Garrod Farms, Horseback Riding in Saratoga, California

"Garrod Farms horses"
The days of horseback riding through fruit orchards and vineyards in Northern California are almost gone. Visit Garrod Farms in Saratoga, California.

For those of us who grew up horseback riding through fruit orchards, vineyards, rolling hills, forests and miles of open space, the times of running horses on the beach and trotting on dirt bridle paths are becoming fewer and farther in between.  With that in mind, I was thrilled to learn of Garrod Farms, located 25 minutes from downtown San Jose, California.

Horseback riding at Garrod Farms

Situated on the eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, equestrians and beginning riders may go horseback riding with Garrod Farms in Saratoga, California.  Once home to a thriving apricot and prune business, Garrod Farms now makes its living growing wine grapes for Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards and offering horseback riding to the public. With 65 horses, ranging from Arabians to Quarter Horses, Garrod Farms is sure to have a horse to meet your riding level.

The trail rides are an hour in length and, due to insurance restrictions, they are walk, trot horseback rides.

"Garrod Farms"
Horseback riding at Garrod Farm Stables in Saratoga, California.

Horseback riding and wine tasting

It rained the day of my visit to Garrod Farms in Saratoga. But the day was not lost. Cooper-Garrod’s tasting room shares the property with horses and vineyards. While tasting my way through wines, I learned that Garrod Farms offers horseback riding, followed with wine tasting and a light brunch on the last Sunday of every month.  The cost of the ride, nibbles and wine tasting is $80, by advance reservation.  Check the website for details.

"Bronze Horse"
Horseback riding holidays at Garrod Farms.

Summer horse camp

If you are looking for instructional horseback riding, Garrod Farms offers summer horse camps. The camps involve trail rides, equestrian lessons and vaulting.

For more information on horseback riding holidays,  follow Garrod Farms on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter for all things travel.

If You Go:

Garrod Farms  (408) 867-9527

22647 Garrod Rd.
Saratoga, CA 95070

Related post:

Wine Country Trail Rides in Sonoma, California

Photos, YouTube video and article by Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip.