About Bella Oaks Stables
Bella Oaks Stables in Martinez, California has the quaintness of a by-gone era. We're located across from Briones Regional Park, with its 80 miles of scenic trails. The ranch is tucked away, just off the main road, under majestic oak and bay trees. Bella Oaks offers the peacefulness of a mountain retreat, yet we're just minutes from Highway 4 and Interstate 680 (view map).
Bella Oaks wants to provide a camp environment to educate, inspire integrity and develop character. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff is here to help and lead programs to enhance the experience and lives of the young people that attend our horseback riding and horse camp programs.
We offer Boarding with stalls and paddocks with runs. We have a large covered arena and a round pen (a second one is on the way). We also have a large turn out area. Bella Oaks offers horse back riding lessons — for competition, skill, or just for fun. Our students are as young as 3½ years old.
We have Open Ranch Days on Wednesdays from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. You are welcome to drop by and visit us.
Employment/Apprentice Opportunities
We are always seeking experienced people to work at our facility. If you're interested, please contact us at 925-229-2171.
Bella Oaks Apprenticeships are now being offered. This program gives our apprentice the true sense of horse ownership, without the expense. Our Apprentice will get knowledge from top instructors including bathing, clipping, care of the horses, feed, tack, grooming, tack up the horse, haltering properly, ground work, cleaning, polo and other wraps, proper helmet fit, and also learn proper care of horses; make sure their needs are met. They will learn to ride, go on trail rides, and many more activities, full membership to all barn activities, sleep overs, be part of the team and help at summer camp, make a difference in other children's lives, and so much more. Open Apprentice hours are on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30am - 1:30pm, work with instructors, come help and learn, on the weekend there will be a one-hour group riding lesson, English or Western. The Apprentice program is $200 per month. To apply, please contact Debi at 925-229-2171 (Office), 925-228-2724 (Barn) or 925-323-8086 (Cell).
Birthday Parties
Let us plan your child's party. Parties include crafts and pictures of children riding their horses, piñata, horse games, riding time, petting and grooming, painting the horse, package of carrots for each child to feed their horse or a lesson and short trailride. The birthday child receives a certificate for a free riding lesson! Parties are held rain or shine. We handle the set-up and clean-up for you. We supply table coverings, balloons, area for bar-b-q (optional), and a refrigerator for food and drinks that you supply. We can customize a party, just for your child and age appropriate. Party time is approximately two hours at ranch. $55 per child, five (5) child minimum. Please call with any questions you may have.Girl & Boy Scout Badges
Bella Oaks offers Scouts the opportunity to earn badges per those organizations' requirements. Cost is $55 per child per session. Call Bella Oaks for more information and to schedule a session at 925-229-2171.Field Trips
Learn about horses, breeds, colors, tack, grooming hands-on. We have a craft area and picnic table under the trees to eat lunch. Field trips require at least ten children and fees start at $10 per child.Special Events
Pony rides, playing of horse shoe games, face painting, barbecues, and Hoe Downs are just a few ideas. Contact Bella Oaks to let us help you plan some fun. Prices start at $250 per hour.Instructor Bios
Alicia Benson began riding at the age of 9, and today, at 16, is an accomplished rider. Her training began at a young age, and is broad in experiences. They include riding with the late George Cardinet (legendary trail blazer and famous California horseman). She rode with the Amigos de Anza Equestrian Drill Team for several years under the training of Michelle "Pinky" Tomasulo, daughter of George Cardinet. Alicia can gallop her horse, in formation, holding a huge flag with one hand, and the reins in the other. She is CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) trained, and has ridden under nationally acclaimed trainers Dean and Sheri Lacy and daughter Jesse Lacy. She is currently on the Diablo View Farms show team, where she shows Western Pleasure at Class A shows. She recently competed at the 2008 Regionals in Reno, Nevada where she won several ribbons. She went on to the Canadian Nationals. She has been teaching riding lessons for five years, and has served as camp counselor at horse camps for just as long. She truly loves being around horses, and is happiest when she's riding.Kellie Perfetto has been riding and competing for 36 years. Her first pony was a two year old, unbroken Shetland pony stallion, which she worked to become a wonderful riding and driving companion. Kellie has competed in Three Day Eventing through Preliminary level. She brought her first horse along from a yearling to a winning event horse. Kellie's philosophy is that each training session a success for the rider and the horse. Kellie will evaluate your skills and help you to achieve your desired level. Whether brushing up on skills, riding for fun, competing, or just trail riding. Kellie wants to teach skills, abilities along with good horsemanship, for success with any endeavor you may pursue.
Call Kellie today to schedule your appointment (510) 917-0016.
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.” 1 Peter 5:7