
Discover a Higher Standard of Horsemanship
Who are we
At Ocean View Stables, we believe riding isn’t just about sitting in a saddle it’s about connection, trust, and growth. Our mission is to provide a safe, joyful environment where riders and horses come together as partners. We blend technical skill with empathy, and every service is rooted in what we call “living horsemanship.”
We don’t just teach people to ride. We guide them to listen, to lead and to understand the horse behind every movement.
Imagine riding through coastal trails, feeling ocean breezes, with panoramic views stretching coast to forest. That’s what you’ll find here.
Our facility includes:
Outdoor arenas & round pens
Turnout pastures
Barns, tack rooms, wash racks
Trailheads with easy access to riding paths
Guest areas for events & workshops
On-site parking and amenities
Every corner is designed with horse comfort, rider convenience, and scenic beauty in mind.
Trail Rides: What to Expect
One of our most beloved offerings. Here’s how it goes:
Structure
30 hour of safety & horsemanship instruction
1 hour guided trail ride
Intimate groups, steady pace, scenic views
Rider Requirements
Minimum age: 8 years old for Trail experience;
3 and older for pony rides & lessons
Maximum weight: under 250 lbs
No riding experience is needed — we start with the basics

What You’ll See & Do
Ride along coastal paths, over gentle hills, with the Pacific as your companion. Photographic spots, quiet moments, and the kind of peace that stays with you.
Riding Lessons & Horsemanship
We offer a full spectrum of lessons tailored to where you are in your journey:
Beginner Foundation Lessons
Intermediate & Progression Lessons
Advanced / Competition Prep
Western Riding, Trail Skills, Dressage Basics
Monthly Programs / Packages for Consistent Riders
You choose the pace. Our instructors will help you grow—from first steps to confident riding.
Natural Horsemanship & the Leyden Approach
This is at the core of what makes Ocean View Stables different.
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Natural Horsemanship focuses on understanding the horse’s mindset, responding with clarity and calm, and cultivating a partnership—not dominance.
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Founder Zachary Leyden and Kalea Leyden have developed a system that blends modern biomechanics, traditional horsemanship principles, and depth work so that you and the horse learn to speak the same language.
Throughout your lessons or rides, you’ll learn:
How to read body language
Groundwork techniques
Clear leadership & connection
Building consistency in behavior
Many riders describe the experience as transformational—not just for riding, but for life.
Kids’ Programs & Camps
We love introducing young hearts to horses. Our youth programs include
Seasonal Camps
Riding lessons, horse care, horsemanship lessons, crafts
Discovery Clinics
Intro modules for new kids
Junior Horsemanship Track
For kids who fall in love and want more

Boarding, Leasing & Horse Care
We offer select opportunities for people who want more than a visit.
Boarding
For private owners or advanced students, we provide:
Daily feed & care
Scheduled turnout
Access to trails, arenas, and facilities
24/7 security
Space is limited, and there is often a waitlist.
Leasing / Student Leasing
A way to “have your own horse” without full ownership. Your instructor helps match you to a suitable animal, working through lessons, care, and riding schedules.
Horse Care Standards
We hold high expectations for health, turnout, nutrition, veterinary oversight, and overall welfare.
Special Events, Retreats & The Painted Trail
Beyond riding, we host events year-round that mingle art, community, and horses.
The Painted Trail (Sip & Paint with Horses)
A guided art evening set in the barn or pasture, where guests sip, paint, and absorb the energy of horses nearby. Relaxed, beautiful, connective.
Private Events & Retreats
Weddings & elopements
Birthday parties & milestone celebrations
Overnight stays / cowboy cookouts
Corporate retreats & team building
Food truck nights & pop-up ranch dinners
Each experience is customized to your vision—with horses as focal elements.
Meet the Founders
Zachary & Kalea Leyden are the heart of OVS.
Together, they’ve built a place where horses teach, humans grow, and moments become memories.
Also meet our instructors, ranch hands, guest liaisons, and support staff—each committed to safety, growth, and joy.
Kalea Leyden
Kalea is the architect of the Leyden Horsemanship Process. She has decades of experience training horses, coaching riders, and developing mindful equestrian systems.
Zachary Leyden
Zachary is the engineer of the Leyden Horsemanship Process. He has developed the software, SOP and systems that helps the operations run smoothly.

Safety, Policies & Eligibility
Your safety and the horses’ wellbeing are non-negotiable.
Rider Eligibility
Age: Must be 8+ for riding experiences
Weight Limit: Must be under 250 lbs
Health & Mobility: Must be able to mount/dismount with minimal assistance
Safety Protocols
Helmets and safety gear provided
Pre-ride instruction mandatory
No risky behavior or sudden movements
Horse matching carefully based on rider info
Emergency procedures and staff trained in first aid
Booking & Cancellation Policy
Advance reservations required
Deposits required (non-refundable)
Rescheduling allowed with 48-hour notice
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, all trail rides and beginner lessons start with foundational instruction.
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Our minimum age is 8 years for the Trail Experience. We have Many things for Younger kids to do, including lessons and do Pony rides!
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Due to safety and horse welfare, we cannot accommodate riders 250 lbs or above.
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Typically yes, with prior approval. For events, we’ll set the rules.
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Closed-toe shoes, long pants, comfortable layers. Helmets provided.
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As early as possible—especially for weekends, camps, or events.
Contact us.
Your next adventure starts here.
Whether you want to ride, learn, board, or host something magical, we’re ready to guide you.
zachary@oceanviewstables.com
(415) 969-1223