now, if you wanted to take your fish home to cook it, they can pack the fish with ice at $0.50/scoop of ice (one scoop would last about 30 minutes). Also, coolers are offered at $7.00/each, which is recommended if you plan a 2+ hour trip back to your kitchen. As a beginner to the fishing sport, this was a great activity to do with the family on your vacation! The reward of catching a fish, then cooking it right after, was amazing, and the fish was DELICIOUS!!!

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Grasshopper Point Swimming & Picnic Area

3.8

(46 reviews)

8.0 km

Recently, I visited Grasshopper Point in Sedona for a beautiful hike!!! Now during the summer this…read moreplace can get pretty busy as everyone is enjoying the water. Especially on the weekends. The parking lot can be full and and it's pretty hard to find any parking. But during the cold months, it is a lot easier to park here and the hike is breathtaking. I have seen deer here too. The rock formations are absolutely beautiful and you hear the sounds of the Creek as you walk through the trails. Attaching some photos here for you to see.

This is the best swimming hole in Sedona for little kids. Easy to park and walk down to the water…read more Absolutely beautiful.

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Oakcreek Country Club

4.0

(63 reviews)

9.6 km

The staff was all fantastic. Course was in 5 star shape and the views are breathtaking. One of the…read morebest rounds in all of Arizona.

Course was in great shape Tees were in great shape…read more Fairways were pure Course is short but you have to place your tee shot lots of trees Restrooms were clean Hospitality was great 4.8 rating

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Seven Canyons-Sedona

4.0

(44 reviews)

6.1 km

The Food was Amazing. Toasted carrot hummus was spectacular. The view is incredible. If you can…read morecatch the sun set, the pictures are incredible.

We stayed here for a week in a villa. I have to say it's…read moreamazing and the places are spectacular. The views are to die for and the staff was so friendly. All the grounds and the pools are well maintained and a great time.

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Robert D.

10 months ago

A soulful journey: my wife and I recently had the profound pleasure of visiting and meeting the remarkable Andrea, along with her magnificent horses, Red and Flash. This was an experience that left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. From the moment my wife and I stepped onto the ranch, we were enveloped in a sense of serenity and warmth, thanks largely to Andrea's welcoming demeanor. Her passion and deep connection with her horses were evident from the outset. Andrea has an extraordinary ability to communicate the spirit and essence of the ranch, immediately making us feel like part of her extended family. The horses, Red and Flash, were nothing short of spectacular. Andrea introduced us to them with such grace, sharing insights into their personalities and histories, which enriched our interaction. The time spent with Red and Flash was profoundly introspective and spiritual. Andrea guided us through exercises designed to foster a deeper understanding and connection with these majestic animals. It was as if we were communicating on a level beyond words, feeling their gentle souls and understanding their silent wisdom. This was not merely an opportunity to witness the horses' beauty but a chance to bond and develop a connection that felt ancient and ethereal. Andrea's ranch is more than just a place; it feels like a sanctuary for both horses and humans alike. Her dedication to creating a spiritual haven for connecting with these incredible creatures was palpable throughout our stay. The setting, enveloped by nature's beauty, served as the perfect backdrop for this transformative experience. What made this visit truly special was Andrea's intuitive ability to understand and respect our personal journey. She was not just a guide but a facilitator of an experience that allowed my wife and me to engage with our innermost selves and discover a sense of peace and connection that is often elusive in everyday life. In conclusion, meeting Andrea and her beloved horses, Red and Flash, was an unforgettable experience that left us both enriched and at peace. It was a day filled with introspection, spiritual growth, and the forging of incomparable bonds. I wholeheartedly recommend this magical interaction to anyone seeking a transformative adventure. The Smarty Pants Ranch is not just a place to visit but a place to embrace with your heart and soul. read more

Melanie M.

