Learn to Ride!

Voted "Best of the East Bay"
for horseback riding lessons
Diablo Magazine, 2006

Instructor Kristen Wheeler, canters Eddie past Castle Rock arena on his exercise program on Sunday, March 4.

Whether you are a beginner just learning to walk, trot and canter or an advanced rider who wishes to improve your equitation, we can help you enjoy horses and develop your skills.

Adult reentry students will review the basics with a competent instructor and then have an opportunity to take a trail ride as one of their lessons.  As Winston Churchill once said: "There is no better way to see the country than from the back of a horse!"

After taking private lessons, the next step will be a series of five horsemanship sessions to deepen your understanding of the horse and sharpen your all-around skills in not only riding but handling the horse on the ground.  You will learn how to "think like a horse." Having common sense (horse-sense) around horses is important for your safety and is part of our cirriculum.

Lessons are given in two outdoor arenas with the backdrop of Mt. Diablo State Park.

Lesson Packages for Private, Group and Horsemanship Courses

 Horsemanship Class: 1 1/2 hour class  from 1 to 2:30 every Sunday. 4 Sundays = $300. New class forming Monthly.

Private Lessons = $75
One hour personalized instruction (great for beginners of all ages!) In addition to riding, you will learn to halter, lead, tack up, groom, safety procedures and horse behavior.

Private lesson package: This package is with a Senior Instructor.  Buy 4 and receive the 5^th one free = $300 • (Save $75)• Call for appointment

Mom's Class: (Fun!) Every Thursday from 10:30 to 12:30 followed by lunch.  $75  Class limited so call for appointment.

Tiny Riders Individual Instruction Program:
Lessons available for children 3 to 6 years old on our ponies and older horses. This class (there is one individual instructor per horse and child) is limited to available horses and handlers. The cost for 5 one-hour lessons is $280.  We also have a half hour "try out" for children 4 and under for $40.  Reservations needed. Call (925) 937-7661

Jacob Pool age five enjoys a lesson on McGee

Our Show Team

Congratulations to all our team for their great turnout.  And to our winners for that day! Here are some photos to share:

Camille, riding Sierra Moon (purchased from Castle Rock Arabians in January)  takes a first place ribbon in English Equitation. Congratulations on your first HORSE SHOW and your FIRST BLUE RIBBON!

Erica Mark on her beloved Sonya is ready to show.
 

Katie Kreske riding Sym in her first show while her mom, Katie, (in yellow sweater vest) looks on.

Ashley Glasser riding her beloved horse, Tart
in her first schooling show, February 10.

Aly Montagner on Kismet getting ready to show in her Western Pleasure Class.  Did she win? Of course she did!.
 

For Birthday Parties:
Birthday Party Plans

Girl Scout Badges:
We are registered with approved insurance requirements with the Girl Scouts of the San Francisco Bay Area and Sonoma County.

Special group rates for a required two hour session = $70 per scout.
Sessions are arena instruction. (See Scout page)

Looking for your own horse?
We can help match you with your perfect horse.  Our sources are dependable breeding and training barns that offer gentle animals that are not only beautiful, but also, bred to perform.  This service is free to our clients.  We offer a few partnerships to our students (half owner with CRA).

Become an Apprentice - $300 per month
Includes membership to the ranch and its activities, use of horse, lessons and the opportunity to participate in beginner drill team lessons as well as select trail rides for pleasure and competition. Minimum age is 10 years. Our horsemanship course and a written and hands on test is a pre requisite to be an apprentice and membership is for a minimum of six months.