Horse and Rider Connection - Martinez, California

Manvi S.

I joined this program 2 1/2 years ago after the pandemic looking for something that would bring joy to my life, I have been horse camping, done gymkhana, and also do horse archery and got to perform a clinic at the western states horse expo where hundreds of professional horse trainers around the world come to teach a clinic which was HUGE for me! the overall community there and overall treatment of horses and people was not really all that great for me. Kim had called me back and asked me to try a Horsemanship class and I absolutely fell in love. The classes were focused on horsemanship and really understanding how the horse feels and how to work with them in a way that is not forceful and developing a partnership based on understanding and trust without exploiting them. Not only was I taught this I was also taught leadership skills, working with others, confidence, decisiveness, being independent etc. which were all skills that I was not good at because I could not even hold eye contact with anyone. This is really a place that fosters independence in a community that is very forgiving non-toxic however highly professional and great for people from looking to learn about owning a horse, people that want to lease a horse(Kim has 25!) , to people wanting to show or go horse camping! I really feel like I have grown so much as a person and a horsewoman in the little time I spent here.

Joy M.

Kimberly Bredehoft's Riding Program is outstanding! I have been riding with Horse & Rider Connection since 2020, and love this program and the stables community. I came to Kim's program with very limited equine experience but with a strong desire to learn to ride and care for a horse. I have taken weekly individual and semi-private lessons and participated in the horsemanship program for older participants. Kim has trained her horses to an unparalleled degree for a lesson program. The horses all respond to verbal commands and a light touch but are also very forgiving of beginning riders. Many of the horses have more extensive training to offer challenging riding experiences for advanced riders. With over 20 horses to choose from, Kim is able to match a horse to the each rider's ability. Kim is not only an incredible horsewoman, she also runs a top tier teaching academy with excellent management, follow through and communication with all involved, and a strong emphasis on safety. The facilities are wonderful - two arenas and plenty of parking. There is opportunity to participate in horse camping, gymkhanas, jumping and horse archery. I highly recommend Kim, the trainers and her horses to anyone from beginners interested in learning to ride to experienced riders wanting to become involved at the showing level.

Charlotte M.

For both kids and adults, Horse & Rider Connection is a high quality place to learn and safely practice the many responsibilities of caring for and riding horses. If your child dreams of having a horse or pony of their own, this program is essential for them to understand the hard work, time, effort and decision making that is required. They will learn all expects of horsemanship (starting with a balanced seat fundamental to both Western, English and gaited riding styles) and compassionate horse care. For adults who have always wanted to be around horses, and may be as or more interested in handling a horse on the ground as in riding, the adult horsemanship class also provides a comprehensive experience. In addition to horse handling and riding skills, the students learn awareness of a horse's health, nutrition, basic first aid, how to treat leg and hoof conditions, how to bathe a horse, and the importance of regular exercise including turnouts and lunging. They also learn seasonal responsibilities such as blanketing and unblanketing during winter months and pasturing in spring and summer. They can experience watching a farrier, an equine dentist, equine bodyworkers and a veterinarian at work.There are riding competitions, trailering out rides and summer camping. I have been with H&R since 2016 and as a leaser I ride almost every day but there is just as great satisfaction in knowing that i am caring for my ponies in the best way i can. I also see on a daily basis the growth in the children's and grownups' learning, decision making, accepting personal responsibility and moving forward always. Also the Franklin Canyon Stables community is overall upbeat and caring. Finally our well kept secret - our amazing trail system of the John Muir Land Trust. Thank you H&R and Kimberly Bredehoft, the best horsewoman I have ever known.

Laurel P.

My daughter has been riding with Horse and Rider Connection for over 2 years. The growth I’ve seen in her, not just as a rider, but as a person, is incredible. She has learned to be strong, confident and independent. She has gone from just loving horses to being a completely independent rider and trainer of horses. My daughter now leases a horse and is at the barn 7-days a week. She takes riding lessons weekly with Kim Bredehoft and is working towards teaching others what she has learned. We’ve loved the program so much that now I am taking horsemanship classes!

Kim is an amazing teacher and coach. My daughter adores her, respects her opinion, and has learned so much from her. The Horse and Rider staff is wonderful. Great with kids, so knowledgeable and capable. If you or your kids are interested in learning about horses, riding or just connecting with horses, I could not recommend Horse and Rider Connection more strongly.

v.

This woman is so rude. Her response to questions was "I'm not here to answer your questions" and she was snarky and mean. They were inquiries about safety. She told all the barn people that we 'were telling her how to run her barn'. Don't waste money here. She's rude, and nobody knows if you can trust your children here. I wanted to go here because I loved her horses, and there are many more better horse barns. Read her yelp reviews. 🙁

Mark S.

Gabriela Grover, The National Night Out event at the Christmas Tree Farm was organized by a group of volunteers and neighbors. The horse and pony rides were handled by local residents and NOT Horse and Rider Connection, who was not there. Since they were not there and were not a participant, I don't think its fair to tag them with a one star review. We are very sorry to hear about your experience and will bring it up with the organizing committee.

Bruce B.

It was by good fortune I found Horse and Rider. The operation far exceeded my expectations with its professionlism, positive attitude
and devoted instuctors. The horses are well cared for, as are the students.

Se M.

I’m on a waiting list to lease a horse. As of two months ago. Thus, the one star. Thanks