Running Horse Ranch

Running Horse Ranch

Running Horse Ranch
5
About
Seasoned equestrian riders explore on surefooted endurance horses, a dramatic Southern California landscape. The trail offers challenges; horse and rider teams traveling across not only a rugged, but also a variety of terrains. Riders explore mountains, desert, city or the the ocean. Choose a short, romantic two hour ride, Half or Full Day Ride, or buckle up and discover the good old Wild West, while out on a six day Horse Trekking Adventure. Don't know how to ride a horse? Well- we still got you covered. Our great outdoor riding terrain provides also for nature adventures guided ATV/ Quad bike touring. Our cozy cabin allows guests to relax and enjoy a spectacular grand scenery, wether you spend a night or a week.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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The area

Address
25000 Pine Canyon Rd, Lake Hughes, CA 93532-1168
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles59 reviews
Excellent
56
Very good
3
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These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Larissa M
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022
On my traveling trough California, I was searching for a horseback riding outfitter which treats horses naturally with care. I looked up Facebook of Running Horse Ranch and found some great background pictures which approved to me finding the right location for my upcoming adventure.
I called Daniela and we went right into a deep horsy hearted conversation, with all the detailed aspects of equine care. We set a date and soon I arrived at this beautiful remote ranch, which is located in the middle of the national forrest.
I was greeted by four friendly dogs and Daniela showed me my accommodation, which was the living quarters of her four horse trailer. The trailer is quit comfy, parked near the horse pasture and offers stunning views across the pasture as well the mountains over the desert.
I meet Cassiopeia a red 8 year old mustang mare in the arena, saddled and bridled up. She is a super sensible mare and well ridden, listens to fine leg, weight and rain- cues. Another young girl from Germany also attended this three day ride on another big grey mustang gelding named Excalibur.
Daniela gave us at first important instruction from the ground, which I very liked to allow a good bond with my steed before seating up in the saddle.
After some warm up rounds in the arena we headed out on the busy ranch trails. I was fascinated how well the horses are trained and absolved those technical trails with excellence. I am just a flatland rider, so this kind or terrain was new for me.
The next two days riding was an absolute blast. Despite all the technical difficulties, lots of ducking across my mares neck not to get swept of from tree branches, Pia never put me in danger, the trail never got boring- even the blazing storm at the last day and the fast gallop across the stormy mountain ridges made those days a never forgettable adventure.
The horses are very connected to Daniela, her care and love she gives to her equines are a payback for some adventures rides she can offer. The saddles are English Wintecs and I found them quit comfortable, despite I ride only in western at home.
It's worth every dime I spend on, I wish I could have stayed longer. Those rides are not for the beginner.
One day I hope I will be back and encounter those trails with Cassiopeia again. It made me sad to leave, she is a little treasure!
Thanks Daniela for those unforgettable days at your beautiful ranch.
Written October 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sabrina F
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Solo
As I am a very experienced rider, I was looking for a bit of adventure while riding on my vacation. Daniela was the right place for me. We covered about 10 miles, for which we met at 6 a.m. because the temperatures demanded it.

Daniela does a great job of explaining the surroundings and the riding conditions there. Due to the exciting terrain, which is a real challenge when it comes to trails, I didn't miss galloping, which is almost impossible in this rough terrain.

The horses are kind-hearted and beautifully ridden. Their sure-footedness is impressive, which makes it very easy to trust the horses. They know the terrain and know exactly where to go.

I would choose Daniela and her horses again at any time!
It's a "must" for experienced riders :)
Written August 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Daydream44623640736
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
The views were fantastic and the ride with Daniela was amazing.
We were in great hands with Daniela, the ride was sensational.
She knows the area like the back of her hand and gave us lots of valuable information about her horses, animals in the area and the fauna and flora.
We had enough time to get to know the horses and warm up to riding.
It is very professional.
The horses are great and we felt very safe.
We would be happy to go back to Running Horse Ranch any time!
Google
Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nat M
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021
The ride out to the ranch was breath taking and the actual ATV riding was amazing. The instructor was very patient and kind and offered to take pictures and videos of us while riding. This is a must do if you enjoy the outdoors and ATV riding.
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Natalie G
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Solo
HIGHLY recommed!! I can’t say enough about Daniela, her horses, and the experience out in the trails. The bond that Daniela has with her horses is incredible, and her horses treat her and all visitors so well in return. I went on the Full day ride, and it was truly unforgettable. I live nearby in Los Angeles, and had the option to sleep at the property or commute to the barn the morning of the ride. I chose the latter, and it was very easy to find the stables in the morning. I met Daniela at the barn, we met the horse I would ride (Pia) to get to know each other and develop a bond with that horse (this I really appreciated and made me feel very safe!). Daniela tacked up Pia, talked me through how Pia is to ride, and we took Pia into the arena to get to know her and warm up with walk/trot (note: I have many years of riding experience, and ride regularly). Daniela tackle up her horse, and we took to the trails. We rode for hours and had SO MUCH FUN. The trails were technical and for intermediate/experienced riders only. The horses are so safe. I can’t say enough about how kind/friendly Daniela is, and can’t recommend this experience enough. Safe to say, I will be back soon!
Written November 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Reisender4711Nrw
NRW60 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2018 • Solo
I decided to book the 5 day „Pacific Crest“ trail ride for experienced riders – and it turned out to be one of the best trail rides I ever did.
What is really important to me when booking such holidays is that the owners are real „horsemen“ and take good care of their horses. They did not disappoint me.

