HorseBack Riding Lessons

All of our instructors are CHA certified, which means they are trained in both instruction techniques and safety management.

Our lessons are provided in both English and Western styles. We recommend that all students begin with Western style lessons; they may switch to English riding when the instructor deems them ready.

Reservations only!

Horseback riding lessons require riders to be ages 8 and up, at least 42 inches tall, and weigh less than 225 lbs. Younger riders are welcome in our Little Wranglers class (ages 6 & 7) or 1/2 hour Pony Walks are available.

Group Lessons

Whether you’re brand new to the saddle or looking to sharpen your skills, we have a group lesson for you! We offer Western-style instruction for riders ages 6 and up, and English-style instruction for riders ages 8 and up. Our instructors are all CHA (Certified Horseman’s Association) certified and riding instruction experts. Students have the option to progress to intermediate and advanced level classes.

What to Expect
You’ll learn to walk, trot, and canter/lope with proper form, control, and confidence. Our staff carefully selects, tacks, and prepares every horse before your lesson — so all you have to do is show up and ride! Every class builds real equine knowledge and equestrian skills you’ll carry with you long after you leave the barn.

The Basics

  • Class Duration: 50 minutes
  • Schedule: Monday–Friday · All-day Saturday
  • Booking Reservation: required
  • Instructors: CHA-certified
  • Up to 10 students per class with one CHA-certified instructor*
  • Riders must be at least 42 inches tall, weigh less than 225 lbs, and 8 years or older (except Little Wranglers).

*Little Wranglers (Ages 6–7) is limited to 8 students for extra care and attention.

Western Group Lessons

Tuesdays at 6pm — Book Now

Tuesdays at 7pm – Book Now

Wednesdays at 10am — Book Now

Wednesdays at 5pm — Book Now

Wednesdays at 6pm — Book Now

Thursdays at 11AM — Book Now

Fridays at 11AM — Book Now

Saturdays at 12pm — Book Now

Pricing
  • 8 weeks: $560
  • 4 weeks: $325

Mondays at 4pm — Book Now

Mondays at 5pm — Book Now

Tuesdays at 5pm — Book Now

Wednesdays at 4pm — Book Now

Saturday at 11am — Book Now

Pricing
  • 4 weeks: $325

Little Wranglers Group Horseback Riding Lessons for Kids Ages 6 – 7

Our Little Wranglers class is the perfect introduction to horseback riding for 6-, and 7- year-olds. With small groups of just 8 riders, your child gets personalized attention in every 50-minute lesson — building balance, core strength, and real riding skills from the very first class.

Young riders learn to walk and trot with proper form and control, all while developing confidence and a love of horses that lasts a lifetime. Taught by CHA-Certified Instructors at our Saratoga, CA Equestrian Center.

 Date & Time: Tuesday 4:00 PM · Max 8 riders

→Book Now

  • 4 weeks $325.00

English Group Lessons

Thursdays at 5pm — Book Now

Saturdays at 10am — Book Now

Tuesdays at 7pm – Book Now

Wednesdays at 11am — Book Now

Thursdays at 6pm — Book Now

Private Lessons

Private lessons consist of 30 minutes one-on-one instruction. The student is carefully coached by one of our CHA certified staff members. Each lesson is tailored to fit the needs of the student. The goal of all lessons is to increase general equine knowledge and to improve equestrian skills.

  • Private Lessons (1 person): $97.00
Book Now Gift Certificate

Semi-Private Lessons

A semi-private lesson consists of up to two persons with one instructor for 30 minutes. The CHA Certified instructor will work with both students at their level. The goal of all lessons is to increase general equine knowledge and improve equestrian skills. On the payment page you will have the option to convert to a Semi-Private lesson.

  • Semi-Private Lessons (2 people): $184.00 or $92.00 per person.
Book Now Gift Certificate

HORSE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Horse Management Program

  • For the young teenager that wants to learn everything about horses.
  • For someone that wants to become an accomplished horseback rider.
  • Will require up to 5 to 8 hours per week for training sessions which includes lessons, free riding grooming, saddling and cleaning.

 

  • Students must be at least 13 and have completed 7th grade.
  • Each student is required to attend his or her chosen ETS each week.
  • Students are expected to wear boots, jeans and their Trainee T-shirt with the Garrod Farms logo to every Equine Training Session (ETS).
  • All students under the age of eighteen must be picked up within fifteen minutes after being dismissed.
  • The Program fee is $35.00 a month.
  • The fee is due and payable the first Friday of each month.
  • Failure to pay the fees on a timely basis will result in dismissal.

