Tackle your little jockey’s endless energy and rein in their attention with a little horsepower. Whether you’re looking for scenic trail-trots, pony-themed parties or long-term riding lessons, these Bay Area equestrian spots are perfect for all types of kids (and family members). So saddle your kids into the car and head on over for some galloping fun.
photo credit: jakesmome via creativecommons flickr
Trails to Success
The Deets: Ever consider using horse therapy to help build your kids’ social skills? Trails To Success in Martinez uses equine therapy to help boost every little trotters’ sense of community, confidence and competence. This innovative program runs year round with weekday and weekend groups, and even a Girl Power group. For less intensive riders, there’s one hour lessons, or a relaxing, therapeutic ride that lasts one or one and a half hours long.
Hours: Vary by program. Check the website for more details.
Cost:$90/one hour riding lesson; other program vary, so check the website for prices.
95 Hampton Road
Martinez, Ca 94553
925-256-4400
Online: trailstosuccess.com/
Five Brooks Ranch
The Deets: Located near the village of Olema, off Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Five Brooks Ranch is a scenic drive away. This beautiful place offers pony rides for children around the pond (about twenty minutes long), and trail rides (ranging from one hour to all day). Lessons, horse boarding, camping, pony parties — you name it, Five Brooks Ranch can accommodate. Kids will also get to ponies carrots, and take a picture of them home as a treat! Call ahead to make sure the service you want is available.
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Guided trail rides vary, so check the website. Pony rides are 15$/kids ages 2.5 and up.
8001 State Route One
Olema, Ca 94950
415-663-1570
Online: fivebrooks.com/
photo credit: andreas s. via yelp.com
Nola Giddings Peruvian Paso
The Deets: Located in peaceful and very accessible El Sobrante, Nola, her students, and her horses can enjoy idyllic rides on the Wildcat Canyon trail, or down San Pablo Dam Road. Nola Giddings Peruvian Paso Horses also offers a junior program where little trotters learn riding and lifetime skills such as dedication, team work and sportsmanship. Nola also offers trail rides, lessons, summer camps, and even children’s birthday party services.
Hours: Mon.-Sun. from 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $40/one hour lesson on site; $50/one hour lesson on trails
887 Solano Ct.
El Sobrante, Ca. 94803
510-758-7786
Online: ngpph.com/
photo credit: Nola G. via yelp.com
Did we miss your favorite Bay Area spot for horseback riding? Let us know in the comments below!
— Haley Reen
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