Great place; we are lucky to have this farm nearby.
Laura is so real & approachable.
Every time I go, I am amazed that this facility is exactly what I was looking for, for my 2 young grandchildren to be around horses.
The lesson horses are great. All the animals are loved. You don't see the arrogant attitude of some horse people.
Vespa the scary looking Rottweiler is so sweet. She is like a big old cat.
(Honestly I laughed out loud that someone found her menacing. That is too ridiculous to even bother to contradict).
Keep up the good work, Idylwild Farms, & don't let the jerks get you down; it takes all kinds :)

I have been at Idylwild for over one year. I have known the owner, Laura, for many years. Her love of horses and knowledge of horses is obvious from the moment you step into the barn. She has a wonderful staff and a wonderful group of clients. All of the trainers work well together. You will walk away from the barn knowing that your horse is in good hands and you that your trainer is trying to make you the best rider you can be. All of the horses, from the school horses to the privately owned horses, receive great treatment and each horses individual needs are attended to. I would recommend this barn, 100%.

this is a good barn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have rented a small barn and pasture at this facility for a year. Before I moved my horses in Ray had an electrician check the wiring in the barn and put in new switches. He had new bucket sized automatic waterers installed and had the barn painted. Before the winter rains began he had the roof cleaned and new gutters put up. Last month when a section of the pasture was flooded Laura suggested that, although the two horses in the pasture seemed to be having a great time pawing the pond that had developed, I should stall them in the “mare motel” until the water subsided. She was concerned that wire or other debris may have floated in during the storm and that the horses might get hurt. This was offered at no additional cost to me.

This is an older facility and some sections are in need of repair but horses are not stalled there. In fact, when I asked Laura if I could move my horses to the back section of the courtyard barn if the winter rains proved heavy she said no because it was not safe, but that she would find space for them if need be.

The staff is very helpful and hard-working. The instructors are great. I have thoroughly enjoyed the hunter-jumper lessons I have taken with Mary and have enjoyed watching other lessons. The students seem quite happy. The horses are certainly well cared for. The dogs behave.

We enjoy an outdoor arena, a hunt field, a new dressage arena, an indoor arena (that can be busy on a rainy winter day, but never unsafe), and two round pens. There are irrigated pastures and small turn outs.

I have had my horses in several facilities in and around Santa Rosa in the past 15 years: Grun Tal, Mark West Stables, Moon Valley, Green Vista, Chalk Hill Ranch, San Lorenzo Ranch, Alliance Farms, and now Idylwild Farms. Although at times conflicts occur between people, I have never seen an owner, trainer, barn manager, or staff member mistreat or neglect an animal at any of these facilities. I do not recognize the place described in the December 17, 2008 review. It certainly is not Idylwild Farms.

Laura McEvoy is owner and one of the four fabulous trainers at this wonderful unpretentious riding facility. Training is available in eventing, hunter/jumper, and dressage for both children and adults.

Children are made to feel comfortable and encouraged to pursue riding in a supportive environment, offering superb opportunities in competition if so desired. Adults of any level are welcome to pursue their "equestrian dreams" and are equally encouraged.

Another FABULOUS feature at Idylwild is the covered arena. It allows for riding 24/7 and for someone that doesn't particularly enjoy foul weather, this is a HUGE PLUS! P.S. The VAST majority of the time, I am the only one in the arena riding or taking a lesson.

The stalls are of a good size and are cleaned everyday except Sunday. Some of the stalls have paddocks attached. There is wonderful turn out with irrigated pastures. Horses are fed twice a day, religiously and grain and meds are carefully administered.

Idylwild and Laura McEvoy have become part of my life and what I look forward to each week. They are all a part of my family.