Julian Stables

I just called today and unfortunately they don’t offer trail rides anymore and closed their barn doors :(

My girlfriend and I stayed a night at the Cowboy Cabin and went for a trail ride the next morning. The cabin was rustic and cozy and had some great views. If you want to cook your own food and not go in to town, I’d suggest bringing some of your own cookware. They have some pots and pans and the bare essentials but bringing your own would make things easier. The wood burning stove was great and firewood was provided.
The trail ride started with an introduction to the saddle, equipment and basics of horse riding. Next was a familiarization with your horse and a couple of laps around the corral to make sure you’re comfortable. This is also the time to take pictures, as you won’t be doing that on the ride. I rode Chobi, the mule, and she was great. Very smooth and responded to direction. The ride consists of some of the trails around the property and let you get a good look at the valley and all the was down to San Diego. Slight inclines and declines and some u-​turns to let you work on your horsemanship.
Overall, we had a great weekend getaway and would definitely stay here again and do the trail ride again. Don’t expect too much out of the cabin, it’s called the Cowboy Cabin for a reason and takes you back to a more rustic time, which we enjoyed.

This place is wonderful for beginner riders who want the experience of getting on a horse. Shirley is very kind; as is her niece. They have 6 or 7 horses on a gorgeous property. The horses and very well maintained and all very docile. Kind horses are a lot funner for kids ;) I wish Shirley would have allowed us to trot for a whole longer. I would recommend this place but wouldn’t go for another ride. Well need a wilder adventure next time.

We’re beginners and had a great time. They spent time explaining how to ride and what to expect before our 1 hr ride, and the horses were very well behaved. One hour was definitely enough time for us. Be prepared to tip afterwards.
The reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because they require you to wear their helmets, and I didn’t get the impression that helmets are cleaned in between use. I don’t know if it’s psychological, but my hair felt itchy afterwards and I couldn’t wait to shower.
I would go again, but would either bring my own helmet or wear some sort of head sock.

Beautiful horses, amazing owners and wonderful, very peaceful place!
I can’t wait to go back to Julian Stables again soon.

The horse tour was a real nice change of pace to driving day to day in a city. The views were incredible and we got to spot several deer along the way. The horses were great with people and the owners were funny and a joy to ride with. I only wish we could have had an open field where we could run the horses.

Amazing! Took my Niece and her husband visiting from Washington State. Shirley and her daughter Deanna were nothing short of lovely. Very informative. When I was told we would be ridding on the property I had terrible images of going around in a circle for an hour which I thought was too short for a horse ride. I was SO wrong! Their property was BEAUTIFUL-​the views SPECTACULER and the hour was plenty of time to go into Julian without getting beat up.
I have horses myself and Henry-​Madallion and Angel were just delightful horses. Very sweet and responsive. This is not going to be a wild rodeo just relaxing and a great way to show off our beautiful back country in San Diego.

My husband won a gift certificate for Julian Stables from a silent auction. We decided to use it for our 1^st anniversary and was very pleased with the experience! I was super nervous as this was my first time horseback riding and I’m not really an animal person. I like animals, but from afar… like a zoo. :)
The owner, Shirley and her daughter, Deanna were our guides and both were so patient with me (as well as my husband and other guests who were not nervous at all). We got there, signed some paperwork, got fitted for helmets and then went over some basic instructions. After, we all went into the corral and one at a time got on. Of course I was first. I could really tell they genuinely care for their animals and their well being as well as our safety. Shirley knowing I was super nervous guided me onto the horse and then walked the horse around a little so I could get used to how this would feel. I appreciated that. :) I waited as still as I could as the others got on their horses and then we went around in a circle a couple of times in the corral to «warm up» stopping a few times to let the animals poop and pee before leaving.
We went down the dirt road that led up to the house/​stables and through a woodsy area that her and her family all own. It wasn’t too harsh of a trail, and definitely a great trail for a first timer like me. Shirley was so kind to answer all my questions – questions about the horses, about the area, etc. – and she was very knowledgeable with the terrain and history of Julian since her family has been in the area for a while. The ride was only 1 hour long, but I felt that was just the right amount for my first time and would be interested in going again.
Thanks, Shirley and Deanna for a wonderful time! Your two are the sweetest! :)

WOW! My husband took me and our two boys to Julian Stables today for Horsback riding and I MUST SAY… That was an AMAZING experience. Richard guided our youngest one so I felt very safe then Gina was behind our oldest and Shirley was behind me (so I felt safe ;)). I LOVED Shirley, Gina, and Richard! I fell IN LOVE with the horses. Can not wait to go back. I will recommend them to EVERYBODY!

Riding with Shirley and Gina and staying in the Cowboy Cabin were the highlight of our visit to Julian. We live in Long Beach and decided to come to Julian for some much needed peace and quiet.
The cabin had a fire going when we walked in and from that moment on it was truly a perfect experience. Rustic, quiet, calm and welcoming. Our ride was equally relaxing and Shirley and Gina were wonderful telling us the history of the area. THANK YOU for making our weekend away a perfect experience! We will be back again soon :)

My husband and I took our 11 year old niece. We are not horse people, but it didn’t matter. We felt safe, welcomed and enjoyed every second. The views were amazing. A great day trip!

Shirley and Gina were so helpful, friendly and informative. I had an incredible experience riding their horses and I am definitely coming back. The trail offers the best views, so serene and beautiful. I highly recommend the Julian Stables for a weekend adventure, whether alone, in a couple or with friends!

My experience here was a very positive one. We originally had reservations for a monday afternoon but the rains made the trails dangerous so the owner called and made it easy to reschedule for the next day. The directions to their ranch she gave me over the phone were easy to follow. It was $ 50/​per person for an hour long ride. The horses, Angel and Primo were both very mild and easy to ride. They walk you around on the corral a bit before starting to make sure you are comfortable. The trail was alot of fun and I loved the views! Very beautiful. The couple. I’m sorry I don’t remember their names because I went about 3 weeks ago. But the woman who took us on the ride was pretty friendly. She had never heard of Unilocal so I told her she needed to check it out! After the ride we got to feed the horses carrots, which was fun. Her husband was also friendly and took lots of pictures of us on the horses, which I really appreciated. My husband and I went horseback riding on our honeymoon so we wanted to go again since it was our 3 year anniversary so I am grateful for the pictures! Check them out, you won’t regret it :-)

Yes Angel their Tennesse Walker horse is adorable.
I have been there twice and really enjoyed the atmosphere that Shirley brought to horseback riding.
The second time I was there it was during the weekday and did their special which was $ 199. which included horseback riding lesson, one night stay at the Cowboy Cabin and lunch for two at the Julian Apple Pie company.
It was so worth the cost and I would highly recommend this to anyone who would like to experience country lifestyle.

Took my boyfriend for a ride there – he had never been horse back riding. It was several months ago, and unfortunately I cannot remember the owner/​instructor’s name but she was very sweet, helpful, and I like the fact that she’s been running the stable since her parents bought it many years ago. It was affordable, $ 50/​person/​hour I think.