My credentials: Been riding since 1974; Ridden at many of different ranches over the years. I even had my own horse in high school. I only say this to explain that I really do have a perspective on this matter. I like to start on a good note: Anchor D has very friendly dogs.
Now, as the wife and I approached the stables, we were taken by the property's lack of care. Sloppy, unkempt property. The tack room was a downright shamble. What a mess! Couldn't tell all the dressings apart.
Now, we were dressed appropriate for riding (well-broken-in riding boots, hats, gloves), you know, ready to ride. The other couple we were paired with were wearing tennis shoes and were under dressed. Novices for sure. There were several young women gadding about acting like they worked there, but didn't really do anything. They acted like giddy little girls around horses - with no idea what to do with them. The front corral was over stuffed with horses, which were fighting constantly. (40-50 in a single round pen is too many!) The "wrangler" we had, had only been there 3 months, and, in her words: "was still getting used to this one trail...". I had requested the "John Ware" ride (apparently that guide was unavailable). She was nice 'n all, but when my wife and I stopped to take a picture, she totally freaked out about how the horses all have to stay together, and she needs to keep and eye on all her riders. What a load of crap! I've been on trail rides on the Navajo Nation, and we all went all over the place, at will, with the guide's "keeping an eye on us"! And, we got to RUN the horses (gasp! Imagine if I had asked do that???! I suppose snow would never again fall in the Kananaskis! - Pathetic). She also didn't help the other woman when she was getting leg/knee cramps. *I* had to help her, to her happy relief.
It was really sad experience. We noted the horse that the other guy had been given was showing signs of tendon stress in his right rear leg. Plus, the horse didn't drink anything when we were saddling up. Why? Water trough was all but empty. Most of the time, horses on a trail ride all 'inspire' each other about the same time for bladder relief. This horse did not. My horse was a whole other story. You'd think that they'd give me a spirited horse, like I'd asked for. No. I spent the entire 3 hours of the ride digging my boot heels into the horse's ribs to just get him to keep up with the other 4 horses! Twice, before we started the ride, I mentioned that "Dusty" seemed very slow. The guide twice replied "yeah, he's slow". I thought I might be able to 'spur' him on a bit, but... he was S-L-O-W. Might as well have cut the reigns off. If you do end up wanting to ride with these folks, remember: it is a 'nose-to-tail' experience, it is NOT for anybody who has any riding experience. Just tell them that you're an "expert", and they just might give you a (hopefully healthy) horse that will please you.
Why did I get this horse? Even though I have more saddle time than most folks, was it because I'm 64 perhaps? The woman who took my money could barely lift her eyes to look at me, and bolted as soon as I signed the credit slip, as though she had a good idea this was all a set up. The only reason I didn't cancel right then and there was because my wife was so excited to ride in a different area than we're used to.
In conclusion (finally), I wanted to tell our trail guide she should look for a job elsewhere. I saw clear signs that Anchor D won't be around for long. They run a bad business format, and could care less about YOUR experience. They're just after your money. Go ride at Boundary Ranch, Rafter 6, or any other many other -likely- more reputable riding stables. Oh, and don't go by Anchor D's Yelp ratings, many look to be planted. read more
