When Ashley Livingston is on a trail with her horse she feels like she’s in a different world.
While she’s just a few miles away from the congested freeways and hustle and bustle of the city, on her horse that world doesn’t exist. Instead she rides through creeks, picturesque trails where she’ll see beautiful rock formations and often even catch a glimpse of wildlife. She’ll get panoramic ocean views and on a clear day she’ll even see the Channel Islands in the distance.
“I think it’s incredibly peaceful. It takes you out of the craziness of city life and puts you in the moment. It gives you a chance to take a deep breath and enjoy everything around you. It’s magical,” Livingston said.
And she’s usually not alone on these trails because Livingston is a trail guide for Malibu Riders, which puts riders of all experience levels on horseback for a brief escape from city life and even a bit of mental therapy.
“I think a lot of the comments I get are that people are surprised that they can do this in a big city like Los Angeles. Not everyone thinks about our amazing national parks, our state parks, the nature side of L.A. So a lot of people are pleasantly surprised that something like this is in Los Angeles,” she said.
“I think it’s just a great experience. Everyone walks away feeling good, everyone always wants to buy a horse afterward, everyone always wants to come back. I think that’s what makes it so special — pretty much anyone can do it,” she added.
Malibu Riders is one of several companies throughout Southern California where just about anyone with no experience needed can hop on a horse and go on a guided tour of nature areas. There are companies that will take riders through wine country in Temecula, or the Hollywood Hills where riders can look down at the city, by riverbeds and desert landscapes. Many companies offer sunrise and moonlight tours as well. Some of the rides are booked for special occasions like birthday or bachelorette parties, anniversaries or just for plain fun.
In Orange County, Horse Play Rentals even makes things romantic with a couples ride through a trail at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center that ends with a pre-prepared picnic that includes charcuterie plate, flowers and chocolates.
“We set everything up for them, we set up tables and it’s really nice,” said Shana Fierro, who books rides and sets up picnics for Horse Play Rentals.
The company also offers rides where people can groom horses before they saddle up. There’s also a “Cupcake” ride aimed at kids which includes a horse ride, crafts and of course, cupcakes.
“You can be a beginner, not know anything and the wranglers will show you what to do. It’s that easy. It’s very relaxing, it’s tranquil, it’s just something different,” Fierro said.
Here are places where you can hop in the saddle and go on a ride with no experience necessary.
Skylar Kelley, left, and Jaclyn Van de Wetering of Huntington Beach arrive to find a romantic picnic set up in a grove of trees after their trail ride arranged by Horse Play Rentals in Huntington Beach on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Horseback riding is available at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center in Huntington Beach on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
A horse at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center stables in Huntington Beach on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
A leisurely ride on horseback through the hills above the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center in Huntington Beach on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Skylar Kelley, left, and Jaclyn Van de Wetering enjoy a glass of champagne during their romantic picnic arranged by Horse Play Rentals in Huntington Beach on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. The picnic awaited them after an hour-long trail ride in the hills above the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
The unofficial mascot of Horse Play Rentals stands watch at the entrance in Huntington Beach on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Horse Play Rentals at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center offers a romantic trail ride and picnic experience for couples. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Jaclyn Van De Wetering, left, and Skylar Kelley, center, of Huntington Beach, begin their trail ride guided by lead wrangler Julie Wendt of Horse Play Rentals at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center in Huntington Beach on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. A romantic picnic awaited the couple at the end of their hour-long ride. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Skylar Kelley, left, helps Jaclyn Van de Wetering, both of Huntington Beach, with her helmet before starting their romantic trail ride and picnic experience at Horse Play Rentals at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center in Huntington Beach on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Lead wrangler Julie Wendt of Horse Play Rentals gets horses ready for a trail ride at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center in Huntington Beach on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
While a couple is on their trail ride, Shana Fierro, of Horse Play Rentals, leaves to set up the romantic picnic that will await the couple at the end of their ride in the hills above the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center in Huntington Beach on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
The romantic picnic awaits Jaclyn Van de Wetering and Skylar Kelley under a grove of trees above the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center in Huntington Beach on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. The trail ride a picnic was arranged by Horse Play Rentals. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Jaclyn Van de Wetering, left, of Huntington Beach, pats her horse on the neck as she arrives for the romantic picnic with Skylar Kelley, right, also of Huntington Beach, under a grove a of trees above the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center in Huntington Beach on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. The hour-long romantic trail ride was arranged by Horse Play Rentals. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Lead wrangler Julie Wendt, center, of Horse Play Rentals, checks on Jaclyn Van de Wetering and Skyler Kelley of Huntington Beach as their begin their trail ride from the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center in Huntington Beach on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Skylar Kelley of Huntington Beach checks out the horse he will be riding during this trail ride at Horse Play Rentals at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center in Huntington Beach on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Lead wrangler Julie Wendt, right, of Horse Play Rentals guides Jaclyn Van de Wetering, right, and Skylar Kelley, center, of Huntington Beach on their romantic trail ride through the hills behind the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center in Huntington Beach on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. A romantic picnic was prepared and awaited them at the end of their ride. