Varian Equestrian Center

(1 review)

Monica has dedicated her life to helping the mustangs. This is her true passion and dream. What…read moreI've witnessed with her and Juno, is a beautiful relationship built on trust and respect. I'm confident that she can teach others how to create this bond as well.

From the owner: We are a horsemanship school located in Arroyo Grande California…read more *Please note: We do NOT offer tourist trail rides on the beach.* Working with the American Mustangs gives the students with a unique way to learn leadership and responsibility. United Mustangs of America also provides qualified students the ability to practice what is learned in lessons during the week, by participating in "Horse Lab". This is also a great way to start if your goal is to own a horse someday.

Pacific Dunes Riding Ranch

3.6

(123 reviews)

Very kind family. Beautiful horses. Well organized. Bring carrots to feed the horses.read more

Had an absolute blast riding there. Wish I could go back more. The ride to the dunes was so much…read morefuns and the beach pictures were stunning.

Ocean Breeze Equestrian Center

I traveled to Pismo Beach with 4 girlfriends to ride our horses on this famous beach and needed a…read moreplace to overnight board. Ocean Breeze was very accommodating and the price was quite reasonable. The facility is cute and rustic, but very clean and the horses were very well taken care of. Heather and her friends gave my group a guided tour of the beach on our first outing there. Everyone at the stable was marvelously helpful and friendly! I would highly recommend this facility to anyone looking for a short-term stay. Our group had so much fun riding in this area that we will definitely be planning another trip in the near future!

When it comes to boarding, Heather treats every horse like her own. As a trainer and instructor…read moreHeather is patient, kind and incredibly knowledgeable. My daughter and her horse grew leaps and bounds with her guidance. If you are looking for summer camps, lessons or to board I highly recommend!

Madonna Inn Trail Rides

4.6

(118 reviews)

What an amazing experience! The two gals that worked as guides were so good at their job. They made…read morethe experience even better with their knowledge and dedication. Not only did they make the trail ride amazing, you could tell they were super hard workers and took great care of the animals. The trail itself and view were gorgeous! The entire experience felt rustic and real. Great job!!! My daughter and I would love to ride again when we are in the area. If you like riding horses, you should treat yourself to this experience

A great ride. The guide was wonderful and was very patient with everyone in the group. The horses…read morewere well groomed and easy to ride. The path took us to some amazing views. A joy for all.

Central Coast Trailrides

(308 reviews)

As a horse owner myself, I was a little skeptical going into a two-hour trail ride while I was…read morevisiting, but it ended up being such an enjoyable experience. It was nice to simply relax, turn off my brain, and enjoy the ride without worrying about anything else. My horse had a fun, spunky personality that reminded me so much of my own gelding back home, which made the experience even more special. The trail took us through beautiful rolling hills, vineyards, and areas full of wildlife, making for some incredible scenery. Our guide, Brian, was knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly cared deeply about the horses and their well-being. The ranch also provided thoughtful extras like cold water, sunscreen, and bug spray, which were very appreciated on a warm day. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing, scenic trail ride with well-cared-for horses.

Brian and his team at Central Coast Trailrides are incredible. We took our young kids out on a…read moreprivate family 1.5 hour tree canopy ride that was beautiful. The horses were sweet and easy. We got a chance to trot which everyone loved. We saw eagles, wild pigs, turkeys, but missed the mama bear and her cub. It was so special. We will definitely be coming back.

A Garcia Equestrian Training

(7 reviews)

Excellent training facility with a top notch trainer! Highly recommend this riding facility'read more

I am an adult rider and I feel very comfortable training with Amanda who is much younger. She is…read moreencouraging and firm at all the right times. Amanda has helped me train my 12 year old Quarter Horse from his age of 5. He is now an amazing Hunter and Trail horse; just what I wanted. He has had challenges that we have worked through and now he is one the best horses I have ever owned. I also LOVE Oak Park. My horse is very happy there. Everyone who rides there is nice and are happy people. We support one another. A big plus: sandy trails so right after a rain it's great footing.

