Epona Farms

Several years ago I had a first experience on a horse that would have left anyone shaking in their cowboy boots. We were on a group camping trip when everyone decided to take advantage of the local horseback riding. Not wanting to be left behind, I tagged along, figuring how hard could it be? Little did I know I was in for one of the scariest experiences of my life. Not only did they give me minimal instructions at best, they threw me on an old, grumpy horse that did not appreciate having a novice on his back. Then they decided to go along a narrow trail that wound around the edge of a rocky hill, leaving the poor horse unstable in his footing and me grinding my heels in terror. Needless to say, I think the horse and I both kissed the ground when it was over.In an effort to face my fears, I decided to find someone willing to give me a new introduction to horses. It wasn't easy. There are a few ranches offering Groupons and Living Social deals, but out of three that I called, Epona was the only one that answered the phone. Maybe it was good karma, because this farm was a perfect fit for what I wanted. I could tell on the phone that Trina was going to be very easy to work with. It sounds like she and her husband own the operation. When we arrived (yes, I dragged the BF along for the ride and moral support), we didn't immediately recognize any designated parking. Anywhere by the front of the office wound up being fine.A young girl that helps out around the ranch showed us over to the horses. She was very friendly, although I think a bit unused to someone as inexperienced and uncomfortable as I was. Trina came out to take a supervisory lead as we were brushing the horses to prepare them for the saddle. She had an expert hand as she strapped on the cinch and saddled the horse up, explaining each step along the way. We were instructed to lead the horses into an arena where we were each guided patiently onto the horse via a step stool. Next came the lesson, which mostly involved first feeling at ease on the horse, then learning how to guide it. We were allowed to trot if we felt comfortable, but there was never any pressure to do anything that made us tense. After a little over an hour, Trina showed us how to get off the horses (take it slow!) and had us guide them back over to the brushing area. She let us loosen the straps, then she took off the saddles, so we could brush the horses down before we left.Phew, were we filthy! That shower felt mighty fine when we got home. Definitely not the place to wear your finery. In fact, be sure to wear long pants and boots if you have them. Sandals and shorts are big no-nos. They have boots and helmets you can borrow if needed. It was not a posh place, but for the very reasonable rates, I didn't expect it to be. There is a restroom available and thankfully, it was not an outhouse. Friendly dogs were roaming about begging for a pat on the head, along with chickens and roosters I was just sure my horse wanted to stomp a few times. Unintimidating and very welcoming, it was the perfect spot to conquer a fear.

While biking from Acampo, CA to Victor, CA a couple of days ago, I passed by this Horse Boarding, Training, Riding School, Tral Riding place... Epona Farms.Coincidntally, the owner came out as I was taking a picture of their sign... I inquied about their rates which came out to be $120 for five Riding Lessons ($24 hr for those that are arithmetically challenged). The owner said it would come out to more than an hour per lesson as the Rider has to Saddle the Horse as well as groom it after Riding. I, myself, probably will not take advantage of Epona Farms as I hadn't rode a Horse in twenty years... but my kids will have something else to keep themselves busy when visiting the Lodi area.

Don't EVER bring your horse here to be boarded or take lessons. I kept my horse here until I learned that my horse wasn't being fed and was fighting with other horses for food. I then brought food for my horse and found out that other people were using my food to feed their horse. Then my horse had to go into a deep mud pit to get to water. That ended up giving her thrush. I was horrified!!! I found a great stable near me- MarVal- and they are amazing!! Our horse is so happy! Never go to Epona or see Catriona Watson. She mistreated our horse greatly.

I am really enjoying my riding experience at epona with Catriona , me and my son are taking lessons together and we are really enjoying it, something we look forward to every week, Catriona is very patient with us and never any pressure, we go at our own pace, and very reasonable prices, we come all the way from Vallejo cause you can't find anything like this there., natural relaxed country experience like if it's your own home, love it! And the horses are wonderful, thank Catriona for helping us. Something great to remember forever, and getting a fourteen year old boy to like horseback riding is no easy feat!

I took my kids here after receiving a gift certificate. They were very excited to get to ride horses. The first time we went out we were told the lessons were cancelled due to the heat - however no one called us before we left home to tell us this. On our second trip out there the kids brushed their horse and saddled it and then rode in a circle for a hour. There was NO lesson. The lady just sat in a chair and watched them ride. We were very disappointed as we thought the kids would get some instruction and get to do more than just ride in a circle.