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Carson Kratochvil prepares for a ride on “Bliss” during a ride with Malibu Riders at Paramount Ranch Aug. 9, 2024. Malibu Riders offers rides in Malibu Creek State Park, Paramount Ranch and Zuma Canyon.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Austin Kratochvil rides “Bailee” during a ride with Malibu Riders at Paramount Ranch Aug. 9, 2024. Malibu Riders offers rides in Malibu Creek State Park, Paramount Ranch and Zuma Canyon.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Riders make their way through Paramount Ranch while participating in an evening ride with Malibu Riders in Agoura Hills, CA Aug. 9, 2024. Malibu Riders offers rides in Malibu Creek State Park, Paramount Ranch and Zuma Canyon.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Ashley Livingston of Malibu Riders leads a ride Friday evening at Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills. Malibu Riders offers horseback rides in Malibu Creek State Park, Paramount Ranch and Zuma Canyon.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Ashley Livingston of Malibu Riders, prepares horses for an evening ride at Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, CA Aug. 9, 2024. Malibu Riders offers horseback trail rides in the hills near Los Angeles.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Ashley Livingston of Malibu Riders leads a ride at Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, CA Aug. 9, 2024. Malibu Riders offers horseback rides in Malibu Creek State Park, Paramount Ranch and Zuma Canyon.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Ashley Livingston of Malibu Riders leads a ride at Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, CA Aug. 9, 2024. Malibu Riders offers horseback rides in Malibu Creek State Park, Paramount Ranch and Zuma Canyon.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Malibu Riders offers horseback rides in Malibu Creek State Park, Paramount Ranch and Zuma Canyon.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Ashley Livingston of Malibu Riders leads a ride at Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, CA Aug. 9, 2024. Malibu Riders offers horseback rides in Malibu Creek State Park, Paramount Ranch and Zuma Canyon.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Brandon Shearer lets out a smile while riding “Fay” during a a ride at Paramount Ranch with Malibu Riders Aug. 9, 2024. Malibu Riders offers horseback rides in Malibu Creek State Park, Paramount Ranch and Zuma Canyon.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Riders prepare for an evening trail ride at Paramount Ranch with Malibu Riders in Agoura Hills, CA Aug. 9, 2024. Malibu Riders offers rides in Malibu Creek State Park, Paramount Ranch and Zuma Canyon.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Ashley Livingston of Malibu Riders demonstrates proper rein technique prior to a ride at Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, CA Aug. 9, 2024. Malibu Riders offers trail rides in Malibu Creek State Park, Paramount Ranch and Zuma Canyon.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Ashley Livingston leads a trail ride for Malibu Riders Friday evening at Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills. Malibu Riders offers horseback rides in Malibu Creek State Park, Paramount Ranch and Zuma Canyon.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Ashley Livingston of Malibu Riders gives riding safety instruction prior to a ride at Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, CA Aug. 9, 2024. Malibu Riders offers horseback trail rides in the hills adjacent to Los Angeles.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Ashley Livingston of Malibu Riders, properly adjusts a rider with his horse prior to an evening ride at Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, CA Aug. 9, 2024. Malibu Riders offers horseback trail rides in the hills near Los Angeles.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Ashley Livingston of Malibu Riders leads a ride at Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, CA Aug. 9, 2024. Malibu Riders offers horseback rides in Malibu Creek State Park, Paramount Ranch and Zuma Canyon.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
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Skylar Kelley, left, and Jaclyn Van de Wetering of Huntington Beach arrive to find a romantic picnic set up in a grove of trees after their trail ride arranged by Horse Play Rentals in Huntington Beach on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Horse guides will guide you through Temecula’s picturesque wine country. Options include sunset trail rides and rides tailored for kids ages 7-13.
Country Trails and Riding School
Cost: $80-$180
Where: Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange; 714-538-5860 or ctriding.com
The horses will take you around Irvine Regional Park. The horses walk slowly so it’s a good chance to see some wildlife too like hawks, quail, peacocks, vultures, deer, even bobcats.
Horse Play Rentals
Cost: $125-$150, $350 for couple rides
Where: Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, 18381 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach; 714-848-6565 or horseplayrental.com
The horseback rides here include a scenic one-hour ride around the trails that surround The Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, through the Urban Forest and next to Huntington Lake. They offer couples rides that conclude with a one-hour picnic that includes a charcuterie plate, flowers and chocolate.
LA Horse Rentals
Cost: $50-$175
Where: 1850 Riverside Drive, Glendale; 818-242-8443 or lahorserentals.com
These tours take riders through places like the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, over the L.A. River, and into Griffith Park through the Oak Canyon trail.
Malibu Riders
Cost: $100-$200 8 and up
Where: Meets at various locations in Malibu; 818-510-2245 or maliburiders.com
Several scenic rides are offered through picturesque areas like Malibu Lake, Zuma Canyon where riders can catch ocean, mountain and creek views, as well as Paramount Ranch where several movies were filmed.
You may be in the middle of the city but it’s not going to feel like that at all as you ride horses through the Hollywood Hills and even to the top of Mount Hollywood where you can check out stunning views of the city. Evening rides are also available.
Horse rides travel around the Santa Ana River and San Bernardino Mountains through acres of riverbed, bamboo tunnels and desert landscape. For those not ready for horseback riding just yet, the business offers horse-drawn wagon rides around town.
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