Santa Barbara County
Horseback Riding

Enjoy a Western breakfast buffet at our historic Adobe Camp. Giant sycamores and a crackling campfire set the scene for a cowboy poetry recital, a singing cowboy on guitar, and the best flapjacks you'll ever taste. Those preferring alternate transportation can just hop aboard the hay wagon.

Season: year round
Days (exluding summer & holidays): Wednesday & Saturday
Days (during summer & holidays): Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
Ride Length: 45 minutes - 1 hour each way by horseback (plus breakfast)

Beginner Riders arrive at 7:30am
Intermediate Riders arrive at 7:45am
Advanced Riders arrive at 8:00am
Hay wagon will be departing at 8:45am

Come with a hefty appetite - you won’t be disappointed!

Twice daily, Alisal offers scenic trail rides:

Season: year round
Morning: 9:30am
Afternoon: 2:00pm
Ride Length: 1 1/2 to 2 hours

As a courtesy to other riders and to get the most riding time, please arrive at the Barn 15 minutes prior to the scheduled ride time.

Take the opportunity to see deer browsing and raptors gliding or possibly sight a coyote or bobcat hunting. Many critters rustling in the grasses go unnoticed and many transparent twilight colors go unseen. Ride the twilight and see what is so rarely seen.  This ride is limited to 15 riders.

Season: June through August
Days: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings
Time: 5:00pm
Ride Length: 2 hours

As a courtesy to other riders and to get the most riding time, please arrive at the Barn 15 minutes prior to the scheduled ride time.

Daily, one-hour private riding lessons are offered on the trail and are available between 12:30 and 1:30pm. Lessons are recommended for infrequent riders who wish to join a higher level group ride and those who want to assess their riding ability in a safer setting.

Lessons may be scheduled at the Barn or by calling 805-686-7630 between 8:00-11:30am and 12:30-3:00pm

By appointment only - subject to the availability of wranglers.

Sign-up for rides at your earliest convenience or at least one hour prior to ride departure as a wranger will need to determine your riding ability and to choose a horse suitable for your riding level.

You may sign-up by visiting the Barn and talking to a wrangler or by calling extension x7630 (805-686-7630).

A wrangler will also be in the dining room the evening prior to all Breakfast Rides.

(Guests unfortunately cannot sign-up for rides prior to arriving at the Ranch.)

Our wranglers accompany you to ensure the enjoyment of all riders, taking necessary safety precautions.  Horses are assigned based on height, weight and riding ability.  In consideration of all riders’ safety and enjoyment, it is imperative not to overestimate your riding ability.

For more information, please contact the Alisal Barn:
Phone: 805-686-7630  |  Contact Form - Horseback Riding

Pants: Long pants, preferably jeans
Boots: Cowboy boots, English riding boots, or other hard-slick soled heeled shoes (tennis/running shoes are okay)
*Hiking boots with heavy tread are not safe; they can bind up in the stirrups.  Slip-on shoes and sandals are not allowed.
Hat (optional): If you wear a hat, make sure it won't blow off in the wind as you pick up a trot or lope; a stampede string is recommended.

* Summer Only

Join us for a Country Fair and Rodeo extravaganza every Wednesday during the Summer at 5:30pm.  The Alisal wranglers demonstrate rodeo events including roping, barrel racing, team sorting and quick draw.  We are offering a lesson from 12:30-1:30pm on rodeo day for those adults who wish to participate in the team sorting competition. 

Please contact the Barn for more information and to sign-up.  After the rodeo, enjoy our Western-style BBQ at the arena complete with live country music and dancing.

Alisal Barn Direct: 805-686-7630  |  Contact Form - Horseback Riding

*Events/Meetings/Large Groups: In some instances, for large groups, depending on circumstances & availability, we offer Rodeos outside the Summer months.

If you would like to inquire, please contact
Group Sales Department: 805-686-7613  |   Contact Form - Meetings & Groups Sales