With locations in Sonoma County and Napa County, Four Star Farm offers quality riding lessons for all ages and levels. We provide riding, dressage and eventing lessons from the beginning through the advanced levels. We have clients whose goal is to improve their skills through riding lessons, with no plans to compete as well as riders whose goal is to ride in the Olympics. We have many quality horses for lease, so you can practice outside of your riding lessons and dip your toe in before you jump in! Four Star Farm's riding lessons help students achieve a happy partnership and ultimately success in competition. We are proud to offer a showing and competition curriculum and a positive atmosphere that promotes friendship and enjoyment for both riders and horses. We also help our clients successfully buy and sell horses. We are one of California's only Pony Club Riding Centers, through which younger riders not only take riding lessons, but also learn horsemanship skills. We are very proud of our Pony Club! For more information or to get started taking riding lessons in Napa or Bodega, call Natalie, (707) 312-1119 or e-mail.
Practice days (once per week, includes use of tack and arena) - $180 month. Frustrated that you keep having the same lesson? Practice time makes all the difference!
"Four Star Farm has far exceeded my expectations. I walked in with a daughter who was shy and timid, but loved horses, and wanted to learn how to ride. I now have a young girl who is focused, confident, and responsible not only in the way she approaches the horses in the barn, but how she deals with homework, peer pressure, cliques, and cruelty at school. Horseback riding reaches far beyond the saddle!" —Joey Baker, Benicia, CA
"I have been taking riding lessons with Natalie for the past four years. During that time I have retired one horse, and under her guidance, shopped and eventually purchased a second. Natalie's enthusiasm and ability to see possibility in the seemingly impossible is infectious and permeates into everything she does. Her approach to preparing both the horse and rider is truly systematic and as I often tell people, Natalie is a program. She has the unique ability to see the big picture and how all of the often-overlooked details of both effective riding and horsemanship are crucial. Not only does she emphasize the physical aspects of riding but she also sees the importance of mental well-being in the tack. A characteristic unique to Natalie's teaching style is her ability to seamlessly transition between teaching Prix St. George movements with one student to patiently explaining the fundamentals of the half-halt to the next. Her patience and appreciation for the importance of the basics is clear in every lesson and exercise. Natalie works to effectively improve the riding ability of her students, as well as helping them to make and achieve goals they previously did not think possible."—Leah Forquer-Raheja, adult amateur ranked 8th nationally in training-level eventing, 2010.
"I found Natalie and Four Star Farm when I was looking to re-start riding when I retired. I wanted to really work on my own skills; her wonderful school horses and supportive teaching gave me just that. In their riding lessons, Natalie and Linda both are able to combine constructive criticism and encouragement in a way that makes me feel able to accomplish my goals. I would encourage anyone wanting to work from solid dressage basics to the higher levels to try Four Star Farm." —Janis M.
"Natalie Rooney Pitts brings an intelligence to her training and teaching that I greatly appreciate. She sets a high standard for horsemanship that ensures the well-being and safety of both horse and rider. In her riding lessons, she practices what I call compassionate candor—providing feedback that pushes you to do your best and learn while not making you feel incompetent. Natalie is consistently positive and works with you to accomplish your competitive goals at whatever level you establish for yourself. Natalie is well acquainted with sports psychology concepts, helping her riders overcome mental barriers to success. She works conscientiously to make her barn inclusive, so if you're a newcomer, you'll feel welcomed by Natalie, her associate instructors and her clients." —Debra C.
Important notice for Four Star Farm Napa clients. Please enter Four Star Farm via Coombsville Rd. The main entrance to the Kenzo Estate Winery is for winery guests only. If you have any questions about how to find us, give us a call before you arrive, and we'll provide directions. Thank you!