The Horse Experience

(6 reviews)

I had a abundance of carrots and pears so instead of throwing them away I reached out to Michon in…read moreemail. I met Michon and Mike today and one of the volunteers when I dropped off the food. They are so nice and I plan on bringing my daughter to try out horse riding. Michon stated that her volunteers and donations are so important. Great people doing great work

We took our daughter and her two friends to The Horse Experience as a birthday gift. Michon,…read moreMichelle, and Janet were incredibly patient and fun with the kids. Bruce and Sebastian (the horses) were gentle with the kids and happily accepted treats after the rides. We were given ample time to enjoy ourselves and never felt rushed.

Barbi Breen-Gurley Sea Horse Ranch

(7 reviews)

Amazing place!! We have taken our horses here to board for short trips (2-5 days) several times we…read moreare never disappointed with lovely accommodations, wonderful staff, and owners who treat precious babies so well!

I first met Barbi in Huntington Beach more years ago then I want to admit. She was my hero. The…read moreonly one at that time that teaching you to ride and connect with their horses. You can imagine my surprise when I found her again when I moved to SLO so many years later. I boarded my horses at their place and knew it would be clean and the horses well feed. Also close to trails leading down to Montano de Oro I think the greatest thrill was taking my grandniece for a lesson with Barbi. She didn't disappoint. Her ability to communicate and influence your horses gait attitude and suppleness was fine tuned. My grandniece and I were blessed. Thank you Barbi for being a true professional and notexcepting anything but there best from any rider. Her accomplishments in the Dressage World are legendary.

Shangri LA Ranch Horse Rentals

4.9

(71 reviews)

We had an absolutely wonderful experience with Shangri-La Horseback Riding at Santa Margarita Lake…read more Victoria and John were awesome from start to finish. Victoria made us feel comfortable right away, took the time to explain the ride, with safety paramount, so we felt confident before heading out. We have done other trail rides in the county. This is a unique trail ride with varying terrain and views you will not find anywhere else . Victoria led us through some of the most beautiful trails near Santa Margarita Lake. The scenery was incredible, with gorgeous lake views, peaceful trails, and wildlife along the way. It felt like the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation. They also have goats, and they were absolutely adorable! Victoria and John clearly care about their animals and their guests, and it shows in every part of the experience. We would love to join them again for another adventure and highly recommend Shangri-La Horseback Riding to anyone looking for a memorable ride in a beautiful setting.

My granddaughter and I rode with the owner Victoria. Horse…read morewere GREAT, Victoria, the Owner, was GREAT, scenery was GREAT. We'd totally go back!

Meadow Creek Farm

We have found Meadow Creek Farm Horse Boarding Facility to be a beautiful, scenic sanctuary for…read morerefreshment of mind and body from the moment you enter the drive.. And there is such wonderful camaraderie among all the people and their horses. The owner, Judie Garnsey has created an enchanting atmosphere of happiness and joy for those of us who are blessed to find this magical place for our precious and beloved four legged best friends. https://www.facebook.com/Meadow-Creek-Farm-horse-boarding-104548468517115

This boarding stables is the jewel of the Central Coast. You will NOT be disappointed! Phone number…read moreon the sight has been disconnected, so call Judie at 805 235-2353. Hope to see you there! Karen

Pacific Dunes Riding Ranch

3.6

(123 reviews)

Very kind family. Beautiful horses. Well organized. Bring carrots to feed the horses.read more

Had an absolute blast riding there. Wish I could go back more. The ride to the dunes was so much…read morefuns and the beach pictures were stunning.

Centennial Park

This is a cute little park, part of the town that resembles somewhat of a hallmark movie. The…read moregazebos where you find your love sitting there waiting.... lol... It's just behind the main strip of downtown Arroyo Grande. There's a parking lot that turns into a farmers market on a certain day. It's not a big park but does pack a punch. You're greeted with the gazebo which was what we saw walking by. Then theres a bridge that crosses from the park to the other side to the neighborhood. Looking down from the bride, there's a little creek below with what looks somewhat like a trail. Not really for hiking but I'm sure a walking trail. There's stairs that will take you down to the creek area which is covered in greenery. I'm sure there's loads of mosquitoes so be prepared. The park, quaint and cute. Not majorly big but does pack a punch with its size. It still pretty mellow even though on the side is the main road with shops and restaurants.

