Imperial Equestrian Center
📍 South Gate, CA
Horseback riding lessons and summer camps for children ages 4+, with experienced instructors specializing in safety, technique, and confidence-building at a fenced ranch between the 710 and 105 freeways.
I’ve been taking lessons with Shona and it has exceeded my expectations! Not many people are as incredible of teachers as they are riders, but Shona is. With each lesson my riding is improving exponentially. Shona is teaching me to be more aware and disciplined, but mostly importantly putting safety first! Learning to ride correctly with positive reinforcement allows for my passion for horseback riding to grow freely!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with kids aged 4+ who want sustained skill development rather than a one-off ride. Instructors Shona and Mariann excel with anxious or first-time riders — reviewers describe therapeutic confidence gains. Summer camps extend the experience across multiple days. Plan for ongoing lessons to see the most progress.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →36 Google reviews
Renee Risnoveanu
6 years ago
“I’ve been taking lessons with Shona and it has exceeded my expectations! Not many people are as incredible of teachers as they are riders, but Shona is. With each lesson my riding is improving exponentially. Shona is teaching me to be more aware and disciplined, but mostly importantly putting safety first! Learning to ride correctly with positive reinforcement allows for my passion for horseback riding to grow freely!”
Britt Faunn Corona
2 years ago
“We love Mariann! She is such a caring trainer. Our daughter is healing from psychological trauma. Her riding lessons have improved her confidence and aided her recovery tremendously. We are so thankful our little girl can participate in something she loves weekly. Interacting with the horses and her trainer is such beautiful medicine.”
Adriana Guillen
3 years ago
“My daughter loves every minute of her time with Misty 🐎 and Ms Mariann. Mrs. Shonna is a wonderful! My daughter and I are so blessed to have such an amazing teacher, Thank you, Ms. Mariann. She is so great with my daughter Emma Rose. She is patient with her and very encouraging… I highly recommend Imperial Equestrian Center.”
R Lewis
4 years ago
“Shona did a wonderful job my daughter and her friend had a wonderful time . They got so much out of it. They learned so much . Shona is so knowledgeable and made the girls age 9 & 12 very comfortable as this was there first time I do plan to go back for more lessons.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Imperial Equestrian Center runs riding lessons, training, and summer day camps for children starting at age 4. Instructors Shona and Mariann are repeatedly praised for patience and technical depth. The facility has boarding stables, a riding arena, and free on-site parking. Lessons follow a structured safety-first approach that has proven effective for children recovering from trauma as well as complete beginners.
