garrod farms riding stables

What I was looking for and what I found......wow!! Looking for a place to take the grandkids on a pony ride. Wound up finding a place for our entire family to come back, have a picnic, nice glass of wine and/or do some wine tasting, take the kids for a pony or horse ride, relax or walk the property and check out all the horses & horse activity taking place. It's quite a bustling place with a steady stream of people both visiting or riding their horses. Very well maintained and clean facility. $30/for 30 minute pony ride.

5-star because it is first time and great fun.The old couple who received our fee seemed to have no expression on their face and talked slow. That is ok.Pros:- $90 for two for 1 hour horse riding- same price for early bird at 8:30am for 1.5 hour ride- friendly and energetic guide- if you already know how to ride a horse, you can have horse trotting. Just watch out the trail is on a hill-side and narrow.Cons:- Tripadvisor's fault. The address is 22647 Garrod Rd, not 22600 Mount Eden Road. (Yelp got it right)

We went on a Monday, and got a private trail ride because there were no crowds. Weekends are busy! My son has no riding experience at all, and I am an intermediate rider. They did a great job of pairing us with the proper horses, and our guide was friendly and knowledgeable about the open space preserve we rode in. I didn't stop in for a wine tasting, but I sure was tempted ;)

We had a wonderful trail ride as part of a birthday adventure for a 15 year old boy who likes to do "firsts" on his birthdays. He was visiting us in California with his family for the first time and decided that it was time to try riding a horse too. We had 3 adults who had ridden before and 2 teenagers who had not. Everyone had a wonderful time and the views from the trail were spectacular! Our guides were friendly and full of information about the area. The horses were extremely well cared for and, unlike many trail ride stables, these horses actually were responsive and peppy and did not walk with their heads bowed down looking tired. The first time riders got just enough information to feel comfortable. We would definitely take visitors to Garrod's again!

I've been riding here for about five years an I can safely say this is a great place for anyone to visit. The horses owned by Garrods range from easy trail horses and adorable kids' ponies to more advanced lesson horses. This location is easy to find and parking is always available. The trails are wide and range from flat trotting and loping areas to steep hills for some hard riding. They give the most astounding views of the bay area and you can often see deer, birds, rabbits, and squirrels in their natural habitats. Hikers and bikers are encouraged to visit the trails as long as they keep a safe distance from horses. Garrod Farms is also kid-friendly - the littlest ones get guided tours of the farm on pony-back, and I have yet to see someone unhappy. Kids aged 8 and above can take lessons or hit the trails. There is no need to worry about the horses - there are many who can easily be ridden by beginners, older individuals, and kids. Safety is a priority and nobody mounts up without a helmet provided by the stables. The staff and trainees are friendly and kind. Teens can sign up for the trainee program and learn about horses while taking care of them and receiving lessons. Although I am not old enough to try the wine, everyone who does is pleased. There is a nice, shaded picnic area to sit and relax in (people often hold small parties there). During the summer there is a one/two week camp at a good price for riders of different levels. All of the instructors and trainers are knowledgeable and skilled. Riders who take lessons are also invited to participate in student shows twice a year. If you are looking to board a horse there is always room available. If you are looking to lease, the staff can help you find a good horse at an affordable price. There are several different arenas (including dressage) available for use. The Mount Eden vaulting team visits there and there are often vaulting competitions (free to watch). Vaulting lessons are also available. I recommend this place to anyone looking to have fun and explore the outdoors. There are many possibilities for both beginners and advanced riders alike. :)

I have taken rec camp at Garrod farms and loved every minute! The instructors are nice.Keith aged 10

My fiance and I came here for Valentine's Day and loved it! He had only ridden a horse once, and I've been riding since I was nine, but none of that had anything to do with our experience. What did? The healthy, happy, well-trained horses with their still-furry winter coats... The chatty, personable trail leader (Dixie, maybe?)... The VIEWS... the drive around the area... the sunny, warm morning weather.... the feeling of being in the saddle after a year of sitting at desks in grad school... the friendly people and private owners at the stable...We can't wait to go back, especially for one of their last-sunday-of-the-months trail rides with champagne brunch and wine tasting. Trail rides are $45, these special events are $80; worth every penny for every sniff of horsey smells and every ache I'll have tomorrow!

Me and my friend went up there this weekend and had a good time. The staff was really friendly and super nice. The horses that you ride were super friendly a d had no problems with them. And the views were stunning :) Definitely will be going back there!

Garrods Farm is located in the Saratoga hills next to an open space preserve, with breathtaking views of the South Bay area and Santa Cruz mountains. The farm is quite old, having a stable from 1903 still standing, however modern riding ranks have been added since. There has to be more than 200 horses on the farm, both privately boarded as well as those used for rental and classes.Generally the staff is welcoming and attentive, however we have also been greeted in a somewhat unengaged or even rude manner a couple of times.I would however recommend the place for anyone who wish to see the open space preserve from a horseback - the nature is absolutely stunning.

My daughter and I take an annual treck to Garrod Farms, early in the morning, when the air and the horses are fresh. The people, trail guides, horses and atmosphere is friendly, clean, welcoming and professional.

I only came here once and don't know much about stables, but this place seems great and there are nearby trails you can ride a horse on (which is what I did.)

I would definitely recommend this place to everyone!

I've been working at Garrods for the last three years, they treat their horses great and the Guides really try their best to give you all the information you want and they're a real help. Check the place out, the scenery is gorgeous, the horses are "bombproof" as we like to say and the people are nice.

I have been riding, hiking and cleaning horse stalls at Garrods for MANY years! Jan Garrod always taught me that a 'clean horse stall makes a clean horse!' He is always right! Joing the Cooper kids during my 'youth years' at Garrod Stables was a pleasureable experience. Plenty of scenic views and great times talking with Jane and Vince Garrod about 'growing up Garrod' atop Mt. Eden Road.The Garrod's and Cooper's aways treated myself and my parents with respect and courtesy. Garrod Stables is a GREAT place to be!

We went to Garrod Farms near Saratoga during our recent stay in San Fran. The ranch is about a 90 minute drive south of San Fran via I 280 - very easy to find with the good directions on their web site.A beautiful ranch and riding school which is very professionally run. Horses in excellent condition and were well groomed. Quote of the day: "A hydrated horse is a happy horse". Mounts were well selected for our weight and riding standard. We took a circa 90 min hour trial ride ($40.00) with the Yard Manager through their vineyard and estate lands - stunning views over the hill and surrounding countryside.Garrod Farms are strict about riding codes and safety. For example; riding hats and suitable trousers are mandatory (good sign). We are regular riders, so had packed our own riding boots, jods and chaps - no riding in shorts and flip-flops here. Loan of riding hats was included.Trail riding here is usually restricted to walk and trot but with experienced riders and just three horses, we had the opportunity for a couple of long canters on well selected stretches with inclines. (Strong emphasis on trail safety throughout)Sadly we did not have time to sample their wine tasting/trail tour.A great ranch, good horses, well run with caring stable staff with a very professional attitude.Highly recommended.