23 Horseback Riding in CALIFORNIA (Fun, Cool, & Relaxing)
These animals can be intimidating, likely because of their size, but are also fun and lovable.
Horseback riding is a popular recreational activity among locals and tourists in California.
The state boasts scenic landscapes of mountains, deserts, beaches, and forests- and opportunities for people to explore the natural beauty on horseback.
Not many people are lucky enough to have their horses.
Several horseback riding ranches and stables have solved this problem.
These ranches provide guided tours through national parks, mountains, and the wine country.
They also offer lessons and horse care courses.
Take advantage of the multi-day camping trips and backcountry exploration offered by horse ranches and stables if you love adventure.
Here are some of the best horseback riding services in California:
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Hiking Trails in California.
Horseback Riding in Southern California
1. Sunset & Daydreams Horseback Riding (Trained Rental Horses)
Horses are majestic creatures, perfect for a hike or sightseeing.
Sunset & Daydreams Riding is a horse rental service that allows people to rent well-trained horses for horseback riding.
They have various types of horses for you to choose from.
All their horses are healthy-fed, so you do not have to worry about their stamina.
At Sunset & Daydreams, they prioritize safety and good horsemanship.
One way to ensure your safety while riding is to know how to ride.
Sunset & Daydreams Horseback Riding offers riding lessons for riders of all levels; it does not matter if you are a beginner.
There are also trail guides who lead riding groups through selected trails.
These groups ride through the Hidden Valley Wildlife Preserve and other surrounding trails.
The rides are a fun way to go sightseeing.
Address: 4886 California Ave, Norco, CA 92860, United States
2. Los Padres Outfitters (Ocean-View Trail Rides)
Los Padres Outfitters renders horse rental and trail guide services.
Some rides available include sunset beach rides, ocean view trail rides, and wilderness exploration rides.
They avail guests of calm and gentle horses fit for anyone to ride.
All trail rides have guides who know and understand the intricacies of each trail.
Los Padres Outfitters offers these trail rides all year round; whenever you find yourself in Southern California, be sure to go for a ride.
You can explore the mountains and valleys of Santa Barbara or the beaches along the Pacific Ocean.
Anyone from age ten and above is welcome to ride with this company.
There is a limit on the body weight of 220lb for persons who can ride horses.
You can book an exclusive ride with friends, family or go with other adventurers like yourself.
Address: 3939 Foothill Rd, Carpinteria, CA 93013, United States
3. Susie Q Ranch (Guided Trail Rides)
Susie Q Ranch is in Murrieta, near Temecula Wine Country.
The ranch offers guided horseback trail rides for riders of all skill levels, including first-time riders and children as young as six.
Susie Q Ranch rides typically last sixty minutes but can be extended to ninety minutes.
The trail ride takes you through hills and meadows.
It allows you to experience the beauty of nature.
The extra height from the horseback could be an added advantage to seeing the world from a different angle.
Susie Q Ranch allows riders to book solo rides or rides for groups of six.
You can also go on a romantic ride with your significant other.
Most riders have said their favorite ride is the wine-tasting ride to Lorimar Loft, which includes a guided trail ride through a nature preserve adjacent to the winery.
Riders are guaranteed to have fun at Susie Q Ranch.
Address: 28330 Mary Pl, Murrieta, CA 92563, United States
4. Horse Play Rentals (Adventurous Trail Options)
Horse Play Rentals is a welcome place for adventurers and families who enjoy outdoor activities.
Visitors can rent beginner-friendly horses to run laps around the stables or to go on trail rides around the property.
Horse Play Rentals offers several trail-riding packages that you can choose from.
You can join a riding group to explore beautiful trails passing through the Huntington Beach Equestrian Center.
If you have never ridden a horse, book the beginner-friendly one-hour ride and groom.
This trail ride takes you through even smooth terrain and helps you learn how to ride and how to handle your horse.
Couples can book a romantic horseback ride.
The package includes a one-hour trail ride that ends with a picnic in the Urban Forest.
Horse Play Rentals makes provisions for different membership packages that entitle you to several trail rides per month.
Address: 18381 Goldenwest St #1107, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, United States
5. Surfside Ranch (Gentle, Trained Horses)
Surfside Ranch offers horseback riding experiences in San Diego
They have successfully trained their horses over time to be gentle.
With the help of experienced instructors, you will get a hang of the trail in no time.
