We are so grateful to have found Horsebound. My daughter started riding with Jo in 2021 and we just couldn't be happier. Jo is an excellent teacher who works to build the student's confidence and skills slowly and deliberately with lots of care. No rushing, no pushing, just steadily developing real connection with the horses and themselves. read more

Horsebound - 12yo L dismounting after a lesson - Horseback Riding Near Me - San Diego, California

Horsebound and the ladies who make it all possible are the most kind, caring and compassionate humans. I've been coming out to Canyonside ranch for over 20 years and the support and care from Amy Holman has been so Awesome! Jo and the rest of the gals too have been amazing as well! I feel so blessed and grateful for these continued wonderful experiences over the years and look forward to many more read more

Horsebound - Horseback Riding Near Me - San Diego, California

Amazing ranch in the middle of this quasi residential area. I love that the kids become part of their family and are allowed space to grow as humans as they learn to work with horses. Great staff flexible hours goid stuff read more

My daughter loves riding with Jo. She started a few years ago and has loved it ever since. I am so glad they teach not just how to ride but how to care for the horse. It is fun to watch my little daughter carry a saddle! Thank you! read more

I wish I could give more than 5 stars. My daughter has taken lessons for several years. She has also attended camps. Jo and the other instructors are skilled and caring. The horses are sweet and very well cared for. I strongly recommend this program. It is a great asset to our community! read more

I *was* interested in becoming a new client, trying to get them to respond to me since 7/23. Their website says they prefer emails to phone calls, so that's what I did. After no response to my first email, I sent another one in mid August and got a reply in early September that someone named Amy would call me that afternoon. A few days went by and I emailed one last time to let them know I hadn't heard from Amy yet. I give up. If you dont want or have time for my business, just say so. Dont leave me hanging. So frustrating. read more

I took my 4th grade girl scout troop for a lesson and short ride, and Amy's Horsebound team exceeded our expectations. When we showed up their team was prepared to take all 7 girl scouts, pair them up with an appropriate horse, and older riders (mostly teenage girls) provided one-on-one guidance on how to care for horses. The girl scouts then went to the rink for riding instruction before finishing off with a short ride. The close-up experience with the horses eased any fears the girls might have had, and by the end of the day they all loved their horses and instructors. I would highly recommend this company again. My only minor complaint is that they're not great at answering the phone, but they are out working with the horses all day and even suggest email communication as the best way to schedule with them. Thanks, Horsebound! read more

This is a very good ranch and Jo rocks and the horses are amazing. The other instructors and girls are so sweet and caring towards eachother. read more

Fantastic all around horsemanship program. For absolute beginners on up. Kids and adults. Horseboundsandiego will teach you the fundamentals of horsemanship, and they have access to the best trails around to try out your skills. Unlike other programs, this is not a Horse Show focused barn. Although they will teach you how to show and take you to shows to test your skills, you will not feel pressured into buying expensive show gear or horses. You will learn to get the most out of any horse. It's a very positive and accepting environment. read more

My wife and I planned for four lessons. The first three went smoothly but we were unable to schedule our final lesson. I emailed Jo multiple times and each time it took her more than week to respond. Initially she indicated that she was available on a Wednesday but she never confirmed. Even after I called and spoke to her partner to confirm our lesson, she never called back. Not professional at all. read more

Excellence in training for both horse and rider. Amy Holman is a decorated horsewoman and trainer and and is excellent with both her equine and human clients. I highly recommend Amy for ALL adult riders. There is always something to learn from Amy. She has a gift. She can read a horse like no other! I think she's actually half horse! Jo is the other instructor who works with the younger kids and she is outstanding as well. Their horses are very safe and are super fun to ride. I highly recommend Horsebound. read more

My 8 year old daughter has been taking riding lessons here for the past few months. The instructor is difficult to communicate with (sometimes days without a response), and would bristle or shut down at any attempt to discuss my daughter's progress. The instructor made it very clear she wants you to write the check and have no input. Most riding lessons include tacking up and grooming before and after the lesson, and we expected this. But more often then not, the time spent caring for the horse would far exceed the time on the horse. The pony used in our lessons was herself apparently still learning and would constantly need to be prodded or given treats to respond. In addition, rainy conditions would often flood out the arena, which is located in a valley, leaving limitations on the lesson quality and scheduling. At the time we came to this barn, my daughter was cantering off the lead in an arena. We were told to expect a year before she would be able to do this here. Oddly, it seemed the instructor seemed to want the lessons to progress minimally and perhaps this is because they do not offer anything beyond riding (such as jumping, barrels, etc). If you are looking for a place for your child to get used to horses and enjoy pony rides, this place is good. But if you would like your child to be able to truly focus on learning to ride, your money would be well spent elsewhere. read more

I have the same complaint as Nicole B. I was interested in becoming a new client so I tried to contact them many times but they never responded. I would have preferred if they just say no instead of not responding. read more

I brought a young OTTB to Canyonside. I enlisted the help from Amy who has done wonders for me and my horse. Amy's natural horsemanship style has increased our confidence 100%! She is a calm experienced horsewoman. I urge any one from the novice rider to experienced to use Amy if they need training. Whether a one time tune up to full training and everything in between, I recommend Amy from Horse bound! read more