Cambridge Equestrian Center
“The best place for a happy horse”
Best Horseback Riding Lessons near Santa Maria, CA
1 of these schools is based in Santa Maria; the others serve Santa Maria from towns including San Luis Obispo (26 mi), Nipomo (7 mi) and Arroyo Grande (18 mi).
9 open weekends · 8 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Roseshell's Roundup
“She is so knowledgeable and works very hard to find the best way to teach my children and pair them with the right horse for their skill level and personality.”
Starlite Meadows Farm
Vino Vaqueros Horseback Riding
“We had the pleasure of meeting Charlenne, who is an absolute sweetheart—so kind, welcoming, and an outstanding cowgirl and guide!”
Amanda Garcia Equestrian Training
“The coaches are super friendly and knowledgeable.”
Meadow Creek Farm
“The owner is friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and attentive to every need.”
The 10 schools listed for Santa Maria, CA teach riding. Which disciplines a barn runs, whether it has an indoor arena and which ages it accepts come from what the barn publishes itself; star ratings and rider quotes are taken from public listings.
Area overview: Santa Maria, CA
The 10 schools on this page are rated from 4.4 to 5.0 across 153 reviews; 1 has 50 or more reviews and 8 are rated 4.5 or higher. 8 are open on Saturdays and 5 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. 6 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 40 years. We have a website on file for 8 of the schools on this page; 8 publish a contact page and 7 list a public email. We count these figures across the schools on this page; distances are straight-line, and hours and prices change, so confirm the details with the school before you enroll.
Where are riding lesson times and rider levels published?
Out of the 10 schools here, 8 publish a site of their own. That page carries the lesson timetable, the rider levels and the age rules; whether a barn has an indoor arena is rarely in the listing itself, so read it before you call.
Varian Arabians
“Angela and crew have been great ambassadors and consummate professionals in the world of Arabian horses.”
Sage and Spur Ranch
“A happier home for horses (especially thoroughbreds) you're unlikely to find.”
Bodhi Ranch
“Owners are friendly, organized and horses are their priority.”
Eric Wagner's Training Center
“Super knowledgeable, cares about the horses.”
Why these companies made our list
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