I was so blessed to find this amazing barn. The people here are not like other barns. They are all…read morereally nice and there is no gossip and mean people. The arenas are very nice even in the winter. The owners are great people and really care for the horses in a way I've not seen in hardly any other barns.

I highly recommend Morning Sun Ranch. This is a beautiful place to board your horse. The barns are…read moreclean, the stalls are so nice and great feed, great arenas and trails. Gina, who owns the barn, is so great and knowledgeable and everyone who boards there is very friendly. Most of all my horse is happy and well taken care of and I so happy too.

Willow Pond is a wonderful facility and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to take riding…read morelessons, train, and board. Sharon, the owner, is a great horse person. I have ridden with many instructors and trainers, and I've learned so much from Sharon in the few months I've been at Willow Pond. The facility is peaceful; no drama, and plenty of space to ride. Having a covered arena is great, and the footing is good as well. Lessons horses are well trained, safe, and well taken care off. Sharon is a patient teacher with both adults and children, and she is very safety conscious. I like that she also rescues horses when her budget allows; you don't always see that with all riding facilities.

Great place to keep horse, ride, do what ever riding discipline you do. Great trainers Dee White is…read moremy trainer I suggest her if you're into dressage or cross country. Large covered arena and a large outdoor arena and a round pen. Horses are fed cleaned and supplemented every day and they can be turned out for extra pay. Camps for kids day camps and lessons for kids by Valerie. Pasture for horses that are off, people are great and friendly...... like no other barn I've been to!

I was recommended to Ramon by a friend, and I'm so glad I listened. When he first came out to shoe…read moremy mare, she was so anxious from past bad farrier experiences that she needed to be sedated. I'd only had her a few months, and I was nervous about how it would go. Ramon handled her with such patience and gentleness that after that first visit, she never needed sedation again. She trusted him, and so did I. Since then, Ramon has continued to exceed my expectations. He truly understands horses, not just how to trim and shoe them. He's incredibly calm, patient, and kind, which makes a world of difference for horses that need that extra reassurance. Recently, he worked on a rescue horse we took in who hadn't had proper hoof care in years. His feet were long, overgrown, and he had zero handling experience. Ramon took his time, never rushed, and somehow turned it into a non-traumatic experience for the horse. By the time he was done, the horse's feet looked amazing--a total transformation. I've recommended Ramon to everyone I know who's looking for a farrier. I saw another review mentioning communication issues, but that has not been my experience. Ramon has always done his best to keep us informed and shows up when he says he will. I also don't believe it's fair to give a business one star without ever experiencing their work firsthand. Once Ramon works on your horses, you'll never want another farrier. His prices are fair and very competitive--especially compared to others in the area. Expensive doesn't always mean better, and Ramon proves that time and time again. He's not just trimming and throwing shoes on--he understands hoof angles and proper biomechanics, which is so important for long-term soundness. More than that, he's a great man with a great soul--and your horses will recognize that from the moment they meet him. Highly, highly recommend.

Ramon has been providing farrier services for my horses for the past 5 years. Ramon is very…read moreknowledgeable and very patient. He has always shown up when he says he will and if for whatever reason he needed to push back my appointment he's always kept open communication with me to inform me of any changes. His prices have stayed consistent and he is always happy to help. Ramon has a really positive attitude and a great personality. He also has someone that helps him and they're both great! I have never had any complaints and I've recommended him to others. He's done a fantastic job and my horses all seem to be very comfortable around him. Thanks Ramon for all your help and for continuing to make the drive out to keep my guys feet looking good!

Wonderful facility - we have been with Hillary for 8 years she really cares for the animals. We…read morehave two geldings there that are happy and healthy. Three rings to ride in and a huge wilderness to ride in for those who will cross the creek. Disregard the negative reviews. I knew both the people who posted and they were bullies. I recommend this facility highly! Jill Lander

I have a 30 year old paint gelding who has been at Briarcliff for almost 5 years. We were at our…read moreprevious barn in Castro Valley for over 20 years. I would like to say that Briarcliff is the premiere boarding facility in Santa Cruz county. It has been my experience that the horses are well fed and cared for, the property is beautifully maintained and we are able to have our preferred Shoer and any Vet we choose. The owner is on the property 24/7/365 and always has her eye on the horses, making sure they stay healthy and happy. If you truly care about your horse and the care it will receive, Briarcliff is your only choice in Santa Cruz county.

