The horse under your saddle could weigh about 2,000 pounds. That’s roughly the heft of a small car, except this one has feathered hooves and a calm attitude.
The herd here numbers somewhere between 50 and 60 Clydesdales. Some stand up to 19 hands tall, which puts your eyes well above most fences.
I like how the ride doesn’t stop at size. Trails wind through Monterey pine forest and open pasture, then open toward the Pacific on California’s Central Coast.
Cattle graze nearby, and mini-donkeys hang around the barn.
A family has raised these horses for decades, and the owner often leads the rides herself. I can’t imagine a better way to see the coast than from that high up.
So how does a ranch end up putting strangers on show-quality draft horses?
A Clydesdale Ranch Hiding Just Minutes From The Pacific
Cambria already charms people with its pine-covered hills and sleepy coastal vibe. Just outside town, Covell’s Clydesdales adds something you won’t spot on a typical beach weekend.
The ranch, also known as Covell Clydesdale Ranch, covers nearly 2,000 acres. Picture rolling pastures, grazing cattle, and thick stands of Monterey pine stretching toward the ocean.
Here’s the headline act, though. Visitors can climb aboard a Clydesdale for a guided trail ride across the property.
Most horseback outfits use quarter horses or trail-savvy mixed breeds. These are draft horses, the kind you might associate with parades and big hitch competitions.
Riding one feels like trading a sedan for a well-mannered tank.
The ranch sits on California’s Central Coast, in San Luis Obispo County. That makes it an easy add-on for anyone driving Highway 1 or rolling through on a coastal road trip.
It isn’t a drop-in attraction, so plan ahead. Every visit runs by appointment, and the gate stays closed to anyone without one.
Once you’re booked, though, the payoff is huge. Literally huge, with hooves the size of dinner plates and a whole herd waiting in the pastures.
How A Father’s Lifelong Passion Became A Ride You Can Book
Ralph Covell spent close to 40 years breeding and showing high-quality Clydesdales. He earned a strong name in the industry, especially for success in hitch driving competitions.
His family started out in Southern California. Ralph bought the Cambria ranch in 1998, and the family moved there in 1999.
For years, the horses lived the life of show-quality draft animals. Then his daughter, Tara Covell, had an idea that changed everything.
In 2015, Tara began offering public trail rides and tours. Her goal was to carry on her father’s legacy and keep the ranch going strong.
That choice opened the gates to curious riders from all over. Suddenly, regular folks could meet horses bred with championship care.
Ralph passed away in February 2023. His herd, his land, and his love for the breed still shape every visit today.
In fast-changing California, a ranch like this feels like a small act of preservation. Few places keep a family craft alive and still invite the public to share it.
Knowing that history makes the ride hit differently. You’re not just sightseeing.
You’re stepping into a story that spans decades of devotion.
Your Ride Will Be Roughly The Size Of A Small Car
Clydesdales at the ranch weigh between 1,600 and 2,300 pounds. They stand 16 to 19 hands tall, so the view from the saddle is seriously lofty.
Sounds intimidating, right? The breed is famous for a calm, steady temperament, which helps explain why beginners do just fine up there.
Tara often matches each rider with a horse that fits their comfort level. Nervous first-timers and experienced riders can both find a suitable partner in the herd.
Each horse has a name and a personality. Some are slow and easygoing, while others like to keep pace with their buddies on the trail.
These animals were bred, raised, and trained right on the property. That kind of hands-on history usually shows in how relaxed a horse feels with strangers.
Climbing aboard takes a little coordination, so riders should be able-bodied. Good balance and the ability to handle stairs easily are part of the deal.
Once you’re settled in the saddle, the size stops feeling scary. It starts feeling like a front-row seat to the whole Central Coast.
And yes, hugging one afterward counts as a bucket-list moment.
Pine Forest Trails That Open Up To Ocean Views
Shade first, then sky. Rides typically wind through Monterey pine forest before breaking out into wide pastures with sweeping views.
On a clear day, the Pacific can stretch out across the horizon. Seeing it from the back of a Clydesdale feels a bit like watching the coast from a balcony.
The pace is mostly walking. Depending on rider ability, there may be chances to trot or even canter on certain stretches.
Groups stay small, with a maximum of 12 riders. That keeps things personal and gives the guides time to help everyone.
Along the way, you’ll likely pass cattle resting in the grass. Riders get instructions on staying alert, just in case the cows decide to stand up all at once.
Wildlife can make cameo appearances, too. Deer may wander through the trees, and wild turkeys sometimes roam the property.
A big chunk of the pine forest is protected under a conservation easement. That means these woods should stay wild long after your ride ends.
Bring a camera, but keep both hands ready for the reins. The scenery deserves your attention, and so does your horse.
Not A Rider? The Wagon Still Gets You Close
Plenty of people want the Clydesdales without the saddle. The ranch has a smart solution for them.
Vehicle tours run at noon. Groups of five or fewer usually ride in a UTV, while larger groups hop into a wagon.
These tours cover the history of the ranch and the work behind breeding and raising Clydesdales. Tara frequently leads them herself, so the stories come straight from the source.
The best part might be the up-close time. Tours roll out to the pastures where the herd lives, giving you a chance to meet horses of all ages.
With 50 to 60 Clydesdales on the property, that’s a lot of whiskers to admire. Watching that many draft horses roam free is a rare sight anywhere in California.
Tours suit families, older visitors, and anyone who simply prefers four wheels to four hooves. Kids younger than the riding age can still join in the fun.
Some folks even book a tour after a ride, just to see more of the land. Others start with the wagon and promise themselves a trail ride next time.
