Go back in time to the unspoiled days of Old California on a quiet, blissful, and rustic ride through nature. Highly acclaimed as one of the Central Coast’s top attractions, the rides are perfect for families, couples, and horse lovers of all ages and riding abilities. Now conveniently located at our brand new facility at River View Park in Buellton, California, only a mile from Highway 101.
Riders depart our cozy stable nestled along the tranquil Santa Rita Hills canyon, cross the river, then head toward a bustling beaver dam, all while encountering abundant wildlife (eagles, deer, beavers) flourishing in their natural surroundings.
Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides was created in 2020 by Bob & Evie Sweeney. A lifelong member of the equine industry, Bob built this thriving 15-horse stable alongside the rustic Santa Ynez River in the Santa Rita Hills (famous for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards) enabling visitors to enjoy glorious horseback rides through wine country and the Santa Ynez River. Trail Rides and Pony Rides are offered daily, all year around, and are suitable for children and beginners. Our stable of retired show, rodeo, ranch and race horses offer gentle, yet exhilarating rides through the woods and watershed, often crossing the Santa Ynez River. Seasoned riders return often, eager to ride another of our champion horses.
Bob also owns Santa Barbara Beach Horseback Rides, which launched in 2008 as an out-growth of Bob’s popular Wine & Horse Farm Tours, a fun adventure through the local wine country. In the Summer of 2025, Bob relocated the beach rides to Haskell’s beach next to the glamorous Ritz-Carlton Resort. This strategic move allows us to ride all-day, every day on an expansive and secluded beach and not under the county’s restrictive seasonal ordinances. Haskell’s Beach is near the Snowy Plover Sanctuary and the Monarch Butterfly Grove, both of which are protected areas in this secluded section of Santa Barbara County Beaches. Guests enter down a private, gated road, meet their guide, then begin their ride right on the beach.
It doesn’t get any better than this!