Horseback Riding in Santa Rosa: Riding Lessons for Kids and Adults at Strides Riding Academy
Returning to my high school home!
At age 12 I moved to Sebastopol and started attending school in Santa Rosa. I had just moved there from Australia and being so new to the area I was pretty lonely. Being a 12 year old and lonely is not fun….as a kid in Australia I did gymnastics pretty intensely and took horseback riding lessons once a week. I was hoping to continue my ‘normal’ routine but finding a gym where I felt at home was hard - the bar was set high after so many hours and such a tight family at the gym in Australia.
Some of the kids from my school took horseback riding lessons at a local barn in Santa Rosa and their parents gave my mom the info. I started with one lesson, then weekly, then leased a horse and spent all of my free time through high school at the Santa Rosa barn. As a teenage girl the barn was my safe place - somewhere I could be myself, let my guard down and enjoy time with the horses and my barn friends. It was such a gift!!!!
Now (many) years later, after moving out of the area and slowly migrating back, my kids are attending the same school in Santa Rosa!
The barn time meant so much to me as a kid I absolutely had to open a location in Santa Rosa to offer this same meaningful space and experience to kids. Horseback riding Lessons were a game changer for me in my life and I am so excited to share this with others in the same town that I enjoyed this in as a kid!
If you are interested in some more information on our Santa Rosa Horseback Riding lessons, keep reading below! I hope you have a place in your life where you can be yourself, let your guard down and enjoy!
Horseback Riding Lessons in Santa Rosa for Kids
For children, horseback riding is a great way to develop responsibility, confidence, and focus. Our kids’ riding lessons in Santa Rosa are designed to meet riders where they are, whether stepping into a barn for the first time or working toward advanced skills.
Through riding, Kids learn:
How to communicate with and care for horses
Balance, coordination, and body awareness
Responsibility for themselves and others
Confidence through achievable goals and progression
Lessons are structured so children build skills gradually, allowing them to feel proud of their progress while enjoying the experience. Many families choose horseback riding in Santa Rosa as an ongoing activity because of the personal growth they see both in and out of the saddle.
Horseback Riding Lessons in Santa Rosa for Adults
Riders of all ages come to Strides Riding Academy! For adult riders, horseback riding lessons in Santa Rosa are a great place to get started or continue working on the skills you are trying to master, and learn new skills!
Adult riders appreciate:
Clear instruction without pressure
A welcoming, supportive atmosphere
Opportunities to build confidence and skills over time
A chance to disconnect from daily stress and focus on learning something new
Many of our adult students start riding for personal enjoyment, fitness, or as a long-held dream they’re finally ready to pursue. Our lessons are tailored to support the individual goals of our riders so we can fully support you on your path!
A Structured Riding Program That Grows With You
At Strides, our approach is structured with specific skills and goals along the way. Our riders aren’t rushed or placed into one-size-fits-all lessons. Instead, they are paired up by age and riding level so they can progress through clearly defined stages that support steady improvement.
This structure helps riders:
Understand what they’re learning and why
Track progress over time
Stay motivated with clear milestones
Build confidence through consistency
If your goal is casual riding, skill development, or long-term involvement in the equestrian world, we will help you find the path that meets that goal and helps you accomplish your riding dreams.
Why Families Choose Horseback Riding in Santa Rosa
Strides has been in business since 2009 and has been established at the Petaluma location since 2016! We are so excited to take these 17 years of Strides and bring them to Santa Rosa - the place where I found my love of riding and horses!
We believe that Santa Rosa families who are looking for activities that balance physical movement, mental focus, and real-world learning will enjoy our horses, instructors and programs!
Parents often choose riding lessons because they:
Encourage responsibility and commitment
Offer screen-free time in an engaging setting
Support emotional growth and self-confidence
Create opportunities for meaningful connections
We find that horseback riding also appeals to children with different learning styles, making it a unique alternative to traditional sports and activities.
A Welcoming Community for Riders of All Ages
Strides Riding Academy is more than a place to take lessons—it’s a community - your place to let your guard down. Our riders and families become part of an environment that values progress, encouragement, kindness, and shared experiences.
Many of our students:
Build friendships with fellow riders
Develop long-term relationships with instructors
Gain confidence that carries into school, work, and daily life
This sense of community is one of the many reasons our riders continue their journey at Strides year after year.
What to Expect From Your First Riding Lesson
Starting horseback riding might feel intimidating. At Strides Riding Academy we are here to help you navigate this unknown world. After so many years and so many students, we can help you find the best path that fits your goals and desires.
Your first lesson may include:
Getting to know the horse
Learning basic equipment and terminology
Practicing balance and posture
Simple riding exercises based on experience level
Our lessons are designed to help riders feel comfortable and confident right from the start..
Horseback Riding as a Long-Term Activity
So many activities peak at age 16! I love horseback riding because it offers ongoing growth and learning opportunities. Our riders continue learning as their skills develop, making it a rewarding and fulfilling long-term activity.
We find that both kids and adults benefit from:
Goal-oriented progression
Personal achievement
A deeper connection with horses over time
Continued motivation through learning
To us, horseback riding is a valuable investment in both physical skills and personal development and we are so grateful to share this with others!
Serving Santa Rosa and Surrounding Communities
Strides Riding Academy now proudly serves riders from Santa Rosa and nearby areas. Families and adult riders typically choose Strides for our thoughtful programs, experienced instruction, and a focus on building confident, capable riders.
Whether you’re searching for horseback riding lessons in Santa Rosa for kids, adult horseback riding lessons, or a welcoming place to begin your riding journey, we are here to help at Strides Riding Academy!
Start Your Horseback Riding Journey in Santa Rosa
Horseback riding is so special and offers connection, confidence, and continuous learning.
At Strides Riding Academy, riders of all ages are supported as they grow, learn, and enjoy time with horses - from our youngest rider to our current oldest rider - age 84 🙂
If you’re ready to explore horseback riding in Santa Rosa, test it out with a 1-time intro lesson at Strides Riding Academy