They provide various services for riders of all levels, including guided beach and trail rides, pony rides, riding lessons, and summer programs for kids.
There are various riding packages for visitors to choose from.
First, the Beach Adventure, as the name suggests, is a ride along the sandy beach where riders can enjoy the cool ocean breeze and see some dolphins and seals.
This ride takes about two hours to complete.
Other offers include a sunset ride on the beach and a ride through various trails in San Diego and the surrounding mountains.
Children under eight years can enjoy supervised rides on the ponies or pet and feed the animals in the petting zoo.
A ride at Surfside Ranch is a relaxing adventure, the perfect way to spend the weekend.
Address: 2225 Hollister St, San Diego, CA 92154, United States
6. Ortega Equestrian Center (Certified Training Center)
The Ortega Equestrian Center is a unique horse facility in San Juan Capistrano.
A single-family has run the center for over twenty years.
It is a certified training center, both for the horse and the rider.
Lessons are available for children and adult riders, irrespective of their skill level.
They are also available to train professional riders.
There are specific horses designated for riding lessons; these horses are gentle and patient.
You do not have to worry about being knocked off.
Ortega Equestrian Center also offers trail rides for families, friends, or for couples.
You can directly access more than thirty trails from the center, making it a perfect place for trail rides.
These trails weave through several preserves, hills, and beaches.
It is a perfect way to experience the beauty of nature.
Guided trail rides are available every day of the week.
Address: 27252 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, United States
Also see our article on Outdoor Activities in California.
Horseback Riding in Napa Valley, California
1. Valley Brook Equestrian Center (Top-Notch Riding Trails)
Valley Brook Equestrian Center offers top-notch horseback riding trails and training in Napa Valley.
Rides and training are primarily in some in the Valley Brook covered arena.
At Valley Brook Equestrian Center, they train you to become one of the best riders.
Their professional and experienced riding instructors are ready to help you with your goal.
Sitting on a horse is the most basic yet one of the most challenging things.
Your riding lessons start here.
Riding lessons are available from Tuesday to Saturday.
Instructors group students according to their skill level.
They take one lesson at a time to overwhelm you with too much information at once.
The center organizes a competition every month; riders get to display their riding skills, and horses get to be, well, horses.
Address: 1132 El Centro Ave #1949, Napa, CA 94558, United States
2. Napa Valley Trail Rides at Rapp Ranch (Combines Trail Rides With Wine Tasting)
Alko Equestrian Center is a top-notch equestrian facility that renders two services: its Napa Valley Trail Rides is a public trail riding company, and the Alko Equestrian is a horse boarding and training company.
It was once a leading horse training facility in Napa Valley.
The center has produced some of the best award-winning horses.
Alko Equestrian Center features a vineyard; the rides are a combination of rides along the trails surrounding the property and through the vineyard.
The owners had the idea to combine horseback riding with wine tasting; this made it one of the most popular horseback riding centers in that area.
Visitors can savor some wine after the ride.
They serve wine with cheese, bread, fruits, and nuts.
It lasts two hours.
Wines used for the tasting are from the vineyards.
Only visitors aged 21 and above can go on wine-tasting tours.
Address: 100 Rapp Ln, Napa, CA 94558, United States
3. Tulucay Farms (First-Class Horse Barn)
Tulucay Farms is a first-class horse barn in Napa, California.
It is a family-owned barn.
Tulucay Farms offers horseback riding training and lessons for riders of all levels.
It does not matter if you are a beginner or an intermediate rider; instructors at Tulucay Farm will teach and sharpen your riding skill until you are a professional.
The Farm has indoor riding rings; you can ride at any time of the year.
Most lessons are private, but they also offer group lessons on request; this helps the instructor pay special attention to each student and notice the intricacies and strengths of each rider.
Instructors create individual lesson programs for each horse and rider that focuses on confidence, horsemanship, and a good work ethic.
Apart from horseriding services, Tulucay Farms also offer horse stabling services.
This implies that they keep and care for your horses, including feed and accommodation for a fee.
There are horse stalls specifically for this purpose.
All stalls are matted and fully bedded.
The horses are groomed, washed, trained, and well-fed during their stay.
Address: 5310 Biava Ln, Napa, CA 94558, United States
4. R- Ranch At The Lake (Recreational Facility)
R-Ranch at The Lake is primarily a recreational facility.
It is the perfect place for families to enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, sightseeing, trail hikes, picnicking, horseback riding, and swimming.
