Winward Natural Equine Center

This review is mostly based on Jenna who we take horse lessons from. Jenna came highly recommended and they were spot on! My daughter started lessons at the age of 3!!! Miss Jenna has a long history with horses and is eager to share her knowledge. She's incredibly patient and calm. My daughter has rode 2 of her horses. I'm incredibly impressed at how well behaved her horses are. If you're looking for lessons I would highly recommend her! As for the facility we love going here and saying high to all the horses. Every person we've met here is so nice and welcoming. The horses are well looked after.

Sandy Jean is an incredible woman, so amazing. I have never felt so comfortable at a brand new facility. By far the most understanding boarder i've been with. For the price she asks and what she has to offer at her facility, it's worth it.

This week I visited Winward Equestrian to consider a partial lease of a horse. It's fairly rare for me to want to review a boarding facility or a rental string (this is a boarding facility with lessons available for adults and children, no horses for rent). I don't normally review these facilities as there's often something about them that I can't endorse. And if you learn one thing about the equestrian community, you don't speak badly of anyone in a public forum, even if it's true and spoken respectfully.The horse I came to consider leasing was a gem. A very soft, responsive and fluid moving bay mare. Unfortunately, the distance is too great for me to travel. Another downside, and the reason for four stars instead of five, is the general area isn't the best for trail riding. You'll need to use Willard (a busy country road with minimal shoulder) to get to some side roads and fields you can ride along. Or, you'll want to trailer out to Shingle Springs, the American River Trail, Point Reyes, etc.The facility is full of shade trees. And it's nicely kept up. The main tacking and bathing area is under shade. Really nice! There are a couple of "squeeze" stalls (can't squeeze them in, but keep them standing more still than an open tie area) with lumpy rubber mats for vetting. Vetting stalls are not something too common, but can be incredibly helpful. The large outdoor arena (maybe 100' x 300') is half shaded by a nice open air cover. The BBQ area is mostly shaded. There is a 50' squared round pen that's fully covered with nice footing. I'm unsure if there's lights for night riding, nor if there's a curfew for when you visit to ride or work your horse. There's a horsey playground for obstacle challenges. If you want to turn out your horse to a small grassy pasture, they have two available to boarders. Turn out yourself or they'll do it for you, perhaps with a small fee. There's also another outdoor arena, perhaps 50' x 125'. And another small, rectangular, uncovered arena mostly used for the children lessons. Parking is nice and easy. The property is at the end of a lane, so you don't get too much street traffic.Sandyjean, she's a good person. She loves the Parelli method and has attended several of his clinics. I've not always been a fan of Parelli, but we were able to talk over our beliefs of the various trainers, including Parelli (Sandyjean's preference) and Clinton Anderson (my preference). We did so respectfully, honestly, openly, maturely. It's not just how she and I are, but it's how Sandyjean expects everyone at her facility to conduct themselves.I believe that Winward is a healthy environment where your horse's needs and your needs will be tended to with respect, care and honesty. And those are rare attributes to be found together at a California boarding facility. If you're looking for a boarding facility in South Sacramento County, give Sandyjean a call!

I originally came to this barn two years ago with the intent of leasing a horse and then ended up buying my first horse and now board him here. I could not be happier! I have been around horses all my life but was clueless and terrified about ownership. Sandy Winward and the boarders here have helped me so much along the way and have made me a confident and knowledgeable horse owner!I sought out Winward Natural Equine Center because of it's focus on Natural Horsemanship. Here, the relationship between horse and human is paramount, and the safety, health & happiness of the horse is always put first. Not everyone here does 'natural horsemanship', but we all focus on relationship, and we have a wonderful community where we support and look out for each other and each other's horses. I have learned more about being a good horsewoman here than I have at all of the barns I have ever ridden at collectively. There is a wide variety of riding/horsemanship that happens here, so there is always opportunity to learn new things and to get involved if you want. People here ride English, Western, go trail riding, go to clinics, go to shows, work on the ground, do cattle sorting (off site) and more! There are many organized barn trips and activities throughout the year including trips to Pt. Reyes, Horse Camping, Running I, Deangelis Ranch, and we have play days here at the ranch monthly where you get to try new things with your horse! As for the facility - you couldn't ask for more. There are two people that live one site (that work and board their horses here) in addition to the ranch owner so there is always someone here looking out for your horse. There are 2 covered arenas, 2 open arenas and a small round pen, wash racks, pasture boarding, a beautiful turn-out pasture, and an annex full of fun obstacles like bridges to help de-sensitize your horse. There are trees everywhere so it is well-shaded in the summer, and there is a pond & picnic area where we often have ranch bbq's. The stalls/paddocks are spacious, covered with outside runs and are kept clean by people who board their horses here. Everything is priced very reasonably considering all the amenities you get for the price. Lessons and leases are also available here. This barn is more than just a barn to me - it's a family. My horse is healthy & happy, he has a social life with many of the other horses here, and I feel like I can rely on any of the other boarders or the owner in a pinch if I need to. I would recommend this barn to anyone who is looking for a meaningful experience with their horse and in the community!

The most friendly and loving horse boarding and training stable we have ever found. Someone is always on grounds to ensure the horses are thriving. Nestled in the country with arenas (two are covered) two large pastures with a obstacle course to teach horses and riders about different riding situations, large trees, and a grassy area with barbeque pits.The owners, Sandy and Walt Winward are accommodating to a "T." Sandy is the "master" trainer - she taught my daughter how to ride. She is a excellent trainer and never looses patience and is very understanding.On summer nights several boarders sit around the fire pit, enjoying the country atmosphere, talking horse and socializing. My family has grown close to the Winwards and we consider them part of our family and friends

Absolutely LOVE this facility! It's a very comfortable and at-home environment. Most everyone gets a long and helps each other out when needed. If something is broken, it is literally repaired the same day or the next at the latest. The owner, Sandy, is very knowledgeable and caring... I am super grateful I found this place :)

This is the most wonderful family friendly horse loving boarding facility! Two covered arena's, beautiful grounds to ride out in nature, and tons of trees to keep you and your horse shaded on the hot days. Your horse will be spoiled here. The stalls are roomy, there is parking for your horse trailer and nice storage for your tack. Parking is easy and Sandyjean is always happy to help with any questions or concerns with your horse. She goes above and beyond to keep the horses and her riders safe and spoiled.

My ten year old daughter and I leased a horse and got lessons here to start. That was a fun and safe experience so we bought a horse and received training for him and lessons for us. Since I've had children in this sport for over 15 years who also showed, I have experienced a few different facilities from Andover, MA to Las Vegas, NV. This facility offers the best of all those facilities put together, and operated by a professional with safety and progress in mind. The property is quite and comfortable with hundreds of shade trees, a pasture, trail, covered arena, wash racks, corral, clean areas for the horses, and constant opportunities to learn through clinics, trainers, play days, and the friendliest group of boarders any barn could ask for. If you are a pro with one horse or ten, just getting into the sport, or looking for quality training and beautiful facility, this is the place to be.

I do horse riding and It's the best and my trainer Sierra is so nice. She helps me understand everything

Many assigned to feed don't seem to know how to feed right, found my horse several times without proper feed. Then Colic, then vet bill. You shouldn't have to tell the owner more than once.