Isola Stables Riding Club - Portola Valley, California

Helena R.

Brilliant riding school! I started lessons in the fall (as an adult beginner) with both Andrii and Kae, who are 10/10 instructors - super patient, clear, and encouraging.

T. S. H.

I absolutely love the instructors and environments here. People here are all so nice. I have been riding there for 2 years and definitely can’t find a better location to ride in the area!

Molly H.

I can’t say enough good things about IRA. Before joining, I had only done a bit of English as a kid and Western occasionally on vacations. I’ve now been riding here for a few months and have taken a variety of weekly lessons both private and adult group classes. The location is beautiful, the instructors are knowledgeable, and there are a variety of horses. Above all else the instructors and stable hands are so kind. I have severe anxiety and Lisa, Olga, and others have been patient and accommodating. Whether you want to be a championship rider or are more interested in having fun like me, they truly care about everyone who rides there.

Relevant COVID info: everyone wears a mask walking around the stables, and apart from the restrooms everything is outdoors. You can pull your mask down when riding but that’s fine as you’ll be so far apart from anyone else (20 feet or so). It’s a great way to get outside, learn something new, and stay safe.

JORI C.

A great place to take lessons. I recommend Daniel.

AJ

Great place for beginner and intermediate riders to advance in their horseback riding skills; a lot of horses and instructors; nice to see kids age 4 up to adult practicing their skills; several different arenas on site for different skill level practice; although the location was quite dusty, the instructors make up for it by going above and beyond in the attention they give to the riders while in arenas

Sara X.

Horses are well taken care of. Summer camps and birthday parties are both well organized. Kids learn to take care of horses as well as riding. The setting is truly beautiful.

alan T.

1 star for management and bad customer experience for billing. It appears they split into two businesses in April, and the new owner, Heather, no longer honors the 10-class package purchased with the previous business. Heather has sent multiple emails regarding the invoice, which is incorrect since we purchased the 10-class package. She continues to refuse further bookings, insisting that we do not have the package and owe her money.

Sara

Love this place. I am currently learning to ride horses and have been three years. I have always enjoyed every single second of it. The horses are very fit for learning, and they can accommodate different levels of horse riding. The coaches are especially amazing. Each one makes sure to go through all of the steps with you, and will set you on the right path. Love this place, and plan to keep riding for a while.