This quaint little park, which is a delightful added attraction to Arroyo Grande's Village…read morewonderful Saturday Farmer's Market at noon, provides a pleasant spot for a break or a snack. There are a few benches and even picnic tables, that make it easy to eat some of the offerings from either the Farmer's Market, or some of the nearby locals stores that line this amazingly serene village. There are a plethora of restaurants, a coffee house, an ice-cream shop, pizza places, "vintage" ole school butcher, & baker/ Eclair Shop. There are also a ton of cool antique shops, gift shops, vine tasting shops and more. You can easily spend a good part of the day exploring this unique area & it is far more quaint than either downtown SLO or nearby downtown Pismo. This old restored cool slightly scary swinging bridge is rather unique [a capacity of only 5 people & was originally built by an land owner without any rails!] and leads one to yet another little park [ Heritage Square which has a small children area] on the other end [where there are also sometimes some community events]. There is also a local historical barn museum [ South County Historical Society ] complete with a model T & ~100 year old tractor/printing press & more, on the other side. The bridge overlooks the waters of AG creek and there are paths which hug this quite lazy serene creek. They are rather hazardous, since the fence is composed of fairly rotten wood...so please use caution. There are stairs down to the creek area at least two points [ one is at the little known Kiwanis Park {also with a few picnic tables & a creek view}, which is right next to the cool historic Arroyo Grande Bridge] along this back Olohan Alley. Off peak, you will see alot of colorful semi-wild Roasters. At the center of this small park, is a charming rotunda which sometimes has live music for those in the area for the Farmer's Market. While sometimes you can also find Artwork for sale in this area, it varies as does the vendor selection. There are some steadfast regular local AG, or other farmers, who come here almost every Saturday at Noon, year round. Some do the huge Sat. AM Farmer's Market in SLO @8AM [in Madonna Plaza near the Dollar Tree] first & then come here to sell the rest at noon here. While sometimes you can find baked goods here, you can always find freshly baked Eclairs, cupcakes, bread, and more at Eclair bakery just two blocks away. You can also frequent the amazing 100+ year old AG Butcher shop and either get their signature housemade smoked products/sausages, or get a fresh huge Tri-tip sandwich to eat in one of the nearby parks....like this one. Needless to say, AG village is home to a nice eclectic assortment of restaurants and shops that are so pleasant and enticing. In general, people here are very friendly and the whole place seems almost utopian...except it does cost money. Fortunately, prices are quite fair in general. Centennial Park is one of the many great cool features in AG Village that makes this area one of the local favorites. This park also has a cool history and even contains a time capsule to be opened in the future. The seemly "indigenous" rooster population is somewhat of a mystery. The local newspapers think that these guys have been abandoned here. They usually do not bother anyone and do add some color, mystery, and character to this area. I must have been here a zillion times, but only now I had noticed that I could not find a listing. While this could be redundant, I apologize. Thank you & please enjoy! BTW- On 8AM Wednesdays, there is yet another AG Farmers Market, but it is way down on Grande Ave. in the same Plaza as the Dollar Tree & Smart & Final.

Rancho Grande Park

Things to do in Arroyo Grande

Love this park! My dogs also love to walk around the neighborhood and explore all the smells here…read more They have a full sized basketball court as well as lots of grassy areas and picnics tables, perfect to enjoy a peaceful weekend or afternoon. Rancho Grande Park is a perfect little locals park!

This is a good local spot to come and run around. We come here when we're in town and the main…read moreplayground is great for my preschooler. There's swings, slides, bars, etc. the slides are oddly bumpy and fast so not very comfortable- usually a kid goes down once and then never again- these really should be changed. there's also baseball fields and a sand volleyball area. The sand volleyball area tends to attract a bit of trash so I'm not sure how safe it'd be to be barefoot there. There's also bathrooms which is great.

SLO Swim Center

3.9

(16 reviews)

Great place to take the kids for an afternoon swim. The water in the smaller pools is nice and warm…read morefor the little ones. Would highly recommend for the entire family!

