Ortega Equestrian Center

I originally contacted Ortega Equestrian back in March/​April to make plans for myself and a friend. I remember they were very kind on the phone. So I recently decided to jump on and give it a go…
I have not ridden a horse for nearly 2 decades. I have a little fear of them so I was a little hesitant.
After talking to Kris, she was welcoming so I decided to come in and check the place out.
I have been to other stables in the area and they just seemed clustered and a lot going on. Didn’t help that I was nervous to begin with.
Kris and her students comforted me and I have taken 2 lessons now. I’m glad I decided to jump back on the saddle because these majestic animals are wonderful to be around.
The horse I have been learning to ride on is Sweets and she is just that.
Thank you Kris and the entire organization for helping enjoy another beautiful thing in life. It’s more than just riding! Come support your local business and enjoy spending time with these beautiful animals!

Smaller equestrian center nestled behind some business/​shopping complexes near St. Margaret’s School, right off the 5 freeway.
They are very Western-​oriented, occasionally host small shows, provide guided trail rides + lessons, and I’ve even seen them have cattle on occasion. Their facility offers box stalls & pipe stalls, 1 large arena, 1 smaller arena, a hot walker, a small number of wash racks, and some trails.
I leased a horse here over the summer before switching to a different stable.
They are a small boarding facility and although I enjoyed the quietness, I definitely found it hard to socialize with other riders. They also only have a small number of trainers and I found their arena footing to be pretty hard.

I have nothing to compare it to since it was our first lesson but they were wonderful! Staff is super sweet and they are very accommodating. I wanted to go horseback riding with my girls and they were able to get me scheduled in the next day at 10:30.
My recommendation to you if its your first time and it’s hot out, where sun screen, parents wear a hat, kids bring your helmet or you will be wearing a helmet that’s been worn and dusty, bring your own boots or you have to pick out boots that are pretty grungy looking. I was blowing out cobwebs out of my boots and a lot of dust so just be prepared. Also wear long pants preferably soft leggings no jeans since riding for an hour will hurt your body, we were sore for 2 days. I also wish I didn’t wear all black I was sweating cause of the heat so just dress keeping hot weather in mind lighter colors so it doesn’t attract so much heat.
Having said all that my girls had a blast, we would definitely go again in fact my 8yr daughter came off the horse and wanted to buy one and she wanted to go for another hour.
The price for an hour is reasonable. I priced around and $ 40 for an hour was good, they wanted more at Irvine regional park and they were impossible to get a hold of so I stumbled on this location and was very happy with our experience I just wished I was warned ahead of time about boots and clothing. Bring a water bottle to just in case.
Overall great place, beautiful horses, lovely trails and awesome staff. She even took a bunch of photos for us with the horses.

Beautiful location and everyone was very sweet that worked there. I surprised my bf with a trail ride here… hes never rode a horse. He had a blast, my only complaint was that they wont even let you trot the horses, the whole ride is done at a walk. So if your looking for something more than that look elsewhere.

The hands-​down best stables in Orange County. The western lesson program includes lessons in the arena and guided trail rides. All instructors are friendly and helpful, and genuinely teach you how to ride. All of the lesson horses are very well-​cared for and safe for novices to advanced riders. Prices are reasonable. The park-​like setting adds to a family-​friendly and welcoming environment. Highly recommend!

I’ve been taking a good friend to ride weekly at Ortega Equestrian. The employees are so helpful and patient. The trail ride is beautiful and a great way to start your day! She couldn’t wait to ride Butterscotch once a week with Brenda leading the way.
This center is a must for cowboys or new riders. a real «jewel» of San Juan.
Happy Trails to You… Wa hoo !

At 43, I had never been on a horse before. But when my kids, age 7 and 9, were invited to go on a trail ride, I took it as a personal challenge to get my butt in the saddle and join them. I’m really glad I did.
It’s a nice place with very helpful people. After signing all the necessary waivers and forms, we went to the boot shed to pick out a pair to ride in. I think some of the boots had been their since the days the mission was built, so I made sure there were no spiders inside. All part of the charm.
Next, they brought out horses for the group — there were about 5 kids and four adults. Once I got on the horse, I gripped the reigns so tight you’d think he was going to bolt any second, but they gave me such a gentle horse. Next were some basic instructions on how to guide the horse and off we went for an hour trail ride.
It was really cool. The trail has many streams and lots of trees. You feel a million miles away from Orange County. The kids had a great time and after I calmed down and started to relax, so did I.
I would highly recommend this place for kids and first time riders. They were very helpful and always made sure we were together and doing OK during the ride. Very fun!

This place is a must for any real or want to be cowboy or cowgirl!
It is really just a joy to walk around and speak to the folks that have horses stabled here. They are so friendly and down to earth.
I have been taking my daughter to this stable for the last couple of months for lessons with Maggie and she counts down the days till she can go back.
The trail rides are very serene and peaceful. Worth every cent.
This place has horses for the advanced and beginner…
So go on and ride…