Grab the reins! Riding a horse amidst the beauty of coastal San Luis Obispo County can be a transforming experience. Get saddled up and discover a whole new perspective on our special stretch of Highway 1, from equestrian trails to vineyards. And in Oceano and neighboring Pismo Beach, find several options for riding horseback on the beach. Nothing compares to the experience of taking in the SLO CAL coastline on horseback. Reserve a guided beach walk in Oceano or Pismo Beach, or find your trail in Cambria, Montana de Oro State Park or nearby Templeton. There are options for every kind of rider here, from beginners who want a guided experience, to folks who bring their own horse and want to explore. With plenty of boarding and training options available, Highway 1 is a destination that begs to be enjoyed on horseback.
Explore Horseback Riding
Oceano & Pismo Horseback Rides
Pismo Sands Beach Club Horseback Riding
Hoof it to the beach! This business equips new and experienced riders to enjoy the unique experience of horseback riding Pismo Beach. Rides are led by professional guides, on beautiful and peaceful horses. Trot in the surf and let the wind whip through your mane during this fun, family-friendly adventure.
The Pismo Preserve
Giddyup for the ride of your dreams, winding through sun-drenched trails with ocean views that’ll make your heart skip a (hoof) beat. The Pismo Preserve isn’t just any old equestrian playground—it’s a jewel of the horseback-riding scene here. Picture yourself and your trusty steed walking through 880 acres of pristine coastal terrain. The Preserve’s 11 miles of single-track trails welcome horses, hikers, and mountain bikers alike, with one golden rule: everyone yields to our equine friends. Horse trailer spots are yours for the taking, free with a reservation, plus two tie rails and water troughs along the way are perfect for a breather while you soak in those Pacific vistas. And don’t forget the picnic tables (because let’s face it: even cowboys need a scenic lunch spot!). From gentle paths for greenhorns to challenging routes that’ll give seasoned riders a run for their money, the Preserve’s got just what you need for a horseback-riding getaway.
Arroyo Grande Horseback Rides
Lopez Lake Recreation Area
The Lopez Lake Recreation Area in the California coastal mountains offers equestrians a truly remarkable experience. The on-site Black Bear Equestrian Camp provides 19 pipe corrals and shade trees to beat the summer heat. Park your trailer, get in the saddle, and follow scenic trails like the Cougar Trail and Marina Trail. These meander alongside sparkling Lopez Lake, revealing breathtaking vistas at every turn. The terrain is welcoming for both seasoned riders and first-timers, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the area’s diverse ecosystem, home to a variety of wildlife and native plants. Other equestrian amenities include water and water troughs. Just remember: to keep those mountain and lakeside vistas hoof-friendly, please pack out all trash and keep the camp clean.
Cambria Horseback Rides
Covell’s Clydesdale Ranch in Cambria
Always dreamed of riding a majestic Clydesdale horse? At Covell’s Ranch in beautiful Cambria, that dream can become a reality. Rides are arranged for eight people or less for safety, and travel through pine forests and pastures with ocean views. No experience is required for this unique and fulfilling adventure, and children ages 7 and up can ride.
Los Osos Horseback Rides
The Central Coast Polo Club
Offering a haven for horse enthusiasts and polo aficionados alike, the Central Coast Polo Club features a diverse range of equestrian services perfect for anyone looking to saddle up and experience the thrill of horseback riding. From beginner riding lessons to advanced polo instruction, the club caters to all skill levels. Weekly scrimmages and monthly tournaments provide ample opportunity for friendly competition and spectator fun. The club’s expansive facilities include boarding for over 100 horses, with options ranging from pastures to corrals and stalls. Try your hooves on the one-mile track, ideal for training and exercise, or take to the numerous mountain trails that beckon riders to explore the stunning coastal landscape. As an added bonus, the Central Coast Polo Club shares its grounds with the Los Osos Valley Organic Farm, uniquely blending equestrian pursuits and sustainable agriculture. Whether you’re looking to improve your riding skills, train your horse, or simply enjoy a day in the saddle, this club is an excellent destination.
Montana de Oro State Park
This coastal state park outside Los Osos-Baywood Park offers equestrian camping and equestrian trails for visitors who bring their own horse. The main Montaña de Oro State Park campsite, Islay Creek, includes three horse campsites and two group horse campsites. Both provide water for horses, as well as limited stables for the group sites. (Campers are expected to clean up after their horses.) All hiking and biking trails at Montaña de Oro State Park are also equestrian trails, along the coastline, on mountains, and through eucalyptus forests. Additionally, Sea Pines Golf Resort offers corrals for guests, only a short 2-minute drive from Montaña de Oro.
