Moss Beach Ranch

This place was hands-​down the best way to be reintroduced into riding and enjoying the beautiful views and it’s surrounding valleys. Friendly staff great easy location with parking ! My instructor was super friendly and easy to converse with. I truly cannot wait to go back and introduce this place to my friends and family. Thank you Kimberly Forbes !

Aline is the nicest person! I had called all the places in the bay area, they were either rude or non responsive. Aline was very nice, professional, and patience. We had a great time horsing, definitely will come back.

We had a fantastic guided trail ride with Aline the other weekend! She was able to accommodate us week of and it made such a nice surprise experience for my boyfriend who has never been on a horse. The location of the ranch is beautiful and close to awesome coastal restaurants/​beaches in Half Moon, Pacifica and Moss Beach. We really recommend checking out the Distillery in Moss Beach then Gray Whale Cove.
Aline has a clear passion for the horses she cares for and was a patient teacher/​guide. We spent the first 15 – 20 minutes learning riding technique then followed her on a great nature filled trail ride. The horses were beautiful, healthy and comfortable for beginners like my boyfriend, but we also had the chance to trot a bit (I had read many other trail ride reviews elsewhere and most are group setting or expensive solo rides with no trotting). All of Aline’s rides are private, which made for the perfect setting. Her dog was also a treat to ride along with– such a cutie!

Had a great ride with Aline on Friday. Aline is very knowledgeable not only about her horses, but about local wildlife and the coastal area. She keeps a small string of horses and they are all well cared for, unlike the other place down the road.
After I warmed up my horse in the arena and Aline was able to assess my riding level and knowledge, we headed out on the trail. It was a windy day, so we had to switch trails, but it didn’t matter, I had a great time and the views were gorgeous.
If you’re looking for a place to ride on the coast, this is it.

This was an incredible experience! We had great instruction, and loved how easily and efficiently she taught us to go from first stepping up to the house to trotting on the trail. The ride is stunningly beautiful, with ocean views and green hills. Would definitely recommend to a friend!

Aline and her daughter did a fantastic job with our first real horse riding experience. The details about the horse, and great instructions while learning how to ride them, were helpful and interesting! They did a great job orienting us to our horses, while making us feel at ease. Thank you!

Just came back from our horse back ride, it was wonderful. Had a good time with babe. It was a good birthday present from him. Weather was nice, yes not to cold, not to hot. I loved the experience it was more then I expected. I recommend it to the fullest.

My experience here was fantastic.
I wanted to take my girlfriend riding as a birthday present, and did some Unilocal research to find a ranch. Most ranches in the Bay had very poor reviews. When I came across MBR’s 4.5 stars, I had to contact them and was really drawn by their reviews and their customer service.
My girlfriend and I booked a private trail tour on a Sunday morning with our guide Aline. The two of us were beginners with zero riding experience, but Aline was incredibly knowledgeable about horses, and got us up to speed in a matter of minutes. We learned how to correctly interact with horses, and how to properly ride and maintain control.
The trail tour was extremely serene and peaceful, and we even saw a fox along the way! My horse, Billy, was a bit stubborn at one point, trying to snack on some tall pampas grass reeds, and it was really amusing. Aline helped me regain Billy’s attention in no time at all, and the rest of the ride went perfectly. She even took pictures of us during a break, and emailed them to me after the tour was over, which was awesome!
I could tell they really care about their horses, as well as their clientele at this ranch. Check this place out and give them a call, you will not be disappointed!

Definitely the best place within an hour of the city (or maybe farther) to go for a trail ride. I’m a horse person and take lessons at a more formal barn on a regular basis, and it’s quite difficult to find a trail ride operator where the horses are well cared for and not on total autopilot, but this is clearly such a place. And beautiful trails! No riding on the beach, but the views are great on a clear day, would definitely go back.

I took my boyfriend horseback riding for his birthday, and our trail guide, Aline, could not have made is a better experience. She made me feel comfortable as a beginner on a horse with helpful tips and feedback. The horses were certainly loved, which added to the experience. When we finished our beautiful trail ride through Golden Gate National Recreation Area (overlooking the ocean and agriculture), we were able to rinse and brush our horses, as well as reward them with a snack.
Aline was sweet, calm, and knowledgeable on the area, and the horses were patient, loved and well adjusted.
We will make it a point to try to get back!

My twin daughters attended horse camp here this past July and had a great time. The instructors were friendly and it was a safe nurturing environment. They had a great end of the week ‘show’ where you can watch all that your children have learned. My only complaint is that the porta potties could be cleaned more often or better yet install real toilets.
We definitely plan on attending next summer and maybe taking lessons in between. It is a well run ranch.

Excellent trail ride! My family had a great time with Aline as our guide! Some of us in our group had not been on a horse in decades ! Aline instructed us and made sure we felt comfortable before we left the corral! Aline was so patient and encouraging! A wonderful guide! She made sure we were dealing with our horses and managing a look at the view!!! It was a wonderful time! First class activity! A must when in the area!!!

My 11-​year-​old niece and I went for a 90 minute ride on a Monday morning. We were both very happy with our experience. We are both beginners (I ride maybe once a decade, she rides maybe once a year). Aline was helpful, friendly. She showed us simple commands and I felt that she was conscientious in taking basic safety precautions (helmet, girth, assistance mounting and dismounting, etc). The trail was beautiful and Aline shared interesting bits of info about the landscape and horses as we went along. It was fun for my niece to assist in giving the horses a treat after the ride. I had no trouble calling on a Friday early afternoon to set up the Monday morning ride. Aline was responsive and prompt in returning my call and emailing the confirmation. I would recommend Moss Beach Ranch to anyone who wants a gentle ride with a friendly, relaxed, knowledgeable guide.

I took my wife here to go horseback riding for her birthday and I have to say, it was an absolute blast! Aline was very nice and talkative. She genuinely cares for her horses and for those she is riding with and gave very concise, helpful instruction even for beginner riders. The trail ride was very scenic, and the horses were in great health and very friendly. Absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a scenic ride!

Amazing ranch with wonderful staff and horses! I have been leasing/​taking lessons here for a while and Jeanette recently helped me acquire my first horse as an owner!

Went horse-​backing riding with mom on a Monday afternoon.
Lovely and friendly people, horses and dogs!
Will definitely do it again!

My husband and I went on the groupon and had a great time! Husband has a little horse experience; I had practically none, but we were both turning our horses and stopping them reliably in the dirt ring within an hour. Hey, it’s not galloping into the sunset, but you’ve got to start somewhere! After learning about the horses, saddling them and learning the basics, we set of for a trail ride with Lauren, our fabulous hostess/​horse-​wrangler.
It’s a beautiful location with hills on one side and ocean on the other. We were lucky enough to have a beautiful sunny day to boot. It was a great morning and we would definitely recommend it to others.

