Horseback & Equine Experiences

• Equine Shows & Events
• Horseback Riding & Lessons
• Equine Based Therapy
• Horse Rescues

Horseback in Paso Robles

Paso Robles has storied cowboy roots and a strong ag industry. So, it’s no surprise that horse and equine activities are a big draw here. From low-key trail rides and guided horseback tours for all ages, to equine therapy and outings for advanced equestrian athletes, you’ll find all kinds of options. Mild weather, gorgeous scenery and rambling vineyard routes make local horseback riding tours – often available with an optional wine tasting – extra special. The Paso Robles Event Center, home of the California Mid-State Fair, is also a top destination for respected equestrian shows. 

Saddle up and start planning your next trip with this guide to equine experiences in Paso Robles. 

Equine Shows & Events

Several top California equine shows and events take place in Paso Robles. Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the community is a convenient meeting point for competitors and fans. Well-appointed facilities have features like turf fields, track options and sand arenas, along with seating for events of all sizes. Local businesses cater to amateur and professional riders, creating a great environment for nationally rated, regionally rated and schooling shows.

• Paso Robles Pioneer Day Parade — Horses headline annual Paso Robles Pioneer Day festivities. Launched in 1931 and held the second Saturday of each October, this community celebration centers on a grand parade featuring countless equine participants. There's a free town bean feed and lots of family-friendly activities, along with one highlight that travelers won’t see anywhere else. Many cowboys and cowgirls who ride horses in the parade continue their route to the Pine Street Saloon, a mainstay tucked into one of downtown Paso’s oldest structures. Once they reach the watering hole, participants ride their horses right through the front door and order a pint.

• Paso Robles Horse Park — Paso Robles Horse Park founder Linda Starkman has always loved horses. In 2015, the former competitor brought to life her dream of establishing a mid-state equestrian showground for hunter/jumper competitions. This premier, 70-acre facility hosts a dynamic annual schedule of beginner shows, Grand Prix and hunter derbies, and other events. Named the top competition facility in California by EQ Living and Equestrian Living Magazine, the venue's highlights include a main turf field with hybrid GN-1 Bermuda grass, 8 sand areas, 224 onsite stalls, a 5,000-square-foot hay barn, 52 RV sites with hookups, and plenty of parking.

• Paso Robles Event Center — Set on 40 acres and home to the annual California Mid-State Fair, the Paso Robles Event Center is a year-round favorite for rodeos, livestock shows and equestrian events. Home to more than 60,000 square feet of space, the venue features a 200-by-300-foot show arena with stadium seating, large warm-up and practice arenas, an announcer's booth, and more than 500 stalls available for rent. Popular Paso Robles horse events here include the spirited SLO Sheriff’s Rodeo and an all-breed open show series by the San Luis Obispo County Quarter Horse Association, plus the Country Rodeo Finals and related horse show happenings held during the California Mid-State Fair.

• Twin Rivers Horse Park — Family-owned and operated Twin Rivers Horse Park occupies a 500-acre ranch in wine country. A one-of-a-kind venue for horse shows in Paso Robles, the destination is a top eventing facility with ample space for dressage, endurance and show jumping competitions. Day-use passes and annual memberships are available for cross-country schooling, hacking, galloping and jumping activities. Training, boarding and other services are also available.

• Lost Peacock Ranch — Surrounded by rugged rural landscapes west of downtown, Lost Peacock Ranch is a Paso Robles horse show venue offering a range of activities. In addition to ranch trail trials, roping sled, and other equestrian events, the facility has training, tune-ups and conditioning options. There are also boarding services, volunteer opportunities, and other offerings for community members and visitors who love horses.

• Triple R Ranch — Cowboys and cowgirls appreciate the facilities at Triple R Ranch, a standout venue for short- and long-term boarding, rehabilitation, training and equestrian happenings. The 20-acre facility has a 150-by-300-foot outdoor reining arena, pens of various sizes, a loping track obstacle course, and 22 lighted stalls with sand footing and automatic waterers. The Midstate Cow Horse Association holds clinics and competitions here, showcasing horses and riders who work cattle together in a special type of western riding event.

Horseback Riding & Lessons

• Central Coast Trailrides — The Hallett family founded Central Coast Trailrides, a company that runs guided Paso Robles winery horseback rides. They lead customized outings throughout the year, making horseback riding in Paso Robles CA accessible with adventures tailored to riders' experience levels. Guests come from vacation properties, private ranches, area resorts and corporate groups to take in vineyard trails, old-growth oak forests, dry creek beds and mountain views. Don’t miss the company’s picnic and winery packages. The popular Ride & Sip bundles a Santa Margarita Ranch ride with wine tasting at Ancient Peaks Winery.