One thing you need to know upfront: Most of the rides are for truly experienced trail riders. Which is great if you do have this experience, because it´s no „nose-to-tail“ and therefore not suitable for beginners. I think they do offer beginners lessions on their farm as well. My suggestion is: Do yourself a favor and be honest to yourself in terms of your riding capabilities.

The horses:
Most of the horses are Mustangs, many of them born in the wild and domesticated later. They are extremely sure-footed and reliable, but still smart and very „rideable“.
They live in huge pastures in a big group. On the first day, you spend some good time with them before going onto a trail – which is very good for building up some initial trust and understanding between rider and horse.

The rides:
We decided to ride in the early mornings, returning around lunch time. The afternoons were far too hot to continue riding - which allowed to spend some free time on the farm or in the L.A. area for the humans and some recovery for the horses.
Daniela doesn´t take the same trails every day, but also loads the horses onto her truck and drives to trails further away, which is nice in terms of variety of rides. It´s a very nice mixture of mountain climbing, tiny paths through bushes, nice trotts and canters.

The location:
The rooms are spacious and due to the remote location of the farm very quiet.
Beds are super comfortable, the shared kitchen and bathroom is equiped with everything needed.
They do also offer Quad-Tours etc. for non-riders.

The hosts:
Daniela is a German living in the US since many years, so you can communicate in german if you like / need to and of course in english.
She is very interested in getting a good connection to the guests, but absolutely respecting your privacy / relaxation time if you need it.

It might not be the cheapest offer you can get in this area – but to me, the good care for the horses (and for us 😊) were definitely worth the price.
Written November 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Marit L
Copenhagen, Denmark14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2019 • Solo
The Burnt Peak trail was a beautiful and fun ride, unlike anything I have tried before on horseback. With it's narrow and winding trail, closed in by bushery and low branches, and the steep climbs on uneven and sometimes unstable surfaces, it is definitely not for beginners. However, much thanks to Daniela and her beautiful mustangs, it never felt unsafe, and for the experienced rider looking for an adventure I can absolutely recommend Running Horse Ranch
Written March 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lisa
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2018 • Family
While visiting California with my brother we wanted to do something different and we found, that the running horse ranch also offers ATV tours. It was a 2 hour ride and Daniela who’s also from Germany was so helpful and friendly, she took the tour with us and the view we had was just amazing and it was so much fun. Thank you so much Daniela would come back anytime and do it again I wish you all the best !
Written September 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Grace C
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2017 • Solo
Running Horse Ranch is perfect for experienced riders who want to explore the amazing scenery and challenges of riding in this part of California. As a distance rider traveling from North NJ, I wanted a unique yet fulfilling vacation experience and Daniela was able to customize a trip for me so I could make the most of my time at the ranch. Both her and her daughters are wellsprings of information. Their care and devotion is evident from how well the horses are taken care of and aptly trained. Bring your sense of adventure and come prepared to ride- You will leave feeling refreshed and make memories of a lifetime.
Written October 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Joely W
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2016 • Couples
This was everything we had hoped for when looking for a real riding experience in the LA area.
Challenging trail, lovely responsive horses, and beautiful scenery!
Daniella was a fantastic guide and went to great lengths to make sure we were happy and safe on our horses. This included letting us spend time getting accustomed to them in the sand arena before hitting the trail, which was perfect for my less experienced boyfriend.
We would definitely recommend Running Horse Ranch to anyone looking to do some 'proper' riding! We had an amazing time and will definitely be visiting again if we make it back to LA!
Written November 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Running Horse Ranch - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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