We never actually got to book a trail ride, the low rating is purely for the communication my fiancé and I experienced trying to set up the booking. My fiancé reached out on Tuesday via text to both Mike and Shannon to set up a ride for the upcoming Saturday (my birthday). Didn't hear back so he called Mike on Wednesday. I texted Mike and Shannon myself on Thursday knowing it was a shot in the dark. We figured they were busy and surely someone would get back to us before the weekend, but we were wrong. I really wanted to go for a ride and had Monday off too, so I followed up on Saturday morning and finally got a response. After some back-and-forth over the weekend we finally got a ride set up for Monday, only for the ride to be canceled the night before due to some emergency on their end. While Mike was very nice on the texts exchanged (thus the 2 stars instead of 1), the amount of communication attempts necessary to get a response was really frustrating. If customers feel like they have to hound you to get your business, they're certainly not going to try again a second time much less recommend you to anyone else. read more

Another reviewer had the same experience that I did. I asked for lessons for my granddaughter. 5 days later after no response I asked again and got the "no availability" answer. Then an extremely rude response which I will share. Not a secretary?? How about an owner!!!Such an unprofessional washed out business... terrible! Too many places to choose from for riding why choose someone so angry and negative! read more

AzTrailRiding - The owners RUDE response!!! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I had an incredible experience with these folks! From start to finish, everything was perfect. The staff were so friendly, welcoming, and clearly passionate about their horses. They took the time to match each rider with the right horse based on experience and comfort level, which made the ride so enjoyable. The horses were calm, well cared for, and clearly loved their job. The trail itself was stunning -- gorgeous scenery, peaceful surroundings, Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging, sharing fun facts about the area and making sure everyone felt safe and confident throughout the ride. Whether you're a first-time rider or an experienced horse lover, I can't recommend them enough. It's the perfect way to spend a beautiful day outdoors and connect with these amazing animals. I'll definitely be back! read more

If you want to save time and money go to Ponderosa Stables. For knowing why not here The entire experience was not great at all especially for a birthday event. Communication was terrible, staff was very unfriendly, that was before the ride website doesn't do it justice just complete lies. They make you feel terrible for not being on their schedule even though says on website that they can accommodate to any time and can reschedule not the case they take your money don't even want to reschedule so instead decided to give it a try and next thing you know entire party thought this was super sketchy. We met at their house then drove over to a park with a little trail ride to go and they barely talked about facts just made it very awkward especially saying wrong names. Now if want an over the top experience dinner provided laughter great family feel vibes and they actually care to remember your names please check out Ponderosa Stables you won't be let down there at all!!! Hope this helps!! read more

Probably the best trail ride I've ever been on. They don't lie when they say you RIDE. As long as you're not inflating your experience or abilities, the experience is meant to be made YOUR own. Our guide lady was so fun and obviously very knowledgeable. The most important part for me, who also owns horses, was the health of the animals and their living conditions. ALL of the animals were healthy, happy, well fed and energetic, they really care for the horses and it's not just a company trying to squeeze max profit for themselves. My daughter (10 y/o) and I did the two hour ride and it felt like we were just out on a ride with a friend. Next time we are there we are FOR SURE going to do the swimming adventure! read more

AzTrailRiding - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Shannon and Mike will give you the best experience. They know horses and the best trails to take you on. They are so knowledgeable about everything around the desert and especially the mustangs. I have done 3 rides with them and each one is a little different. read more

Absolutely the best trail riding around!!!!!! Every ride is a true horseback experience with awesome trails, fabulous views, healthy fit horses and amazing guides. Mike and Shannon truly make every ride unique and cater to any level of rider. Every time I have company in town or a special occasion, Aztrailriding is a must. All my returning company ALWAYS request a ride. Thank you guys for always making our visits special. read more

I was excited to reach out to AZ Trail Riding based on the great reviews, but when I did, I was pretty disappointed in the response. I asked about availability on a certain day and the response was simply that they had no availability on that date. I understand being booked up, but I thought I would be met with something like, "well we don't have availability on that day, but would any of these other days work for you?" It was a pretty close ended correspondence which I thought was odd. I ended up going a different route, which is fine - just a little bummed. read more

Best time of our lives! So many beautiful sights to see and I never thought I would get to see wild horses but we saw so many! The hard work and dedication they put in to making it all possible is incredible. If you want to really experience Arizona you have to come here! We felt so safe with our guide Mike and were well cared for through out the whole experience. Thank you so much for making dreams come true read more

AzTrailRiding - Two friends on horseback in a river - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Great ride and guides. Enjoyed the conversations with our guides, they trained our first time riders on how to handle the horses.

I have been on many trail rides and this is by far the best one! I was hoping for a small group for this weekday ride and it was just my niece and I! Shannon was so gracious in showing us around and taking our pictures. We will definitely be taking our friends and family out here for the next ride! Highly recommend for a more personalized ride and not just having horses walking in a line for 2 hours. read more

