Almaden Equestrian Center

Facility is closed. Thus the one star.

I am very disappointed with this equestrian Center. My daughter attended Summer Camp last summer. The camp went well, but if you needed to get in tough with them for any reason during the day, it was impossible. THEY NEVER ANSWER THE PHONE. Because my daughter likes horses and we had already been there, we signed her up for summer camp this summer. We signed up in February, like many, to reserve a spot at a horse camp, which fills up extremely fast. So, all the campers just received an email stating that they are SORRY THEY CANCELLED ALL 10 WEEKS OF SUMMER CAMP!!! No explanation was given. And guess what? THEY STILL WILL NOT ANSWER THEIR PHONE. Go figure.
Don’t go here. You just don’t know what you are going to get. Paying the price for horse training or camps is more than most extracurricular activities. Don’t waste it here.
If you are reading this and from Almaden Equestrian Center, give me a call! I left my number about 15 times on Eric Peters voicemail:)
A little professionalism goes a long way!
After reading the other reviews about safety and the death and injury of horses while at this center is sickening.
It’s probably a good thing they canceled camps. Maybe it’s a safety issue.

Wonderful summer camp! My 7-​year old learned so much about horses and how to ride. The horse she got to ride, Nelly, was very gentle and patient. The main feedback I would give them is not to let their rooster roam around, because the rooster allegedly attacked two children during the week. But, I’ll just tell my kids to leave the rooster alone. My daughters will attend again. My husband and I might even sign up for classes, because you can sign up monthly. Great idea!

Very pleased with this place. Horses appear well cared for, good fly control, stalls, arenas and all common areas are clean. Could not call this place rustic at all. Owner, staff and boarders are friendly and helpful. My only concern is riders who sometimes meander into an arena during a lesson and those who tie up their horses in a throughway and wander off leaving others to guess if its safe to pass behind that horse or not. Otherwise love AEC and will keep coming back.

I’ve been leasing a horse here for a month (and didn’t know anyone before hand). I have got to say the people here have been very nice and have answered any questions I might have. The grounds are nice, there are a few turnout pens and a hotwalker. The large arena (though not lit or covered) is very large and very nice – good soft ground. A nice place to ride.

In a rustic stable sitting with friendly staff and reasonable fees. My daughter really enjoys riding there.

I have been boarding at this place for pretty much ever. I have seen both the best and worst of times here. I have to say, that AEC is completely worth the half an hour drive from my house and my board bill (which is pretty fair, in fact relatively cheap considering Garrod’s, Calero and Indian Hill are their competitors.) The trainers there are very approachable and friendly. (I heard rumors that there is even a John Lyons Certified trainer there!) The horses are well fed by experienced and knowledgable staff. The ranch is geared to families, and there is a great picnic area with an adorable cottage/​snack shack that serves everything from candy to a full on meal. The boarders all seem to get along, and everyone is fair to each other. Definitely one of the bay area’s best kept secrets!

My horse has been at Almaden Equestrian for a little over a year and overall I’m really happy boarding there. They feed quality hay from Agco and they are very accommodating if you need to change your horse’s diet. AEC has the biggest arena in San Jose, two round pens, a small covered riding arena and a turnout. There’s an awesome picnic area in the shade, and everyone is pretty courteous and nice. I’m currently in the process of moving to Davis for school, but I would definitely board my horse here again.