Horseback Riding San Diego: Affordable Lessons, Camps, Trail & Beach Rides

by Hedge Metreyeon

Are you looking for some fun in the saddle? Whether you want to go horseback riding in San Diego on the beach, a trail, take lessons, or send your kid to a Horseback riding camp, there are several options. Yes, horseback riding can be expensive, but I will show you some ways to save a little here and there.

The scenery is beautiful and the horses just have personalities of their own. It’s a wonderful experience for people of all ages. But where can you go horseback riding in San Diego without breaking the bank? No worries, I’ll break it all down for you with these neat Groupons and some other affordable options to spend some time with horses.

Horseback Riding San Diego: Guided Rides and Horse Rentals

woman riding a white horse on the beach, while leading a tan horse behind her on a sunny day

Warner Springs Ranch Resort

31652 California 79, Warner Springs, CA 92086, USA
Phone: (760) 920-3852
Website

An offer like this is wonderful for riders who may have ridden a horse once or twice before. It’s a two hour guided trail ride with a continental picnic for two. This has the potential to be a romantically charged fun activity for couples of all ages.

The scenery around is gorgeous, putting a loving feeling to a nice trail ride. It’ll really get you in touch with nature and with each other. The personnel takes into account all of the benefits that horseback riding and quality time can give you.

On top of that, the ranch offers other activities that you can do either by yourself, with a partner, or with family. It’s truly a wonderful experience.

Two young women riding horses over grassy hills

CJ Ranches

825 Ash St, Ramona, CA 92065
+19519221987
Facebook

This lovely ranch is a small local business that proudly provides flavor and personality to the neighborhood they love and live in. CJ Ranches does an animal rental service where you can rent a horse for the afternoon and ride them, customizing the day yourself.

This deal is not for beginners as they trust the people they’re renting to to care for the animals and know at least a title bit of what they’re doing. However, the upside to this is that you can choose your horse, choose a route for yourself, and choose what you do after and before.

You could set up a family outing, a little trail ride for yourself, or a nice romantic date for you and your pattern to see the lovely Ramona views. Plus you’re supporting a local small business and that just feels nice.

Red haired woman leading a brown horse on a horse farm

San Diego Horse Riding Lessons & Camps

Back in the Saddle

20021 Japatul Rd, Alpine, CA 91901, USA

This lovely ranch provides horse riding lessons and animal-assisted interactions for individuals with special needs, veterans, and families. They have offered not just one but three introductory classes of 60 or 90 minutes to teach students the basics of horseback riding. What’s good about this deal is that you can bring a max of three people and while there is a limit, you can purchase two more of the sets as gifts for someone else.

Also included in the deal is a really nice feeling because this company is non-profit. Back in the Saddle or BITS only wants to help veterans, families, and individuals with special needs through therapeutic horseback riding and animal-assisted interactions. It’s a really lovely program doing fun, inspiring things.

Young girl with riding helmet and pink jacket leading a horse, smiling into the camera

Rancho El Camino Equestrian

13998 Old El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130
+18587928466
Website

This is a traditional horse stable in Del Mar, which makes it convenient if you want to start regular horseback riding lessons in San Diego and live in North San Diego County.

They have several monthly packages that make horseback riding lessons a bit more affordable. Rancho El Camino also offers boarding, training, a summer horseback riding camp, and birthday parties at the ranch. Check out their offers here>>

The Riding Club Academy

18546 Aliso Canyon Rd, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
(760) 822-7483
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This Riding Club in Rancho Santa Fe is another option if you are in North County. They offer lessons, summer camp and horse leases. They don’t have a website, so it is best to call them.

Horseback Riding on the Beach in San Diego

Who hasn’t dreamt about riding on a horse along the beach? I sure have. Horseback riding on the Beach in San Diego is possible with Surfside Ranch and while they don’t offer a Groupon (at least not at the moment), you should definitely check out their prices for their San Diego beach rides, as they are quite competitive!

You can also book birthday parties there and book their Western venue for events. Are you ready to hop in the saddle and ride along the Pacific?

Pony Land – Pony Rides and Petting Zoo

Address: 2606 Hollister St, San Diego, CA 92154
Phone: (619) 947-3152
Website

Pony Land has more than just pony rides, they also offer rides on the beach, trail rides, photography sessions, and lots of activities for small kids. This is the perfect choice if you want to go to a horse farm with the whole family. It is also conveniently located. Just 15 miles from downtown San Diego right by the Tijuana River.

What to Wear for Horse Riding San Diego?

More often than not, they will provide a helmet and other safety gear. You don’t need anything professional unless you plan on going horseback riding on a regular basis. As a person who has ridden horses for years, I can tell you that you should wear the following:

Jeans: I can guarantee that if you don’t your thighs will hate you afterward. Saddles can chafe your skin and make a good riding day, really bad.
Sturdy, closed-toed shoes with ½ heel at least: These will allow you to better grip the stirrups on your ride and help you keep your balance on the saddle. They don’t have to be riding boots but they should definitely not be heels that you wear formally.
A light jacket: This will keep you warm during colder days but also during those galloping periods on your horse. They move fast and you may get cold. A jacket may also offer you protection against branches. But this is optional.

Woman with cowboy hat leading a horse to water bucket

What to Bring?

As for things to bring, I’d say keep it light unless you’re planning a few days-long trips. Here are some of the things you should consider bringing with you:

Sunscreen: Much like a hike, always be prepared for the sun on trails and during lessons.
Water: Riding a horse exudes a lot more energy than you’d think and you need to remember to hydrate.
A light snack: This is especially important if you’re going on a long ride. You need to fuel your muscles and make sure you have the energy to keep holding on.
PKW: No matter what adventure you’re going on, you will always need your phone, keys, and wallet.
Carrot or Raw Vegetable: This is very optional but your horse may really appreciate a snack after a ride. Vegetables and fruits are really nice treats for horses. Please ask before you feed the horses, though, and remember to keep your hand flat when you feed horses so they don’t nibble your finger.

There are a lot of unexpected and fun activities to do in and around San Diego. The hidden gems are absolutely endless. So have fun! Be safe in your adventures.