Morning Sun Ranch - Watsonville, California

A R.

Morning Sun is one of the best run stables I've ever dealt with in my 50 year history of owning/boarding horses. They really pay attention to the details: feeding, safety, even horse compatibility. From the horse's perspective, it doesn't get much better than this. From the owner's point of view, you can trust them to have good eyes on your horse morning and night. The boarders also take on this mind set. I've never lost tack, or had my items 'walk away' and the people there are friendly and sensible. Add to that the training opportunities (for the very young right up to older folks like me) and the trail system right out the back door, this is a barn you'll want to stay with.

Andrew D.

Morning Sun Ranch is a peaceful and well equipped horse boarding and training facility. I have had the pleasure of getting to know the owners personally, and can say they give nothing short of 110% to each and every boarder and horse that makes its way to their premises. This place offers a truly unique, one of a kind experience that draws you in and will make you never want to leave!

Amy L.

I consider Morning Sun Ranch as My Happy Place! I started taking lessons over a year ago and it has transformed my life completely. Not only have I improved my riding skills but my physical/mental health has improved immensely. I attribute my success directly to my mentor, Gina Kindscher. I love the ranch so much, I volunteer whenever I can and want to spend all my free time there! I feel so blessed to have found My Happy Place at Morning Sun Ranch and intend to continue my journey with The Kindschers forever! 🤠🐴💕

Tia M.

Morning Sun Ranch is a very quiet, peaceful place for myself and my horses. Gina takes great care of my horses. They are well fed and comfortable in their environment. It is a very relaxed place, with trails off the property, three large arenas, round pen, grazing pastures...to name a few of the amenities. Nice large matted bathing area, and will soon have a room to hang out in. There are private tack rooms that easily accommodate all your horse belongings. Gina is very easy to work with and is a very giving person. She treats your horse as one of her own. I never have to worry about my horses. If I need them let out while I'm out of town, she will do that, if I need them supplemented or blanketed, she will do that. Come on out and enjoy this place, you won't be disappointed!

G. H.

I have been in the horse industry for 30+ years. I'm originally from the Woodside/Portola Valley area and have boarded at all the top barns.
I also kept my personal horses (10) at my home in San Mateo county for 10 years. When I moved south, I found Morning Sun Ranch. I absolutely adore the Kindscher Family. I boarded 4 horses for many years at this facility and the ONLY reason I moved my horses was because I took another job in South Salinas and the commute to the barn from work was too far. Morning Sun is my favorite place. The Kindscher family LOVES what they do! They are very knowledgeable and horse savvy. It's not often I come across horse people that really understand the horses... people think they do, and they think they are "trainers" but really they don't know very much. The Kindscher family really does understand horses and provides a safe and wonderful place to board. If I EVER have the opportunity to move back, I won't hesitate to do so. I feel very fortunate to have created such wonderful contacts and consider them good friends. Anyone who says anything negative, doesn't actually have a clue about horses... don't be bitter, just admit when you don't know something, and it will be ok.

nicole D.

I have boarded my two mares here for several years. This place is lovingly cared for by the Kindscher family. I can’t possibly say enough about the kindness, thoughtfulness and wisdom with which they run this sanctuary. I have learned so much from them and my horses are cared for by them as if they were there own. It is immaculately clean and we have miles of the most beautiful trails! The boarders here are all so kind and unpretentious it is a breath of fresh air. If I could give them 10 stars I would.

Victoria P.

I love this barn ❤️ I have been here for almost 3 years and have been so happy. It’s a family-run business and Gina, Mike, Genae & Austin are the best. The horses are so well cared for & I always know someone has an eye on my horse & they will call me if something is amiss. I travel quite a bit and I can always count on them to take care of my horse and provide the little extras while I’m away. And, if that’s not enough, there is so much to do. It backs up to Larkin Valley horse trails & has plenty of arenas, turnouts & a round pen … plus lessons if you want them. It’s a wonderful place … I consider it my happy place 🥰

Jim P.

I cannot possibly convey how wonderful a place Morning Sun Ranch is. My daughter, 15, has been into horses since she was about 3 and had lots of training at another ranch. We acquired a horse for her when she was 10 and it was clear that this horse was well beyond the capabilities of where my daughter was training. We went through a series of ranches before finding Morning Sun and the differences we encountered were huge. A major point is that Morning Sun is not a hotbed of "ranch politics" as we encountered elsewhere; the place is pleasant, the staff and people are helpful and friendly, and it is a warm welcoming place that has you totally relaxing as you drive onto the property.

We now have two horses at Morning Sun and the care is excellent. Gina Kindscher, the owner of Morning Sun, is always checking up on the horses and frequently finds things we miss relating to the horses health and/or training needs. I don't have to worry about anything because Gina is right on top of things. She is helpful, generous, and will stop at nothing to make sure a horse has a great life.

The training at Morning Sun is exceptional. They follow the natural horsemanship method and are always conveying their experience and wisdom to those who want to learn. Morning Sun is always the site of outstanding horsemanship clinics including the late Peter Campbell. You will always find the Morning Sun staff in these clinics too as, despite their decades of experience, they are always seeking to be better horse men and women.

Even beyond this, the Kindschers are truly honest, admirable, and exemplary people. My daughter has grown incredibly under their tutelage not only in the horse area but with life in general. They have literally adopted her and made her part of the Morning Sun family. She is learning life lessons in addition to horse lessons and finds constant support and caring friendship at Morning Sun Ranch.

This ranch and it's people are amazing. If you want to learn how to partner with your horse to achieve the best possible collaborative relationship; this is the place for you. If you have a kid you want to learn responsible, fun, active horsemanship in a constructive, friendly, supportive, moral, generous, and highly educational environment, then this is the place for you.