The property is surrounded by different hills perfect for advanced riders to test their skills.
Group trail rides are available.
The ride takes you through many scenic trails where you come in close contact with the beauty of nature.
R-Ranch at the Lake is known for having camping trips, where groups of riders set out with their horses to explore the grounds around the facility and set up camps at various intervals.
The camping trips last for several days at a time.
These riders have the privilege of experiencing a truly authentic camping experience.
R-Ranch at the Lake features campsites, cabins, a horse stable, and a lodge.
Address: 1962 Capell Valley Rd, Napa, CA 94558, United States
Also see our article on Indoor Activities in California.
Horseback Riding in Temecula, California
1. Rocking T Ranch (Horseback Riding Lessons)
Rocking T Ranch specializes in horse lifestyle and horseback riding lessons.
The ranch offers riding lessons for people of all ages and skill levels.
All riders at the ranch must be at least seven years old.
The qualified instructors prioritize safety while teaching students about horse health, anatomy, grooming, riding techniques, and proper attire.
Students can request one-on-one training with the instructors.
Rocking T Ranch also specializes in horse training, transportation, stabling, medical checkup services stall vacations.
They also house horses for overnight stays in designated areas.
All horses in their care are groomed, fed, washed, and checked.
Rocking T Ranch trains horses staying at the ranch to develop custom exercises or feed programs.
If you not only like to be taught how to ride a horse but also how to groom and care for your horse’s health, Rocking T Ranch is the perfect option.
Address: 31895 Nicolas Rd, Temecula, CA 92591, United States
2. Wine Country Trails by Horseback (Guided Tours in Wine Country)
Wine Country Trails by Horseback is a horseback riding tour operation in Temecula Valley’s Wine Country.
It features guided trail rides through the Wine Country.
All rides are led by professional and knowledgeable guides who know the trails like the palm of their hands.
Guests ride docile and gentle horses for the tours and do not need any prior riding experience.
Experienced and knowledgeable guides lead the scenic tour through the wine country, providing a relaxing, fun, and rejuvenating excursion through the local vineyards.
Although this is a tour around local vineyards and wineries, riders are not allowed to partake in wine tasting during the rides for safety reasons.
There are several horseback trail rides available.
The most popular is the sunset tour: a ride through scenic locations against the backdrop of the setting sun.
You make special requests on the type of ride you would like, for example, a couples romantic ride, a proposal ride, etc.
Wine Country Trails by Horseback is committed to providing a unique and memorable riding experience.
Address: 39000 De Portola Rd, Temecula, CA 92592, United States
3. Green Acres Ranch (Safe Riding Lessons)
Green Acres is a horse ranch in Temecula that offers horseback riding lessons to people of all ages and skill levels in a safe environment.
All lessons at the ranch consider the riding skills and goals of students.
Students learn how to sit on a horse, horse ride, groom, and lead.
Instructors at the ranch are qualified professionals who try their best to evaluate each student’s skill and achievement.
Students learn the best form and techniques for riding horses
The ranch organizes group trail rides around the property, as well as special events that test the competitive skills of students.
Green Acres Ranch aims to train students to become world-class riders.
The ranch has produced champion horse riders over the years and will continue to do so for years to come.
Address: 35750 De Portola Rd, Temecula, CA 92592, United States
4. Vin Hesten Trail Rides (Private Ranch Experiences)
Vin Hesten Trail Rides is a private horse ranch in Temecula, California.
It offers guided trail rides for individual, family, and group rides.
Individuals can request private or semi-private rides as well.
The tour pairs horseback rides with wine-tasting adventures at the Frangipani Wineries.
Vin Hesten offers various trail ride packages.
There are separate horseback rides for romantic couples, beginners, and families.
Most of the trails pass through forests, flower fields, and vineyards.
You get to experience the beauty of the wine country up close.
Most of the wines served in Temecula were made by wineries in that area.
Vin Hesten Trail Rides also offers horseback riding lessons for riders of all skill levels.
You do not need to have any background or knowledge of horseback riding.
Students learn the basics of how to ride and care for a horse.
Most of the lessons focus on small groups of riders per time.
Address: 41529 De Portola Rd, Temecula, CA 92592, United States
5. Stokes Equestrian (Horse Care Focus)
Stokes Equestrian focuses more on the horse than on the rider.
It is a hire training facility in Temecula Valley.
They offer first-class horse care services like grooming and medical care.