Either way, you leave knowing these horses much better.
Spring Brings Wobbly-Legged Foals To The Pasture
Baby Clydesdales are basically all legs and curiosity. The ranch breeds every year, so foals may appear on the property.
Foaling season typically runs from January through May. If your calendar is flexible, that window could add an extra helping of cute to your visit.
Seeing a newborn draft horse beside its mama puts the breed’s size into perspective. Even the babies look bigger than you might expect.
There’s no guarantee of foal sightings on any given day, of course. Nature runs its own schedule, and ranch life follows along.
Spring also tends to bring greener hills to the Central Coast. That combination makes the season a lovely time to plan a trip.
For families, foals can be the moment kids talk about for weeks. Adults aren’t immune either, so expect plenty of phone photos.
Visiting at other times of year still delivers plenty of horse magic. The full herd lives on the land year-round.
Still, if you’ve been waiting for a reason to book, spring hands you a pretty convincing one. Tiny hooves, fuzzy manes, and big eyes are hard to resist.
The Supporting Cast Includes Mini-Donkeys And Ranch Pets
Every great show needs a supporting cast. At this ranch, mini-donkeys steal plenty of scenes.
These little guys live on the property alongside the Clydesdales. The size contrast alone is worth a laugh.
Visitors often get time to meet the animals before or after their ride or tour. That relaxed interaction makes the whole experience feel more like a visit to a friend’s ranch.
Ranch pets add their own charm, too. A playful dog and a curious cat have become familiar faces around the barn.
Cattle graze across the pastures as well. Deer and wild turkeys may show up, depending on the day.
All this makes the ranch especially fun for kids. Even if they’re too young to ride, there’s plenty to see and pet.
Animal lovers of every age will find something to grin about. It’s hard to stay serious when a mini-donkey trots over to say hello.
Honestly, the donkeys might be the sneaky highlight for some visitors. Nobody would blame you for spending extra time with them.
A Hands-On Family Operation You Can Feel
Some attractions feel run from a corporate office. Covell’s Clydesdales feels run from the barn.
Tara Covell operates the ranch every day with her husband, Wyatt, and a small team. She guides many of the rides and tours personally.
That personal touch matters. Riders get clear instructions before heading out, along with tips on handling the horses.
Guides also share stories about the breed and the ranch as you go. You come away knowing far more about Clydesdales than when you arrived.
Working with animals this large takes skill and constant care. Running a herd of up to 60 draft horses is no casual hobby.
The small-team approach keeps things friendly and down to earth. It also helps explain why the experience feels personal rather than packaged.
For many visitors, meeting Tara becomes a highlight on its own. Her passion for these horses comes from a lifetime spent around them.
Supporting a family operation like this helps keep a California tradition alive. That’s a nice feeling to take home, along with a few stray horse hairs.
Bring The Whole Crew For A Private Ranch Gathering
Family reunions usually happen in backyards or rented halls. This ranch offers a far more memorable option.
Covell’s Clydesdales hosts private events for groups of about 25 to 55 people. Think family reunions, tour bus trips, and birthday parties.
These gatherings typically pair a vehicle tour with a meal at the barn. Guests get ranch history, herd time, and good company all in one outing.
One thing to know upfront: the ranch is not a wedding venue. So save the vows for somewhere else and bring the cake for a birthday instead.
A milestone birthday surrounded by gentle giants sounds hard to top. It’s the kind of party guests actually remember.
Groups of different ages can all enjoy the day. Nobody has to ride, since the wagon handles the touring.
Planning ahead is key for events, just as it is for regular visits. Reach out early to talk through details and available dates.
If your group has been stuck on the same old reunion routine, this could shake things up. Few party venues come with a herd of draft horses.
Booking Ahead Is The Only Way Through The Gate
Spontaneous visits won’t work here. The ranch operates by appointment only, Monday through Saturday.
Trail rides go out at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Vehicle tours run at noon, and the ranch stays closed on Sundays.
Visits happen year-round, weather permitting. Coastal conditions can shift, so keep an eye on the forecast.
You’ll find the ranch at 5694 Bridge St, Cambria, CA 93428. It sits close to downtown Cambria, so lunch or a stroll can easily follow your ride.
Riders must be at least seven years old. Helmets are available on request, though they aren’t required.
Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that won’t flap around in the breeze. Comfortable layers make sense on the Central Coast, where mornings can feel cool.
Trail ride spots can fill up, especially during busy travel stretches. Booking well in advance gives you the best shot at your preferred time.
If rides are full, the noon tour may still have room. That backup plan keeps your Clydesdale dreams alive.
A little planning goes a long way toward a smooth, happy day.
Why This Belongs At The Top Of Your Central Coast List
California has no shortage of beaches, vineyards, and scenic drives. Very few spots let you see the coast from atop a 2,000-pound draft horse.
Covell’s Clydesdales offers that rare combination. You get history, wide-open land, and a herd bred with decades of care.
The experience works for a wide range of visitors. First-timers, seasoned riders, kids, and grandparents can all find their place here.
Riders get the forest trails and ocean views. Everyone else gets the wagon, the foals in season, and those scene-stealing mini-donkeys.
It also fits neatly into a Highway 1 road trip. Cambria makes a charming base, and the ranch sits just minutes from town.
There’s something reassuring about a family keeping a passion alive this way. A father’s dream became a daughter’s mission, and the public gets to share it.
The ranch holds a stellar 4.9-star rating on Google from 170 reviews. That’s an impressive track record for any California attraction.
So book that slot, pack sturdy shoes, and get ready to look up. Way up, at a gentle giant waiting to carry you toward the Pacific.
