beyond wonderful! well cared for, energized horses are super fun to ride. the vineyard trails are a…read moredream. we celebrated a fun ladies' birthday ride followed by lunch at Girl & the fig. doesn't get any better!

We had such a wonderful time horseback riding through Bartholomew Vineyards with Sonoma Valley…read moreTrail Rides! Skye was such a beautiful horse for our bride on our bachelorette trip, and we loved learning about the estate. The ladies took so many amazing photos and made the day so special. The wine at the end was a very fun treat! Would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a special activity while visiting Sonoma!

I stayed here a couple years ago with my toddler, husband and my mother. We had the most peaceful…read moreamazing experience. We met the owners toward the end of our visit... fascinating people with great stories.

Perfect spot for a wedding or just a weekend getaway. Its a working cow ranch set back in the hills…read moreof nicasio. Its peaceful and quiet with birds and flowers. Its just the right place to take a break and get some quiet recharge time. Plus fresh eggs from the friendly free range ranch hens are delicious!

From the first moment I set foot at the barn, HoofBeats has revealed itself to be my dream place of…read morelove and safe self-development, where: - I can explore my language, love and flow with horses and become a better horse woman - all my self-development nots in turn come to the surface, where they meet Jenny's gentle and graceful coaching, thus getting channeled each time to a constructive learning outcome - my body started feeling good, in shape and useful - I found a family away from home - activities and interactions bring me to higher and greater clarity about my self, my life, my work and relationships. This is not a push-the-button riding school. It's a space of self-discovery through interaction with horses, from the ground and from the saddle, and its depth has brightened my life up like I didn't even know was possible. If you live in Sonoma County and you are looking for a safe place of exploration, this is THE place!

Jenny is amazing. She's overall a beauitful person inside and out. I received a equestrian guided…read moreeducation session as a gift, and it was amazing. Jenny's horses are all rescues and they all have a calm and easy going demeanor. I never worked with horses and got sppoked the first few times they initated contact with me. They are such gentle giants and by the end i am definitely now a fan of them! All the horses were great to work with and Jenny was awesome at giving guidance and feedback. Her passion in her work is immediate. I highly recommend attending one of jenny's sessions, she's one of the sweetest people I ever met. She's very generous and really created a personalized session to fit my needs. Overall I had a great time just being in her space and interacting with Jenny and the horses! She's a kind, compassionate and thoughtful teacher! There's something indescribable about being in the space, it's like for a second, nothing else matters besides being in that moment. Thank you Jenny!

Convenient location. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff, beautiful setting, nice horses, fair…read moreprices, got in last minute for an 11am Salmon Creek ride. It was my first time on a horse at the age of 41 and it was awesome. I'd for sure go back!

Went with my friend on a private Salmon Creek ride. It was quite lovely. Beautiful scenery and…read morethe weather was perfect. Jay was an engaging and attentive guide. He regularly checked in to see that we were comfortable with the pace (my friend is a beginner rider). The horses seem well cared for and were relaxed on the trail. Sophie, who accompanied us, was also knowledgeable and interactive. Thank you both for a most enjoyable ride. i would definitely recommend Five Brooks if you want to experience some lovely trails around Bodega Bay.

It was my wife's birthday and it was a special landmark birthday, so I told her to do something…read moreexciting that she would love to do and all of us are completely off the hook pleased with how wonderful this whole experience took place. Amber was our fabulous wrangler. We checked in at the office and they gave us instructions to drive down the highway to another location where the horses would be waiting for us at the trailhead. This is where we met up with Amber and her dogs and the horses. The horses names are Kiki (Ambers), Quinn ( my wife's horse), Traveler ( my daughter's horse, and I got old but dependable Walter the former draught horse. We found out after a while that no matter how tall you are how big you are they have a horse for you and you just call up and tell them what your needs are and then make sure that you get a horse that suited it to you. Let them know whether you're novice or an experienced rider. That makes a difference in the selection, but all the horses are sweet. I cannot tell you how incredible it is to ride through the dunes and pop out onto the beach, looking at those white sands and crashing waves. It was such a beautiful day to go out. I want to go back.

