+ Write a Review

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

July 14, 2024 - Shuhui Zhang

Verified Purchase

My daughter love this horse riding camp so much. The horses are very friendly.

This is helpful

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

April 1, 2024 - Èè

Verified Purchase

This camp is extremely unreliable. I applied for the spring break camp from April 1st to April 5th. Chaparral Ranch sent me a cancellation email at 9 p.m. on March 31st, and I saw the email at midnight. I believe parents can understand my feelings right now, anger and shock. I had to start looking for a new camp for my child in the middle of the night. Chaparral Ranch's extremely irresponsible behavior makes it difficult for people to trust that they will be responsible for teaching children how to ride horses.

This is helpful

Susan Pennell

April 1, 2024

Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the cancellation of the spring break camp your child was enrolled in. We understand how frustrating and disruptive this experience must have been for you and your family.

Our intention is always to provide a reliable and enjoyable experience for all participants, and we regret that we fell short of your expectations in this instance. Please know that your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are taking steps to ensure that such situations are minimized in the future.

While we regret the need to cancel the camp at your preferred location, we would like to offer you the option to join us at either our Milpitas or Woodside locations. Additionally, we understand the urgency in finding alternative arrangements for your child, and we are more than happy to assist you with a refund, if possible.

We understand the importance of trust and reliability when it comes to entrusting us with the care and education of your child. We assure you that we are committed to regaining your trust and providing a positive experience for you and your family in the future.

Please feel free to reach out to us directly if you would like to discuss your concerns further or if there is anything else we can do to assist you.

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to have the opportunity to serve you again under more favorable circumstances.

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

August 6, 2023 - Annekathrin Chatterjee

Verified Purchase

My son, a 13-year old, took a total of three weeks of horse camp over the summer. The staff gives a very solid foundation on riding skills, safety around horses, caring for horses as well as horse terminology. Their focus is on safety of children and horses as well as teaching the joy of riding. On Friday groups do a fun relay that reinforces all the concepts in horsemanship that the children have learned. As a treat, kids received a cookie at the end of the day. Aside from the daily riding lesson, kids get to explore this beautiful county park. Lots of birds to see. If you would like your child to learn how to handle large animals in a safe manner, then this camp is the way to go.

This is helpful

Susan Pennell

August 7, 2023

We are so thrilled that your child had so much fun! We really focus on education and sharing the bond between horse and human, and we are thrilled that that was your sons take away from camp! We hope to see yall again soon :)

(Little Riders Camp)

July 14, 2023 - Smitha Belman Subramanya

Verified Purchase

My daughter is 6 years old and she had her interest to learn horse riding. This was an absolute great camp for her age. Its a 2 hour camp with 30 min of ride time which is the recommended time to be on a horse for that age group. In the rest of the time they teach kids on knots, kinds of horses, grooming the horse, claening the trailer. It was agreat overrall experience. The instructors are excellent in their job. My duaghter loved it so much we came back for the 2nd weke for this camp

This is helpful(1)

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

July 9, 2023 - Rehab Ahmed

Verified Purchase

It was a great experience to my son. The instructors divide kids into groups and each group ride horses for about an hour. All instructors were very professional, kind and funny. For the rest of the day, kids were learning about horses, how to groom them, how to tie knots, exploring nature and playing together. The horses have very unique personalities and kids learned how to deal with each one. We will definitely be back for either another camp week or other horse riding activities.

This is helpful

(Little Riders Camp)

July 1, 2023 - San-San Lin

Verified Purchase

Of the 2 hrs each day, my son said they only rode on the horse for 1 hr max? I didn't quite understand why the kids were sitting in the beginning of class under the shade on the picnic tables?

This is helpful

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

March 29, 2023 - Silvia Avila

Verified Purchase

My son attended camp last year; he was very excited to be able to ride a horse and learn about them. His first day didn't go as planned, and he got scared; we communicated with the staff at Chaparral Ranch, and they were very understanding. The staff worked closely with my son, they were very patient and helped him feel comfortable on the horse, my son had a great experience.
We signed up my son to go back to camp this summer!!

This is helpful

Susan Pennell

March 29, 2023

Thank you for your kind words. We love having all of our kiddos in camp and cannot wait to have him back this year!

(Junior Camp Leader Program)

June 25, 2022 - Kelly Gardner

Verified Purchase

Great experience for my daughter. She’s loving everything about this camp!

This is helpful

(Little Riders Camp)

June 25, 2022 - Fozia Bashir

Verified Purchase

I felt it was pretty expensive for the ride time the kids had. Camp was from 1:00-3:00 from Tuesday to Thursday for $240. The ride time for just 30 minutes. For that much money the ride time should have been at least 45 minutes or so.
On the plus side the horse were well looked after.

