Skip Navigation
Book Now
horse running in Santa Ynez Valley

Meet Brandon

Our New Director of Equine Operations

 Meet Brandon, Alisal Ranch’s New Director of Equine Operations

Brandon standing beside a horse. Saddle resting on a fence

With a passion for horse training and over 20 years of experience, Brandon Gorham brings a unique perspective and expertise to Alisal Ranch.

Brandon started riding at thirteen when his mom shared her love of horses and he quickly immersed himself in the world of reining. Last year, he traveled across the country, competing at prestigious events such as the Snaffle Bit Futurity in Fort Worth, Texas.

This spring, he moved to the ranch with his horses Oscar and Alibi. “Oscar is a character. He is very playful. Alibi is a sweetheart, we use him for our equine therapy classes because he is such a calming horse.” Brandon and Alibi have quite a bit of history together. He bought Alibi when he was just one year old, trained him, sold him, and reacquired him sixteen years later.

As the new Director of Equine Operations, he manages around 25 team members and 115 horses. “I see endless opportunity with the Ranch,” says Gorham. “I feel that everyone wants to see the full potential of the Ranch just as I do.”

Brandon sitting on a horse

New Horseback Rides

In alignment with his goal to cater to diverse guest preferences and schedules, Brandon has introduced new ways to ride at Alisal Ranch. This includes a 1-hour ride, a three-hour ride, and horsemanship classes. New horseback rides allow guests a variety of options to choose from based on their time constraints, riding experience, and interests.

“A new 1-hour ride will give guests that have never ridden a horse, the opportunity to try it before they commit to a full 2-hour ride. It also allows guests a quick ride they can fit into a busy activity schedule. It’s hard to choose from so many activities on the Ranch, so the 1-hour ride provides more options when there is a gap between activities.”

The recently added 3-hour ride allows guests to see parts of the ranch on horseback that they have never been able to access in the past. “We wanted to provide a brand-new experience with extra opportunities to explore our beautiful landscape,” says Gorham. “Guests can expect to see higher views over the ranch and city as well as wildlife that tend to stay farther away from active pathways.”

Our Horsemanship Arena Class focuses on fundamental skills that teach the correct ways to ride and handle your horse. “The Round Pen class will allow guests to get comfortable around horses, teaching them how to move them on the ground and gain control of movement. Skills include lunging and exercising the horses on the ground.”

Horsemanship 101 is a three-part class. Part one includes all of the basics of stop, go, steering your horse, and backing up. Part two has guests putting those skills to use through obstacle courses. Part three is learning to lope and getting comfortable at a steady pace, preparing riders for advanced trail rides and 3-hour distance rides.

head shot of Brandon

We look forward to welcoming you to Alisal Ranch and getting you out on the trails.

TAGS

hat
Stay in touch with Alisal Ranch.
Sign up for our newsletter to stay in touch with Alisal Ranch for special offers, news, and the latest on all of our Ranch friends.
you may also like...

May 11, 2025

Top Western Father's Day Gift Ideas

Celebrate the dads in your life with gifts that capture the rugged spirit and simple pleasures of the West. From unforgettable experiences like Barbecue University and golf getaways to handcrafted keepsakes like Alisal Bourbon and Western denim, these ideas bring a little piece of ranch life to this year’s Father’s Day.

April 6, 2025

DIY Ranch-Inspired Decor Ideas

Bring the spirit of the ranch home with easy, hands-on décor projects inspired by life at Alisal. From reclaimed wood accents to painted horseshoes and nature-inspired centerpieces, these simple DIYs add warmth, charm, and a touch of the West to any space.

March 6, 2025

Wildflower Crafts for Spring

This spring, celebrate the season’s beauty with wildflower-inspired crafts that bring nature into your home. From pressed flower art to botanical candles and handmade clay trinkets, these DIY projects capture the magic of blooming meadows and fresh country air.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay in touch with Alisal Ranch.

Sign up to hear the latest on special offers, news, and events happening at Alisal Ranch.