
Pony Land San Diego Claim business
About
Specialties Guided trail and beach rides. Rent horses to ride on trails and san diego beaches! We also offer riding lessons and summer camps/horsemanship programs. Pony rides and petting zoos as well as horse drawn wagon rides! We are also a full service boarding and training facility. Along with a party area for...... See More
Specialties Guided trail and beach rides. Rent horses to ride on trails and san diego beaches! We also offer riding lessons and summer camps/horsemanship programs. Pony rides and petting zoos as well as horse drawn wagon rides! We are also a full service boarding and training facility. Along with a party area for rent. History Established in 2008. San Diego Beach Rides formerly known as Happy Trails Ranch is a longstanding member of the horse community in Southern California. We strive to have well cared for and well mannered horses for the public. Meet the Business Owner Business owner information Garret and Jessica W. Business Owner Howdy Folks! Garret and Jessica are childhood sweet hearts that met when Jessica came to work for Dan Winne the original owner and founder of Happy Trails in 2001. Dan Winne adopted Garret when he was just three years old and raised him to be the cowboy and horseman he is today. Jessica and Garret have worked their whole lives in the horse business in many areas including managing Dan Winne's ranch known at that time as Happy Trails Horse Rentals. They have been through many moves with the company, keeping it going when it moved from Rancho Penasquitos in 2008 to two different locations down in the Tijuana River Valley. Since Dan Winne's heartbreaking passing in 2013, the couple have decided to keep the ranch going and start their own company known as San Diego Beach Rides. The couple enjoy sharing their love of horses with the public, providing beautiful, fat and healthy American Quarter Horses for the public to ride. Please come visit us and take a ride! Pony Land San Diego also recommends All American Sandwiches N Pizza 289 Pizza, Sandwiches, Delis Garret and Jessica W. says, “Great place to have lunch after a trail ride!”
Services Offered
- Horseback Riding
- Horse Boarding
- Petting Zoos
- Horse Feeding
- Horse camps
- Wagon and rentals
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Reviews
A Quick Look at Customer Sentiment
The reviews overwhelmingly praise the memorable experience provided by the well-trained horses, knowledgeable guides, and the natural scenic rides that range from beach and trail excursions to fun petting zoo visits. Many guests highlighted personalized service and attention to detail by guides like Mrs. McClain, Jules, and Masha, making first-time riders and families feel at ease. While most comments reflect satisfaction with the overall vibe and professionalism, a few reviews mentioned issues such as inconsistent facility upkeep, persistent tipping prompts, and occasional rude customer interactions. Overall, the experience is cherished for its unique charm and the affectionate care shown toward both riders and animals.
Deep Dive: Detailed Analysis of Customer Reviews
We’ve gathered and analyzed reviews from real customers across the web to give you an in-depth look at their experiences with Pony Land San Diego. Here’s what people are saying about their service quality, professionalism, and reliability:
Overall Experience & Satisfaction
The majority of guests described their visit as a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experience, with many returning for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and family outings. Reviews reflect feelings of joy, relaxation, and memorable adventures, with most riders, including first-timers and seasoned enthusiasts, leaving with glowing remarks about the trip.
Service Quality & Expertise
Numerous reviews commend the exceptional expertise and passion of the guides. Personal touches by guides like Mrs. McClain, Jules, Masha, Bianca, and Kendra helped riders of all levels feel comfortable. The horses are frequently described as well-trained, responsive, and clearly loved, contributing greatly to the high service quality.
Customer Service & Communication
Customers consistently praised the friendliness, patience, and clear communication from most of the staff. Many guides engaged in insightful conversation about local wildlife, history, and horsemanship, making the experience educational as well as enjoyable. However, a few reviews noted that communication could be improved, citing instances of persistent tipping suggestions and an isolated case of a rude receptionist or phone interaction.
Value for Money & Pricing Transparency
Many patrons felt that the pricing was fair for the quality and duration of the rides, with several guest reviews emphasizing the affordability of the tours. Although some reviewers expressed concerns over extra fees, such as a 10% charge on credit card payments or constant reminders to tip, most felt that the experience was worth every cent.
Timeliness & Efficiency
Guests appreciated the smooth check-in process and the punctuality of the tours. Several reviews highlighted being accommodated with short notice and found the overall scheduling and ride durations—ranging from one to three hours—to be well-planned and efficient in delivering a full experience without unnecessary delays.
Professionalism & Trustworthiness
There is high praise for the professionalism among the guides and staff, who are often highlighted as not only knowledgeable but also caring and reliable. Customers felt safe throughout their rides, and the dedication of the team to ensuring a pleasant experience was evident, even when minor issues emerged.
Facility, Environment & Ambience
The setting is frequently described as enchanting, with scenic trails leading to beaches, mesas, and lush natural surroundings that enhance the overall ride. However, some visitors noted that the facility itself could benefit from more regular maintenance in certain areas, particularly the petting zoo and check-in zones, which were at times described as dirty or in need of an upgrade.
Accessibility & Convenience
Many reviews applaud the ease of booking and the convenience of location, especially for local residents and travelers from nearby areas like San Diego. Same-day appointments were reportedly available, with ample parking and straightforward directions. On the downside, the cash-only payment method and lack of certain amenities were mentioned as minor inconveniences.
Problem Resolution & Follow-up
While not a common theme, a few reviewers shared experiences of issues, such as canceled rides due to unexpected circumstances or disputes over fees, and in many cases, the staff responded by accommodating last-minute bookings or offering explanations. This indicates that the business is willing to work with customers to resolve problems, even if follow-up improvements are still desired by some guests.
Unique Strengths & Areas for Improvement
Unique strengths include the engaging and personalized nature of the tours, the diverse animal experiences from horseback riding to interacting with alpacas, goats, and even camels, as well as the stunning natural backdrop featuring sunsets, beaches, and wilderness. Areas for improvement noted in several reviews relate to enhanced cleanliness of facilities—particularly the petting zoo—and more consistent communication regarding pricing and tipping policies. Additionally, ensuring a uniformly pleasant initial customer interaction would further enrich the overall experience.
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Get Directions Hollister Street, San Diego, California
Working Hours
- Mon 09AM - 05PM
- Tue 09AM - 05PM
- Wed 09AM - 05PM
- Thu 09AM - 05PM
- Fri 09AM - 05PM
- Sat 09AM - 05PM Open Now
- Sun 09AM - 05PM
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