5 years ago

It's taken a second for me to find the right words. I'm a 52 year old very privileged white woman who's obsessed over and ridden horses my entire life, from trail-riding to jumper competitions, up and down the West coast. I've also done quite a bit of therapy, individual to group to week-long retreats. So how did I miss it? How did I miss the brilliant energy of the horse that could help me tap into my intuition and truth with such clarity that it was simultaneously shocking and extraordinarily beautiful? I've been so busy guiding a horse all these years, that I didn't think to stop and let the horse guide me. Mind blown. What a gift Andrea Gaines is to the world. The minute I saw her, I felt completely safe, immersed in the stunning beauty of this magical place she and her husband have created. She's knowledgable and strong, while vulnerable, open, gentle, thoughtful and kind. Watching her follow her instincts and intuition allowed me to more easily follow mine. She was clear about what she was there to do, help me explore the unknown with these creatures that mirror back to us exactly what we need, when we're ready to listen. And if we're truly open, we see it, we feel it, we know it deep inside and something changes in us. We get closer to our inner light and essence, the pure magic we were when we entered this world. Who we were before being beaten down by whatever it was, our gift, to still be here on Earth to do our best to overcome, learn, evolve, grow, thrive, teach and give back. I landed at Andrea's in the most serendipitous way, thanks to an astonishing string of people who led me there. My goal is to spend the next part of my life giving back, helping people heal from trauma, helping people find the clarity and empathy they need to do the same. It's a chain reaction, and this world desperately needs us all to contribute. Thank you so much, Andrea, and thank you sweet Red and Flash, the best guides I've encountered in this life. Don't walk, RUN, to see Andrea and her boys on their beautiful farm in Ojai. read more

Melanie M.

5 years ago

Nicole H.

1 year ago

Magical. Amazing. Poignant. Life expanding. The skill, wisdom and kindness Andrea and her horses, Red and Flash have is unlike anything I've ever experienced. I showed up looking for help with my love/fear relationship with horses and within a short time of Andrea and I being in with the two horses, Red laid down with eyes at half mast and Flash was on the either side yawning. They made themselves vulnerable and calm, creating a space for me and my body to become aware of and relish in this space of safety and calm presence they created for me. Andrea is very intentional and thoughtful with her questions and guidance. I received wonderful insight from the horses while laying down with one as he was in and out of sleep and later on, the other one teaching my body what it feels like to have a horse have your back with him directly behind me, practically resting his head onto mine. By the time I left, I not only had an entirely new relationship with horses and tools to use when fear around horses might arise again, but it all also beautifully translates to other areas of my life as well. I felt such freedom. On top of all of this, Andrea takes in the moment pictures and video for you to have as well as she sent me links to a variety of wonderful resources that pertained to things we discussed. To have the opportunity to work with Andrea and her horses amongst the incredible energies of Sedona is such a blessing and unlike anything I've experienced anywhere else. PLEASE, give yourself this gift that will last within you, well beyond the actual time you spend with Andrea, Red and Flash. read more

Amber R.

1 year ago

I honestly can't say enough about the incredible experience my family had with Andrea and her horses, Flash and Red. From the moment we arrived, Andrea made us feel right at home--so warm, friendly, and genuinely kind. It was clear she has a deep love for her horses, and that energy really radiated through the entire experience. My girls, ages 9 and 11, were a little nervous at first, but Andrea's gentle guidance put them at ease. She taught us all how to connect with Flash and Red in such a special way. We spent time brushing them, playing with them, and even just lying down next to them. Flash and Red, were so patient and loving, and I could see my girls' confidence growing as they interacted with them. I strongly recommend meeting Andrea and her horses to anyone looking for a unique, meaningful experience. Whether you're a horse lover or just want to try something new, you won't regret it. Thank you, Andrea, for sharing your beautiful soul and your wonderful horses with us. We can't wait to see you again next time we visit Sedona. read more

Julie A.

