Garrod Farms: A Century Plus of Horseback Riding Saratoga Hills

Believe it or not ... Saratoga's Garrod Farms, 22647 Garrod Rd., have been around since 1892 in some form, more than 118 years.

Their popular horse stables opened in 1962 and due to the holiday season, the business plans to remain open every day, except Christmas Dec. 25, said Garrod Farms program director Vicky Bosworth.

"It gets so dark so early and horseback riding has to be done in the daylight," explained Bosworth.

The farms own 48 horses and board 150 equines, she said, adding that the business offers guided horseback riding to anyone 8 years old and older or rented ponies for younger children.

The establishment also offers riding lessons, which can be arranged in group or privately at the stables.

If residents own their own horses, they can keep their animals on location, Bosworth said.

Camps are offered during the summer, but not during the wintertime, she said.

Because the farms have their own property, those who enjoy their programs and services can ride their 110 acres of pristine beautiful land in the Saratoga hills, which backs up to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve.

"We have quite a bit of ground for riding on," she noted.

The farms' popularity continues to increase each year, Bosworth added with more than 100 children receiving horseback riding lessons each week and trail rides going all day and on weekends.

The farms and their accompanying barns and arena are owned by a family trust made up of the Cooper and Garrod estates, which also own Cooper-Garrod Vineyards.

To read more about the farms' history, please click here.

Details: rides@garrodfarms.com, or 408-867-9527