• Harris Stage Lines — Harris Stage Lines promises one of the most magical equine experiences in Paso Robles. It's the only local spot for horse-drawn carriage rides, with routes that crisscross pretty terrain along the Salinas River. Enjoy the rustic country atmosphere and experience late-1800s Paso Robles through displays of vintage farm equipment, a collection of horse-drawn coaches, and an old-time music hall and saloon. Guests can also watch crews hitch horses to stagecoaches, pitch horseshoes, or celebrate special events in the large arena or century-old barn.

• Work Family Guest Ranch — Founded in 1892, the Work Family Guest Ranch is a 12,000-acre cattle ranch with agritourism adventures for cowboys and cowgirls as young as eight years old. The fifth-generation farm offers unforgettable Paso Robles horse back riding adventures, including sunset BBQ tours, seasonal loops with spectacular views, and Sunday trail rides that include brunch. The ranch also hosts riding lessons, clinics for children and cattle drives. You're welcome to bring your own horse or work with one of the farm's four-legged family members.

• Paso Pastures — For family-friendly horse back riding in Paso Robles, it's hard to beat Paso Pastures. The family-owned riding facility welcomes young buckaroos for riding lessons, guided trail rides and games that might involve wrangling fake bulls. There are also special activities for children under age eight, as well as other ranch adventures. The property's four-bedroom vacation home accommodates overnight guests. It's surrounded by wineries, and it's just a 10-minute drive from downtown Paso and the Paso Robles Event Center/California Mid-State Fair grounds.

Equine Assisted Therapy

• Life Coaching with Horses — Equine-assisted therapy programs promote physical and mental health through exercises and caretaking activities that involve horses. The equine master facilitators from Life Coaching with Horses work closely with participants, helping people tackle a range of challenges as they might also build confidence, deepen self-awareness, restore trust or address grief. Trained coaches lead individual and group sessions, labyrinth walks and play dates with horses. The Paso Robles equine therapy nonprofit also gives back through programs that support first responders, firefighters, mental health professionals and others who serve the community. 

• Flag Ranch — Flag Ranch invites guests to observe and interact with horses, connecting with nature and quieting the mind in the process. The ranch team customizes immersive experiences for individuals, families and corporate groups. Various events focus on creativity, leadership, team-building and non-verbal communication. Others simply encourage participants to relax and recenter themselves. In addition to wellness-minded equine therapy programs, Flag Ranch opens for tours, volunteer workdays and luncheons that feature plant-based dishes.

Horse Rescues

• Heaven Can Wait — Heaven Can Wait acts with a singular purpose: to provide a safe place where rescued equine residents are well fed and well cared for. The Paso Robles nonprofit rescues horses and donkeys facing neglect, abuse and abandonment. Some have been treated inhumanely after providing a lifetime of work, and some might otherwise be sent to auction houses. This Paso Robles horse rescue eventually adopts out some of the animals it supports. Heaven Can Wait also operates Project Hope, which introduces cancer patients, survivors and individuals living with special needs to gentle horse activities.

• Redwings Horse Sanctuary — Founded in 1991, Redwings Horse Sanctuary expanded over the decades and moved to a permanent new Paso Robles home in 2021. The nonprofit works to eliminate the causes of equine suffering by holding community outreach programs, rescuing abused and neglected horses, and providing sanctuary for animals. Some of the organization's equine friends are eventually adopted to forever homes located in California, as well. At any given time, the sanctuary’s residents might include miniature horses, burros, mustangs and large draft horses. Visiting hours are by appointment, and supporters can attend special events at the Redwings facility, too.

• Ruby’s Purpose — Ruby’s Purpose is committed to rescuing animals that are sight-impaired, slaughter-bound or otherwise in need. The Paso Robles equine nonprofit focuses on horses and donkeys, supplying food, shelter, farrier visits and medical care to rescued four-legged friends. Ruby's Purpose also works to adopt out animals and raise awareness of animal welfare issues through community education programs.

• Morningstar Youth Ranch — Morningstar Youth Ranch is a unique Paso Robles horse rescue that serves children and families. By pairing kids with a mentor and an equine friend, the faith-based nonprofit enriches lives and supports families and young people facing various challenges. The ranch rescues horses who need medical care, emotional care and nutritional support, providing a positive environment for each animal – whether they stay involved in on-site programming or get connected with adoptive homes.