3 months ago

My husband, young adult daughter and I had a very special experience with Andrea, Red, and Flash. Andrea's love and understanding of the horses was so evident; it immediately put us at ease, knowing that we were in a safe place. We were enchanted by the horses and loved how Andrea was able to help us connect with them in a way that was personal to our own circumstances. To my surprise, my husband--who has never spent time with horses and who does not call himself "spiritual"--was probably the one who was most affected by the experience, as it helped him reflect on how he wants to approach his upcoming retirement. He says that he'll think back on his experience with Red and Flash often, as he navigates his way in this new stage of life. We'll definitely return someday if we're in the area again; it would be meaningful to experience it at a different time, when we're dealing with different life circumstances. We highly recommend this unique and enlightening experience! read more

Elizabeth M.

1 year ago

I've never spent much time around horses, but my experience with Andrea Gaines at Smarty Pants Ranch in Sedona was nothing short of extraordinary. Horses are deeply intuitive beings, and I was in awe of how effortlessly they attuned to what I needed--offering me a sense of safety, grounding, and reflection without a single word spoken. Andrea is a true guide, facilitating an unspoken conversation between the soul of the horse and the soul within us. Through her gift, Shanti and I uncovered messages that resonated deeply--both as individuals and as a couple. The insights we received were powerful, unexpected, and profoundly moving. Feeling immense gratitude for this experience and for Andrea's wisdom. If you ever find yourself in Sedona, I cannot recommend booking a session with her enough. It's more than just horse therapy--it's a journey into the depths of yourself, reflected back through the gentle and knowing presence of these incredible animals. read more

Debbie G.

7 years ago

I'm a horse gal...AND, this equine facilitated learning workshop with Andrea and her horses was phenomenal...as I watched each of us process...my prominent thought was, "These horses are oracles"... like horse therapy, as I searched inside for answers to my current uncertainties, the energy these horses brought gave me clarity unlike when I struggle alone. It's as if the answers, comfort, or whatever I needed just flowed from the horse to me. And I saw the same thing happen with each of the sisters that worked fiercely, bravely, lovingly on their lives. 3 of the participants were repeats. I understand why. The enlightenment, epiphanies, equine therapy and healing brought through were so much more efficient, effective and deeper than any talk therapy or phone coaching can ever be. I STRONGLY suggest signing up for an equine therapy session with Andrea at Horse, Heart and Connection. Ojai, California read more

Cheryl M.

6 years ago

As I participated in the group Horse Heart Connection retreat, I witnessed Andrea's personal attention and profound intuition when working with individuals and the horses. She gently and authentically guides the individuals to connect within themselves when meeting her Horses, Flash and Red, thus creating an effortless flow in relationship with the horses. She imparts a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and grace in her practice, and anyone would benefit from time with her and her horse guides. Thank you Andrea for the profound opportunity to more deeply surrender into my spirit through the horse medicine. My heart unlocked and I surrendered into an even great presence of safety, empowerment, and self-acceptance as I basked in the love Flash showed me and witnessed in me. I'm beyond grateful and appreciative of your horses and you. read more

Eva C.

6 months ago

My equine experience with Andrea truly exceeded my expectations, and my expectations were already high after hearing how much a friend loved it. I didn't expect the depth of emotion that would come up, or how powerfully the horses (and Andrea's reflections) would open my heart and bring clarity to things I've been carrying for a long time. Andrea creates an incredibly safe, intuitive, and insightful environment. Her ability to guide the experience and reflect what the horses are communicating is remarkable. It felt deeply authentic and surprisingly clarifying. Of everything I did during my time in Sedona, this was the most impactful experience by far. read more

Whitney C.

3 years ago

My 9 year old and I both attended a session with Andrea, Red and Flash and immediately felt so at home, cared for and comfortable. We were able to drop in with Andrea before visiting with Red and Flash, and appreciated the meditative approach to being with the horses. To hug a horse, brush a horse and simply be with the horses was incredible. In return we felt so much love, acceptable and I watched my 9 year old grow in confidence within the session. We highly recommend this experience to anyone even slightly curious about it. The property, the horses, the care and kindness of Andrea is not to be missed!! read more

Kathryn R.

