Welcome to Oak River Ranch
Discover the joy of horseback riding at Oak River Ranch, where we offer personalized lessons for all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced rider, our dedicated instructors will help you achieve your riding goals while building a strong bond with our amazing horses.
About Oak River Ranch
At Oak River Ranch, our mission is to provide a nurturing environment where riders can learn and grow and have fun. Specializing in English hunter/jumper lessons and foundational western riding, we utilize a tailored approach that meets the unique needs of each student.
Meet the Trainer
Carly Murray is the founder and head trainer at Oak River Ranch. She grew up riding in Ventura County from the age of 4 on through high school, competing at many hunter/jumper shows all over Southern California. Carly attended college at Northern Arizona University where she helped found the NAU Equestrian Club while earning her bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in Business. She took the roles of President, Treasurer, and Trainer for the Equestrian Club. Straight out of college Carly took an assistant trainer position at a prestigious hunter/jumper show barn where she was riding numerous horses/ponies and teaching students of all ages and levels. A few years later, she discovered the Santa Ynez valley and made the decision to move. The ultimate goal was always to start her own training program, and Carly started Oak River Ranch in 2021.
Carly's teaching style is mellow yet structured, fun yet challenging. She comes at training with more of a natural horsemanship approach. We want the horses to be our willing partners, to enjoy working with us. This is a program where the wellbeing of the horse always comes first. We at Oak River Ranch take pride in having happy, healthy, and safe horses. Students learn how to create that bond with each horse they work with.
Private and Group Lessons
Our horseback riding lessons are designed for all levels, from ages 3 and up. Each session is customized to help you develop your skills and reach your personal riding goals while ensuring a fun and safe experience with our well-trained horses. We specialize in English hunter/jumper and Western foundations as well, so we provide lessons for just about any interest! Each lesson focuses on horsemanship from all angles: learning how to properly catch and halter your horse, groom, tack up, and ride.
We offer both private and group lessons tailored to each individual rider. Whether you are looking for a one-on-one experience or to learn while bonding with fellow riders, we have what you are looking for. Each lesson is approximately a one hour session. Private lessons are great for a one-on-one learning experience with one of our instructors. It really helps to hone in on exactly what the instructor feels needs improvement in order to reach the students' goals. Group lessons are curated with a few individuals of similar riding levels and goals. These lessons allow riders to create friendships with fellow students while still working towards enhancing their riding abilities.
Private 1hr lesson - $75
Group 1hr lesson - $65
Pony Camps
Join us for our hands-on pony camps, where children ages 6 through 17 can enjoy full days of riding and bonding with horses. We provide an abundance of fun games, crafts, and activities for every child to engage with and enjoy. This experience is perfect for riders who want to enhance their skills while enjoying the companionship of fellow equestrians. No previous riding experience is needed to sign up for pony camp. Camp dates are curated for breaks during the school year. Multiple sessions are available during the summer months.
Summer 2026 dates:
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June 15 - 17
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June 29 - 1st
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July 13 - 15
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July 27 - 29
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August 10 - 11
Each 3-day session is $350. Drop-in days available in select sessions at $125 per day.
What Our Riders Say
Carly has been an amazing instructor to my children. We are so happy with our experience at Oak River Ranch. My son has special needs and Carly has taken so much time and care teaching him and guiding him through horsemanship.
All three of my children receive lessons at Oak River Ranch and have all had positive and rewarding experiences. Carly is kind, patient, and even takes time to teach parents skills for horsemanship.
We highly recommend Carly for lessons, training, and camps.
- Cheyenne
As an adult rider in my early 30s with little to no prior horse-riding experience, working with Carly has improved my confidence with horses on and off the saddle. Carly is organized, prioritizes rider safety, and provides clear, effective instruction. My riding ability has greatly improved thanks to Carly’s expertise and dedication in helping each student develop as an equestrian.
Carly brings a calm and kind presence to every lesson and cares deeply about her horses. My lessons with Carly offer the perfect balance of challenge and support, giving me the opportunity to keep improving. She holds her riders to high standards by teaching us the technical aspects of riding, recognizing our potential for growth, and remaining patient, encouraging, and understanding when we need more time or support.
I look forward to every lesson, it provides me with a great escape from the busyness of life, connects me with nature and animals, and is so much fun. I cannot recommend lessons with Carly enough!
- Madison
My daughter and I have been taking lessons with Carly every week for almost two years now. If you are looking for an instructor for your child, definitely go to Carly. She is kind, patient, gives clear instruction and makes it FUN. My daughter (now age 9) had taken lessons before but learned so quickly with Carly. She is great with kids of all ages and really is the nicest instructor you will find! Even other instructors say that about her. As an adult rider, I feel challenged in the best way and have learned SO much. I took lessons as a child and started riding again as an adult. Carly has helped me become a more confident rider and is teaching me technical skills that I had never learned before. Also, I never thought I would be jumping again! We ride English, but she also teaches Western. Carly's horses are the best. They are happy, well cared for and have the best personalities. The riding environment is peaceful and laid-back. I give Oak River Ranch my highest recommendation!
- Emily
Get in Touch
We're Here to Help
Have questions about our riding programs or want to schedule a lesson? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us today, and let’s embark on an exciting journey to develop your riding skills and create unforgettable memories at Oak River Ranch.