This is helpful

(Little Riders Camp)

June 17, 2022 - Tess Brunet

Verified Purchase

Loved the teachers and my daughter had so much fun!

This is helpful

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

June 13, 2022 - Savannah Posada

Verified Purchase

Savannah says, “it was the best! I loved trail riding and trotting! Sugar was the best horse, too! I want to go back next year!”

This is helpful

(Thanksgiving Horse Camp)

November 28, 2021 - Patrick Karrick

Verified Purchase

Not much better than just a one hour lesson. Some anatomy-could learn from a picture-some grooming- not enough hands on for this, and a walk/steering time in the arena. No trail ride, no intermediate riding lesson. Last hour just played in park.

This is helpful(1)

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

August 9, 2021 - Linell Escuton

Verified Purchase

We love Chaparral and their camp. The horses are very good with kids and we can't wait to be back in Spring or Summer, 2022, for camp. Not only do they get to ride every day, but they also play games, take hikes, and get to meet and hangout with other campers along with riding the horses.

This is helpful

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

July 11, 2021 - Jennifer Dao

Verified Purchase

My kids had tons of fun and learned to maneuver their horses and even trot them! They rode for about an hour a day and learned about equestrian stuff.

This is helpful

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

June 13, 2021 - Mingxue Lu

Verified Purchase

Good experience for kids. The only comment is the actual riding time is only one hour per day due to shift of multiple groups of kids. Hoping the riding time could be a bit longer so kids will enjoy more. Overall, great experience, nice coaches. kids love it.

This is helpful(1)

(Winter Break Horse Camp)

January 10, 2021 - Allison Collins

Verified Purchase

Nice escape for the kids! A bit expensive for only 1 hr of horse riding. But kids still enjoyed.

This is helpful

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

August 24, 2020 - Hao Wang

Verified Purchase

My kids enjoyed the horse-riding camp offered by Chaparral ranch, Milpitas. The coaches are friendly and caring. During this difficult COVID-19 period, they have good measure to prevent the spread of virus meanwhile still offer great in-person experience for kids.

This is helpful

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

August 3, 2020 - Alexandra Espinoza

Verified Purchase

My 11yo daughter had a great time - learned a lot about horses, including how to treat them well, safety, parts of the horse, and of course how to ride. She was comfortable walking and trotting on the first day and the teachers were super! thanks for making this possible during the chaos of covid, it was one of the few camps we felt comfortable doing and it turned out great. We hope to be back for trail rides.

This is helpful

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

August 2, 2020 - Karin Appleton

Verified Purchase

My seven year old daughter absolutely loved this camp. The program and staff are wonderful. We attended during the Covid 19 pandemic and felt they did an excellent job implementing health and safety protocols. We felt we needed to accommodate our daughters social and emotion needs after months of sheltering in place. With the fresh air and the diligent health and safety measures at Chaparral Ranch we felt very safe and confident.

This is helpful

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

July 20, 2020 - Justyna Yung

Verified Purchase

My daughter (8 years old) attended a Horseback riding Summer Camp at the Chaparral Ranch for one week and we couldn't have been more pleased. Even with the pandemic and restrictions around many activities, the staff made my daughter feel safe but she had a ton of fun. They were taught how to ride horses, how to take care of the animals, they played games, etc. My daughter had a huge smile on every day when I picked her up. We'll be definitely returning.

This is helpful(2)

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

July 27, 2020 - Ibone Santiago

Verified Purchase

Our daughter loved it! She had an absolute blast.

This is helpful

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

July 26, 2020 - Mohamed Elkadri

Verified Purchase

Very highly recommended!! Great Camp. My 8 year girl love it.

This is helpful

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

July 19, 2020 - Heather Harris

Verified Purchase

My Daughter LOVED it! She was excited to tell me every day what she learned and would fall asleep every night early which meant she was really engaged!

This is helpful

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

July 18, 2020 - Lisa Johnson

Verified Purchase

My daughter loves this camp and the staff was great, my only wish was that it was longer!

This is helpful

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

July 13, 2020 - Rebecca Escober

Verified Purchase

My daughter had a great time and learned a great deal about horses. The horses and counselors were all wonderful. They had fun activities both on and off the horses. Her only sadness was that the trail ride on Thursday was too short!

This is helpful

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

July 12, 2020 - David Mauroff

Verified Purchase

Excellent camp and highly recommended, thank you so much!

This is helpful

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

July 5, 2020 - Danelle Ebbel

Verified Purchase

This was such a special camp experience, which supported the development of courage, confidence and real horse skills in my six year old daughter. I am incredibly grateful for the wonderful opportunity provided by this camp and the dedicated counselors. We hope to be able to participate for years to come!

