I've been meaning to write this review for a long time but life has a way of getting away from you…read more I took two blocks of lessons with All Seasons Horse Riding and their team is phenomenal. I had and rode horses as a kid but it had been a good 20 years since my last ride and I'd lost all the skills and confidence I once had. All Seasons helped me build that confidence right back up. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable, patient and approachable. Every lesson there seriously felt like therapy. Just being around the horses, the kind folks and learning without a ton of pressure was always so nice. They make it a point to end each session on a high note - it's good for the horses and for you as a rider. During extra hot or rainy days, sometimes the riding lessons would be canceled but more often than not, the lesson would just be horsemanship and/or groundwork. I know some people only want the riding parts of the lessons but having instructors that can teach you the horsemanship and groundwork techniques is invaluable. You build so much more skill and appreciation for the horses that way. It allows you to actually foster relationships with the horses too. I enjoyed that aspect so much that sometimes I'd request those lessons even if the weather was good to ride. I had to take a break due to my own budget constraints but i will be back! The lessons are absolutely fairly priced and worth every dollar.

All Seasons Horse Riding is an incredible place to practice and learn horse riding skills! The…read moreteachers are unbelievably kind and friendly and they'll help your kid learn and grow from their experiences! The owner Julie is incredibly responsive. All seasons takes riders of all ages -- my child takes classes regularly, but I took just one class, and it was amazing. It's a great vibe: about learning, building skills, & challenging riders without being uber competitive. There is an emphasis on fun and building self-confidence that I see pay off for my kiddo in life, beyond horse classes.

As I write this, I'm approaching two years with Lisa at Burgeon Sport Horses -- and even now, it's…read morehard to put into words what this experience has meant to me. Burgeon didn't just bring me back to riding. It brought me back to myself. When I first came to Burgeon, I had been out of the saddle for five years. I came in with no guarantees -- just a deep love for horses, a willingness to work hard, and a quiet hope that maybe I could rebuild something I thought I had lost. What I found here was so much more: a trainer who believes in her riders, a program rooted in integrity, and a place that truly changes people from the inside out. Lisa is more than just a talented trainer -- she's a mentor who meets each rider where they are and helps them rise. Whether you're a complete beginner just finding your seat, or an advanced rider refining your skills, she sees the potential in every student. She doesn't just teach lessons -- she teaches you how to think, how to listen, how to partner with your horse. She builds confidence with patience, celebrates every step forward, and always holds space for growth. The program at Burgeon is built with care, depth, and real horsemanship at its core. The horses are happy, well-conditioned, and respected. Lisa pours herself into every ride, every student, every decision -- and you feel it the second you step into the arena. It's about the work -- the quiet, powerful kind that builds a rider not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too. For me, this journey has been transformational. I've gone from being unsure and full of self-doubt to finding a deep confidence that's changed my life far beyond the barn. I've grown stronger -- not just as a rider, but as a person. I've learned how to trust myself again. How to be patient with progress. How to take up space. I've found community, purpose, and a sense of belonging I didn't know I was missing. Every lesson, every ride, every hard day and breakthrough moment -- it's all shaped me. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Burgeon Sport Horses is the kind of place that stays with you. It's for people who are ready to work hard, grow with intention, and build something real. I feel so incredibly lucky to be a part of it. Lisa has changed my riding, and she's changed me -- and this is still just the beginning. -- Maddie S.

Lisa is a knowledgeable, professional and well-organized horse trainer and a person of integrity. I…read morerecently purchased a horse from her and throughout the process she was honest about the horse's strengths and, most importantly, areas where the horse needed development or might not suit what I was looking for. She gave me time and sufficient opportunity to assess the horse's suitability. This clearly demonstrated that she was most interested in making a good match than making a quick sale. I am very pleased with the horse I bought from her and it was an enjoyable process to boot!

My 4 1/2 yr old horse obsessed daughter has been taking lessons here for the past 2 months and is…read moreabsolutely in her element!! She has trained with both Lucy and Jen who are great with her. They not only teach riding technique, but expect the riders to help with grooming and tacking the horse. My daughter is thriving here and practices "posting" at home. They're also very good about safety- the helmet I bought my daughter didn't fit right and they took the time to adjust and fit it, and finally ended up letting her borrow one they had until I can get to the store and get a proper fitting helmet. As a momma who knows nothing about horses, I am more than appreciative. I bring along my 1 yr old to the lessons, and everyone at the ranch is very kind and welcoming.

I've been riding at Highland since September 2012. Highland has amazing instructors (Jen, Lucy and…read moreSarah) who can teach using a number of styles, techniques and disciplines within the English style of riding. I started out riding their sweetest school horse (Star) and now riding an Advanced level Selle Francais Warmblood (Leya, who was on track to go to the eventing Olympics, and is owned by the barn owner, Sarah), competing consecutively is meter classes at A-rated shows this past summer. I even now own a German Riding Pony that I've been training, and he has the best cute and quirky little personality. Highland has a great atmosphere and some of my closest friends have been made there. Everyone I've ever met at Highland has been kind and friendly, and (something very helpful when you first start out riding or at a new barn) always ready to help. There is always someone around, whether it be an instructor or another student, who is willing to help with whatever you need help with. The instructors also listen to your goals and try to put you on horses and doing exercises that will bring you closer to your goals. Highland's horses are also amazing, usually a little older but who have had competition experience in the past, so they know what they're doing. All of these horses have great, friendly personalities that make riding even more fun, anywhere from sweet and shy to funny and friendly. Highland also has some goats on property, and when the babies are born (usually every spring or every other spring) they are just so cute to watch grow up, and to play with. I would not be the rider I am today without Highland.