3 months ago

I suggest visiting Andrea Gaines for the "Horse Heart & Connection Experience". My husband and I had a magical experience on a Sunday afternoon in early May. Her two horses, Flash & Red, were AWESOME! They hung with us the whole 2 hours letting us soak in their POSITIVE ENERGY! Andrea was an AMAZING facilitator! She asked us the right questions at the right time to help us move past any negative beliefs. Truly an experience you don't want to miss. The pictures she took were fantastic - we have memories to cherish for a very long time! read more

Eric F.

7 years ago

Andrea leads peace-filled solo and small group sessions (my wife did a group session) on her ranch minutes from downtown Ojai. No horse riding is involved; it's more like a therapy session. I didn't know horses could communicate in this way - I had never even heard of Equine Facilitated Learning, but now I'm a believer. Working with horses therapeutically is also a special way to connect to the nature of the Ojai Valley. And to work with horses! We would recommend this to any other locals in Ojai and for people visiting the area. read more

Cindy J.

6 years ago

I've been to Horse, Heart Connection twice and both times, the experiences and feelings/emotions I had during and afterward were very powerful. Andrea is a fantastic facilitator and her horses, Red and Flash, are the most loving, kind, gentle and fun beings you could ever hope to meet. I'd highly recommend this. The cost is very reasonable...well worth the benefits. I've done both a group and private session (the private one was with my husband and cousin) and enjoyed both very much and we look forward to going back! read more

Pina M.

6 years ago

Horses are healers. I could not have imagined a better experience. From the moment Andrea greeted me with her warm smile at the entrance of the smarty pants ranch, I knew I was in for a treat. I spent two hours unraveling my biggest fears and left with a completely different outlook on life. As for my most beautiful Red and Flash you are the gifts I have been looking for. Red you are an old soul and I could feel your wisdom in my bones. Flash you showed me my truth. You are wiser than anyone will ever know. read more

Liz M.

10 months ago

From the moment we arrived, Andrea's warmth and the stunning red rock backdrop made the experience feel magical. A sense of peace washed over us as we met the horses--Red chose me, and Flash chose my husband. Andrea's intuition and the horses' gentle energy created a deeply healing and insightful experience. My husband, who's usually intimidated by horses, left with a new friend and a huge smile. If you're looking for true connection, peace, and a little bit of magic, this is the place! read more

Gabrielle G.

6 years ago

I have been out to Smarty Pants Ranch 4 times now and have found each visit to offer something different and unique. I have been able to build my person confidence in regards to boundaries and holding my own space. Each visit I have gotten more comfortable with being around the horses. It is a great space to be supported while self discovery is unfolding. I felt very safe and it has been lots of fun!!! The Ranch is beautiful. I am very Grateful for the experience. Thanks read more

Dalal B.

5 years ago

Truly an unforgettable experience! The horses, Andrea, the location, the company... it just all magically clicks together when you arrive at Smarty Pants Ranch. I felt a soothing and a comfortable quietness that lingered on for the rest of my day. If you're looking for a place to retune your frequencies and earth your soul you will find it there, if you are looking for a moment of peace, ease and connection you will find it there... I can't wait to visit again! :) read more

Renee G.

2 years ago

My adult daughter and I were so excited to share this experience and we were not disappointed! Andrea is insightful and caring and Flash and Red were so beautiful and intuitive. It's amazing what animals can give to us. This is part meditation, part therapy and so much more. It's hard to describe. We highly recommend. We will never forget our experience and we hope one day to return. Thank you Andrea, Flash & Red! Your in our hearts forever. read more

Antoinette R.

3 years ago

My husband gifted me this wonderful experience for our 26th Anniversary!!! Spending the day with Andrea, Red, and Flash and the other participants was a pleasure!!! Andrea's expertise and knowledge helped facilitate a day of growth, learning, healing, and connection. We are bringing our entire family back soon!!! Thank you!!! read more

Horse, Heart & Connection - animalassistedtherapy - Updated August 2026

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