Where Southern roots meet California skies, and real horsemanship lives in every ride.
The Saddle Prince Ranch began in Southern California when founder Prince Damons—known as "The Saddle Prince"—recognized the need for a more authentic cowboy experience in the Los Angeles area. At the time, there was little to no gaited horse community. Prince was born and raised in a small Southern town in Northeast Mississippi, where gaited horses were a popular discipline favored by many farmers and pleasure riders. It was only natural for him to bring a touch of Southern equine tradition to Southern California.
Today, Saddle Prince Ranch is a hub for training gaited horses, offering riding lessons, and selling some of the finest gaited horses on the West Coast. Saddle Prince Ranch sits in the hills of California's Valley, surrounded by natural beauty and open trails that stretch into the mountains. It's a working ranch with space for up to ten horses, a turnout and riding area, as well as direct access to scenic riding paths. The ranch is known for its exceptional lesson program and for producing some of Southern California's top gaited and racking horses. People travel from across the country to experience the "Cadillac Smooth" Tennessee Walkers and Foxtrotters trained by The Saddle Prince.
Located in Sun Valley, CA, The Saddle Prince Ranch features top-tier instructors in Western pleasure, gaited riding, and English disciplines. The Saddle Prince Ranch takes pride in turning diamonds in the rough into shining equine royalty. In 2025, the ranch provided refuge for several displaced horses during the Los Angeles fires, further strengthening its role within the equine community. On any given day, you'll find stalls being cleaned, horses being cared for, lessons in progress, and rescue horses finding new homes. Above all, the ranch stands for integrity, strong principles, and a genuine love for both horses and people.
Prince Damons, known as "The Saddle Prince," is a dedicated horseman, rider, trainer, and advocate rooted in authentic cowboy culture and equestrian tradition. Raised in Mississippi, the Hospitality State, his passion for horses was shaped early through Southern roots and hands-on experience in riding and equine care, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to horsemanship.
A respected voice in the cowboy community, Prince has competed in rodeos and endurance rides across the country, participated in trail rides nationwide, and organized community rides throughout California. As a master-level trainer specializing in gaited horses, he emphasizes natural horsemanship, ground training, horse behavior, daily welfare, and building trust between horse and rider.
Alongside his passion for horses, Prince is widely recognized in the music industry as an award-winning music producer, songwriter, and Rt Music Group recording artist. His work includes collaborations with esteemed artists such as neo-soul icon Dwele, Lenny Williams (Tower of Power), Jody Watley (Shalamar), E-40, and Too Short. Now based in Southern California, he founded Saddle Prince Ranch, where he provides refined horsemanship experiences through training, trail rides, and programs for riders of all levels—while remaining dedicated to preserving the legacy of Black cowboys and honoring the intersection of his two lifelong passions: music and horsemanship.
More than lessons, this is an experience built on connection, trust, and real horsemanship.
Horses aren't tools or attractions. They're partners who deserve patience, understanding, and genuine care.
Every rider is different. We tailor experiences to your comfort level, goals, and learning pace.
This isn't about rushing. It's about building real skills, confidence, and connection that lasts.
From round pen to mountain trails, we create moments that become memories you'll carry for life.
Whether you're learning to ride or hosting a private event, Saddle Prince Ranch offers real cowboy experiences.
All levels welcome. Beginners start in the round pen, experienced riders refine their skills on the trails. Every lesson is personal.
Learn MoreCreate memories together. Kids learn with patience, parents ride alongside. Safe, memorable, and built for families.
Learn MoreGolden light, open land, horses, mountain backdrops. A natural setting for portraits, engagement photos, music videos, or creative projects.
Learn MoreBirthdays, celebrations, gatherings. The ranch offers private space, with horses onsite to add that special western touch to your special event.
Learn MoreHave something specific in mind? We create tailored experiences to match your vision and goals.
Contact UsBrowse our selection of gaited horses for sale. Each horse is professionally trained and ready for their new home.
View ListingsThis isn't about rushing or showing off. It's about connection, to the horse, the land, and the moment you're in. Prince teaches all levels with a calm, grounded approach that comes from years of real experience.
If you're looking for more than a riding lesson — if you want something authentic, memorable, and rooted in real horsemanship — you'll find it here.