The Central Coast landscape is the perfect backdrop to experience horseback riding. Several beautiful ranches around San Luis Obispo offer horseback rides and equestrian lessons tailored specifically for kids and teens. Here’s a guide to the best horseback riding experiences for children in San Luis Obispo.
Horseback Riding Adventures in San Luis Obispo
Madonna Inn Trail Rides
Take a scenic tour of beautiful San Luis Obispo valleys and mountains! One-hour trail rides are available daily to Madonna Inn guests and the public. Riders must be 7 and up.
- Where: 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo (stables are below and to the left of the Madonna Expo Center)
- Learn more: Madonna Inn website
Central Coast Trailrides
This family-owned company organizes beautiful trail rides at ranches north of San Luis Obispo. The trail rides at Santa Margarita Ranch and Cass Vineyard are great for riders of different levels, including timid beginners.
- Where: Santa Margarita Ranch and Cass Vineyard in Paso Robles Wine Country
- Learn more: Central Coast Trailrides website
Avila Barn Pony Rides
Toddlers and little kids can enjoy pony rides on Saturdays and Sundays at Avila Barn. Check for updates on the hours on the Avila Barn website homepage.
- Where: 560 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo
- Learn more: Avila Barn website
Horseback Riding Lessons in San Luis Obispo
Easy Does It Farms
This local farm specializes in private and group horseback riding lessons for beginner children. Toddlers too young to ride can take classes about horse safety and getting a horse ready. Farm tours, pony parties, and hiking with mini horses are also unique opportunities at this farm.
- Where: Nipomo
- Learn more: Easy Does It Farms website
Dana Andersen Equestrian
Dana Andersen is a Cal Poly alumni passionate about training horses and riders to achieve their greatest potential. She offers customized programs to riders of all levels, from beginners to advanced levels of hunters, jumpers, and equitation.
- Where: Coastal Equine Ranch, 485 O’Connor Way, San Luis Obispo
- Learn more: Dana Andersen Equestrian website
Seahorse Ranch
At Seahorse Ranch, USDF gold medalist Barbi Breen-Gurley offers horse riding lessons for all levels and ages. Some of her students have trained with her for over 40 years, starting as young children and continuing as adults to improve their riding skills.
- Where: 2566 Seahorse Lane, Los Osos
- Learn more: Seahorse Ranch website
Jack’s Helping Hand Little Riders
Little Riders is an adaptive horseback riding program for children and teens with physical and cognitive challenges. Bonnie Burt, a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) registered therapeutic riding instructor, leads the horseback riding classes.
- Where: San Luis Obispo
- Learn more: Jack’s Helping Hand website
Central Coast Polo Club
Central Coast Polo Club offers riding lessons, polo lessons, horse training, weekly scrimmages, and monthly tournaments. Lessons are held at the William Carter Jr. Memorial Arena, grassy fields, or local beaches.
- Where: 2320 Clark Valley Road, Los Osos
- Learn more: Central Coast Polo Club website
Horseback Riding Shows in San Luis Obispo
Paso Robles Horse Park
Families can watch local, regional, and national competitive hunter/jumper shows at this prestigious equestrian showground. Monthly horse shows are held in the spring and fall.
- Where: 3801 Hughes Parkway, Paso Robles
- Learn more: Paso Robles Horse Park website
San Luis Obispo County Quarter Horse Association (SLOCQHA)
This volunteer organization produces a series of local, beginner, and family-friendly all-breed horse shows. Their main event is the SLOCQHA Mother’s Day Circuit, one of California’s largest Quarter Horse shows.
- Where: Golden Hills Farm, 8455 Creston Road, Paso Robles
- Learn more: SLO County Quarter Horse Association website
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