Winward Natural
Equine Center

I do horse riding and It's the best and my trainer Sierra is so nice. She helps me understand everything

Sandy Jean is an incredible woman, so amazing. I have never felt so comfortable at a brand new facility. By far the most understanding boarder i've been with. For the price she asks and what she has to offer at her facility, it's worth it.

This review is mostly based on Jenna who we take horse lessons from. Jenna came highly recommended and they were spot on! My daughter started lessons at the age of 3!!! Miss Jenna has a long history with horses and is eager to share her knowledge. She's incredibly patient and calm. My daughter has rode 2 of her horses. I'm incredibly impressed at how well behaved her horses are. If you're looking for lessons I would highly recommend her! As for the facility we love going here and saying high to all the horses. Every person we've met here is so nice and welcoming. The horses are well looked after.

This week I visited Winward Equestrian to consider a partial lease of a horse. It's fairly rare for me to want to review a boarding facility or a rental string (this is a boarding facility with lessons available for adults and children, no horses for rent). I don't normally review these facilities as there's often something about them that I can't endorse. And if you learn one thing about the equestrian community, you don't speak badly of anyone in a public forum, even if it's true and spoken respectfully. The horse I came to consider leasing was a gem. A very soft, responsive and fluid moving bay mare. Unfortunately, the distance is too great for me to travel. Another downside, and the reason for four stars instead of five, is the general area isn't the best for trail riding. You'll need to use Willard (a busy country road with minimal shoulder) to get to some side roads and fields you can ride along. Or, you'll want to trailer out to Shingle Springs, the American River Trail, Point Reyes, etc. The facility is full of shade trees. And it's nicely kept up. The main tacking and bathing area is under shade. Really nice! There are a couple of "squeeze" stalls (can't squeeze them in, but keep them standing more still than an open tie area) with lumpy rubber mats for vetting. Vetting stalls are not something too common, but can be incredibly helpful. The large outdoor arena (maybe 100' x 300') is half shaded by a nice open air cover. The BBQ area is mostly shaded. There is a 50' squared round pen that's fully covered with nice footing. I'm unsure if there's lights for night riding, nor if there's a curfew for when you visit to ride or work your horse. There's a horsey playground for obstacle challenges. If you want to turn out your horse to a small grassy pasture, they have two available to boarders. Turn out yourself or they'll do it for you, perhaps with a small fee. There's also another outdoor arena, perhaps 50' x 125'. And another small, rectangular, uncovered arena mostly used for the children lessons. Parking is nice and easy. The property is at the end of a lane, so you don't get too much street traffic. Sandyjean, she's a good person. She loves the Parelli method and has attended several of his clinics. I've not always been a fan of Parelli, but we were able to talk over our beliefs of the various trainers, including Parelli (Sandyjean's preference) and Clinton Anderson (my preference). We did so respectfully, honestly, openly, maturely. It's not just how she and I are, but it's how Sandyjean expects everyone at her facility to conduct themselves. I believe that Winward is a healthy environment where your horse's needs and your needs will be tended to with respect, care and honesty. And those are rare attributes to be found together at a California boarding facility. If you're looking for a boarding facility in South Sacramento County, give Sandyjean a call!

The most friendly and loving horse boarding and training stable we have ever found. Someone is always on grounds to ensure the horses are thriving. Nestled in the country with arenas (two are covered) two large pastures with a obstacle course to teach horses and riders about different riding situations, large trees, and a grassy area with barbeque pits. The owners, Sandy and Walt Winward are accommodating to a "T." Sandy is the "master" trainer - she taught my daughter how to ride. She is a excellent trainer and never looses patience and is very understanding. On summer nights several boarders sit around the fire pit, enjoying the country atmosphere, talking horse and socializing. My family has grown close to the Winwards and we consider them part of our family and friends

This is the most wonderful family friendly horse loving boarding facility! Two covered arena's, beautiful grounds to ride out in nature, and tons of trees to keep you and your horse shaded on the hot days. Your horse will be spoiled here. The stalls are roomy, there is parking for your horse trailer and nice storage for your tack. Parking is easy and Sandyjean is always happy to help with any questions or concerns with your horse. She goes above and beyond to keep the horses and her riders safe and spoiled.

Many assigned to feed don't seem to know how to feed right, found my horse several times without proper feed. Then Colic, then vet bill. You shouldn't have to tell the owner more than once.

Absolutely LOVE this facility! It's a very comfortable and at-home environment. Most everyone gets a long and helps each other out when needed. If something is broken, it is literally repaired the same day or the next at the latest. The owner, Sandy, is very knowledgeable and caring... I am super grateful I found this place 🙂

I have two Tennessee Walkers at this stable and have always been treated like family. I just got the second one and have been accommodated beyond belief. There is always someone to ask questions if you have them but nobody is "in your business" uncomfortably. Most of the borders practice Natural Horsemanship meaning every horse is treated well and with kindness. I wouldn't think of boarding anywhere else or keeping my horses at home even though we have ten acres. Several of us have trailers and try to help out those that don't when we want to go for a trail ride somewhere. A few trail rides are arranged each year with consideration for all levels of riding ability. There is never any pressure to go but all are welcome. I just can't say enough about Winward and Sandy-Jean the owner.

I don't write reviews, EVER, so this is a first. I came to Winward to see if I wanted to get back into horses. I took a few lessons and decided I still enjoyed being in and around horses. The owner/trainer, Sandy, is a wealth of information and support. She actually found the mare I would later adopt. Sandy and the other boarders have all been amazingly welcoming and are all there for the love of horses. I've spent my entire summer at the barn with my new mare, and realized that it is so enjoyable because the atmosphere is supportive, helpful, and positive! Thank you Winward for caring about my horse and giving me a great experience this second time around with horses!