I am wondering if the city of SLO is aware exactly how loud the music is that's played at this…read morepool. As I write this I'm in my home (I live across the creek on the opposite side of Southwood Drive) with all windows shut and very clearly hear it, from a distance of 300 ft. I mentioned the distance because the city's own noise ordinance states, in pertinent part: "Between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., it is a violation to make or allow noise that can be heard 50 feet from your property line." My residence is five times the distance spelled out in the ordinance. However, I walked back through my complex to see how far the noise was audible. I stood at the basketball court fence adjacent to my property - a distance of 500 ft, 10 times the distance in the city's ordinance - and the music is still audible. Now, I'm familiar with the concept of due diligence when looking for a new place to stay, and I did research this neighborhood before moving here. I was aware I would next to two parks, a school, and a baseball stadium. I have no problem with the noise from the ball games, school etc. as it's unavoidable but the pool music is not. Further, I couldn't have conceived of a scenario where I would regularly be subjected to loud music from a city ran facility, in violation of their own noise ordinance. Again, I'm giving the city the benefit of the doubt, in good faith, and assuming they're unaware of this. I feel a lot of it has to do with the placement of whatever speaker(s) the music is played over. Thus, a possible solution would be to arrange the speakers so they face away from the complexes on the other side of the street. They could still face the pool, and the hill/elementary chool on the other side of the pool would largely blunt the music from traveling to the residences on Augusta. I'm really hoping to hear back from someone with the city in regards to this.

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Linda C.

3 years ago

Varian Equestrian Center (VEC), is a 5 Star resort for horses and their human partners. The grounds are exquisitely maintained in a park-like setting. Boarders have several options available for use: access to trails with ocean views, a large arena, covered round pens, and more. The experienced and attentive staff ensure your horse's every needs are met. Mike, the Head Trainer, is a true horse whisperer who provides various types of ground training. Weanlings through adult horses benefit from his kind and knowledgeable approach. Kristy, the Ranch Manager, is experienced in all facets of running VEC. Her attention to detail and flexibility ensure your horses are lovingly cared for. VEC never disappoints. A truly magical place. read more

Rob M.

3 years ago

if your looking for a place to board your horse or horses, your search is over! You just found the best place on the planet! Really! Their staff is second to none and has been there for years! This alone says a lot about the place! I have a weanling Arabian weanling filly that was bred and born there. And I live in Florida! Every horse is treated like their own! We've all heard the saying horse heaven, well, this place really is horse heaven! You can go to bed at night and not worry about your horse! I thank you! Rob M read more

Simon A.

3 years ago

This is the very best and most beautiful horse boarding and training facility I've ever seen :-)

Varian Equestrian Center - horse_boarding - Updated August 2026

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Central Coast Boarding & Training Center

(2 reviews)

My boyfriend and I are beginner level riders who was looking for a place that offers the right…read moreexperience for people like us. I stumbled upon this place and was able to get into contacts with them. The booking was easy, and the people were friendly. We arrived at the spot and was greeted. The process for getting on the horses was quick and easy. Our guide made all of us feel comfortable, and he was very direct and informative with information on how to handle the horses. The ride and experience was amazing! We both enjoyed the ride. Our guide, the horses, and other people who booked with the same time slot as us were all respectful and well behaved. Overall, I will totally come here again for another adventure!

Wonderful facility. Plenty of space to ride and access to trails. Horses are well cared for…read more Overall, very nice, safe home for you loved ones.

Madonna Inn Trail Rides

4.6

(118 reviews)

A great ride. The guide was wonderful and was very patient with everyone in the group. The horses…read morewere well groomed and easy to ride. The path took us to some amazing views. A joy for all.

Central Coast Polo Club

Great learning facility! Horses are great for all levels. Well run and safe place for kids, teens…read moreand adults.

An absolute romp!! Megan and her crew bend over backwards to make the experience a memorable one…read more Blessed with a great stable full of amazing "polo ponies" she has a mount for every type of rider, from timid beginner to enthusiastic dyed in the wool equestrian!! I highly recommend her stable as a place to learn, brush-up or just brush on some ponies! She keeps it fun, organized and safe for every level of rider. Other amazing bonus opportunities include learning to play polo, and who doesn't love that? Truly a great place filled with great people. They often enjoy after "chukker" fireside hangouts and the amazing views of Hollister peak in the background. I can not recommend Central Coast Polo Club and its wizard behind the curtain, Megan, with more pride and gusto!! An amazing experience guaranteed!!

