TGIF Farms

My daughter has been riding there for about a year now and the instructors have been absolutely wonderful. We’ve worked with Katherine, Marin and Alyssa and they have all been wonderful. Jilian cares immensely about the horses and also about making sure that the riders have a wonderful experience. There is absolutely no push to get involved in the prices shows, etc, but the option is absolutely there for those that are interested.

After more than a half dozen calls that were left unreturned I finally gave up on TGIF. They were the first facility I called because of the excellent reviews but clearly success has gone to their head and they do not have the courtesy to return customer calls. Being unresponsive to one or two calls is occasionally excusable — but six — no self-​respecting commercial organization can defend.
Update: after seeing my posting here Jillian had sent a message on Unilocal to apologize for the lapse. So I’m bumping up to two stars for at least following up.

This barn is so clean and and the tack room is very organized. The view around the arena is beautiful. They seems to have pretty good lesson horses especially Arthur the thoroughbred. We haven’t tried Friday yet.
My friend’s daughter is taking lessons with Alyssa and she is so patient with kids. This is the only barn in Cupertino /​Saratoga /​Los Gatos areas that could teach English riding to my friend’s 6 year-​old daughter and she really enjoys her lessons!

When I wanted to try horseback riding I was a bit hesitant, but Jillian and Alyssa were AWESOME! I’ve never ridden before and they were so great at putting me at ease and it was a lot of fun. They were knowledgeable and patient teachers. In addition, it was a huge bonus to find them so flexible and understanding when I needed to skip a week here and there due to busy work and travel schedule. Would highly recommend for adults or kids wanting to get into riding.

Our spunky, and ofen times very stubborn and tempermental three year old daughter had shown an interest in riding horses. Probably from watching the movie «Spirit», since she hasn’t really been exposed to any horses, and both my husband and I have no background at all.
At her third birthday, she wanted horse rides, so we got a pony thinking she wouldn’t know the difference, but of course she did. She did enjoy the pony rides, and was the only child that even wanted to ride, but even after the party she kept asking about riding horses. We thought we’d look into lessons, but we didn’t even know where to begin.
TGIF was near to where we live, and because of the great reviews on Unilocal,we scheduled a lesson with Jillian.
We weren’t sure what to expect since we knew absolutely nothing about horses, and our daughter has a mind of her own, which means that she could decide she wasn’t going to do it once we got there. If she doesn’t like anything, she’ll definitely show it and speak her mind, which makes us uneasy!
Jillian began by introducing our daughter to her horse named Friday. Our daughter LOVES Friday! Jillian showed how to prepare Friday for their ride by using the different brushes, and how to pick out his hooves (which is her favorite part). I really like how she teaches her not just how to ride, but how to care for the horses, and even with a three year old, she uses the correct terminology.
The first lessons in the arena area were getting her comfortable on Friday. She learned how to hold the reins and steer, walk and halt. Our daughter began in January of this year, and still looks forward to her lesson each week. Since then she is much more comfortable on Friday and has learned to post while walking, and trotting. She has been introduced to two-​point position, and is getting better at steering.
Of course, she is still only three years old, and has so much more to learn, but for us, (who knew absolutely nothing about horses and riding), we are amazed at her progress.
Jillian is wonderful! Very welcoming and just the perfect style of teaching for our daughter’s personality. She is encouraging, and firm when she needs to be, and is a stickler when it comes to safety, which we love, and which has taught our daughter the importance of safety first!
The riding lessons have have been great for all of us. It gets us outdoors (a nice break from our hectic schedule), and is a way for our daughter to burn off some of her energy. Plus the area is just beautiful and serene! These lessons have taught her not only how to ride, but has also helped her to focus, and follow directions. Even at this young age, she is learning responsibility and empathy.
We have only high praises for Jillian, Friday and TFIF Farms!

My five year old starting taking lessons at TGIF Farms back in May. She fell in love with Friday and riding the first lesson. Alyssa is a wonderful teacher, very patient, supportive and most of all a blast for my daughter to work with. If you are looking for a place to get your child to ride TGIF Farms is the place. It is obvious Jillian and Alyssa LOVE what they do. From the bottom of mine and Sophie’s heart THANK YOU!!!

My daughter just started lessons with Jillian & I am recommending her to EVERYONE! She is great & her horses are too. She is a gem!

Learning how to ride a horse has been my dream since little. After going through a few reviews on Unilocal,I decided to give it a try with TGIF (TGIF got best reviews and thanks to those Unilocalers.) I went there on ⁵⁄₂₆ Saturday. Alyssa is my instructor. She is very kind, knowledgable and she teaches me how to ride and balance in a fun way. Friday is the horse; he is very gentle and easy to ride with. Both the instructor and the horse made me feel that I can do it and I can be a good rider someday. I had a good time and am seriously thinking about getting a riding package!

Talk about a hidden treasure! Jillian teaches out of a small stable in suburban Los Gatos – no need to trek to Morgan Hill or up the mountain. She is fun, friendly, and knowledgeable, and helped my newbie kids feel comfortable. Grooming horses is great for all you sensory/​ADHD folk out there!

I have never seen my 6-​year old daughter so excited or entranced as when she is riding with Jillian! TGIF Farms has been an amazing gift to us both — my Katie has found a passion for something very special, and I have the honor of watching her thrive! Jillian is patient, kind and extremely knowledgable about all aspects of horse riding and rearing. It is obvious that she cares deeply for her animals, and she passes that love, respect and attentiveness through to her clients. I have told all of my daughter’s friends about TGIF Farms, and feel so fortunate that we have found Jillian. I must also mention that the lessons are in a gorgeous and well-​maintained arena, with an incredible view — it’s a nice extra! I recommend TGIF Farms, and specifically Jillian, without reservation!

My daughter looks forward to her lessons with Jillian each week. Jillian is patient and very professional. I get my horse fix as well!