Hi there!
We just moved to Irvine from MA. Our kids used to ride horses at a local farm back home and had tons of fun. After moving here, they definitely wanted to continue with the riding , but all the places we have tried so far are very structured, goal-oriented businesses. My kids really miss the experience of just enjoying being close to horses in a more natural environment.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks!

http://www.orangecounty.net/html/equestrian.html

There are several horse activities you can register for through the city. For example, here is “Horse Fun For Kids” at the Anaheim Equestrian Center. If you want to continue with private riding lessons after doing the community class, you can register directly through www.havefunwithhorses.com. Here is the information on prices and availability. If your kids are too young or old for this class, there are others available for different age groups (Horse Fun For Tots and Horse Fun For Teens and Adults. There’s also a program called “Down On The Farm”.) You can find them here at Irvine Quick Reg.

I driven past a place with horses on Santiago Canyon Rd called Jackson Ranch. Anyone know about this place?

Thanks, Moderator!
I actually had visited that sight when we just came, and at that time we dismissed it for the reason of western saddle (not English).
Thanks for reminding me about it, since right now it comes down to not even a particular saddle, but actually more fun experience!We’ll definitely check it out. At the same time, I hope our knowledgable Irvine citizens (Irvinites?:) continue with their input!

Thanks, Acpme and Mcdonna,
It means a lot to have people helping out.

anagrig - 21 September 2009 12:07 PM

Hi there!
We just moved to Irvine from MA. Our kids used to ride horses at a local farm back home and had tons of fun. After moving here, they definitely wanted to continue with the riding , but all the places we have tried so far are very structured, goal-oriented businesses. My kids really miss the experience of just enjoying being close to horses in a more natural environment.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks!

I’m glad you posted this. It’s been about ten years since I’ve been on a horse and I miss it. I would love to find a place in Orange County that let’s you really ride a horse. None of this guided tour crap. I know most places won’t let you because running a horse=putting it out of commission for some time=loss money from other customers. There is this famed place in in the San Fernando Valley that lets you take the horses out and go to town. It’s in Sunland or Tojunga, I can’t remember the name. I’m hoping maybe someone here might know of the place I’m referring to. I post it if I remember.

http://www.socalequine.com/alessons/orange.htm