My wife and I decided to spend a lovely brisk day riding horses on the beach! We've both been…read morehorseback riding, but never combined into one activity such as this. My wife was paired with Matty and Zero (his horse), and I was with Christina and her horse (forget the name).... For my wife, she had a lovely time. Her horse gave a little sass. Sometimes it wanted to just pace, other times there was a little trot for playing catch up, but she enjoyed the extra little ride boost. For my ride, although I very much enjoy conversation and Christina was a very knowledgeable and friendly host, I do wish that I had been able to experience more of the ride experience in quietude. Taking in the views and talking with my wife a little more. Instead, I feel like Christina and I were sharing our life stories. Although I am not faulting her for the mutual conversation...... I just wish that the guides would keep it to the ride and landscapes vs trying to chat. The experience and this business is very lovely. I thoroughly appreciate the fact that I was able to text with the staff prior to answer any questions. I always prefer texting to phone calls these days. I would absolutely recommend Horse N Around to any of my friends that want to enjoy this type of activity. Again, I just wish that it was more about the serene experience, the horses, and beach vibes, with less chatter all around. Thank you to the team at large! From planning, to paying, directions, waiting patiently as we almost got lost, and giving us a nice ride. Thank you!

Susan took me on a 2-hour ride up Black Mountain, I am so glad there is a place the takes great…read morecare of their horses and caters to more experienced riders.

The BEST advanced ride I've ever been on! An absolutely unforgettable adventure! Riding a…read moremagnificently smooth Arabian horse through the awe-inspiring redwoods, guided by the incredible Susan, was nothing short of magical. The perfect blend of an exhilarating fast pace riding, stunning natural beauty, and amazing company--pure perfection! Can't wait to ride with Susan again.

I'm a lifelong horse-lover. I grew up riding and showing Saddlebred horses in Oklahoma. After…read morecollege and moving to California I found myself 8 years out of the saddle. I never really thought I could find a trainer or facility that compared to where I grew up riding. Then I found Brigitte Scholl and Monarch on the American Saddle Horse Association website in January of 2010. Monarch Stables is the best barn I could ever have imagined. The facility is beautiful, well-equipped, and serene. Most importantly, Brigitte Scholl, the owner and trainer is a true horse whisperer and a gifted riding instructor. She operates every aspect of Monarch Stables with passion and integrity. Every horse is cared for immaculately and in a manner uniquely suited to his/her personality. Every rider has Brigitte's undivided attention. If you're a veteran rider or a novice who's always wanted to give Saddleseat riding a shot, you will be equally welcomed. If your child has been bugging you for horseback riding lessons, go for it! In my opinion there's no better outlet: through horseback riding they can learn the subtleties of communication with both horses and people, the responsibility of caring for an animal, the self-confidence that comes from competing with true sportsmanship.

I've been so impressed with Monarch Stables. My 7 year old granddaughter started her initiation…read moreinto this wonderful world of horses last September. She had had the best experience one could have with the expertise, and extraordinary patience! of her trainer Cheyenne Cairns. The facilities are in a beautiful setting, and there are many options for riding - even in inclement weather! I am a complete novice to this sport, and everyone I've met have been very helpful and supportive. From my first visit in 2018, Brigitte Scholl has always been warm and patient with my questions and concerns. I highly recommend this facility for anyone, and especially for folks new to the sport. Thanks to all at Monarch Stables!

I began boarding my horse here in May of 2012 and have been here 1.5 years. I am moving to the…read morePeninsula and I am sad to leave Dickson ranch because they are great! I am an English rider (dressage and jump) and though the pictures might imply they are more western, it is an 'all purpose' ranch so to speak. They have a lit indoor arena for evenings or rainy days. They also have two outdoor arenas, one of them is big enough for being a jumping arena and is mostly used for either that or for western disciplines. They also have on site trails and a couple cross country jumps. If you like going out, their ranch connects to many many trails on the Marin Water Shed area, in the hills, which lets you stay away for hours. They have a couple stalls with a small paddock attached for people who rather have their horse in a stall, but most horses are in bigger (single horse) paddocks with shelter. Everyone has their own tack shed, which I like very much. They feed Oat and Alfalfa (if you want) twice a day and if needed they blanket your horse. Since I like gardening a little, they even let me have a small vegetable garden in front of my paddock. There are more people doing that or have flower/ plant gardens around their paddock. Great for people without a garden at the house ;) They also have onsite trainers. I have not trained with them so I can't tell much about that but the trainers have always been nice me to regardless. The atmosphere at the barn is simply fantastic. It is very family like and they even organize get togethers with Christmas (caroling and the family puts up a play each year) or barn dances every now and then. Every summer they have onsite schooling shows which have been great for my young horse, this way I can get her used to shows. Everyone (the family and the boarders) is extremely friendly, if you are friendly ;) you will definitely make friends here. Even though I'm moving I will definitely come back there every now and then since I have made a bunch of friends there!

Such an excellent place to be. Jenna and Leah are extremely helpful and kind and are great with my…read moredaughter. She has been going here for about 3 years. Huge Thank you and thumbs up for Dickson Ranch.