I am actually quite surprised that Kilham Farm does not have more reviews but maybe it is because…read morethey do not offer trail rides as a service. I purchased a package of 3 riding lessons as a Groupon deal and I have already had my first two lessons. My last lesson is this Saturday and I intend to continue my lessons here. The area that Kilham Farm is located is absolutely gorgeous and the facilities are just as beautiful, clean and very well maintained. In addition to this, their horses are happy, easygoing, and easy to work with - I can attest to this with Lizzie, the horse I have been training with. Making appointments is easy and I have never been bumped or not scheduled because I used a Groupon (a total plus in my book). Or if I need to reschedule, that isn't a problem either. I've left two messages and have gotten same day responses for both of them. When I arrived for my first lesson, I wasn't sure what to expect but the women of Kilham Farm are friendly and gracious. There was none of the pretentiousness that I have heard of at some equestrian locations. They even have spare boots for me to borrow! The outdoor covered training area is spacious and a great place to train. It's quite a drive for me to get there (1.5 hours each way) but it is worth it! I would very much recommend Kilham Farm if you are interested in horseback riding lessons.

Kilham farm is the best place I've ever been! The trainers name is Holly and she isn't one of those…read morestrict ones that make you sad. They have horse gear to borrow so you don't have to bye your own. From the second I walk up to my horses stall to the second I get in the car it feels like the most fantastic moment of my week! So I think Kilham farm is the best place to go!

Fantastic ride with susan! I am a rider with experience and I highly recommend for other…read moreexperienced riders (as well as beginners). It is definitely not boring like other trail rides. Susan had us meet at her facility and then we followed her trailer to the trail head where she helped us mount the horses. It was super fun and Susan keeps the ride entertaining. Her horses are fantastic and did not seem like they spooked easily. They were very used to cars, barking dogs, hikers, cyclists, etc. Susan also offered to take pictures of my friend and I when we stopped at a scenic spot.

Actually provides some instruction rather than "just sit on the horse and go where it takes you."…read moreAnd a beautiful ride with fantastic views! Thank you!

This suburban farm offers horse boarding, riding lessons, kids camps and birthday parties…read more We have friends who's daughter attended their summer camp and loved it. Based on their experience we decided to have our daughter's 6th birthday party here and it was great fun for all. For Birthday parties you essentially have the exclusive use of a little park-like area in the center of the farm that has a play structure, picnic tables, a good number of shady trees and a small barn with petting-zoo type animals. The party rentals are two hours, with the first hour offering pony rides and during the second hour the petting zoo barn is open. We had two pony's at a time for the kids to ride, and with 10 kids that worked out to about two rides each. This was perfect timing so that we could do Pizza and cup cakes after the pony rides, then once the kids were done eating they excitedly ran over to pet the animals in the petting zoo. For the petting zoo portion there were chickens, pigs, bunnies, goats, sheep and a miniature horse the size of a large dog. The kids LOVED petting and brushing the animals. You don't need to add any additional activities or entertainment for the kids because the two hours are nicely full. The kids were constantly in motion and playing on the play structure when not riding a pony or in the petting zoo. All the kids seemed thrilled with the activities and were having tons of fun. All-in-all the process of having a party here, from reserving the day to clean up afterward, is pretty smooth. The only downside was a multi-page contract form that had to be signed by the parents of all the kids. The forms have to be returned to the hostess and the hostess then returns them to the farm with a guest list, as one packet, the Thursday before the party. It would be easier if the parents could just do the form on-site, but I'm guessing that the management wants to be sure the parents read it fully and agree to the terms in advance. But despite the paperwork I highly recommend Morning Star to anyone with grade school age kids.

Kid's Birthday party review…read more Discovered via local moms club and "background checked" on yelp, we decided to have our son's 4th birthday party at Morning Star and I prayed it would live up to its stars b/c we had friends driving from Concord, SF, and beyond to attend. The verdict is that we'd give it a 6th star if we could! The things we loved were that they have a covered option in case of rain, a sweet playground at the uncovered area, where the 2-5 yr olds had a total blast, and a little petting zoo. The trainer Rachel, who led the kids and ponies, two by two, was a pro and helped even the nervous kids feel confident. Each kid got about two rides, which was perfect. The owner helped us set up tables and put up a shade/rain structure since it had rained all morning and we weren't sure if we'd need it. Also, $200 for a 2-pony party for two hours is a great deal in my book, esp compared to $800-1,000 Discovery Museum party price tag (we love it there too, just, gulp). The only down side, as others noted, is the release forms. They are necessary of course, but the onus of getting each family to sign them and submit before the party is on the party-thrower. It is time consuming up front and I wasn't making any friends for a while there, but it makes it so guests don't have to mess with forms when they get there. One idea is to have people use CamScanner or another scanning app on their phones so it can all be done electronically, and to leave a few day's cushion for missing forms. Lastly, I appreciated that all of the animals looked very well-cared for and the whole property was clean and inviting.

