Youth Horse Riding Lessons & Summer Camps at Pine Trails Ranch (Davis, CA)

Pine Trails Ranch in Davis, California has earned its reputation as a top choice for kids’ horseback riding lessons and camps. It’s a family-friendly equestrian facility known for its warm, positive learning environment. With over three decades of teaching experience (est. 1990), Pine Trails Ranch emphasizes fun learning and good horsemanship for young riders. Year-round lesson programs and seasonal camps offer children a safe, nurturing place to learn riding fundamentals, care for horses, and build confidence in the saddle.

Youth Lesson Programs (Year‑Round)

Pine Trails Ranch’s core offering is its youth riding lesson program, which runs throughout the year. Lessons are available after school, on weekends, and year-round so families can find a schedule that works even with busy calendars. Multiple lesson formats are offered to suit different ages and experience levels, from total beginners to budding young equestrians.

Lesson Options:

• Group Lessons: 3–4 students per instructor, typically a ~2 hour session including grooming and tack-up time (about $65 per rider). Group classes are organized by age and skill so kids learn with peers of similar level, making lessons social and fun.
• Semi‑Private Lessons: 2 students per instructor, offering a more personalized experience for siblings or friends. Semi-private sessions provide extra attention to each rider (rates are slightly higher per rider than group lessons).
• Private Lessons: 1-on-1 instruction for focused learning, about an hour to 90 minutes long (around $85 for a private session). Ideal for kids working on specific skills or those who learn best individually.
• “Little Riders” Classes: Special introductory lessons for the youngest horse lovers (ages 3–5). These are shorter (~1 hour) sessions tailored to short attention spans, priced around $68 each. Little ones get a gentle, fun introduction to ponies, with an emphasis on safety and basics.

No matter the format, all lessons at Pine Trails Ranch cover more than just riding in circles. Students learn to catch, lead, groom, and saddle their horses as part of the lesson routine. Early lessons focus on fundamentals of balance, steering, and effective communication with the horse. As riders progress, the curriculum introduces higher skills – mastering the basics needed for jumping, dressage, western horsemanship and trail riding. Instructors encourage each child at their own pace, whether the goal is a relaxed trail ride or preparing for local shows. Thanks to this comprehensive approach, a weekly lesson is not only a chance to ride but also a hands-on education in horse care and responsible horsemanship.

Summer Camps & Youth Equestrian Programs

When school’s out, Pine Trails Ranch really comes alive with its popular youth horse camps. Each summer, week-long day camps invite kids ages 7–16 of all experience levels – from first-time riders to advanced teens – to immerse themselves in riding and barn life. Campers spend full days at the ranch (the program runs 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, making it one of the only full-day horse camps in the region). Every day includes a mounted riding lesson as well as hands-on activities where kids learn proper horse etiquette, safety, and care of the horses. Beginners might be thrilled to groom a gentle lesson horse for the first time, while more experienced riders can hone skills through drills or even try a supervised trail ride around the ranch’s scenic property.

Summer Camp Highlights:

• All levels welcome: Camps group riders by age and ability, ensuring beginners get the basics while advanced riders tackle new challenges – everyone gets to learn at their level in a supportive setting.
• Daily riding & horse care: Each day features a formal riding lesson plus structured barn activities (feeding, stall cleaning, tack maintenance, horse grooming, etc.), so kids gain true horsemanship skills beyond just time in the saddle.
• Full-day adventure: The camp runs all day (8:30–4:00), including lunch and snack breaks, horse-themed games, and downtime under the ranch’s shady trees. Pine Trails is proud to offer a full-day option for working parents and horse-crazy kids who can’t get enough!
• Friendship & confidence: Campers bond with peers and patient horses, building camaraderie and self-confidence together. By week’s end, even the shy kids are proudly trotting on their own and helping newer riders.
• Leadership for teens: Older or more advanced teens can join a Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program, acting as helpers and role models for younger campers while refining their own skills. It’s a great way for experienced youth to take on responsibility and leadership in the barn.

Parents consistently give glowing feedback about the camp experience. One local parent noted that the owners at Pine Trails Ranch “put their heart and soul into…providing an outlet for kids and adults alike,” adding that the ranch offers kids’ camps not just in summer but during winter and spring school breaks as well. This means that whether it’s summer vacation or a shorter holiday break, there’s likely a fun horse camp on the schedule – a fantastic, healthy way for Davis kids to spend time off school. Many children return year after year, advancing their riding each season and reconnecting with their favorite horses and friends. The fact that Pine Trails Ranch runs camps in summer, winter and spring makes it a reliable resource for families seeking enriching activities almost any time of year.

