9 Horseback Riding Birthday Party Places for East Bay Kids

If you’re looking for a thrilling outdoor birthday party idea within an hour of the East Bay, why not try a horseback riding party? Whether you have a hardcore horse loving kiddo or a casual pony princess, a horseback riding party is an exciting and unique party for cowgirls and boys as young as three to teenagers still excited about riding horses.

Many thanks go out to Melissa Bovee, a Berkeley mother of two, for sharing the terrific research she did for her her own child’s horseback riding birthday party. If you’re wondering, they ended up at Morning Star in Novato, about 40 minutes from Berkeley.

Horse Birthday Party Places Near the East Bay

Here are nine nearby horseback riding options to consider for your horse-loving kid’s birthday party, sorted by approximate driving distance from Berkeley.

Please share your horse and pony party experience in the comments!

Sienna Ranch (Lafayette, CA)

Ages: 4 to 8+
Pricing: $395 for up to 10 kids; $690 for 11-20 kids
Location: 3232 Deer Hill Road, Lafayette near the intersection of Highway 680 and 24
Travel Time: 30 minute drive from Berkeley
Contact Info: (925) 283-6311 | [email protected] | Birthday Request Form
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Sienna Ranch is a family owned 21-acre ranch; parties are hosted on Sundays throughout the school year. Choose two 1-hour activities and enjoy a half hour of picnic time per event. Pony riding is available for $100 and only at 10 am or 11 am. The pony party consists of lead-line rides in a round pen on one of the ranch’s friendly horses or ponies. Combines nicely with ‘Farm Animal Interaction’ option. All guests receive a Sienna Ranch goody bag. The birthday child also gets their choice of Sienna Ranch t-shirt or hat. Bring all of your own food/decorations/goodies/etc. Pizza delivery works well; no refrigeration available.

All Seasons Horse Riding (Alamo, CA)

Ages: 3+
Pricing: $575+ (includes 15% tip)
Location: 1111 Stone Valley Road, Alamo
Travel Time: 30 minute drive from Berkeley
Contact Info: (925) 407-7211 | Contact Form
Website>>

All Seasons Horse Riding is a quaint, small farm in Alamo where you can plan your little one’s party with crafts, games, and riding.

Earthquake Arabians (Clayton, CA)

Ages: 3+
Pricing: $300 for the first 6 kids; $35 for each additional
Location: Earthquake Arabians at SonCor Farms, 3141 Morgan Territory Road, Clayton
Travel Time: 30 minute drive from Berkeley
Contact Info: (707) 386-7771 | [email protected]
Website>>

Two-hour party with 45 minutes of a riding lesson with games (everyone gets their own horse). Feeding and ground work for 45 minutes where party guests learn about how to walk the horses on a lead rope and about how to feed and care for your new equine friends. Children feed horses and do a horse-painting project (messy!). For cold weather birthdays, Earthquake Arabians may substitute painting for wheelbarrow races in the arena.

If you would like to have cake, pizza, or other birthday treats, there is a party-area in the center of the stable where they can set up a perfectly decorated area for you. Additional fees for party decorations, etc. Inquire for specifics at time of  booking.

North Gait Equestrian Center (Walnut Creek, CA)

Ages: 3 +
Pricing: $85 per rider for 6-8 riders-2 hours; $95 per rider for 8-18 riders 2-3 hours
Location: 1101 N. Gate Road, Walnut Creek
Travel Time: 35 minute drive from Berkeley
Contact Info: (925) 932-2282 | [email protected]
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North Gait will provide an hour or more of instruction that includes horse safety, grooming, saddling, and riding. Riders will learn basic horsemanship and play fun games on horseback. There will be 30 minutes allotted for cake or other snacks. Tables and chairs are provided but you should bring your own decorations and refreshments (no balloons, please).