This is helpful

(Winter Break Horse Camp)

March 11, 2020 - Dana Polk

Verified Purchase

My daughter and her friend had a great time doing two days of camp with Chapperel Ranch in Golden Gate Park! I am thrilled horses are back in the Park (thank you SF Rec and Park!). My daughter has been dying to ride and there is nowhere in the City to do so. The girls also stayed for aftercare, where they "got" to help with cleaning and caring for the horses. They loved it! The horses were gentle and appeared to be well taken care of. The only downside is that aftercare only goes until 3 - tricky for working parents, and the camp is pricey, but I understand that caring for horses and transporting them, (not to mention the insurance) is very expensive.

This is helpful(2)

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

July 21, 2019 - Chiayin Chen

Verified Purchase

My daughter likes it very much. Thank you teachers and the entire service team.

This is helpful(1)

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

June 17, 2019 - Mary Rolison

Verified Purchase

Very disappointing - I would not recommend it at all - no running water - inadequate coverage - sitting at a picnic table most of the day - did not honor 1 hour of horseback riding per day it was actually 30 minute - in a corral - range of age of children was beyond staff capacity to offer appropriate activities.

This is helpful(2)

Susan Pennell

June 20, 2019

Hello Mary, we thank you for your review. While it is true the children rode for only 30 minutes, it is because it was 107 degrees that day. The children could not withstand riding the full hour, while we encouraged them to continue, our staff would not risk a child getting heat stroke and/or exhaustion. They were kept in the shade when not riding so they would not overheat in the blaring sun but activities and ground classes still continued. We kept every childs safety and well being first that day. We hope to see you and your child another week or possibly for lessons so she can obtain the full experience. Thank you kindly, Chaparral Staff

(Winter Break Horse Camp-not used)

December 30, 2018 - Maki Han

Verified Purchase

First of all, the camp was held at Ed Levin County Park, not at a RANCH. They provided one-hour horse ride inside the fenced area every day, but that was it. Nothing else. No trail ride even though there was a perfect trail for horseback riding right there. They divided up the kids into 3 groups but not based on their ability. While group 1 was riding the horses, then group 2 and group 3 were just waiting in the bench area. They were not allowed to run around or do anything else. There were NO "when not riding, you'll get to play games, make new friends (I guess this part was true) and get crafty" like it was advertised. So this part was really disappointing. They definitely could done better planning more activities for kids for the camp instead of just WATCHING kids from 9 am to 3 pm. I think the description for this camp was somewhat false advertising. There was no chicken coop or vegetable garden. I understand that the lease was up at the original ranch and had to move out the location back in October, but even in the situation, this camp could have provided better activities for kids when they were not riding the horses.

This is helpful(5)

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

August 7, 2018 - Shuyu Shih

Verified Purchase

This is the 3rd year we have attended the camp. Unfortunately, very disappointed. After the 1st day of camp, my daughter dodint want to go the next day, She said it was so different from the previous years, She said the only fun part is for the one hour horse back riding. She did nothing for the rest of day, No othet activities they can do.
Unlike before, rhere were farm animinal can play with. Most kids from the camp said this year was the worst one they ever had.
My daughter said she rather stay home doing nothing.
I think I will nevet go back to this place.

This is helpful(4)

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

August 20, 2018 - Ruchi

Verified Purchase

This camp was very expensive. The camp was 9 to 3 and they get to ride the horses for 1 hour only. The cost of the camp was $100 per day. it was really expensive and not worth it.

This is helpful(3)

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

June 17, 2018 - Sandhya Kunnatur

Verified Purchase

Our 8 year old enjoyed her experience at the camp and learned the basics of horse riding. The camp was held in Ed R. Levin County Park. We were happy that she got to spend all day outdoors amidst nature in a beautiful setting. However, the horse riding part of the camp was for only one hour per day and the practice area is also pretty small. The rest of the time was spent in taking walks or the kids keeping themselves busy with art work. Taking off one star because of the short duration of the horse riding component.

This is helpful(1)

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

June 17, 2018 - Gong Ruibin

Verified Purchase

It’s our third year of staying one week with Chaparral ranch. Although they sold the old place and move to the Erwin park nearby, everything is still perfect and kids are very happy.

This is helpful

(Summer Horse Riding Camp)

June 17, 2018 - Santhosh Siruvole

Verified Purchase

My 7yo daughter enjoyed every bit. The final show by the kids would have been better if there were some barriers to steer the horses around.

