Hidden Hills Ranch

Hidden Hills Ranch, 19014 Pesante Rd, Salinas, CA 93907

Location of Hidden Hills Ranch campHidden Hills Ranch, 19014 Pesante Rd, Salinas, CA 93907

About

Hidden Hills Ranch offers Horse Riding Lessons for ages 7+ in private, semi-private, or group formats. Lessons cover horse care, handling, safety, grooming, tacking, riding, riding games, obstacles, and scenic trail rides. It also offers Pony Programs for ages 3-6, with 30-minute private riding lessons or 1-hour sessions, plus classes such as Kids In Nature, sewing, art, math, history, and leatherwork.

Programs

  • Horse Riding Lessons — Ages 7+ · 1-hour lesson; private, semi-private (2 students), or group (3-4 students) · Open to both children and adults. Lessons cover horse care, handling, safety, grooming, tacking, riding, riding games, obstacles, and scenic trail rides.
  • Pony Programs — Ages 3-6 · 30-minute private riding lesson or 1-hour session
  • Kids In Nature I — Grade TK-2 | Ages 4.6-7 · Tuesday or Thursday; 10:00-11:30 AM on Tuesdays, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM on Thursdays; 15 weeks · Hands-on nature class with animal observation, nature journaling, sketching, and creative art projects.
  • Kids In Nature II: Life on the Ranch — Grade 2-5 | Ages 7-10 · Tuesday or Thursday; 10:00-11:30 AM on Tuesdays, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM on Thursdays; 15 weeks · Explores wildlife, animal adaptations, how animals' needs are met, and how wild and domestic animals coexist.
  • Needle & Thread 101: for beginners — Grade 3-7 | Ages 8-13 · Thursdays, 9:00-11:00 AM; 15 weeks · Teaches foundational sewing skills, including basic hand stitching and beginner sewing machine techniques.
  • Needle & Thread 102: Intermediate — Grade 3-7 | Ages 8-13 · Thursdays, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM; 15 weeks · Builds on sewing knowledge and sewing machine skills; 1 year experience preferred.
  • The Makers Circle — Grade TK-5 | Ages 4.6-10 · Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30 AM; 14 weeks · An art class where students explore materials and techniques, learn about artists and art history, and develop confidence in their creative voice.
  • Art & P.E. — Grade TK-7 | Ages 4.6-13 · Thursdays, 2:00-4:00 PM; 15 weeks · Combines art with physical education and includes artistic techniques and physical activities.
  • Math at the Ranch A — 2nd & 3rd Grade (Combined) · Thursdays, 9:00-11:00 AM; 15 weeks · Math learning with real-world situations on the ranch, including stories, games, and activities in the garden, barn, and around the pond.
  • Math at the Ranch B — 3rd & 4th Grade (Combined) · Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00 AM; 15 weeks · Math learning with real-world situations on the ranch, including stories, games, and activities in the garden, barn, and around the pond.
  • Hands On History — Grade 3-7 | Ages 8-13 · Thursdays, 9:00-11:00 AM; 15 weeks · Students journey back through history, focusing on a specific unit study with hands-on activities.
  • Knotty Hide Leatherworks — Grade 3-7 | Ages 8-13 · Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30 PM; 10 weeks only · Students learn leatherworking history and techniques, including cutting, punching, dyeing, shaping, stamping, and knots for assembling leather items.

At a glance

  • Ages: 3–18 years old
  • General schedule: Some classes meet once weekly for 14-15 weeks; horse lessons are 1-hour sessions; pony programs include 30-minute private lessons and 1-hour sessions.

About the provider

Hidden Hills Ranch began in 1985 and moved to 65 acres in 2004. Its mission is to create a safe haven where children learn, grow, and find healing while nurturing their social, emotional, physical, and mental well-being through outdoor education and meaningful connections with rescued animals. The ranch also extends Barnyard Love into the community through school demonstrations through Just Say Whoa to Bullying and work in juvenile programs, partners with local charter schools, and welcomes people from all backgrounds.

What families say

“In this day and age of constant social media, the slowdown of being outdoors, learning and exploring is needed more than ever. Hidden Hills Ranch gives children the chance to love animals, learn responsibility, and connect with nature.” — Audrina C., Parent

“We have benefited from their nature programming for over 10 years and know many families who have been positively impacted. Hidden Hills Ranch is especially impactful in serving the special-needs population, with access to acreage for hikes and exploration being a unique part of the experience.” — Carla J., Parent

“Hidden Hills Ranch has become a lifeline for my son. It’s one of the only places where he can interact with peers, connect with nature, and participate in meaningful hands-on learning. It’s a vital part of our community and our children’s development.” — Kyle, Parent

Last updated October 4, 2026.

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