The Horse Experience
True to its name, The Horse Experience offers young equestrians an unforgettable journey with horseback riding, as well as personal growth. Set along the California coast, this unique program provides training sessions tailored specifically for youngsters, fostering a deep connection between child and horse. Seasoned instructors guide budding riders through the fundamentals of horsemanship, emphasizing safety, respect, and communication with these majestic animals. As participants progress, they gain confidence, develop new skills, and create lasting memories against the backdrop of the Morro Bay landscape. Whether children dream of competitive riding or simply yearn to bond with gentle giants, The Horse Experience gives young ones an adventure that combines outdoor recreation, animal companionship, and valuable life lessons.
Sea Pines Golf Resort
Forget the car: Do you hear the neigh of adventure calling? Trade tarmac for sand and let the ocean breeze tangle your mane at Sea Pines Golf Resort in Los Osos. Their “Stay and Ride” package offers guests the option to bring horses along when they stay overnight, knowing that secure overnight horse corrals await their arrival. The amenities extend to convenient parking for one horse trailer per room, ensuring a hassle-free experience for riders. Whether you’re planning a leisurely trail ride through nearby Montana de Oro or seeking a home base for equestrian events, Sea Pines makes it easy to stay, ride, and play.
San Luis Obispo Horseback Rides
Madonna Inn Trail Rides
Situated against San Luis Obispo’s rolling hills, the Madonna Inn offers scenic trail rides for adventurers of all skill levels. Guests can explore the nearby landscape on horseback, winding through oak-studded paths and taking in breathtaking vistas. These guided excursions provide a unique way to experience the natural beauty surrounding the iconic Madonna Inn, and all levels of experience are welcome from age 7 or older. Upon arrival, guests are outfitted and paired with tame, trained horses for a 1-hour guided ride across the Madonna Ranch. Don’t miss the option to add a wine and cheese pairing, too—a nice choice for anyone wanting to extend the experience.
Horse Boarding and Training
United Mustangs of America Horse Handling School
While this school focuses on comprehensive horsemanship skills rather than tourist trail rides, it does offer members the option for memorable beach trail rides. Under the guidance of coach Monica O. Knight students can develop their skills in a scenic coastal environment with hands-on learning and expert professional instruction. Based in Arroyo Grande, Monica highlights tried-and-true horsemanship methods and equipment, and focuses on the bond between horse and rider.
HorseFeathers Training
Located just 10 minutes from the beach, this training facility offers a world-class equestrian experience that focuses on building strong partnerships between horses and their riders through personalized lessons in Western or English modalities. Riders seeking a stay for their equine companions can take advantage of the excellent boarding facilities at Ocean Breeze Equestrian Center, conveniently located nearby. With an onsite manager and trainer, Ocean Breeze provides a serene environment for horses, featuring spacious stalls, well-maintained pastures, and access to quality amenities. With Horsefeathers Training and Ocean Breeze Equestrian Center working in tandem, horse enthusiasts in the area have access to a full spectrum of equestrian services, from expert training to premium boarding options.
Varian Equestrian Center
For riders interested in Arabian horses and the legacy of renowned horse breeder Sheila Varian, the Varian Equestrian Center is a must-visit. Comprising 200 acres along Corbett Canyon Road in Arroyo Grande, this expansive facility offers top-notch horse boarding, training, and clinics. A host of boarding options are available by the day, the week, or the month, to accommodate any need. The facility is also open for riding lessons, horse-care workshops, and multi-day clinics on a variety of subjects. The center boasts lush pastures, spacious paddocks, and historic barns, complemented by attached trails that lead to coastal vistas. With covered round pens and world-class arenas, Varian Equestrian Center provides an ideal environment for you and your loyal companion.
Roseshell’s Roundup
What better way to bond with family or friends than learning to ride together? Roseshell’s Roundup in Arroyo Grande offers riding lessons for both children and adults, catering to all skill levels. Perfect for visitors, their one-hour trail rides around the ranch provide a safe, fun opportunity for guided excursions through scenic surroundings on horseback. The Roundup’s experienced instructors guide novices through the basics of horsemanship, while helping more advanced riders refine their techniques. These folks can also teach riders about ranch management, horse care, and how to exercise and maintain health for horses. Ready to stoke the thrill of outdoor adventure? Roseshell’s Roundup has the goods to create memorable equestrian experiences for riders of all ages.
Sea Horse Ranch
Established in 1971 by Barbi Breen-Gurley, Sea Horse Ranch offers full-service horse boarding, expert horse training and lessons with breathtaking views of Morro Rock and the ocean. Breen-Gurley is a USDF Gold Medalist and Senior Dressage Judge who brings over 50 years of expertise to the ranch, having trained eight horses to Grand Prix level and won numerous championships. The facility boasts continually upgraded paddocks, arenas, and tack-up areas, providing a top-tier environment for horses and riders alike. With safe stabling, attentive staff, and welcoming boarders, Sea Horse Ranch ensures a positive atmosphere for all equestrians. The ranch features well-lit arenas with good footing and a covered Longing Riding Arena for year-round training opportunities.