Varian Arabians

(2 reviews)

VARIAN RANCH This…read morereview is written in honor and memory of a legendary cowgirl, Sheila Varian - August 8, 1937 to March 6, 2016. Inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame 2003. Sheila Varian, a phenomenal woman, pioneered the Arabian horse breed in America and around the world. For 60+ years she lived a joy filled life doing what she loved most, being a real working cowgirl, a Arabian horse breeder, trainer and owner. Before her passing, Sheila Varian partnered with California Rangeland Trust to permanently conserve and protect the character and beauty of Varian Ranch. She stated, "I could not bear the thought of this place being broken up. All the animals that live here will be safe, and people will still be safe to visit here." Absolutely true! Varian Ranch is 230 acres. It is a very special place nestled in the hills, and in the heart, of Arroyo Grande's wine region. It's a very beautiful, majestic, fascinating and spiritual place. It was my pleasure to visit, walk amongst beautiful and majestic stallions, mares and their babes. What an honor! Varian Ranch is open to the public on Monday's. It's a ranch one must visit to experience its beauty and spirituality.

I have been going to Varian Arabian for over ten years. I Try to go the the events they hold at…read morelease once a year and it is fabulous. The owner Sheila Varian is an amazing woman and has so much knowledge of the arabian horse. She has been breeding the arabian horse for generations and has some of the finest horses in the industry. If you want an education about the arabian horse or are looking to purchase a horse you can not go wrong. I love this place it is always such a great feeling to be at the farm and always leave looking forward to my next visit.

Summit Oaks Ranch

3.7

I have boarded horses at Summit Oaks Ranch off and on for more than 10 years and have never had a…read moreproblem. It's always been my happy place. The pens are huge, they feed & grain my horse twice a day and clean the pens every day but Sunday. The boarders are all friendly and helpful. Recently there has been a change of hands and Herman has retired. His niece, Elba, and her husband, Tony, have been doing an awesome job cleaning the place up. It's an old facility but everything works and is getting fixed now. I love going out there!

This is a great boarding ranch! The owners are always on site and constantly checking on the…read morehorses. They have their own horses there and take super great care of them. The ranch is very clean, free from any hazards with plenty of arenas to work your horse, and to get to some really great trails, you just ride out the gate and up the street. It's not a busy street, but rather a country two lane paved road with trails on the side. Once you reach the end, the roads are not paved and are perfect for trail riding. They feed really great quality hay twice a day, have automatic watering systems in place, great stalls indoor with paddocks, and lots of extras! They also feed your supplements daily for no extra charge! Best of all, they are a super nice family, take great care of the boarders, and have a beautiful, safe place for your loved ones.

Pacific Dunes Riding Ranch

3.6

(123 reviews)

Very kind family. Beautiful horses. Well organized. Bring carrots to feed the horses.read more

Had an absolute blast riding there. Wish I could go back more. The ride to the dunes was so much…read morefuns and the beach pictures were stunning.

Shangri LA Ranch Horse Rentals

4.9

(71 reviews)

My granddaughter and I rode with the owner Victoria. Horse…read morewere GREAT, Victoria, the Owner, was GREAT, scenery was GREAT. We'd totally go back!

Shadow Hills Riding School

(1 review)

Peggy Ginn of Shadow Hills Riding School is an amazing riding teacher. She is able to share her…read moreknowledge, experience and love of horses with all levels. My granddaughter learned so much about riding, responsibilities and life from Peggy. I highly recommend her.

La Ranchita Riding School

(1 review)

La Ranchita Riding School is the best!…read more In beautiful Huasna Valley, the ranch has an indoor and outdoor arena, acres of pastures, and the sweetest lesson horses. Trainer Aleta Camacho has been an amazing coach for my daughter and me, and our lessons have quickly become the highlight of our week. With decades of experience in both Western and English disciplines, we have learned so much from Aleta and truly enjoyed each and every lesson. As a parent, I appreciate her patience and expertise, always putting safety first and encouraging young riders to consistently improve and be good partners for the horses. Over the Summer and holiday breaks, horse camps are also offered, which have been a big hit with our 10-year-old. If you are looking for a peaceful spot with kind horses and an experienced trainer, look no further!

The Equine Center