Six out of 5 stars! I am not a consistent rider. I do not own a horse for that reason, but I enjoy…read morelearning what I can in the time that I can. Before I started taking lessons my previous experience was minimal...trail rides and very basic care. I had even taken a fall off of one that was running to the barn (and knowing what I know now I would not have been on that horse to start with.) Prior to lessons I was intimidated and maybe even a little fearful. All of that washed away in my first lesson. What I love the most is that she makes sure you see the whole picture from the first step into the barn to putting them back out. She helps you understand why the movements are so important and how in return the horse is reading them. Imme is a natural teacher and provides clear instruction. She has a passion for the horse and the ride.

I simply cannot say enough good things about Imme and the help she has given me. I started with…read moresome round pen clinics with her, and am currently taking riding/round pen lessons with Imme on my young and green arabian. She has a wonderful, gentle way of pushing me and my horse where we need to be pushed, and then guiding me to become better at the all important release. I am more confident after every lesson with her, and she always gives me great things to think about, and take away to work on for the next ride. I would recommend Imme to new and veteran riders alike (I've been riding my whole life).

I'd never been a horse person, or even interested in horseback riding throughout any point in my…read morelife. After coming out to the ranch and meeting the horses, Tiffany let me groom them and showed me that they are really just giant teddy bears that want love and company. We went for a trail ride after she taught me some of the basics, and wasn't overbearing or rude in any way to the fact that I was new to all of this. I rode on Flash, one of the beginner horses, and FLASH IS SUCH A SWEETHEART! She understood that I didn't know what I was doing, and took it slow with me, readjusting herself if she noticed I was leaning to a side. Not only is Tiffany a friendly, experienced horseowner and trail guide, but she is excellent in matching the rider to the horse to make the rides the most enjoyable. Now that I've decided I am definitely a horse person, I would absolutely recommend Trail Rides of Ojai to everyone!

Tiffany is of the most knowledgeable trainers out there. Does not use a lot of horse jargon. She…read moreknows it but she doesn't feel the need to use it to impress you. Instead she explains things in terms you can understand. I picked up a lot of bad habits over the years. She fixed them all in three lessons. Highly recommended

Best training stables around! Greg really knows how to teach well, he comes from a background in…read moreeducation which combined with his equine expertise makes him the best teacher! I have been riding for over 12 years and have trained with various different instructors in the area and no one compares to Peppercorn. Not only are they the most knowledgable, patient instructors, Greg and his wife go above and beyond by accomodating their students and really making these stables a great environment. Greg also does Pony Club, although I never participated in this I've seen all the Pony Club students and they seem to have a wonderful system set up!

I honestly had high hopes for this experience, especially since I've been eager to learn more about…read morehorses. I read the glowing reviews and expected a warm, educational, and patient environment because everyone seemed to love it. Unfortunately, that's not what I got. From the beginning, communication was confusing and inconsistent. When we called, we were told we'd get to groom and saddle the horses ourselves, which I was really excited about since I'd only learned grooming in the past. we did groom the horses, but with putting the saddle on, that part was completely skipped and she did it all herself. I asked about it and was brushed off with a vague "let's stay in the present moment" comment--something she repeated often to avoid directly answering questions. It came off dismissive, not peaceful. The ride itself was stressful. I'd told her it was my first time riding without a lead guide and this is my first time having full control. She didn't offer any instruction on how to stop or control the horse before mounting. The horses clearly had a strong bond with her and would follow her no matter what, even when I tried using the reins. I was told to "have control" but wasn't shown how to do that properly and beforehand. I had no control because the horses were trained to follow her--not us. And then I got blamed for it. At one point, my horse started walking off and I didn't know how to stop him. Instead of calmly helping me and telling me what to do, the guide stood there silently with her arms crossed and an annoyed or pissed off expression followed with annoyed sighing and rude comments like "oh gosh help me" acting like I was supposed to know everything even though it was known I'm a beginner at this. Later, when I finally got a basic instruction ("pull the reins to your stomach and say hooo"), I followed it--but the horse still didn't respond fully, because again, it was just fixated on her. That's not a beginner rider's fault. She also snapped at us multiple times over small misunderstandings--like which halter to grab--and never took the time to clearly explain what we were doing wrong, or how to do it better. My mom even asked a question after the ride, and the guide cut my mom off followed by an annoyed "Anyways...." and no question was answered. It was hard to enjoy the experience when the environment didn't feel calm, or respectful. For someone who talks a lot about peace and presence, she was surprisingly impatient, reactive, and dismissive. If you're a total beginner, I'd strongly suggest finding a place that's more beginner-friendly--where the horses are better trained for guests, and the instructor actually takes time to teach, guide, and support you with patience. Seems like i'm not the only one with this problem and I wish I read the reviews on a proper website beforehand. Super unprofessional and bipolar behavior. Honestly felt like a big scam. She has us do the hard work for the majority of the time but once it was time to start riding, we immediately got scolded and rode for not even 20 minutes? This experience wasn't it.

