Hugh is a very good teacher, and makes doesnt pussyfoot around you getting comfortable with the animal. Not to mention the Sonoma area is beautiful in itself, the stable is very well maintained. Do keep in mind that horseback riding is somewhat dangerous... but if you're looking to start this is the place! read more

My friend and I got a lesson from Hugh and learned a lot. We had a Groupon, and could not believe how fortunate we were to get a lesson from a real professional. Hugh is really into safety, and gave us one-on-one attention. I will definitely recommend, and go back. read more

so many things went wrong on my first riding lesson. This should be a zero star. 1) no directions were given, gps left me at some other person's house. No sign with his stable name on it, so got lost driving up and down a 70mph country road- country people drive very very fast, even with big dips in the road. And a 45 min drive took 1.5 hrs. 2) I called, no pick up, had to leave msg. I also called the tel on the sign, no answer. Hugh called back within 10 min or more. I tell him I am lost. He forgot to mention that you have to drive 2 miles off the main road and the sign doesn't have his stable name on it, it says something else. You can only read this sign if you were traveling in the opposite direction than from SF- try to get that right while you are required to drive 70mph so you don't get hit by anyone. I got lost again, called, no pick up. Luckily someone was walking a horse, so I asked him. If you knew your customer was lost, why would you not be available to pick up your phone in case they had to call again? Also, if your business is that hard to find, why don't you give the directions to your customers before they visit? Who would have known that there are a bunch of centers sharing the facilities? 3) He tells me that my sneakers won't do, did I bring my helmet and boots? Another surprise that I somehow should have known about. 4) before you can ride the horse, you need to brush it. Surprise! Not mentioned on the Groupon. I am very allergic to animals, esp if I have to groom them. Ya think I would have bought the Groupon if this was properly disclosed? Of course, I comply and get very allergic. 5)there is a portapotty close by if you need to use it. Bathroom facilities with running water are back the other way, and it is not so close by. 6) we adjust the stirrups and ya know, they were too long. Midway into lesson, he figures it out. 7) it is an english saddle, so no place to hold onto, except the mane if you are told not to hold onto the reigns while the horse is trotting. I haven't even gotten down how to be stable on the animal. 8) if I stretched out my arms as it seems I was doing improperly, I'd be lying on the horse's neck 9) one comment: don't yell at me just because I am not doing 1000 things properly all at once on my first lesson Needless to say, other than the beautiful patient horse, it was a miserable and regrettable horseback riding lesson- all because Hugh is an inept trainer. I don't think he ever got any training on how to deliver compassionate and customer focused riding lessons. Never going back, didn't use up the rest of the Groupons. read more

Horse first! Get that and understand that. The horse come first. You are taking advantage of a loving creature, 1000 pounds, but submissive, if you are kind and respectful; You will learn to speak the horse's language. They don't speak our language. Hugh will make sure you understand that. Riding is an extreme sport, You will work hard, you will sweat, you will be sore. But, you will also be exhilarated and feel powerful. And you will feel like you are 12 years old and having so much fun again. read more

Exceptional trainer. Easily five stars. I've ridden with him for years and he's wonderful. Highly recommended.