When I imagine what a barn should be, Three Horse Farm is exactly what comes to mind. The head…read moretrainer, Lizzy Green, is kind, supportive, talented, and truly cares about her clients. No matter where you are in your riding journey, beginner to advanced, she will bring out the best in you with positive and empathetic coaching. My riding has improved to levels far beyond what I ever thought I could reach. My fellow riders and I cheer each other on and celebrate successes, and support each other through the tough days. We truly have the best barn family ; there's nowhere else I'd rather be!

A friend and I stumbled upon Three Horse Farms after purchasing a Livingsocial.com deal for a 1…read morehour riding lesson-- what luck! Julia (a co-owner of the business) gave us a very informative and fun lesson. She is VERY knowledgeable about horses and as such I always felt safe while we were grooming or riding. I'm so glad we were able to experience riding-- even only for a short while-- with THF. I would love to come back as soon as possible! Thanks Julia!!

An amazing resource for natural horsemanship, retreats, community connections and healing with…read morehorses. Lori and Ella are amazing teachers, women leaders and grounded community change makers who help all who visit and attend events lessons and retreats there meaningful and full of growth and wisdom.

My daughter first attended this camp in the summer of 2010. It was amazing! The property sits on a…read morehill over looking all of Monterey bay. The price was very reasonable plus they have scholarships available. My daughter learned to take care of and ride horses. She had fun dancing and learning aerial. she made beautiful art and got to perform in a play at the end of camp for all the parents. Horse and Heart is terrific! I highly recommend it.

I can't say enough great things about Nicole and her stellar instruction. My teen daughter has…read moregrown so much in two years training with Nicole and looks forward to her lessons every week! Nicole's horses are beautiful and she takes impeccable care for them and it shows. They are happy to be doing the job they do and get all the proper love and attention so that you or your loved one can have a positive experience learning to ride, just coming out for horsemanship lessons or even experiencing the healing energy of horse as therapist Do yourself the favor of signing you or your loved one up and come meet the barn family!

What may be just another ho-hum day at the beach to you is often the best day of their lives to…read moreothers. I don't know why exactly but I like helping special needs kids (sometimes, an adult or two). The smiles are all the reward one could ask for in giving up a little time to help make these young lives enjoy our great outdoors. And we're so lucky to live in Southern California with year-round beaches to play on. The Best Day Foundation (http://www.bestdayfoundation.org/) enables children with special needs to build confidence and self-esteem through safe, fun adventure activities that expand their potential and connect them with diverse populations in their community. Volunteers offer activities including surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, outrigger canoeing, stand-up paddling and snow sports. I'm no skier so I stay on the shore. This organization cannot survive without donor support and volunteer staffing. All of their activities are provided at no cost to any parent, child or participating organization. They're unique in providing activities for children with special needs from 4 to 24 with any physical or developmental challenge including: Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, spinal cord injuries, cancer, sight or hearing impairments, and more. Not only does the Best Day Foundation make a difference in a child's life by giving them confidence to try new experiences, these programs also significantly impact the parents. "The look of freedom in his eyes is one I will remember forever..." Ian's mom, Rena. Parents can relax for a spell and know their loved ones are in good hands, or paws, as the case may be. Quite often at these special needs events, you might see a beautiful dog named Ricochet. He's a friendly girl (yes, Ricochet is a female) golden retriever and loves attention. Find her at http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCQQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.surfdogricochet.com%2FWho%2520is%2520Surf%2520Dog%2520Ricochet.htm&rct=j&q=surf%20dog%20ricochet&ei=N0WrTYe6O4fgiALUg6DvDA&usg=AFQjCNFKldzyApJGPasPj56RSTPHhGyNwg&cad=rja Do you know a child or group of children who might like to participate? Would you like to earn some priceless smiles? Contact them or learn more on the website. Ph. (800) 309-2815; info@bestdayfoundation.org

Some days you realize that all is in fact good in the world, and maybe you should get off your…read moreselfish narcissistic behind and give back a little. More often then not, when these days happen, I find myself up to my eye lids in saltwater, covered in neoprene trying to make it a Best Day for someone. Best Day Foundation is one of a handful of organizations which looks to encourage and celebrate the lives of children with special needs through action sports type activities. Not every parent is a born water woman or man, but that shouldn't mean that their child must go through life never to feel the incredible sensation of saltwater in their face and sand between their toes. Surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking... Best Day works to provide the best possible water mentors to make it the best day under the sun. You don't have to be a water person to volunteer. And I highly recommend it. It's the best thing you will ever do with a few hours of your time, I promise. If your child has special needs, please sign them up. I would love to see more happy smiling faces at the next Best Day!