Enrolled my eight year old daughter in Western Trail Rides weeklong long "Horse Camp" during spring…read morebreak. She enjoyed it immensely. Melissa's a former teacher, and with children, she maintains the structure similar to a classroom curriculum. This structure allowed for a more enriching experience for the kids. Rather than just a meandering three hours each day, lessons were taught throughout. The camp was limited to four kids, all happened to be girls, all 7-8 years of age. Mornings started with the Pledge of Allegiance, then a team exercise, usually puzzles, to build comraderie. Plenty of hands on experience with horses, including the proper care and respect for the horses...And of course horse back rides. Arts and crafts as well as general horse education were included. Thoroughly enjoyable time was had by all the girls. My daughter couldn't wait to rise and get there to care for the animals, but also to spend time with her new friends. Melissa was nothing but kind and caring towards the girls and clearly understands why she has these horses, and uses them to enhance the perspective of others via Western Trail Rides. I'm glad my daughter was there for a week. That Melissa is of the Christian faith, would threaten only the littlest of men.

I am blessed to have landed upon these owners. Buying my first horse in my late 60's. They "get…read moreit". They listened, they knew what my needs were and are honorable, honest folks. Had spoken to many others who were trying to make a sale. There is nothing about Charlie and Barbara about "making a sale". They are about helping people like me have a horse which fits exactly where they are in life. Where they are in experience. And they care about the horse having a loving, good home. This company deserves a 10...not a 5.

My experience with Jerviss Quarter Horses was fantastic from start to finish. Barbara was a joy to…read morework with. Everything represented and explained was exactly what I received. Bella is such an amazing and beautiful filly. I am so excited to get started with her. She is so sweet and it's obvious that they took the time on her. They were always available via text or phone. Bella arrived the very next day and right on time. Class act! Thank you so much for making this experience pleasurable and for fulfilling my dreams! I highly recommend these warm and caring people.

A Lotte Horses is an Amazing riding stable! I have been…read moreriding with Lotte for 8 years and it has been amazing each year. I can't recommend A Lotte Horses enough, please try it out!!!!

My son loves Alotte Horses. Not only did he learn how to properly ride a horse, but he also learned…read morehow to brush their hair, clean their hoofs, how to clean after the horse and a lot of fun details about horses. The class included circle time at the beginning of the class, cleaning, brushing and caring for the horse, riding and sometimes even art. Ms. Ashley is no longer a teacher there, but she was wonderful and I loved how caring and patient she was with the kids. Wonderful horseback riding classes for all kid ages.

Christine at Equine Xscape is an honest, easy to work with horse seller. I'm highly recommend…read morecontacting her with any of your horse purchasing needs. During the purchase process Christine is excellent with communication. She gives you details, explains things clearly, and makes purchasing a horse stress free and easy. I purchased a horse from her sight, unseen, a few years back. He was and still is everything she promised me! Throughout his journey to me, she checked in frequently, showing me she cared beyond just getting the money. In the current horse market, she is someone you can trust!

Christy is the kindest woman with an awesome team. There is no one more thoughtful with her animals…read morethan this beautiful soul. It is not about the business for her, it is about the animals and the joy of sharing her safe space. The trail ride was awesome and the perfect length for my friend and me. It was my friend's birthday, and she is more well versed in horseback riding than I am, and she also had high praise for the whole experience. I learned a lot! Christy really deserves the world, and I will be back because it was one of the best days we have had in a while.

True working ranch. Owners are great. Had our horses there for many years. Lots of neat memories…read more Mesa & Dallas's owners

No place is perfect when it comes to an animal that you love but Kathy and her crew do a pretty…read morefantastic job. We arrived there in about 1997 on the coat tails of horse trainer, riding teacher extraordinaire, Jim Frazier. A year or so later we bought a sweet Quarter horse named Margarita, "Maggie". who has been a treasure in our lives. A country property is always in need of maintenance; however, I totally disagree with Gail and her sour grapes comments. Gail and her family kept horses, multiple, at the ranch for MANY years so her comments reflect on her more than on ranch management. Our stall gets cleaned daily, the feed is very good Alfalfa twice daily and if your horse has special needs they can be accommodated. Tack rooms are provided, there are multiple arenas, 2 round pens, and 2 turn out areas. You have a choice of pipe corral with some cover, breezeway barn with lots of cover, box stalls, large pipe areas for more than one horse, and small box stalls for recuperating horses. The people who care for the horses are familiar with horse needs and sure to call if your horse needs attention. And, if you are a student raising a steer for the Faire you might find a spot for that critter , too.