One of the wonderful things about living in Westlake Village and the Conejo Valley is how quickly suburban life gives way to open space, rolling hills and the rugged beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains. Horseback riding is an especially memorable way to experience this landscape.
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area encompasses more than 500 miles of horse-accessible trails, with riding areas stretching from Agoura Hills and Malibu Creek to Newbury Park, Point Mugu and the coast.
Whether you're a first-time rider, planning a romantic outing, entertaining out-of-town guests or simply looking for a new weekend adventure, here are some of the horseback-riding experiences to explore around Westlake Village.
Malibu Riders — Agoura Hills, Malibu Creek & Malibu
One of the closest guided-tour options to Westlake Village is Malibu Riders. The company has operated for more than 30 years and offers guided rides in the Malibu and Agoura Hills area, making it particularly convenient for residents of Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and Calabasas.
One especially attractive choice is the Malibu Creek ride in the Agoura Hills area. The one-hour tour is currently listed at $100 per rider, while the two-hour experience is $200 per rider. The longer ride travels through tree-covered areas before opening onto views of volcanic mountain formations and Century Lake. Riders eight and older can participate, subject to the company's safety and rider requirements.
The operator also offers private rides and other trail experiences, including rides in the Malibu/Zuma Canyon area. Beginners are welcome, making this an approachable introduction to trail riding.
Malibu Riders — rides and reservations
Rancho Potrero Trail Rides — Newbury Park
For a relaxed local experience, Rancho Potrero Community Equestrian Center is at 4790 Lynn Road in Newbury Park, just west of Thousand Oaks.
Guided rides here are deliberately small and leisurely. Rancho Potrero currently advertises one-hour guided trail rides for $70 per person, with no more than three guests on a ride. The tours are walk-only, making them particularly appealing to families and riders who would rather enjoy the scenery than worry about keeping up with a faster group. Riders must be at least seven years old, and the stated maximum weight is 195 pounds. Helmets are required and can be provided.
The currently published schedule is Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., with advance reservations required.
High Horse Malibu — Latigo Canyon
For spectacular mountain-and-ocean scenery, High Horse Malibu offers guided rides from its ranch near the crest of Latigo Canyon in Malibu.
Its signature Latigo Canyon Ride is a 90-minute guided journey into the Santa Monica Mountains, with views toward the Pacific in one direction and mountain ridges in the other. Groups are kept small, with a maximum of four riders.
Current published pricing is $175 per person for a 90-minute group ride and $300 per person for a private 90-minute ride. The company also offers sunset rides. Before heading onto the trail, guests receive basic riding instruction, so the experience can work for beginners as well as more experienced riders.
Because Latigo Canyon Road is winding and cell reception near the ranch can be limited, the operator recommends allowing extra travel time.
High Horse Malibu — guided trail rides
Maliwu Mustangs — A Different Malibu Riding Experience
For something a little different, Maliwu Mustangs offers guided experiences aboard Morgans and Mustangs, including mountain, beach and river rides.
The company describes its standard trail experiences as approximately two hours, with both first-time and experienced riders welcome, although it recommends that beginners consider a lesson before venturing onto a trail.
The operation also advertises sunset rides, beach rides and even multi-day horse-camping experiences, making it an interesting option for someone who wants more than a conventional hour-long trail ride.
Connemara Ranch — Private Malibu Riding
Another option is Connemara Ranch in Malibu. Its focus is more personalized riding experiences, including private guided trail rides through the Santa Monica Mountains, along with lessons and other equestrian programs.
The setting combines canyon and mountain scenery with opportunities for ocean views, making this worth considering for couples, special occasions or riders who would rather have a private experience than join a larger trail group.
Los Angeles Horseback Riding — Topanga
A little farther from Westlake Village, Los Angeles Horseback Riding operates from Old Topanga Canyon Road in the Santa Monica Mountains.
The ranch offers a variety of experiences, including 60-minute, 75-minute and 90-minute rides, as well as golden-hour and sunset rides. Its ridge-top location provides expansive views across the mountains, and the company welcomes both beginning and experienced riders.
This could make a fun day trip from Westlake Village, particularly if you want to combine horseback riding with lunch or dinner in Topanga or Malibu.
Will Rogers State Historic Park
Farther east in Pacific Palisades, Will Rogers State Historic Park provides another historic equestrian setting.
California State Parks currently says guided rides are offered through Will Rogers Trail Rides/Jigsaw Farms, with riding through the park where Will Rogers himself famously kept and rode horses. The park also connects with the Backbone Trail system.
Because operations have been in the process of being re-established during 2026, I would confirm current availability directly before making the drive.
Bring Your Own Horse? The Possibilities Are Even Greater
Horse owners have considerably more choices. The National Park Service identifies Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyon, Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa, Zuma and Trancas Canyons, Solstice Canyon and portions of the Backbone Trail among recommended riding areas. State-park options include Malibu Creek, Point Mugu, Topanga and Will Rogers. Trailer access and parking vary, so riders should check conditions before leaving home.
Interestingly, the National Park Service currently lists Malibu Riders and Rocking K Horse Rentals as approved concessionaires offering horse rentals and tours on NPS land in the Santa Monica Mountains.
A Wonderful Part of the Westlake Village Lifestyle
Horseback riding is one of those activities that reminds us just how unusual the Westlake Village area really is. Within a relatively short distance, you can leave the 101 Freeway behind and find yourself riding beneath old oak trees, through historic ranch country, across chaparral-covered mountains or high above the Pacific Ocean.
It's also an activity that can work for many occasions—a weekend adventure, date, birthday, family outing, visiting guests or simply an afternoon spent reconnecting with nature.
Prices, schedules, routes and rider requirements can change, so always confirm the latest information directly with the riding company before making plans.
Thinking About Making Westlake Village or the Conejo Valley Home?
The equestrian lifestyle, miles of trails, mountains, lakes and proximity to Malibu are just a few reasons people love living in this part of Southern California.
If you're considering buying, selling, investing or relocating to Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Lake Sherwood, North Ranch, Calabasas or the surrounding Conejo Valley, I'd love to help you discover not only the right home—but the lifestyle that comes with it.
Tina Lucarelli, REALTOR® (310) 738-8089
The ONE Luxury Properties
National & Worldwide Luxury Real Estate Advisor
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