Facilities & Safety

Pine Trails Ranch is set on a beautiful property of over 20 acres on the outskirts of Davis. The facility features multiple riding arenas (including a large outdoor arena and a unique open “hunt field” for cross-country style riding) as well as on-site trails around the ranch. There are dozens of well-cared-for lesson horses and ponies, from steady old pros for first-timers to spirited mounts for advanced students. Families are welcome to come tour the extensive barns and paddocks – the ranch prides itself on its clean, safe stables and invites visitors to “come and see” the horses and grounds firsthand. It’s truly a full-service horse facility dedicated to helping people of all ages enjoy horses, whether you ride English or Western, competitive or just for fun.

Safety is a top priority at Pine Trails Ranch. All instructors are experienced professionals who prioritize student well-being and confidence. Young riders are required to wear ASTM-certified riding helmets (loaner helmets are available for those who don’t have their own), and boots with a heel for safe stirrup footing. Lesson groups are kept small to ensure close supervision. The teaching approach follows classical, humane training methods – no rough handling of horses is tolerated. In fact, the ranch’s philosophy emphasizes good horsemanship practices and ethical treatment of the animals in every lesson. Pine Trails also maintains structured policies to keep things safe and organized: no same-day appointments or casual horse rentals are allowed, meaning every rider on the property is scheduled with an instructor or program. Parents can take comfort knowing the environment is controlled, the horses are well-trained, and first aid and safety protocols are in place for all activities. The atmosphere is warm and family-friendly, living up to the ranch’s description as “a positive learning environment with horses for children and adults”.

Registration & Scheduling

Signing up for lessons or camp at Pine Trails Ranch is straightforward. Interested families can simply call the ranch office at (530) 756-2042 or email [email protected] to inquire and reserve a spot. There is also an online scheduling system on the Pine Trails website for regular weekly lessons – convenient for busy parents to book recurring lesson times. All lessons must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance (no walk-ins), and any changes or cancellations need a minimum of 36 hours’ notice. This policy ensures that instructors can plan ahead and that each child gets a properly prepared horse and a focused lesson.

Pine Trails Ranch offers flexible payment options, including single-lesson payments or discounted lesson packages. For example, frequent riders can purchase a lesson card good for five lessons at a slight discount (about $194 for a package of 5 group lessons) – a nice option for those committing to continuous learning. Riding gear is fairly simple: kids should arrive in long pants and closed-toe shoes or boots; helmets can be borrowed if needed, and all other horse equipment is provided by the ranch. The staff is very communicative and will send any necessary forms or waivers ahead of your first lesson or camp. If your child has a particular interest (like learning to jump or doing a horse show), be sure to mention it – the team at Pine Trails will match your rider with the appropriate instructor and horse. With a quick call or email to set up an initial lesson, your aspiring equestrian will be ready to hit the ground running (or rather, walking and trotting!) in a safe, supportive program.

Why It Matters for Davis Families

For families in Davis, having a place like Pine Trails Ranch nearby is a wonderful asset. In an era of screens and indoor activities, horseback riding offers kids a chance to be outdoors, stay active, and connect with animals. The benefits go far beyond just learning to ride. Working with horses teaches responsibility (children learn to care for a large animal) and builds self-confidence as they achieve riding goals and overcome challenges. Riding is great physical exercise too – it strengthens all major muscle groups, improves balance and coordination, and engages the mind as well as the body. Many parents find that riding lessons help their child develop focus, patience, and empathy. And of course, most kids simply find being around horses incredibly fun and rewarding! Pine Trails Ranch provides this growth experience in a structured, safe setting, which is a huge win for local parents.

Another reason Pine Trails Ranch is so valued by Davis families is its long-standing presence and consistent quality. The ranch was founded on the idea of making horseback riding accessible to anyone – even those who don’t own horses or fancy gear – and it continues to uphold that inclusive philosophy. Many local riders have essentially “grown up” at Pine Trails. It’s not uncommon to see a child start in Little Riders at age 4, move through weekly lessons, attend summer camp each year, and eventually become a teen helper or junior instructor. One longtime student shared, “Pine Trails Ranch has been a wonderful facility throughout my 8 (and ongoing) years there”. This speaks to how much of a second home the ranch can become for passionate young horse lovers. The program is truly evergreen – season after season, year after year, Pine Trails maintains the same high standards and family-oriented atmosphere. For Davis parents, that means they can count on Pine Trails Ranch as a reliable place for their kids to learn and grow, whether they’re trying out one lesson or embarking on a lifelong horseback riding journey.

Ready to get your child in the saddle? Pine Trails Ranch welcomes new young riders year-round. To learn more or schedule a horseback riding lesson or camp session, visit the Pine Trails Ranch official website or contact their office at (530) 756-2042 (email: [email protected]). Giving your child the chance to experience horses can spark a lifelong love for riding – and at Pine Trails Ranch, you’ll find the instruction, community, and care to make that experience truly special for your family in Davis, CA.