My husband and I were excited to take a trail ride while we were on Martha's Vineyard. My husband loves horses. We regret our trip to Arrowhead Farm.
While the property seemed nice, we were taken into the woods through a trail that, according to our guide, had not been trimmed and cleaned up yet since it was June and before high-season. While we managed to duck and avoid most tree branches etc... there are also thorn bush/trees... which have branches that hang so low and on the trail that they are unavoidable. The guide walks next to you - in our case, between the two us. First, the trail is too narrow for 2 horses side by side with a trainer walking between them. Second, the trail was not cleaned.
Even though I was screaming for my guide to stop pulling my horse... we kept going.. as several thorn branches stuck to my face and dragged me backwards. Finally we stopped, when finally she turned to see the blood gushing down my face around my eyes. YOU SHOULD SEE MY FACE. I am lucky that I didn't get blinded. Thankfully, it missed my eyes by a half-second, though I had scrapes above and below my eyes and on my eyelids.
I understand that you ride at your own risk- but they are responsible for cleaning up the trail and providing a safe riding environment for riders. This isn't my first time riding - I know you have to duck to avoid branches. I'm not an idiot. These were thorns.. hanging so low and into the middle of the trail, that ducking didn't help.
Again, you should see my face. Look at the photo I uploaded.
As if that wasn't traumatizing enough - you would not believe how rude the staff and owner were. Our guide brought me back to the stable... gave me a hose and a washcloth, and said "Sorry, but you still have to pay". My husband and I just couldn't believe it. Eager to get home and wash my face with soap etc, I gave her my credit card. My husband just couldn't take it - so he made them call the owner. I might add that the owner is of the same family that owns the famous Black Dog empire.
The owner arrived... and literally said, "What do you want me to do about it?" I said.. "umm maybe a refund? And a sincere apology??" We were just in such disbelief that they could be so rude. I literally could have been blinded. And she told me that riding is one of the most dangerous sports.. we signed a waiver.. and it had just rained so maybe that was why the branches were low.
Unbelievably rude and unapologetic. While my husband and I were talking to the owner, our guide walked by with her next appointment, the 3 of us laughing at us... read more