Had a good time here! Went for a Groupon deal for a horseback training and riding session on an overcast, cool Saturday. Driving in from the north along hwy1 was slightly confusing, as Etheldore Street is known as «St.» Etheldore on some signs. If you overshoot, you’ll see the street again though. Just be aware that you’ll see the sign for «Ember Ridge», a neighboring competitor of theirs, more easily than the ranch’s sign from that direction. Drive on down the road between those two signs til you see another sign labeled «Equestrian Center», turn in there and park.
When we showed up around 15 min in advance, there were a few girls of various ages taking out some horses for a ride around a dirt equestrian track. We waited around for a bit, watching the horses with their riders walk or trot around, and later do a few jumps over the fences. 2 others showed up for the same deal, and finally our instructor and guide, Lisa.
Lisa was friendly and talkative. She brought out some horses to explain first how to approach a horse and not get your ribs broken. Next were some grooming basics, such as brushing the horse (you can tickle them if you’re too gentle with the comb!) and picking out dirt (poop) and rocks from their hooves, which we got to do ourselves after she showed us. This can take a bit of effort! Lastly if you haven’t freaked the horse out yet, you get to saddle and harness them. Putting on the harness was the most difficult, esp. stuffing the horse bit in its mouth; Lisa basically did it for us while we struggled with hanging on to their heads. –_​-​; We had two horses amongst the 4 of us to practice on, so at least half of you can be amused by the show when harness time comes.
Afterwards was a quick overview on how to control the horse (turning, stopping, going at a walking pace), and then mounting up for a ~1 hour trail ride. We had a little bit of time on the track to test out our skills, and then headed for the nearby trail. Lisa was in front, with the rest of us following her horse. These horses are pretty much on autopilot at this point, including pooping and eating (if you can’t rein them in). My horse loved trying to munch on all sorts of plants along the way. Lisa didn’t really say that much about the trail itself on her own, but will warn you about your horse if it sometimes behaves a certain way along certain stretches. That said, she’s very talkative if you ask her anything. I learned a bit about other ranches in the area, what is a pony vs a horse, how horses can be like dogs, their social habits, the ranch’s attempts at breeding briefly, other activities they do at this ‘full service boarding and training facility’, and other random stuff. Basically, don’t worry about being ignorant and you’ll have more fun! The trail is pretty, and I’m sure even more so in sunlight. Bring a jacket otherwise. Also, be ready to use some fast shutter speeds if you want to take pictures while on a bouncy horse. But our guide was kind enough to take a few pictures for us at the end, too. And just so you’re not surprised, the guides here will solicit tips FYI, but it was fun so not a problem.
If you’ve never ridden before but are curious, definitely consider this ranch. They make it seem easy, and if you’re a dude, don’t worry about feeling sore afterwards; I wasn’t fortunately. And if you have kids and spare cash to burn, I’m sure you could make them happy here. Maybe one day they’ll even find a way to work with the local schools!

This is a wonderful place and just a quick drive down the coast. I love the vibe at Moss Beach Ranch, everyone is friendly and helpful. I’m very new to being around horses but I could tell right away their horses are very well cared for.
My instructor Renette really knows her stuff and thankfully is very patient. There are two good will ambassadors named, Bear and Barney. They are the ranch dogs. I enjoy their warm welcome and company on our trail rides. I’m really looking forward to many more enjoyable rides and being around the beautiful horses and nice folks at the Moss Beach Ranch.

I was blessed to grow up with horses in my family, but after college and moving across the country, I wasn’t sure I would be able to find anything like what I had been used to back East: big pastures, open trails, and friendly, down-​to-​earth people who just love being around horses and the outdoors. Moss Beach Ranch offers all of that, and more. From rank beginners to advanced levels of competition, MBR has horses and ponies available for lessons and even lease opportunities. There are a wide range of instructors available, as well as summer and vacation camps for kids (as well as some adventuresome adults!). The ranch facilities are simple but safe, and all the horses and ponies are happy and well-​loved.
What I love most about this place, though, is the access to trails. The ranch is situated on the border of the Montara Mountain open space, meaning you can literally ride for hours without seeing another human being. What you will probably see instead is a coyote, or even a bobcat! You will also be treated to some of the most beautiful, classic California views imaginable… mountains rolling right down to the sea.
The other thing that I love most (I can have more than one, right?!) is the people. I had tried riding at a «fancier» show barn over in Portola Valley, and the people there were, by and large, your stereotypical snobby «horsey set» (or at least they liked to think of themselves that way!). The people at MBR are real people, supportive, caring, and fun. No one cares if you’re wearing handmedowns and your horse’s boots don’t match. Everyone is just there to have fun and enjoy themselves and a wonderful (lifestyle choice) sport. I am especially impressed by the kids there — they are all excellent examples of how spending time working around horses builds independence, confidence, and responsibility in a young person.
The other other thing I love most is the variety of training available — lead trainer Jeanette Jacobi is wonderful with the little ones and is also refreshingly challenging for more advanced riders looking to move on and even compete. And, most amazingly, there is even a cross-​country course, and the ranch hosts two schooling-​level combined training events each year! This is, in my opinion, the most fun thing you can possibly do with a horse — but if competing is not your goal, the beach rides and camping trail rides are a pretty close second, in my opinion!
I could keep going on and on, but the last thing I love the most about MBR is that it is exactly 30 minutes from my home in San Francisco, and the drive is beautiful and nearly always traffic-​free; though even if it wasn’t, it would be well worth it.