Do I need prior riding experience?

No. Lessons are designed for beginners and start with grooming, handling, and groundwork before riding.

Wear closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, and comfortable layers; helmets are provided if you don’t have one.

Can I share a package with someone else?

Some packages permit sharing with one additional person—check the specific package details when purchasing.

How do lesson packages work?

Packages are monthly memberships; buying a package does not reserve dates—you must call or book each lesson individually.

What is the minimum age and weight limit?

Children must be six or older and accompanied by a guardian; maximum rider weight is 220 pounds for safety.

What happens in bad weather?

Lessons may be canceled for excessive heat (90°F+), high winds (12 mph+), or when footing is unsafe after rain; the ranch will notify participants.

Poway Horseback Lessons: SDTC Riding and Horsemanship Beginner Program | Horse | Workshop

At SDTC Riding and Horsemanship, at 14875 Mina De Oro Rd in Poway, California, the first lesson is practical and plainspoken: learn to handle a horse. The program centers on grooming, groundwork, and guided riding lessons designed for complete beginners. Instructors assign each rider a school horse chosen for size and temperament; classes are intentionally small—four riders maximum—so that coaching is hands-on and paced. The ranch sits on the dry mesa-country that skirts the northern edge of San Diego County, where rolling chaparral gives way to pockets of oak woodland and coastal sage scrub. Trails from the arena move onto gentle ridgelines with open views across the valley; those natural features are as much part of the lesson as the saddle. You’ll learn to read a horse’s body language and cues while framed against sun-baked rocks and low, fragrant scrub that define this stretch of Southern California backcountry. Lessons follow a step-by-step progression. Start with safe approaches and grooming, then move to tacking and basic groundwork—leading, stopping, turning—so that riders build communication before ever leaving the mounting block. Instruction covers mounting and dismounting, correct posture, balance, and simple riding patterns to apply groundwork cues under saddle. Helmets are provided; riders must wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable pants. Children six and older are welcome with parental supervision, and the program enforces a 220-pound maximum for safety. Packages are sold as monthly memberships, useful if you want a steady learning rhythm: options range from four rides a month to programs that allow sharing with one additional person. Be aware that buying a package does not automatically book your dates—call the office to reserve slots. The ranch monitors conditions closely; lessons cancel if temperatures reach 90°F or winds hit 12 mph, and footing after rain can close trail access. Why come here? SDTC combines reliable instruction with a sense of place. This is training on friendlier terrain than steep mountain rides, offering a low-pressure environment to develop confidence. The small group sizes make it easier to progress safely, and the horses are selected to match rider needs. For travelers staying in Poway or nearby San Diego, the facility is an accessible way to experience regional fauna—red-tailed hawks and mule deer are common sightings—and to connect with the area's ranching roots. Whether you’re booking a single hour to try something new or committing to a monthly membership to deepen your skills, SDTC offers a straightforward, well-run gateway into horsemanship. Lessons are 60 minutes and meet at 14875 Mina De Oro Rd; class size is limited to four, minimum age is six, and helmets are provided. Bring water, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes. If you purchased a package, call the office to confirm and schedule dates.

About San Diego Trail Company

San Diego Trail Company is a family-owned equestrian center located in Poway, California, offering guided trail rides, summer camps, lessons, photo shoots, and special events. Founded to share safe, beginner-friendly horseback experiences, the ranch serves riders of all ages with professional instruction and well-maintained horses. Trail Rides run at a walking pace for safety and comfort, and many rides include a BBQ lunch to complete the outing. Summer Camps provide week-long programming focused on horsemanship, riding basics, games, and arts and crafts to build confidence and practical skills.

Lessons through Equine Studies of San Diego teach essential horsemanship and riding fundamentals for students ages six and up, emphasizing safety, trust, and clear communication between rider and horse. Cowboy Spirit 101 offers a two-day beginner-friendly introduction to cowboy culture, grooming, and riding skills in a hands-on format. Birthday party packages combine short trail rides with grooming lessons and space for celebrations, tailored to children aged seven and up. Photo shoot sessions allow visitors to bring a photographer and capture portraits against a scenic ranch backdrop with trained horses.

Safety protocols, professional instruction, and a focus on horse welfare underpin all programming. The facility prioritizes rider comfort by maintaining a walking-only pace on group trail rides and delivering individualized attention during lessons and camps. San Diego Trail Company’s combination of experienced staff, structured programming, and a picturesque Poway setting creates reliable, memorable equestrian experiences for families and beginners. Advance reservations are recommended for popular dates and private events to ensure availability today.