Las Trampas Stables

I have never taken horseback riding lessons until 6 months ago.

Now I am hooked because I have learned more about myself and about life by working with Cindy & her horses that any other experience I have had (and I have had a lot of experiences).  My time at Las Trampas has inspired me to "get-past-myself" and look for ways to build with what I cannot change.  What a great way to live!  

Cindy at Las Trampas Stables is a great instructor.  Her love of horses and riding are evident.  She began with the basics,  making sure I understand how a horse thinks & responds, with safety as a top priority.  I have hearing loss (wear 2 hearing aids) and Cindy noticed this the first day.  She made sure I could hear and encouraged me to ask questions.  I hate making mistakes (as I learn) and Cindy's good-natured style and encouragement creates an environment where I can learn.  I cannot tell you how important those qualities are to my developing horse-woman-ship.  

My husband & I (at this stage) combine lessons with trail-rides in the Sunol Wilderness (Wrangler is Cindy's husband: Gary).  Its great to practice what we learn out in the regional park!  

I have to also say a word about the community at Las Trampas.  

The folks who teach, board their horses and visit the stables have all been encouraging and welcoming.  I love that there are kids around taking lessons or "dragging" their parents to see the horses.   Its so refreshing to exit the City and enter the Country with the easy-does-it humor that is just part of the Las Trampas culture.  

Cindy, Gary and the whole Las Trampas team are one of the reasons I have resisted a job transfer.  My work with them is hugely valuable to me.  I'll stay put for now!

First of all I grew up in Danville/San Ramon so I know the history of this stable-it's on EB Regional Park grounds so it's not entirely private. This is what I like about the barn, it's a community and an institution unto itself. It will always be there and there will always be horses there. Everyone is welcome, period.

Cindi and Gary are owners I was introduced to through Bethe (American Romance Equestrian)-my instructor-and they are down-to-earth and friendly.  They are also fair and honest.  If you've ever ventured into a barn community you have to understand how RARE this is!  It is no drama.  You come in with drama but you can't leave it there-it's a place where things get worked out-worked on.  If you can't do that they you pretty much need to take your drama with you!  

As with many places, people come and go. The ones that leave are people that, I hate to be brutally honest, make enough of a mess wherever they go that wherever they go it turns out the same.

Anyway, moving on...

I started with a Groupon and I staid.  I have been riding on and off since I was 19 (over 10 years) and I am a pretty independent/drama-free rider (I have enough in my "other" life).  I staid because I was challenged and I really started to improve my riding.  More importantly, I started to improve myself and my life.  Lots of people are into Equine-therapy these days.  Jaycee Dugard's basis of therapy after she was finally freed was EQUINE based!  It really works.

I like this barn for these reasons:  1) Prices are fair, 2) Safety is number one, 3) No one is ever trying to sell you on anything (you don't know how many novice riders I've seen begin riding for the first time in their lives and within 6 months they are owners of a gorgeous but crazy young horse they cannot possible control), and 4) EVERYONE is willing to work with you.

I can't speak to the parents that are looking for lessons for their children.  Riding is something that I started as an adult because I did not have the luxury of having parents who could/would support it.  I can only say that if you are a parent you should ALWAYS be concerned if a lesson instructor does NOT go over every safety precaution with you, starting from learning to pull a horse out all the way to getting in the saddle.

Parents also need to understand that riding is not something you can "drop" your kid off at.  

Unlike soccer, baseball, basketball or even art class, this activity involves a sensitive and unpredictable 1,000 or more pound creature! I'm not trying to scare you, but when you are working with animals great or small, it is no longer about you, there is a sense of humility you must always carry (which makes riding so rewarding).

Anyway,  Las Trampas is great because you get what you see and that, as a seasoned novice rider, is priceless.

Over the last several years I have boarded horses here off and on.  I am very impressed with Cindi and her managment style.  She makes children feel welcome (not all boarding stables do).  The children are always busy with horses and it does not interrupt the boarders use of the amenities. Very well done!

Las Trampas Stables is operated by two of the best people ever!

They give good care to the horses and clients.  This is not one of those snotty barns, but they are very safety minded and the students all understand that.  They are given a good foundation of basic horse 101 yet have a blast.  Cindy has a super cool group of teen age girls that speak volumes toward what a barn/stable should be.  The barn is owned by East Bay Parks, and the managers have to work with that.  Needless to say Park budgets are thin, and it is amazing what Cindy and Gary have accomplished, much on there own dime.  

Bottom line, I would recommend this stable to those interested in boarding or taking lessons.  

The most important aspect of any stable is to imprint an equestrian experience that is positive and safe for those who visit.  These young kids are the whole future of keeping the horse stables alive and well and the management has done an excellent job of just that!

My family and I scheduled a horse riding session with Las Trampas Stables.  

I called and spoke with Cindy who I found very friendly she explained the reservation process to me thoroughly and we booked our event.  At a later date I called and left a message to add additional persons to my reservation and wanted to change the time for my event.  Cindy was prompt in her return calls to me and was always very helpful.  She even called me the day prior to my event to confirm my reservation.  We arrived for our event two men (sorry I can't recall their names) were very friendly and the six horses were prepared and ready to go!  My daughter and family had an amazing experience and my parents even inquired how they could make their own reservations to ride at a later date.  Sure we needed to sign waivers and the men were strict on who got to ride what horse and they picked out the horse that was appropriate for each rider via their age and size, which I respect.  Just because my daughter wants the black horse doesn't mean their experience and knowledge of what horse would be good for her size and age over rides her want.  Horses are large powerful animals and I'm willing to listen to what the experienced employees tell me!  The negative reviews seems to be about the owners attitudes, but I can understand that Las Trampas probably needs to be strict with people who want to treat their business like a petting zoo.  Our spoiled children (and parents apparently) would benefit from learning that there are rules and processes to follow and respect. ( Insert your Veruca Salt, "Daddy I want it now" quote here.)  We learned about Las Trampas Stables from frequenting the Las Trampas Park. The rates they charge are completely reasonable as well and a bargain as far as I am concerned. Everything was a success and I will surely bring back my kids and family again!

We took our 8yr old daughter for a 30 min ride in the Sunol Wilderness. Couldn't have had a better experience.

The guide was knowledgable about the horses and the area!

He was great with our daughter and taught her a lot. Prices are very low considering what you get. We will definitely be back and recommending this place to our friends.

My daughter did riding lesson a few years ago here and the horses are top notch. They are well cared for and well trained. Cindy is a no nonsense lady who knows her stuff. If you can't handle someone telling you what to do than you should not take LESSONS of any sort! My only complaint was no cell service, drove me crazy!
Not the fault of the business at all. If your child wants to take lessons this is a great place for kids.

My friend and I went on a wonderful trail ride with Gary. He was absolutely lovely. He was patient with a non experienced rider, very knowledgeable and kind. The horses were so sweet and obedient.  We will definitely coming back. Had such an amazing day here