Sweeney Ridge Equestrian

We’ve been with Sweeney Ridge a couple of years now and really like the facilities. Having a covered arena to ride in any weather is a huge plus in Pacifica! Almost everyone I’ve run into at the stables are very nice — though it turns out the nice ones are mostly associated with Sun Valley Equestrian which is the lesson, training and camp program owned and run by Diane Cardona. (side note — her daughter, Julie, is an amazing instructor and rider. The Cardona ladies helped us find a great horse and they truly care about their horses and students well-​being. They have other really fabulous trainers and instructors as well — in fact the quality of their trainers is better than ever — yes Julie, Lukasz, Annie and Melissa, I’m talking about you!) We realized that some of the less friendly people are actually Sweeney Ridge employees — particularly management. Between them and some of their rules that just seem to be ridiculously over the top, I had to give an overall rating of 3 stars (wish I could’ve done 2 ½). Hey I like rules to keep the place in shape and fair, but when the rules outweigh the joy of being with the horses, it’s not fun anymore. If it were just Sun Valley Equestrian I was rating, it would be 5 stars all the way! (BTW — don’t confuse Sun Valley Equestrian with the other, newer, lesson business that is being run out of Sweeney Ridge — it just doesn’t compare in quality, expertise, and care.)
Christine B — why did you leave???

I currently lease a horse here from a private owner. Really nice stables with double stalls with rubber mats. The barn manager, Maxine, does a great job and the barn is well run, in good repair and clean. Folks here abide the rules such as when a horses can be turned out in the area, cleaning up after their horses, locking tackroom, which makes for a nice stable. Also Sweeny has a great COVERED arena– which is the hugest plus of this place, the footing is good and it has lights for night riding and roof for the rain– never miss a day riding! Trails out of the stable are a bit steep and narrow in places, and people trail ride when its not so wet. A great place for lessons or for a horse in training.

I’ve been boarding my TB here for just over a month. Yes, it’s early to write a review — but I feel as though Sweeney Ridge deserves one!
I live in SF and was desperately hoping to find a barn where I could board that would not require a cross-​bridge commute and would save me from driving all the way down to Woodside. I visited just about every stable within 30 miles of the city — plus many much further afield! — and Sweeney Ridge won hands-​down. The combination of location, facilities, and good horsemanship really can’t be beat. The barn manager is a gem and runs a very tight ship; I can’t tell you how important or valuable this is! Huge stalls, well-​maintained turnout, and 20 minutes from my door in SF to boot. I’ve also been impressed by the community of boarders and by Sun Valley Equestrian, the lesson program based out of the barn.