Perfect setting, great horses & we learned so much. Had a great experience. Would highly…read morerecommend!!

Miss Heidi has individualized my daughter's riding lessons according to her interests and abilities…read moreeach week. We love Miss Heidi's calm and confident teaching style. My daughter looks forward to every lesson, and has grown tremendously in our 6 lessons so far! Highly recommend lessons with Miss Heidi

My 2 daughters have been with Horizons East for over 3 years. They had gone from riding academy to…read morecompetitive training riders, and each of them has grown beautifully as a rider as well as a person. Here is why.. First, the coaches are skillful and caring. Not only their priority is always safety, but also encouraging riders to properly care for the horses. They pay attention to each individual rider's skill and help them progress. This sport is physically and mentally challenging. My girls have had their struggles, but the coaches have been patient, guiding them through, and gone above and beyond to help them succeed. My girls have grown their confidence and learned their ways to cope and push through their challenges. I truly appreciate and respect them. Thanks to Sam, Barbara, Dacota, Nikki, Shannon, Tiffany, Heather, Rena, and Terri! Second, HZE has different levels of horses that fit the riders' skill, from a beginner to advanced rider who want to lease or own a horse. The horses are in good care and Sam is very knowledgeable and attentive when it comes to horses' well being. They also have IEA team, and are very experience at horse shows. Last, but not least, HZE has a very friendly and relaxed environment. My girls enjoy spending time with their friends at the barn and help out with what they can. Advanced riders are always willing to help, so are their parents. They have flexible schedule, no weekly fixed schedule required, and very accommodating to reasonable changes.

I had a lesson with Coach Heather and learned the basics of caring for a horse as well as riding…read more The riding school horses are very gentle and well-behaved. I rode with Tajma, who was taller than my head when we stood next to each other. Coach Heather did an amazing job reassuring me when mounting and dismounting. The introductory lesson included turning, stopping, going, posturing, and various balancing exercises. By the end of the hour, I was already comfortable on horseback. It would be ideal to extend the actual horseback training to an hour, with prep and cleanup being additional time. However, I understand that this could be strenuous for the animals.

I grew up riding. It has been a forever passion of mine that, after moving to SF, I quickly had to…read morerenounce. For the past 5 years I have been desperate to fill that gap but it just never seemed to work out for one reason or another.... As fate would have it, I ended up meeting one of my now dearest friends (on Yelp! no less) who also felt the huge hole left in her heart by lack of horse time. We embarked on a quest to find a stable that would get us back to where we used to be as riders and then some. We spent countless hours scouring the internet, making lists via Google docs and driving all over the Bay Area visiting potential stables. We rode at a few here and there, but none ever stuck. We were getting discouraged, especially after one of the trainers we had hoped to work with ended up moving to SoCal. It was actually through her recommendation that we found Sara...and well...the rest is history. Sara has been one of the best things to happen to me (and Kim). She is everything you could possibly want in a riding instructor, mentor and friend. Her horses are above and beyond what you would find in a typical schooling horse and she takes impeccable care of them. Kim and myself have grown tremendously as riders under Sara's care. She pushes us, is beyond patient, enthusiastic, honest and supportive. She herself is an expert horsewoman with years of riding and professional show experience under her belt. Riding with Sara is my therapy. Every week I'm like a giddy child eagerly awaiting my horse time. I don't know what I would do without her!

I have been riding with Sara Marchant for almost two years and I couldn't be happier. Sara is an…read moreamazing trainer and rider. She helps you reach your goals and always has a positive attitude. Even when you struggle she helps you improve and never lets you give up. Sara is supportive, understanding, caring, friendly, and easy to talk to. Everyone at the barn is so nice and helpful, and everyday at the barn is fun and exciting! Sara has taught me so much and I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for her.

Windmill Ranch is a great barn to ride with. Irene Lorimer really knows her stuff and is a one in a…read moremillion trainer. She has a wealth of knowledge and the experience to back it up. If you are looking to take lessons or competitively ride, Irene can help you achieve those goals. I have been riding for over 10 years and with Irene for a year and a half and feel that I have found a trainer that I will stay with for a long time. I recommend Irene 110%!

Irene is an amazing coach in teaching children to ride and loves horses. She has a very kind and…read moregentle manner with the kids. My daughter is hooked and can't wait for each new lesson.

BHE is awesome!!! The staff is great, an indoor arena case it's raining, best barn in Castro…read morevalley!!!!

I recently moved my horse to BHE from a barn in SoCal and I have been so very happy I did! Kate and…read morethe trainers hear TRULY CARE and I can tell how much time they've spent with my horse. My horse has had a chronic problem with white line disease in his hoof and BHE has not only brought in an excellent farrier (shout out to James McCracken!!) but the team has treated his hoof TWICE A DAY! and he's finally on his way to recovery. Like most owners, I just don't have the time to be at the barn every day and I rely upon the team to take care of my horse. I am so grateful to have found a barn that makes a point of giving each horse what it needs (and without upcharging me for every added thing) rather than just tossing some hay in their stalls and leaving the owner to figure out the rest. BHE has an extensive staff of experienced people who work beautifully together and go out of their way to provide the kind of personalized care I would do on my own if I could. I will also ratify what others have said about the atmosphere at BHE. I am relatively new to the horse world but I have definitely experienced the snooty, catty, gossipy behavior that gives it such a bad rap and BHE IS NOT that. Any time I have spent there has been such a pleasure. If you're looking for a barn that will be the "happy place" for both you and your horse, I think you'll enjoy being part of the BHE family.