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Absolutely the best and most memorable excursion experience from our Arizona trip! Mike and Shannon are some of the nicest, friendliest folks you'll ever meet, and you know for sure they are passionate about their horses (and other animals! You'll meet goats like Virgil and Sammich, dogs like Dixie and Maisy, a turkey, a tortoise, a donkey, and more!). I've been horseback riding before, but I was traveling with two friends who had never been. Mike and Shannon took this into account and paired us up with horses by their personalities. I was placed on top of Doc (and they'd actually accidentally forgotten his bridle (or something) so I used his lead rope tied into a makeshift one, which worked), my guy friend got Hannah, and my girl friend got Two Step. You can tell the horses are so well cared for and excellently trained. All it takes it a little suggestions with the reins and the horses follow directions and turn left and right like you are of the same mind. It's amazing! I've never ridden a horse without a bit in its mouth before, and I liked it better (as did the horses, it appears). Doc was funny, he LOVED to eat (like me). Every time we stopped he'd drop his head to eat anything that was around, even though I tried my hardest to pull his rope up. He even would grab mouthfuls on the go as we went. Hannah was very well behaved until we got into the Salt River, and her water-loving quirk came out and she wouldn't stop splashing with her foreleg. It was so adorable, but my friend's jeans and shoes ended up soaked haha! And Two Step is named because he can't quite stand still easily, and he had a bro relationship with Mike's horse (Moon) and HAD to stay right by him. I love how every horse has its own personality! This is not your run-of-the-mill trail ride. I've been on several trail rides where all you see is the butt of the horse in front of you and you're told to just stay in one line. Not this ride! You control your horse, and as long as you stay nearby (and depending on your comfort/experience level), you can go where you want to go. There's not one set trail, it's more of a direction that you're heading in. We signed up for the sunset 2-hr trail ride to look for wild horses (amazing, right?). It was just as breathtaking as it sounds. We paid $80 each (not including tax), which includes jumping into Mike's truck and trailering the horses down to the trail. There's a herd of 200 wild horses that live in that area. At first we didn't see anything (except gorgeous desert landscapes of course), but we went down to Salt River and it was just absolutely magical to see WILD HORSES wading in the river! Different family groups within the herd are called "bands," and we saw several bands as we rode along the river. Finally we found a spot to bring our horses into Salt River, and it was just gorgeous. There were wild horses nearby, our horses were enjoying drinking, splashing, and cooling off in the river, and the sun was setting to make the lighting gorgeous. Then we walked through a place called Sherwood Forest, which is so green that it really looks like you're not in the middle of the desert. We ended up losing track of time and stayed out past the 2-hr, but Mike and Shannon were all about giving us the experience of our lives. The whole experience was just beyond words. I am so grateful to Mike and Shannon for an awesome ride, and to our wonderful horses as well! If you're going to Mesa, definitely check this place out! Oh, and don't forget to ask Mike to show you his gun tricks -- ask him to shoot a water bottle out of Shannon's hand! ;) read more

I couldn't have asked for a better experience for horseback riding! I surprised my boyfriend for his birthday, and it was his first time ever riding a horse. Shannon and her sweet helper, Cam, were so incredibly hospitable throughout our ride. I've been horseback riding several times, but never been to a place that really allows their horses to make their own trail. Shannon encouraged us to explore and let the horses show off a little! Before the ride, they let you walk around the ranch and meet all their babies. You can tell each one of them is so well cared for there. It's so important to support family businesses during this time, so if you're in the area and looking for something fun to do I highly encourage reserving a ride. Support this family on continuing to do what they love! Shannon let us know that they change their routes regularly, so you can get a new experience and see new sights every time you return. We will definitely be back soon read more

This is a great place for riding regardless of level. Well trained horses who are taken care of. I was planning a vacation to a dude ranch and wanted to brush up for more advanced riding before I went because I hadn't ridden very much in a couple years. I purchased a 4 pack of lessons from AZTrail Riding and was able to be immediately comfortable on my riding vacation and was the only one of my group that passed the lope check on the first try. read more

If you are looking for horseback riding in AZ, THIS company should be THE ONLY one you choose!! They are extremely reasonable, super friendly, very knowledgeable about the AZ desert and the utmost professionals! Many of their horses come from rescues and are the most gentle creatures. I have been on many trail rides over the years in AZ... This was BY FAR the best experience EVER!! I will be back for more... Spread the word! read more

we went twice this year. love love love AZ trail rides. We will go again next year. Adios amigos

Mike and Shannon are the best!! They are knowledgeable and experienced. They have the most wonderful horses that are so beautiful. They give unlimited drinks and beers on the tour. They are so much fun. The ride was so beautiful and memorable! They took so many pictures of us and it was so special. read more

I am so grateful that we found AZ Trail Riding! My mom looked high and low for a stable that would allow my 4-year-old son to try horse riding for the first time. Mike was so responsive, accommodating and helpful from the moment we contacted him. He gave my son the most fabulous first riding lesson, teaching him so much about every aspect of horse riding and care, from respecting the animals to grooming to saddlery, as well as amazingly sensitive, simple and well-put direction for a first-time, very young rider. My son loved the experience so much from start to finish that we came back into town from California one month later specifically to visit Mike for a second lesson today! THANK YOU to Mike and Shannon at AZ Trail Riding for teaching my son a love of horses - we feel like you're family already! read more

I highly recommend AZ Trail Riding! I have taken my grandsons for trail rides before, but Mike and Shannon gave us an experience we will always remember! We saw wild horse herds drinking in the river, and rode through the enchanted forest. We LOVED IT! read more

Shannon and Billy are such an amazing group of people! So much fun and such a great experience!! Can't wait to come back soon! Hopefully we'll see y'all in October for another ride! Will definitely recommend this to everyone! Thank you guys for such a great birthday again! read more

2 hour ride was fun. The horses are easy to ride and the trip around Gold Canyon was a visual treat. Our guide Frank was helpful and full of good stories. Don't need a backpack. You're required to use a horse satchel instead. read more