I've been taking lessons at CRA for about a year now as an adult beginner and I look forward to my…read morelessons every week. I love arriving at the barn and seeing all the beautiful horses. The owner and staff are all lovely as well. My favorite thing about CRA is the amount of progress I feel I've made after each lesson. The instructors are all very knowledgable and always provide helpful feedback that has helped me with my equestrian journey. Definitely give this place a visit! Plus, they've got the cutest pony, Merlin! (see attached photo)

I am so happy to have found California Riding Academy in Pacifica. The barn is super convenient…read morefor me to get to from San Francisco - I can easily take a weekday morning lesson before my PM shift at the hospital. The horses are incredibly well cared for. The barn and arena are very nice. My instructor Sierra is very helpful and patient. I was finally getting strong enough to really properly post the trot when the Covid19 lock down hit. I cannot wait to get back to the barn and to the horses. I highly recommend California Riding Academy.

I had the most wonderful experience with Colleen Shjelfo today. I am familiar with horses, but it's…read morebeen a very long time. She started the lesson with grooming "Frisco" and then explaining, showing, and having me follow with brideling him. Our time in the ring was excellent. By the time I left, I was very comfortable riding Frisco and giving him commands that he followed. I will be seeing her again in the next two weeks to graduate to trotting. Definitely recommend Collen for lessons.

My 8 year old daughter wrapped up her first ever summer horse camp and she can't wait to come back!…read moreShe enjoyed getting to know all 3 horses: Frisco (her fave), Dakota and Indy. In 5 days, she learned basic English riding styles and horse care like how to groom, feed, bathe, catch/lead the horse. She even got to experience bareback (no saddle) trotting! Thank you Colleen at Peninsula Equestrian Academy for a fun and memorable week!

Nice big place for boarding! It was a bit too far to travel from San Jose and they had some…read morepotholes in the dirt roads.

Wonderful place to ride. Excellent horses and very experienced instructors. Just off 280 in…read morePortola Valley.

I think spring down is a very good place to go and all the horses are so sweet and it's a good…read moreplace. I really rated a good five stars. and I started going here because I really love horses and I hope you guys like it too.

The most terrible experience in the world!!!! Sooooo angry , rude , insulting new staff including…read morenew manager Camden. They were yelling and screaming on people and little kids... Not professional!!! Never go there again !!!! And never recommend this place!!!! Sadly, this place has been completely changed in terms of how they treat people now after new staff came. it used to be very friendly, kind, warm and welcoming place in the past ( just couple years ago).

My daughter has been riding with Jan for the last year and has grown so much as a rider and is so…read morehappy with the whole experience. Jan creates a wonderful barn culture and really supports each individual's needs. In addition to my daughter's experience, I have my own personal experience riding with Jan. I started with her when I was 6 and rode with her until I graduated high school. I'm so beyond lucky to get to share my best childhood memories and now relive them with my daughter. Jan is the best!

Jan is amazing! She has been training my daughter for nearly 3 years. She knows when to push, when…read moreto encourage and how to get the best out of the rider and horse. Her love of horses and knowledge shine through, her warmth and sense of humor make it all even better.

Started riding lessons in April 2024 once a week and now going twice a week and love it!!! Great…read moreset up at the stables. Kristin is a great instructor and her patience, knowledge and guidance has helped me gain confidence and make great progress. Highly recommend Stone Pine Stables!

The best trainer and people around! I started with Karen as an adult who was getting back into…read moreriding. She re- taught me the basics and then the fundamentals. She helped me find a horse to lease that fit my budget (without batting an eye that it was limited) and fit my needs. She went on to help me met every goal I have set for myself. She has thoughtfully and patiently answered my riding questions, horse care questions, and horse show questions and then more questions about my riding. She made my dream of owning a horse a possibly and has built a group of wonderful clients who I am lucky to now call friends. She is deeply knowledgeable and an excellent communicator who is able adjust to the varying needs of her clients. I could not recommend her more.

A little over a year ago, I was looking for a place to take lessons. I tried many different barns…read morein the area, but after I rode with Sarah, I stopped looking. I look forward to my riding lesson every week because I really like being sore for 3 days after. No, really. Sarah is an amazing instructor. She cares about all her students/clients, those with or without their own horses , whether you are jumping 1.2m or 6 inches, as long as you are willing to learn. Sarah will challenge you in many ways during her lessons, but remaining positive at the same time. She has high expectations of all her students, but you will learn so much. Highly recommended!!

For over three years now Sarah has educated my daughter in all aspects of riding and horsemanship…read more Sarah have been attentive, knowledgeable and very engaged to help my daughter continue to grow as a rider.. Working with Sarah has been an amazingly positive experience for both myself and my daughter.

What more can be said about Garrod Farms that hasn't already been felt by so many? For countless…read moreriders, this is the place where we first sat on a horse, felt the excitement of riding, and created memories that will last a lifetime. Garrod Farms is more than a barn--it is a place filled with joy, friendship, and an unmistakable sense of community. From the moment you arrive, you can feel the positive energy that surrounds the property. It truly feels like a place from a dream. One of my greatest fears is the thought of this special place ever disappearing, because it has become home to so many families, riders, and horse lovers. The Garrod family deserves tremendous recognition for everything they do. This is a true family-owned and operated business, built through hard work, dedication, and genuine passion. There is always someone on the property working on improvements, maintaining the grounds, or finding ways to make the experience even better for everyone. The amount of effort required to care for such a large facility is extraordinary, and their commitment never goes unnoticed. The farm offers some of the best arena footing in the area, beautiful indoor and outdoor arenas, and direct access to miles of scenic trails where riders can relax and enjoy time with their horses. It is a safe and welcoming environment that has been serving children, families, and equestrians for generations. Their horseback riding lessons, whether private or group, are exceptional and suitable for riders of all experience levels. They also offer some of the best vaulting lessons in the area, giving students a unique opportunity to develop balance, confidence, athleticism, and horsemanship in a fun and supportive environment. The horse camps are among the best around, and the only complaint anyone seems to have is that they fill up too quickly. The local horse shows provide riders with valuable opportunities and motivation, while the boarding program offers quality care at a reasonable price. Special events for boarders create an even stronger sense of community and make being part of Garrod Farms feel truly special. Beyond the horses, the winery adds another layer of charm. Great music, beautiful scenery, and wonderful people make it a place where memories are created and shared. There is always a sense of warmth and happiness in the air. Garrod Farms is more than a facility--it is home. It is a place where friendships are formed, confidence is built, and dreams begin. God bless Jan, Vicky, Cory, and the entire Garrod family for everything they do. Their dedication has touched the lives of so many people, and their contributions to the community deserve recognition and support every single day.

My friend from Germany wanted to ride a horse while visiting the states, so I very last minute…read morecalled Garrod to see if they had any availability. I was easily able to book a private guided ride with just the two of us and an expert rider. Our guide was so nice and equipped us with everything we needed to have a safe, but fun trip. You can tell the horses are very well taken care of and loved by the staff at the stables. The tour itself had beautiful views overseeing Los Gatos. It was a reasonably priced experience and absolutely worth it!