Please email rides@garrodfarms.com if you would like to join the Horse Management Program.

Lesson Policies

  1. Payment must be made before or at beginning of the new series
  2. When you have joined a group lesson, it’s your spot. To keep your spot secure, you must pre-pay for each lesson package.
  3. In a series of 4 lessons, there are no make-ups. The 4 lessons must be taken in 4 consecutive weeks.
  4. In a series of 8 lessons, we allow 1 absence. You have 9 weeks to complete 8 lessons.
  5. Students will be informed when they owe for more lessons. Children don’t always remember to tell their parents, so it is the parent’s responsibility to check-in at the office from time to time.
  1. Pay at time of booking
  2. Cancellation will be accepted with 24 hours notice
  3. Accepted cancellation will be credited to the next booked lesson

If you are here to watch a lesson rather than participate, please be mindful to stay out of the Yard (where mounting and dismounting happens) and keep the path of the horses going to and from the Main Arena clear.

While we love animals here, we prefer dogs be left at home. Not all horses are comfortable with dogs – and as a riding stable, our priority when it comes to animals is our horses! And of course, happy horses lead to happy and safe horseback riders! With this in mind, if you must bring your dog, please note: any dog who visits must be on a leash and must be well behaved: no aggression, no barking (as even happy barking can startle horses), and no visiting horses. Owners of poorly behaved dogs will be asked to take their dogs home. Dog owners are liable for any incident involving their dogs. If you have any concerns over how your dog will behave around horses, people, or other animals, please leave your pup at home. Thank you!

Garrod Farms

4.4

Based on 83 reviews

 


“Awesome trail ride. Dylan was a cool young ride chief. He was very informative. All of the staff there is great and extremely nice. I would highly recommend this experience for anyone interested in getting to know horses.”
Don Nguyen

5 months ago


“Had a great trail ride with the family. Booked online, got there early, instructions were clear, guide was very courteous, and all had a great time.”
Tom Leung

a year ago


“The property here is amazing. Over 150 acres of vineyards and stables. The trail ride is amazing as well. The views over the entire valley and as far as San Francisco. Windy trails and areas where we could gallop with the horse make this one of the best hours you can spend in the region. When finished you can go to the tasting room and enjoy the wine. The staff here is very friendly and let you enjoy your time.”
Todd O.

a year ago


“We had so much fun! Our first time horseback riding ever. We took advantage of the early bird special at 8:30 morning. It included an extra half hour for the price of an hour. Our guide was great, she was knowledgeable of the property and horses.”
Raquel Spriggs

2 years ago

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Family ownership & operation since 1893

Garrod Farms was established in 1893 with the purchase of 65 acres from the Mt. Eden Orchard and Vineyard Company.

Around 129+ years and 5 generations later, it continues to be a family agriculture operation today. Alongside the horse operation, we now have 28 acres of vineyards here on the property. We are also proud to say that we were one of the first wineries in the state of California to become Certified Sustainable in our farming practices.

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“My sister and I had a wonderful time trail riding here. Gorgeous views of the valley and well behaved horses. After our ride we had a glass of wine and some cheese/crackers on the patio. Perfect day!”

– Lynn –

“What a beautiful trail. We loved our trail guide and good ole Smokey the horse. I had Cowboy and he was a hoot. Learned new things about the area. We’ll be going again and the wine tasting was awesome too.”

– Juan –

“We had so much fun! Our first time horseback riding ever. We took advantage of the early bird special at 8:30 morning. It included an extra half hour for the price of an hour. Our guide was great, she was knowledgeable of the property and horses.”

– Raquel –

“We have taken family trail rides as well as lesson programs here and found the people very friendly and helpful. The horses are handled much better here than some other places-the owners and employees care about the safety and well being of riders and animals. Garrod Farms is home to a very well respected equestrian team that competes world wide and has won gold medals. Top notch horse facility and check out the winery too.”

– Bjorn –

“Great place for your child to learn horseback riding. Friendly staff and awesome teachers!”

– Jenifer –

“I’ve been horseback riding for over 30 years. I’ve been to many stables. This one definetly stood out from the others. The guides were very friendly. The horses very clean and very well trained. It was my sons first time and he now wants to ride more frequently from having such a great experience and my other son that’s ridden with me for the past 14 years was really happy we went there and pointed out the same things I did. Thanks for making my family’s day a perfect one. Phoenix was the best horse.”

– Roxanne –