Google reviewers rate Circle Bar B Horseback Riding Stables 4.8 out of 5 based on 139 reviews, frequently praising the well-kept horses, scenic mountain and ocean views, and friendly staff who accommodate both beginners and experienced riders. Customers often note the fair pricing, availability of helmets, and the option to book private or group tours. A recurring criticism in lower-rated reviews involves the requirement to sign liability waivers without adequate explanation and instances where group riders felt excluded from guide instructions or subjected to demeaning weight checks.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 139 reviews (88% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 139 Google reviews (105 with written comments, 40 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 32% of reviews.
Most recent review: July 31, 2026.
Service: Horse Care Service serving Santa Barbara, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Photos
Customer reviews
4.8
★★★★★
139 reviews on Google
5★122
4★11
3★3
2★1
1★2
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
FA
Felicity AveryLocal Guide · 15 reviews
★★★★★
We booked a trail ride at Circle Bar B Stables just the day before and were so glad we did — a real highlight of our trip. The horses were beautifully well kept and genuinely responsive on the trails, not the numbed-out, plod-along horses you sometimes get on trail rides.
Our guide (apologies, we’ve forgotten his name — but he was from Texas!) was lovely and made the ride really enjoyable. The whole dude ranch setup looked incredible, and we only wish we’d had the chance to actually stay there too.
Highly recommend for a trail ride, and we’ll definitely look at staying on the ranch next time we’re in the area!
Great little tour for the whole family…if you’re lucky enough to get Phil as a tour guide you’re in for a treat. Man is full of stories and visdom. His lifestyle is now the life goal for our whole family..
The ranch is well kept, horses are well looked after and everyone we met was super friendly…
We had such an amazing time on a private trail ride for our anniversary. The horses were very sweet and safe, and Annie our guide was fantastic. My wife is an experienced rider, but I've only ridden on occasion, and we both had a great time. The views were phenomenal! We even saw a hawk, young buck, and a coyote. Wow!
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Happy anniversary Ryan! So glad you chose to celebrate your anniversary here at the Circle Bar B Ranch! Great to hear you had a wonderful time!
My girlfriend and I did the private 2.5 hour tour, and it was awesome. Wendell was our guide and he was great - very knowledgeable and made our first time rider (me) feel confident from the beginning.
If you’re in the area and into horses, or you’re like us and wanted something cool to do on a vacation, highly recommend!
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thank you Ethan! Glad you Had a great time! Thank you fgor sharing your experience!
The staff were very nice. We took the 1.5 hour up the mountain ride. They taught us how to get the horse to listen to us.
Helmets are provided before the ride.
Next time would do 45 mins ride on flat surface. Did not realize son was allergic to horses, apart from the allergy attack after we thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of the crew.
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thank you for your kind words! It was our pleasure having you as our guest at the Circle Bar B Ranch!
I did a 1.5 hour trail ride with my son and his girlfriend for my 65th birthday. What a wonderful experience! Beautiful environment for a trail ride. Staff were wonderful! Real cowboys! Great horses! They only take cash. Make sure to take extra to tip your guide. I would definitely recommend.
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thank you Melinda ! It was our pleasure to share the Circle Bar B Ranch with you!
Staff was incredibly nice and the veiws were wonderful!
We originally signed up for the 2 ½ hour private ride, but ended up needed to head back a little earlier due to soreness. They brought the price down for an 1 ½ for us which was awesome! Staff was really knowledgeable and the overall experience was awesome!
Bring a little extra cash to tip!!!