This is helpful

February 25, 2018 - Dyan Collins

Verified Purchase

We had been to Chaparral Ranch when they were still at the old ranch location and the kids really enjoyed it. Sadly the new location in Ed Levin park isn't good. There is a horse arena and basically nothing else. They pull up a trailer with horses and then the kids just spend the time that they aren't on horses standing around that area or sitting on the ground since there isn't even a picnic table or bench. There also isn't any kind of shelter should the weather get bad (like it did the day my daughter went). Thankfully I picked my daughter up just before the rain started. I'm not sure what the remaining kids were going to do. Stand under a tree I guess. We won't be back.

This is helpful(1)

June 21, 2017 - Rene Stilwell

Verified Purchase

My 7 year old absolutely loved Chaparral Ranch! She learned so much during her week long camp and was proud to tell me all about it everyday after pick up. The staff is friendly and horses are well cared for. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this camp.

This is helpful(1)

February 11, 2017 - David Gauthier

Verified Purchase

My girls had a great time and always are excited to go back. They never had been on a horse before and are now turning into experienced horse riders.

This is helpful

July 10, 2016 - Elizabeth Shiel

Verified Purchase

Highly recommend! My 9 year old daughter never rode a horse before. After camp she is a knowledgeable and confident rider. She made friends and enjoyed her instructors,

This is helpful

April 19, 2016 - Agnetha Garcia

Verified Purchase

This was our first experience with this ranch and the idea of camp. I have to say that my little one was sooo excited the entire week, she had a hard time going back to school!! She has learned so much about horses and how to care for them, I'm impressed!! We are definetly planning summer here too!!

This is helpful

February 17, 2016 - Sati Banerjee

Verified Purchase

My 9 year old son who had no prior experience with horses, had a great time at this ranch. He went for a one-day camp where they interacted with horses in all manner - learnt to mount a horse, care for it, learnt safe interaction means, learned basic commands to control its movements and also had a chance to view and enjoy the other animals on the ranch (dogs, goats, sheep). The instructors are wonderful and organize an eventful day for the campers. Would recommend this camp with pleasure and hope to return to it in the near future.

This is helpful

August 3, 2015 - Michele Bertolone

Verified Purchase

The ranch is nice. The people are friendly. The program is best suited for the younger beginner. We'd very much consider doing it again, if 1) they had a component that was structured for 10 and older kids who have a fair amount of experience and 2) a bit more 'programming' during off horse time. Seemed like the kids did a lot of hanging out. It would be nice to see some crafts and learning activities related to horses.

This is helpful

July 26, 2015 - Natalie Reilley

Verified Purchase

My girls look forward to this camp every summer. We attend the Spring and Winter camps when possible. Not only do they ride, but they learn to take care of the horses and do the various tasks required on a ranch. The extra animals are fun to visit in after care, chickens, ponies, new foals, sheep..... Fiona, the ranch manager and instructor, is wonderful!

This is helpful

July 24, 2015 - Yathish Sarathy

Verified Purchase

Outstanding place, amazing people - recommend thus for every kid, every summer - how the ranch folks keep their spirits up in the heat, dust all summer long is a wonderful thing to experience...

This is helpful

July 18, 2015 - Stephanie Mccandless

Verified Purchase

My kids had a great experience with horseback riding. We will do this camp again. I would recommend Chaparral Ranch to a friend.

This is helpful

July 13, 2015 - Cathy Davis

Verified Purchase

I had both of my kids (ages 6 & 8) in the camp last week. They had a blast! They rode horses everyday and the older one learned how to groom and clean up after the horses (which I believe is a very important thing to learn as well). I would absolutely do this again next year.

This is helpful

July 11, 2015 - Susan Maddox

Verified Purchase

This is the second year my daughters ages 7 and 9 yrs have attended horse camp and they loved it again. They can't wait until next year.

This is helpful

June 28, 2015 - Macsime Gree

Verified Purchase

My daughter enjoyed a lot this camp.
She had a wonderful week in Chaparral Ranch.
She already asked us to book another week.

This is helpful

June 21, 2015 - Hans Johansen

Verified Purchase

My daughter loved Chaparral Ranch, especially because they pushed her to learn the basics and try things beyond her comfort level. The horses were well-trained and safe for kids, and Fiona (camp lead) was very enthusiastic about riding and learning.

This is helpful

June 20, 2015 - Shue Oki

Verified Purchase

The camp was very fun, my daughter likes horse Abby and Lightning very much, but the most concerned is the Portable potty. My daughter doesn't like to go. The teachers are nice.

This is helpful

June 15, 2015 - Janina Sanchez

Verified Purchase

My boys loved working with the horses and feeding the farm animals. The learned a lot about horses and are excited to go again! The staff was very friendly and easy to work with.

This is helpful

See more reviews (47)

Chaparral Ranch

The spirit of the West meets Silicon Valley at Chaparral Ranch. Surrounded by natural trails and open space preserves, the ranch overlooks stunning Bay…

Credit Status