There are amenities dedicated to the comfort and care of horses like the open space arena, pastures, round pen, and breeding facilities.
Temecula experiences excellent sunny weather all year round making it possible for the horses to train all through the year.
Apart from horse care, Stokes Equestrian Center makes it a mission to spread awareness about horses and horseback riding.
Individuals who wish to learn to ride can receive excellent training at this center.
All instructors are patient and have years of experience to draw from.
Balancing yourself on a horse is a vital skill.
Training at Stokes begins with lessons on correct balancing and horse control.
For those with more experience, the instructors help improve on existing skills.
All lessons are private and uniquely tailored to fit each rider.
Address: 40095 Green Meadow Rd, Temecula, CA 92592, United States
6. Rancho Pacifica Equestrian Center (Affordable Training)
Rancho Pacifica Equestrian Center is a top-notch horse ranch in Temecula Wine Country.
It primarily focuses on providing riders with affordable and effective training.
Many of the students complete the pieces of training as professional horseback riders.
The center is open to all who have anything to do with horseback riding: typical riders, jumpers, hunters, and trail riders.
Rancho Pacifica also offers trail rides around the network of trails around the facility.
Students and visitors are welcome to book guided trail rides through the hills, forests, and meadows surrounding the facility.
If you are neither interested in trail rides nor riding lessons, then perhaps you might want a ranch that leases out horse stalls.
Rancho Pacifica is one such facility.
You can lease one or even twenty barn stalls for your horses.
The need for a boarding facility could be because of relocation, or perhaps you need a facility that will look after the health of your horse for a while.
Rancho Pacifica has you covered.
Address: 37055 De Portola Rd, Temecula, CA 92592, United States
Also see our article on Fun Things to do in California.
Horseback Riding in Los Angeles, California
1. The Paddock Riding Club (Private Facility)
The Paddock Riding Club is a private, family-owned facility.
It allows riders to rent horses and provides horseback riding lessons for riders of all age groups.
Instructors at the center are qualified and can work with riders of skill levels, whether you are a beginner who knows nothing about riding or an advanced rider looking to hone your skills.
They also offer horse training services.
There are over ten qualified horse trainers at The Paddock Riding Club.
You can run laps with the horses in any riding arenas on the property.
It is one of the biggest equestrian centers in the area.
The Paddock Riding Club has a strategic location that provides access to over fifty miles of trails.
You can rent a horse and go riding or sightseeing on the trails.
All their horses are calm and well-trained.
Unless you are a beginner or new to the area, you might not need the help of a trail guide.
If you have your horse but do not have a stable to keep it, The Paddock Riding Club offers horse boarding facilities for a token every month.
Boarding facilities include a spacious stall, fresh bed of shavings, horse food, matted flooring, and grooming.
They also offer daily stall cleaning, with additional cleaning upon request.
Address: 3919 Rigali Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039, United States
2. Sunset Ranch Hollywood (Scenic Hollywood Rides)
Sunset Ranch is a horse ranch in Los Angeles that offers the opportunity to trail and experience the best sights in Los Angeles.
All trail rides are led by experienced guides who take you through scenic routes.
Some of the rides include a ride up Hollywood Hills; where you will see the Hollywood sign and a panoramic view of Los Angeles.
Other ride packages take you on a trail through spots in the Hollywood hills.
You will see the oceans and valleys of Los Angeles.
Trail rides at Sunset Ranch Hollywood typically last for about an hour.
Some rides stretch into two hours.
It depends on the number of landmarks and sights you see during the ride.
Sunset Ranch Hollywood offers one of the most romantic and unforgettable proposal packages.
If your partner is as much a horse lover as you, you should take advantage of this for your proposal.
It involves a ride to the top of Mount Hollywood.
While your partner admires the sights, you propose against the backdrop of the L.A. Basin, the Hollywood sign, and the setting sun.
Address: 3400 N Beachwood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States
3. Malibu Riders (Affordable Trail Rides)
Malibu Riders offer affordable trail rides for beginners and advanced riders.
The rides pass through Malibu or Paramount Ranch in Los Angeles and offer riders amazing views and trails.
There are several ride packages for visitors to choose from.
Trail riders are a perfect way to see the Santa Monica Mountains, the forests, or the ocean vista, especially if you are new to the area.
If you are a thrill seeker, the several trail riding packages at Malibu Riders will help you have fun experiences.
Malibu Riders offer trail rides through specially selected trails that are bound to give you panoramic views of the natural scenery.
One of the trail ride packages features a ride through the Malibu Creek State Park.
It is a perfect place to see several beautiful plants and trees, the occasional sightings of animals in the park, and a tour through the filming location of popular movies like Planet of the Apes and M*A*S*H.
Trail rides typically last for an hour and are charged per person.
Address: 2056 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, United States
Also see our article on Castles in California.
Horseback Riding in Pismo Beach, California
1. Pismo Sand Beach Club (Beachside Trail Rides)
Pismo Sands Beach Club is a trailer camping resort on Pismo Beach.
It offers guests a beachside escape from everyday life.
Guests can access beach cottages that are fully equipped with all amenities needed to enjoy the getaway.
Visitors to the resort never get bored because there is always something to do.
You can decide to spend a day at the beach or go for a soothing sunset stroll on the beach.
Another option is to try out the local foods in the area.
There are several eateries and restaurants around; you can explore some or all of these during your stay.
You can explore local attractions like aquariums, vineyards, or Hearst Castle.
One of the most popular activities for visitors is beach horseback riding.
The Pismo Beach Sand Club offers an opportunity to explore the beautiful Oceano Dunes Preserve on horseback.
Professional guides are in charge of the beach rides.
All the beautiful horses used for the rides are relaxed and experienced, so riders do not need prior riding experience.
Address: 345 Pier Ave. Oceano, CA 93445, United States
2. Covell Ranch (Clydesdale Trail Rides)
Covell Ranch is a Clydesdale horse breeder that offers trail rides and tours of their property.
Clydesdales are draft horses bred for pulling carts and cargo.
These horses are big, and their sizes can be intimidating, but they are gentle and easy to ride.
The ranch features about eighty Clydesdale horses, grazing pastures, wooded areas, and a scenic view of the Pacific Ocean.
Covell Ranch offers trail rides on these majestic creatures.
All rides last more than an hour.
The trail rides feature rides through open fields, pine forests, and grazing cattle.
All riders must be at least seven years old and weigh less than 250 pounds.
Riders must be healthy and fit and be comfortable following the instructions of the trail guide.
You can book a trail ride for your friends and family.
Please note that Covell Ranch only takes groups of ten per trail ride.
Address: 5694 Bridge St, Cambria, CA 93428, United States
Also see our article on Scenic Drives in California.
Horseback Riding in Palm Beach, California
1. Smoke Tree Stables (Scenic Trail Rides)
Smoke Tree Stables is a family-owned business.
They offer scenic trail rides on their gentle, well-trained horses.
Smoke Tree Stables can assess over a hundred miles of trails and utilize this in their trail rides.
Riders of all skill levels are welcome at this stable; you do not need to be a professional at horseback riding.
Most trail rides last for about an hour.
There are day-long ride packages available.
It all depends on how much time you are willing to spend and how much of the sights you want to see.
You can book a ride with groups or a custom ride.
The trail rides typically include horseback riding through the historic Agua Caliente Indian Canyons, team-building activities, and barbecuing with entertainment.
You can bond with loved ones or friends over the trails or during the barbecue.
One way to relieve a burdened heart or heal is by horseback riding.
Equine therapy sessions help to build you up and gain some confidence.
It also helps to let go of the hurt or any other burdens you carry.
If you want an equine therapy session and you live in or are visiting Palm Springs, be sure to stop by Smoke Tree Stables.
Address: 2500 S Toledo Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
2. Willowbrook Riding Club (Passionate Riding School)
Willowbrook Riding Club is a successful riding school near Palm Springs, California.
It was born out of the owner’s passion for horses and seeing other people experience the fulfillment of riding a horse.
Willowbrook has more than enough facilities to train as many students as are willing to learn.
There are more than enough trained horses that cater to the riding school.
These horses have been trained over time to deal with inexperienced riders.
Students learn how to sit, ride, and steer a horse.
Those going into professional horseback riding are trained until they become the best riders and then some.
Students also learn the responsibility of owning a horse.
They learn how to groom, brush, and care for a horse.
For riders with horses of their own, the Riding Club helps to foster a relationship of trust between the rider and the horse.
Willowbrook is also a boarding facility for horses.
With over forty world-class stalls, they can care for your horse for as long as you want.
Address: 20555 Mountain View Rd, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241, United States
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Zoos, Kayaking, and Skiing in California.
Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the best Horseback Riding in Texas and Florida.