Never did I think I would have to explain to my son why a third private…read moreriding lesson was never scheduled. My husband, son and I decided to stay at our weekend home in North Beach while our kindergartener transitioned to distance learning. Our son's private school offers equestrian lessons to students as little as 2 years old. Our son is going on his fifth year on a pony/horse. While he did dressage at school, he also trained on the sport of Polo with a 5 time Champion from Argentina. Our tour of the stables was scheduled on a Monday at 2:30pm. The summer camp ended at 2:00pm. My husband and I arrived at 2:45pm. She accused us of arriving an hour late. My husband and I didn't bother with her false accusation. Then as we were going over policies and procedures, she made it a point to mention that many of her students find her to be mean. Sarah, I suggest you to be honest with the families that you are perceived as a bully and not mean. That way when you act the way you acted towards our family, we can understand better. First lesson was scheduled and our son was excited. My husband was unable to attend, his had just deployed to the Middle East for a yearlong tour. After his lesson, I was eager to see if my son had liked it and hear how the lesson went from Sarah. She said to me "I think you think your son has more experience than he really does". She proceeded to tell me that he was about to place the saddle backwards on the horse. Than Sarah proceeded to give me this look of disgust that my son would make such a mistake. Second lesson is scheduled, she requires payment well before the lesson. When I scheduled the second lesson I gave her a check, that check was cashed the next day. Cashed not bounced. $75 is super low compared to the $125 we are used to paying in the city. Second lesson starts at noon on Sunday. After the lesson, again I was eager to hear from my son how the lesson was. I tried asking Sarah, but was immediately ignored. While I was standing with my son getting ready to head out, she looked at me and said "we will be in touch for the next lesson". This was back in July. Whatever reason you had to not grant my son a third lesson is your business. I recommend you step outside and see all the amazing things minorities are doing in the equestrian sport. My son trained with two Polo instructors, one from Chile and the other from Argentina. If my son were a beginner, i dont think he would feel comfortable troting while swinging a full size Polo mallet. When we attended Polo matches, many of the players were from immigrant decent. Players from South America, India, American, African American. I would hate to think that Sarah negated service to my son due to the fact that he is biracial. That is the only explanation I can conclude. Our son had the riding pants, boots, helmet, this isn't foreign to him. What is foreign to him is having a middle aged woman have such a rancid attitude towards a small child. Shame on you Sarah.

I am stunned at Jessie's review, so sorry to hear this, and frankly do not understand how this…read morecould happen. My experience has been the TOTAL opposite. I came to Baywood Equestrian in the summer 2010 after a terrible accident in another stable's group lesson. Helle has been so kind and encouraging to me , helping me persevere regain my confidence and teaching me all about caring for a horse as well as riding. ALL the people I have met have been really friendly and welcoming, unlike the previous venue.The horse I ride is the sweetest , calmest horse and he receives excellent care. I can't say enough to praise the operation out at Baywood. I am now riding with greater ease and better form .Baywood is the highlight of my week.

I have just started boarding at PBR, but I am so thrilled to be here. My horse Beau arrived on…read moreSunday and everyone here has been so helpful. I'm a total noob and all the boarders and the owner Michelle do everything they can to show me the ropes. Michelle is one of the most friendly and accommodating people I've ever met. Her cheerful attitude makes my day. I'm still letting Beau settle in so I haven't ridden him yet, but everyone raves about the trails. PBR is backed up to Indian Valley and Ignacio Valley preserves and has direct entrances from the ranch. No trailering needed! Good for someone like me with a Hyundai. I'm happy with my portion of the tack room, and Michelle offered to put up another saddle rack for me. She also offered to fix the mats in Beau's stall, as they're wonky and make it difficult to clean. This is not a show barn, so the atmosphere is very relaxed. There are not trainers on site, so you would need to arrange for one to travel to PBR. I've been told there is a dressage trainer down the street, but I'm not sure if they travel for lessons. There is a large arena and large round pen for turn out. No pastures.

Pencil Belly, from Stall to open space in less than 4 minutes. Happy horses, happy people, not…read morecrowded. Way to be Pencil Belly!!

All of my kids enjoyed taking lessons with Heidi and her summer camps are amazing!read more

My 9 year old daughter took Western horseback riding lessons from Heidi (the owner, who knows more…read moreabout horses that I thought imaginable) for several months. Heidi is a fantastic instructor. She has a very mellow demeanor that reflects positively in her teaching style with the kids. Her horses are incredibly gentle and very well suited for any age to ride. My daughter also loved learning how and being a part of brushing, harnessing and saddling the horses in preparation for her ride. We will definitely take more lessons with Heidi.

Amazing ranch and horseback riding program. The staff and volunteers are so great with all of the…read morekids in the adaptive equine program. My son loves it! Such a blessing to have an affordable option for my son who is non verbal and has autism. The horses are well cared for and their equipment is all top notch. My family used to own a horse ranch, and my mom enjoys joining us and watching her grandson trail ride on this beautiful property. Thank you to each and every volunteer and staff member at Halleck Creek!

This place deserves infinite stars. It's a 4-H riding club for disabled children and adults, run by…read moretwo people and tons of volunteers. Every Saturday, upwards of 60 volunteers show up to tack up the horses and take folks on horseback. Amazing! And it's completely funded by private donations from regular folks mostly. AND the rides are free for the kids and adults who benefit greatly from the challenge of riding a horse. Nothing compares to seeing how happy and totally independent these rides make the riders feel. If you have the chance, check it out. Or better still, consider donating your time/energy/love/money to this organization. The work they do is truly inspiring.

So happy I found this place! Beautiful facility with a lot of turnouts and great footing. There's a…read morevery happy relaxed atmosphere to ride and learn as well as a very friendly and knowledgeable staff.