Morning Star Farm (Novato, CA)

Ages: 8 to adult for horse riding; ages 3 to 8 can enjoy pony parties
Pricing: $250 – $400 for 15 – 25 kids
Location: 885 Sutro Ave. Novato, CA
Travel Time: 40 minute drive from Berkeley
Contact Info: (415) 897-1633 | [email protected]
Website>>

Pony parties come complete with one hour of hand led Pony Rides, a trip to the Petting Zoo and use of the play structure. The party area is located in a shady apple orchard with picnic tables and plenty of room to play. Pony rides are approximately 5 – 7 minutes long and loop around the scenic grounds. Pony parties can be fun for children through 8 years of age. Add a bounce house for extra squeals of joy for $100.

At a horseback riding party each rider has their own mount and are given a fun one-hour lesson in riding and grooming. A picnic area is provided at no additional charge. The cost starts at $50 per rider with a 5 rider minimum.

Be aware that the minimum rider amount is due when booking the party. And that All GUESTS must sign a release form in advance. Make sure you read this information sheet before your party.

Horizons East (Livermore, CA)

Ages: 3 to Adult
Pricing: $575+ 8 – 10 kids
Location: 5111 Doolan Road, Livermore
Travel Time: 45 minute drive from Berkeley
Contact Info: (925) 960-9696 | [email protected] | Birthday Contact Form
Website >>

Eight to ten children will experience two full hours of fun and excitement with three ponies to ride, a mini horsemanship lesson, and grooming at the Equestrian Center. Parents may bring in your choice of food or have it catered. A lounge is available for decoration and celebrating with food and drinks. Bring decorations 24 hours before the scheduled party. They will provide all the set-up and clean up for your party (small fee added).

Double Hearts Riding and Rescue (Livermore, CA)

Ages: 4 +
Pricing: $350 for 4 kids
Location: 455 Olivina Avenue, Livermore
Travel Time: 45 minute drive from Berkeley
Contact Info: (925) 339-5518 | [email protected]
Website>>

Birthday parties at Double Hearts teach small children about the wonders of horses while also teaching them the importance of sharing and kindness. Older kids get to celebrate their day riding horses and getting experience handling horses. Parents bring all the party paraphernalia and the kids may be sharing several horses. Get those details upon booking.

Prancing Princess Pony (Brentwood, CA)

Ages: 2+
Pricing: $250 for 4 kids (min); $300 5-6 kids; $350 7-8 kids; $400 9-10 kids (max)
Location: Rafter D Ranch 8400 Byron Hwy, Brentwood
Travel Time: 1 hour drive from Berkeley
Contact Info: Use the contact form. NOTE: Prancing Princess Pony requires the date of your party one month MINIMUM in advance (two or more months recommended).
Website >>

Aside from winning the alliteration game, Prancing Princess Pony offers fun birthday parties on a 24-acre ranch with all sorts of party options to choose from. You’ll get 2 1/2 hours to fill with a choice of three activities from a list including: making ice cream, finger painting horses, water balloon toss, or a scavenger hunt.

Want a stress free party? No planning and no cleaning up? For an additional fee, Prancing Princess Pony will provide snacks and drinks; horse party decorations in either unicorn or barnyard theme; fully-loaded thematic piñata; and birthday cupcakes. Sounds pretty great to me!

Helpful Horseback Riding Party Tips:

• Cost: from $250 – $600+ (remember to budget in a tip for the handlers and helpers!)
• Pants and closed toed sturdy shoes are required, boots if you have them (boots make a good birthday present idea)
• Riding helmets are provided (don’t bring a bike helmet); if you have concerns about head lice, kids can wear a baseball hat or bandana under the helmet.
• Wear clothes that can get dirty, especially if opting into the horse painting packages
• Long hair should be pulled back and braided (How about a Frozen themed Elsa French Braid?)
• Leave dangle earrings and long jewelry at home, and likely balloons too
• Be sure to check if refrigeration is available for your food.
• Make sure to ask about rainy day options and cancellation policies
• All locations require release forms from all participating children and adults. Get those done before the party!

Horse-themed Party Supplies

• Adorable Horse Party decorations and party favors are plentiful on both Amazon and Etsy.
• A bandana is an easy party favor (see the parent hack above).
• Most venues require that you bring cake/decorations/favors. Check out our Birthday Party Guide for East Bay resources for local bakeries, party stores, etc.