Bear Creek Stables

I love Bear Creek Stables! more

My horse has been living at Bear Creek since 1998...and I have nothing negative to say about the place. It's my second home. Bear Creek isn't for people that are looking for perfection...There's two arenas, two round pens, 3 wash racks. There's a couple smaller pastures and there's a large area of paddocks. There's a mix of wood fencing, metal pole fencing and hotwire. The facilities are functional, there's minimal lighting at night, but there's a certain charm about the place. There are hunter jumpers and event riders that train here. We also have local trainers that host lessons. People trailer in, people trailer out. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. The horses are well taken care of and I am very comfortable with the level of care my horse has gotten, they're fed twice a day and paddocks are mucked out a few times a week. Sure there's room for improvement, but why change something that doesn't need it? Coming to Bear Creek is escaping from the bustle of the city just in your backyard. The Santa Cruz views are like heaven on earth, and the facility is affordable to those that are struggling in difficult times. You can ride the trails for miles, even reaching the summit of the Santa Cruz hills. There's plenty of wildlife and no real development close to encroaching on the barn's space. It's a diamond in the rough that's affordable and accessible to all. The manager is detailed, caring, and easily reachable. I think it is up to the individual to decide whether this is the right situation for you and your horse. more

The opinions stated in the previous review are mostly subjective and lack some background knowledge of the barn and how it operates. This barn is a stronghold in the Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space District. The barn sustains support from its boarders in maintaining this space free from residential and commercial development. Boarders here have access to a varied network of trails that wind through vineyards both young and old, open meadows, lush redwood forest and delicate creek habitat and sweeping views of Lexington reservior, San Jose and the lower silicon valley. On any single trail ride (I ride 4-6 times per week) I have rarely run into another person, neither on foot or horseback. It is a privelege to occupy this space. Hose management is rarely a profitable venture and this barn is no exception. It is owned and lovingly maintained by an equestrian who would rather save this gem for other equestrians to enjoy rather than sell out to make profit. In order to keep boarding fees reasonably priced, certain sacrifices are made in terms of arena footing (it is dirt, not ground rubber) and general building materials. There is a charm to this that helps underscore the mission of this barn--to SURVIVE and help keep supporting the open space. Several boarders are Open Space District Trail Patrol volunteers who help maintain the trails. This is not a fussy show barn but an eclectic mix of people, both young and old. You may certainly train for events in one of two arenas but it is primarily a pleasure horse barn with 2 arenas and one round pen. The best feature is its proximity to downtown Los Gatos and the local schools despite being seemingly secluded in the middle of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is truly a gem of Los Gatos and I feel very fortunate to have discovered it. Pros: good mgmt, FANTASTIC trails, not a fussy horse barn Cons: needs quality dressage arena, more general help & advocacy more

Great trails. Poor arena conditions especially in winter. The place is in poor condition and manager is not willing to do much about it. Feed is not of good quality and service is poor. Use caution Pros: great trails Cons: poorly managed more