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Best Horseback Riding and Trail Rides for Families in and near Los Angeles

Riding horses with Ojai Valley Trailriding Company, photo by the author
Riding horses with Ojai Valley Trailriding Company, photo by the author
1/26/21 - By Roberta B

One of the best parts of raising kids in Los Angeles is giving them the life everyone else watches in the movies. And what could be more Hollywood than galloping through the Hollywood Hills, kicking up sand on the beach, or riding a horse into the sunset under the Hollywood sign? Yes, that's a rhetorical question. There is a special thrill for most kids about swinging into a saddle, sitting high on a horse's back, and shouting, "Giddy up!" Why not give them that thrill this weekend? The wonderful stables and ranches below all accommodate riders from beginner to advanced; and a trail ride is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, get exercise, and live out a few movie scenes!

If your kids really love the horse experience, you might want to sign them up for one of these summer riding camps.

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Photo by the author
Photo by the author

Horseback Riding and Trail Rides in Los Angeles

Jigsaw Farms

Pacific Palisades
Located inside Will Rogers State Park, Jigsaw Farms offers a full range of experiences in the saddle without leaving the city, including guided trail rides of the park. Little ones as young as 3 years old can participate in Parent & Me classes; kids can take riding lessons and attend riding summer camp starting at age 6. READ MORE

LA Horse Rentals

Glendale / Griffith Park
Specializing in rides throughout Griffith Park, LA Horse Rentals has been leading Angelenos on the trails for more than 50 years. Rides feature classic views, from the Skyline Trail to the LA River. Kids must be at least 8 years old; during COVID restrictions groups can be no larger than 4 people. READ MORE

Sunset Ranch

Hollywood
Sunset Ranch has been leading trail rides to the Hollywood sign for years and is famous for its sunset and/or dinner rides into the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park. The ranch also accommodates kids' parties. Note that horses are not allowed to trot or gallop in the park. READ MORE
Riding through the mist on a morning beach ride with Los Padres Outfitters, photo by the author
Riding through the mist on a morning beach ride with Los Padres Outfitters, photo by the author

Horseback Riding and Trail Rides near LA

Malibu Riders

Malibu
Malibu Riders leads small groups on trail rides in several locations, from the beach cliffs in Malibu to the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains. Kids 6 and up are welcome, and with private rides from 45 minutes to 2 hours, this is a great first horse experience for new riders. READ MORE

Los Padres Outfitters

Santa Barbara / Carpinteria
Los Padres Outfitters in Carpinteria is worth driving a little farther for because these folks lead one of the few beach rides in Southern California—a true early morning treat. Also on offer are hourly trail rides in the hills, hosted camping trips, BBQ rides, parties, and more. READ MORE

Ojai Valley Trailriding Company

Ojai
Oso Ranch in Ventura County operates the Ojai Valley Trailriding Company, which hosts family rides through the countryside by day or at sunset. Riders of all levels are welcome, and as a bonus there are usually some other pretty cute animals around to pet before and after the ride. READ MORE

Palos Verdes Horse Rentals

Palos Verdes Peninsula
Trail rides offered at Palos Verdes Horse Rentals range from short pony rides for preschoolers to evening full moon rides for the whole family. Guided rides go out every day of the week for most of the year. Special programs include girl scout badge rides and birthday parties. READ MORE

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About the Author

Roberta Brown

Editor-in-Chief

Years spent at Nickelodeon prepared Roberta to launch Mommy Poppins' Los Angeles branch in 2011, eventually becoming Mommy Poppins Editor-in-Chief in 2013. Previously she served as LA Editor for GoCityKids, National Editor for ParentsConnect, and Editor for NickMom—all of which works out well for her son, who has grown up serving as Chief Guinea Pig for all things fun in LA and beyond.

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