Take a Ride Through the Heart of California
Explore Alisal from an unforgettable vantage point. Ride horses through canyons, shaded hillsides, past grazing cattle and babbling brooks. Our string of 100 horses can accommodate first-time to advanced riders. Small groups are provided personal attention by our experienced wranglers. See below for the variety of rides we offer.
*Please note: Horseback riding is available to overnight guests only. As a courtesy to other riders and to get the most riding time, please arrive at the Barn 15 minutes prior to your scheduled ride time.
Breakfast Ride
Giant sycamores and a crackling campfire provide a beautiful backdrop for a western breakfast at our historic Adobe Camp. After you have had some of the best flapjacks you’ll ever taste, you will saddle up and be on your way. Guests may also choose to hop aboard the hay wagon for an unforgettable ride of a different sort.
Season: year round
Days (excluding summer & holidays): Wednesday and Saturday
Days (during summer & holidays): Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Duration of Ride: 45 minutes-1 hour each way by horseback (plus breakfast)
Beginner Riders arrive at Barn at 7:30 a.m.
Intermediate Riders arrive at Barn at 7:45 a.m.
Advanced Riders arrive at Barn at 8:00 a.m.
Hay wagon departs at 8:45 a.m.
Rate: $80 per rider; hay wagon is complimentary
Scenic Trail Rides
We offer scenic trail rides twice daily:
Season: year round
Days: Every day
Morning: 9:30 a.m.
Afternoon: 2:00 p.m.
Duration of Ride: Approximately 2 hours
Rate: $80 per rider
Afternoon rides are currently discounted to $50
Evening Rides (June through August)
Evening is a magical time at Alisal. You will have the opportunity to see deer, coyotes, quail, wild turkeys, or even a bobcat–all with the backdrop of a stunning sunset.
Season: June through August
Days: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Duration of Ride: 2 hours
Rate: $80 per rider
Lessons
We offer one-hour private riding lessons on the trail daily 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Lessons are recommended for infrequent riders who wish to join a higher level group ride and those who want to assess their riding ability. Lessons may be scheduled at the Barn or by calling (805) 686-7630 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Rate: $60 per hour
By appointment only
Children Arena Lessons (June through August)
Available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m.
Ages 4-6
Rate: $35/30 minutes
Children Instructional Lessons (June through August)
Available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Please inquire for times: (805) 686-7630
Ages 7-12
Rate: $55/hour
Alisal Rodeo (June through August)
Join us for a Country Fair and Rodeo extravaganza every Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m. during the summer. Our wranglers demonstrate a wide variety of rodeo events including roping, barrel racing, team sorting, and quick draw. We also offer a lesson from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. 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.
How to Enjoy Your Ride at Alisal
Ride Sign-Up
Once you arrive at the Ranch, sign up for rides at your earliest convenience or at least one hour prior to ride departure. Our wranglers will need to determine your riding ability and choose a horse suitable for your riding level. You may sign up at the Barn or by calling extension 7630 or (805) 686-7630. Our wranglers accompany you to ensure the enjoyment of all riders. Horses are assigned based on guests’ height, weight, and assessed riding ability.
Please note: A wrangler will also be in the dining room the evening prior to all Breakfast Rides to talk with guests about the experience and to sign up guests for the following morning’s ride. Guests unfortunately cannot sign up for rides prior to arriving at the Ranch, and during peak times there could be a stand-by list.
What to Wear
Long pants, preferably jeans, are recommended.
Cowboy boots, English riding boots, or other hard, slick-soled heeled shoes (tennis/running shoes are acceptable). Please note: Hiking boots with heavy tread are not safe; they can bind up in the stirrups. Slip-on shoes and sandals are not allowed.
If you wear a hat, a stampede string is recommended.
*Events/Meetings/Large Groups: For large groups, depending on availability, we offer rodeos outside the summer months. Please contact the Sales Department at (805) 686-7613.
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