Horse boarding in California
The place for happy horses
Bar SZ Ranch’s spacious pastures, stalls, and paddocks give horses a place to experience life the way they were made to. Here, your horse's health and happiness are the top priority.
Bar SZ Ranch’s spacious pastures, stalls, and paddocks give horses a place to experience life the way they were made to. Here, your horse's health and happiness are the top priority.
We provide the best in professional care and a beautiful property for your horse to roam free. With over 30 years of experience training and tending to horses and 30 acres for them to roam within our 2,200-acre property, you can be confident the Bar SZ Ranch is a place your horse will be happy to call home.
Our owners and managers live on site.
"Moving my horse to the Bar SZ Ranch was the best decision I could have made!"
Horse boarding availability is limited, as we strive to give each horse the best in care, safety, and security. We'll never allow overcrowding in any area of the facility. Included in board is high-quality orchard grass or alfalfa hay, fed twice daily.
Michelle has been working with horses for over 30 years. She began riding at six years old and became an assistant riding instructor at thirteen. She became a head riding instructor at 17. She rode horses in both 4-H and the United States Pony Club and was fortunate to train with many professionals in English and Western riding.
She attended both Clemson University and Cal Poly SLO where she showed horses and earned her degree in Animal Science with graduate work in Agricultural Education. While in college, Michelle worked for a resort leading trail rides, giving arena lessons to both kids and adults, and overseeing the care of both ranch and boarded horses. After college, she worked for 12 years as a veterinary technician. She was also certified through the Equine Growth and Learning Association (EGALA) where she worked as an Equine Specialist in therapy sessions with at-risk youth and families.
Michelle earned a level four Master Instructor Certification in both English and Western riding through the Certified Horsemanship Association. She is qualified to improve the performance of advanced riders and their horses in jumping, dressage, reining, and other performance events.
Most recently, Michelle has been managing the barn at the Bar SZ Ranch where she oversees the care and training of guest trail riding horses. She also enjoys hosting clinics where she teaches guests, students, and 4-H members all about horses and other ranch animals. Additionally, Michelle oversees the care of all boarded horses at the facility.
Keeping horses safe and comfortable is work Michelle and her team take very seriously.
20 years ago, Morgan rode her first horse on a ranch that is now part of Pinnacles National Park. It was then that she fell in love with both the animals and the land. Morgan shared her unique passion with her grandmother, Peggy Kingman, who managed an equine retirement facility on her property. Peggy became Morgan’s first mentor and best friend. From a young age, Morgan knew that she wanted to be just like her grandmother someday. Morgan was also fortunate to grow up under the guidance of Gene Armstrong, an instructor at Cal Poly and a professional horseman, who helped spark her passion for horse training.
Morgan attended Feather River College, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Equine and Ranch Management. While in college, Morgan worked at Coppercreek Camp, where she exercised the camp horses in the off-season and discovered her love for teaching riding lessons. Additionally, she received CHA certifications for her instruction at the camp. Morgan also completed an internship program, working for a popular cow horse trainer, Justin Wright, for a summer.
After college, Morgan moved to Carmel, where she became the head riding instructor and onsite co-manager for the Santa Lucia Preserve Equestrian Center. Currently, Morgan is the assistant barn manager and trainer at the Bar SZ Ranch, where she works closely with and under the guidance of Michelle. Morgan has experience in all riding disciplines, but specializes in ranch versatility and making top-quality ranch horses. Aside from exercise riding and training, Morgan enjoys all of the day-to-day care that comes with having horses and sharing her passion with educating the future horsemen and horsewomen of tomorrow.
We have used Dr. Tobias and his team for the past twelve years and love the way they have cared for our horses and ranch animals. He and his colleague Dr. Amy McBirney are available for ranch calls or in-office visits.
Our farriers provide our horses with superior customized hoof care. Kind and courteous, they're always on time and extremely professional.
It’s a mighty fine home if we do say so ourselves. Let’s talk shop and see what we can do for you!
Board your horse
“I boarded my horse with Michelle Borland for five years and this included time that I was away for college and did not see my horse for weeks at a time. I always felt comfortable leaving as I knew my horse would be treated as one of her own. He was always in fantastic condition while under her care—she kept an eye on his weight and was able to catch even the slightest sign that he might be losing weight and adjust proactively. I wouldn’t hesitate to leave any horse in her care as I have seen first hand her expertise and the attention she gives the horses under her care.”
"When I needed to find long-term retirement boarding for my horse, Scooter, the Bar SZ Ranch was the sanctuary I had dreamed of for her! Over the years, they've cared for Scooter’s maintenance and health needs with love and compassion.
Scooter is happy at the ranch where she shares a large pasture with the buddies she made. Tim and Michelle Borland have always been welcoming to me and my family when we come to visit Scooter. Communication has also been exceptional! The Borlands often share photos and updates to keep me aware of Scooter’s health and wellbeing. When medical needs come up, they are clearly and timely shared so that we can make the appropriate decision."