I ride here a lot, I work in exchange for leasing a gelding, and I've helped with the pony parties as well. Triona is super nice, and very responsive, and runs as rescue and most of her rescues serve as lesson ponies. She has reasonable rates and good horses that she takes good care of. I was taught how to do the pony parties and they are a lot of fun for the kids. They walk on a lead line and trot if they feel comfortable, and the handlers give individual instruction as they go along. This is not a super upscale establishment, but it's affordable and Triona is really willing to work with her clients which is more than can be said about a lot of places. I will continue to ride here and help with parties as much as I can. :)

So glad I found of this place! I was recommended after two weeks of trying to find the perfect place to take my best friend who was coming into town to visit me. Both of us have never been horseback riding and always wanted to & our instructors were amazing with making sure we felt comfortable prior to getting on the horses. I recommended 10/10 you try horseback riding because not only is it fun, it's very therapeutic. The trail is gorgeous and runs you around a lake while also taking you through quieter and more private areas as well. Thank you so much to the both of you for an amazing experience, we will be back!

Epona Farms rescues horses, treats them as well as they can, and teaches the horses to behave and to follow directions. When they teach, they understand the struggles that the rider may be having and tries to work with them. If you do not own riding gear, they'll provide it for you. They try to match you with a good horse for your riding ability. and if you cannot pay for riding, you could help around the farm to work off some of the payment. I strongly recommend Epona Farms.and in reply to the previous posts, the trainer doesn't just sit around. she does instruct. and if she's too busy, she'll have another experienced employee/rider from there to instruct. the trainer wouldn't ever neglect horses, especially if they're being boarded. She's rescued horses. The point of that is to not neglect them. before coming to Epona for the first time, you should call to make sure that lessons will follow through, considering that certain weather conditions or other activities going on could interfere with lessons. For younger children, aka Pee Wees, tend to just ride in circles, yes. but Epona Farms' instructors attempt to teach them as much as possible. younger peoples tend to not follow directions or not pay attention enough to progress much quickly, so they choose to just walk in circles. Epona offers games for them and works with them one-on-one.for the older ones, they learn more quicker and progress faster by the instructor and helper letting them become more independent and understand the horses and equipment better for themselves. Epona Farms is a great place to ride, relax, work, etc. Previous posts are over-exaggeration or lies. I've been affiliated with Epona Farms for a couple of years now, and I was shocked to see these bad reviews.

I can not say enough great things about my daughter's time spent out on Epona Farm...It is not just a horse lesson for her it is a way of life. Thoughout the years my daughter has learned patience, responsiblity and the importance of following directions! Trina, the owner, has showed my daughter how to take care and prepare the horse for riding. If you are looking for a true horse lover to teach your child or yourself the skills for horse riding Epona Farms is the place to go!

I met the owner of Epona Farms back in November. I was looking for a rescue horse for my granddaughter. She contacted me and told me that she was going to be getting a horse that she thought I may be interested in. Turns out the horse was beautiful he was only 4 and half yrs old. He is broke and also very friendly. He also happened to be papered which was not requested by me. She sold us the horse for a very little amount just enough to pay for her gas to go and get him and for the past due boarding fee's that were due for him. She could have gotten ALOT more for this horse, but she knew I couldn't afford to pay much and said she just wanted to make sure he would be happy with his new owner. She is one of the sweetest people I know. She has such a big heart and takes in all sorts of strays and then finds them good homes. Some people have taken advantage of her good heart in the past and not paid for their boarding but she still continued to feel and care for the animals that the owners ignored. Then they came and took them with out so much as a Thanks, and never even paid her the past due fees they owed. SAD.... and then say lies about the farm just to make themselves feel better/. Believe me this is a wonderful horse farm. I will continue to board my horse their and my granddaughter will continue to get her lesions there. Weather permitting. Then can't train with the weather is in the 100's it is not safe for the horse or the student. Nor can the train in cold and rain either. Again if you like the feeling of being on out on a farm and love animals it is a great place to go even if you don't own a horse. She also has Birthday Parties for all ages/Thanks againEpona Farms.Nita, Jill, Jordan and Domino