December 2010 — Our beautiful Coastside has often been called the playground to the Bay Area — a haven for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Many of the local residents of the coast are involved in equestrian activities that include dressage, gymkhana and Old West reenactments — as well as show jumping, barrel racing, team penning, roping, vaulting and pleasure riding.

For those interested in learning about horses, we also have many riding instructors along the coast and activities for young equestrians, including Pony Club, 4-H, drill team and pony rides.

We are very fortunate to have our open space for horseback riders to enjoy, which is why riders come from all over the Bay Area with their horses. Here are some of the many resources along the coast:

Horses for Hire:

Blue Sky Riding Experience

Blue Sky Riding Experience — 2001 Rossi Rd., Pescadero

Friendly Acres — 2150 N. Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay

Sea Horse Ranch — 1828 N. Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay www.seahorseranch.org

Park Pacifica Stables — 650 Cape Breton Dr, Pacifica http://bit.ly/faLK6q

Pony Rides:

Friendly Pony Farm

Friendly Pony Parties — 232 Carmel Ave., Pacifica www.friendlyponyparty.com

Friendly Acres — 2150 N. Cabrillo Highway, HMB www.seahorseranch.org

Lemos Farm — 12320 San Mateo Road, Half Moon Bay www.lemosfarm.com

Riding Schools:

Blue Moon Riding School, 1820 Cabrillo Highway North, Half Moon Bay 94019 650-726-9900 www.bluemoonridingschool.com

Clermont Equestrian, 12670 Skyline Blvd.Woodside, CA 94062 650-851-2230 www.clermontequest.com

Blue Moon Riding School

Lazy H Ranch, 3100 Miramontes Point Rd., Half Moon Bay,CA 94019, (650) 726-3743 www.lazyhponyranch.com

Moss Beach Ranch, 1862 Etheldore Ave, Moss Beach, CA 94038 650-728-0700 www.mossbeachranch.com

Organizations:

Half Moon Bay 4H www.halfmoonbay4h.yolasite.com

Moon Valley Pony Club www.moonvalley.ponyclub.org

Other:

Driscoll Ranch Event Center www.driscollranches.com

Driscoll Ranch

Monique Hodgkinson is the founder of Screen Caffeen, specializing in Internet strategy development, custom Web design and social media marketing. She has been involved in equestrian activities for many years. Follow Hodgkinson through Twitter where she is @screencaffeen, visit her website at screencaffeen.com, or call her at 650-740-1491.