About
Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides offers the River Trail Ride, a horseback trail ride along the Santa Ynez River that lasts 60, 75, or 90 minutes. It also offers the Pony Encounter, a one-hour session with a guided pony ride around the arena and a short trail ride into the woods, and the Family Fun Ride, a one-hour trail ride that begins in the Pony Arena with an introduction and lesson before a short trail ride toward the woods and river.
At a glance
- Ages: 2–18 years old
- General schedule: Rides are offered daily year-round by appointment. Open every day except major Holidays.
About the provider
The program’s mission is to bring affordable, high-quality trail riding to beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Helmets and tack are provided and sanitized before and after each ride, and riders must wear pants and closed-toed shoes. Rides are offered daily year-round by appointment, and the program is open every day except major holidays.
- River Trail Ride — Adults and kids age 8+; kids 6+ can join their parents on the Family Fun Ride; kids aged 8 and up can join the trail ride if they have some previous riding experience · Offered daily year-round by appointment · Horseback trail ride along the Santa Ynez River; 60, 75, or 90 minutes; no riding experience necessary for beginners on the River Trail Ride.
- Pony Encounter — Kids age 2 to 12 · One-hour session · $114 · Guided pony ride around the arena and a short trail ride into the woods; parents can ride along on their own horse.
- Family Fun Ride — Kids age 6 and up · One-hour trail ride · Begins in the Pony Arena with an introduction and lesson, then a short trail ride toward the woods and river.
- Petting Zoo — Kids who do the Magical Pony Encounter · 30-minute session · $15 · Free to all kids who do the Magical Pony Encounter; otherwise $15 for a 30-minute session.
- After School Farm Camp — Children age 6-12 · Afternoon enrichment program centered on raising and caring for farm animals including goats, sheep, miniature horses, mules, ponies and full-size horses.
- Private Weekly Horsemanship Lessons — Kids age 6+ · Weekly · Private weekly horsemanship lessons.
Groups up to five riders; call office if you have 6-8 riders. Children age 8 and up welcome on Trail Rides. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled ride time. Guest cancellations up to 48 hours prior to ride time or due to inclement weather will be fully refunded. Last-minute cancellations will be given a one-time rebooking certificate plus a $35 rebooking fee.
Last updated October 4, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.