Foothills Ranch Horseback Riding in Mayer, Arizona, deserves every bit of praise I can give. From the moment I first spoke with the owner, Phyliss, I knew we were in good hands. She was flexible, accommodating, and genuinely committed to making our adventure special. I brought my two grandchildren along, and they had an absolutely wonderful time. The horses themselves were beautiful, healthy, and easy to ride--clearly well cared for and well trained. Our ride through the Prescott National Forest was nothing short of spectacular. As we followed Big Bug Creek and made our way deeper into the forest, both Phyliss and Janice shared an incredible wealth of knowledge. Their understanding of horses, combined with their deep appreciation for the area's history, made the experience unforgettable. We learned about the region's gold mining past, Native American history, early settlers, and even the geology, plant life, and wildlife that make this part of Arizona so unique. It was an education wrapped inside the best trail ride we've ever been on. Foothills Ranch offers far more than a simple horseback ride--it's a meaningful, memorable experience led by people who truly love what they do. I can't recommend it highly enough. Jim H read more

Foothills Ranch - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mayer, Arizona

Second time riding with the team at Foothills Ranch! We had a lovely time. Our guide Janice was so knowledgeable and made for a fun ride! read more

Foothills Ranch - Stopped in the dry creek bed for a couple quick photos. - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mayer, Arizona

See all

Me and my boyfriend came to the ranch as one our birthday activities, we had an amazing experience with the horses , very well trained and easy to handle ... the guide even gave us a little history about the place while riding and showed us how to open and close gates in the cowboys style .... The trail is beautiful and diverse, we also got to ride the horses in the water. They took amazing pictures for us and even had a cake waiting at the end of the ride , 10/10 experience . read more

Foothills Ranch - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mayer, Arizona

The whole day was remarkable. Wes took our girl in hand, challenged her and brought her out of herself. The confidence she gained from him was amazing. We went in with one girl and came out with another Also - I'm hooked! Looking forward to doing it again next month read more

Foothills Ranch - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mayer, Arizona

Horrible experience. Horses do not listen, guides horse wouldn't even listen to her, someone got bucked off their horse and there was no urgency to help the man. They tell you to be in charge but your horse will just do whatever it wants. read more

I should've posted a review sooner...Phyllis and her staff were all amazing. She took the time during our trail ride to explain the history of the land and how the ranch came to be. My daughter (7) rode next to her the entire time and got such personal touches by both Phyllis and her ranch hands after the ride! We were able to "tour" the barn with all of the other animals at the end of the ride. The staff took the time to walk my daughter through the barns and let us pet and hold some of the animals. It was a great experience all around and we will be back for sure! I can't thank them enough for how patient and knowledgeable they all were!! read more

We're going to have to go visit Foothills Ranch and take another ride SOON! I love this place. I don't know anywhere else you can go for a nice horse ride in the area. The horses are well-kept and cared for. They are well mannered and healthy. Our guide is always knowledgeable and kind. This is a relaxing, walk with animals in nature. I love it and we will be back again! read more

See all

Grandson and I had fun. Very nice people. Perfect weather. They knew their history about the area.

What a great adventure. We're both so glad we decided to go horseback riding at Foothills Ranch. Wes, Phyllis, and their crew were like being with family. They know their business and made sure everyone was safe. I loved the fact that they shared history and facts about the trails and the land. It was also super cool that they took great photos to help everyone capture memories of the beautiful experience. We will definitely recommend to others and we plan to go again. read more

See all

This was a present from my wife to us both. What a great time and wonderful ride. Great care was given to all riders and lots of explaining along the ride. We will definitely be back for another ride with some friends. read more

See all

We had such a great experience! Wes guided us on a great ride and told us lots about the area. The horses are well cared for and he was very knowledgeable of the area and led us through different terrains, explaining different features and showing us how to traverse them. He had a great sense of humor too! read more

Foothills Ranch - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mayer, Arizona

See all

We were camping in the Bloody Basin area for Spring Break and found Foothills Ranch close by, so my step-daughter and I scheduled a 2-hour ride. They are centrally located and have plenty of beautiful country to ride! We showed up early and the property was well kept and clean! We could tell the horses were well taken care of and loved. We had a friendly welcome by Wes, his staff, and the animals. They made us feel welcome and comfortable. Wes adjusted our ride to what we wanted to do and our riding capabilities. We loved learning about the history of the area and hearing the stories of previous rides in the area. The views were beautiful and the horses were well trained and  behaved! We highly recommend Foothills Ranch and team, you will throughly enjoy yourselves! We will be back with our whole family. read more

Foothills Ranch - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mayer, Arizona

I called around for non-desert horseback riding. This is a tall order in Arizona. Phyllis accommodated my family of 4 for a ride the next morning. She is super nice and helpful on the phone and texted me directions to her ranch. This is a working ranch, their "trail horses" are not like other trail horses we've ridden - they'll follow the lead horse/guide, but as a rider, you'll also need to maneuver the horse. You're not just sitting on a horse and letting them take you. My horse was very responsive and we went off the path of the lead horse to take closer look at the terrain - lots to see in the area: mines, minerals (mercury, iron, granite, slate in its raw form), and "ruins" from the mid-1800s gold rush past. There are mining holes. So we got close to it to peak down. Very cool to experience/view a piece of history. Also you'd think being in Arizona that it'd be mostly desert. This ranch is by the mountain range. It has good terrain and not flat at all. We enjoyed the horses, the trail, and the scenery. Win win for an active family of 4 with teenagers. Plus Phyllis and Wes are super nice! She also took pictures for us along the way and sent them shortly there after, wonderful memories. They let us hang out afterwards, to learn to brush the horses, give them treats, and visit with the rest of their horses. So lucky I can across their website. We would definitely come back again! read more

Last time I rode a horse, my grandpa took me to the county fair where they put me on the back of the animal and led me around in circles. Foothills is not my grandpa's horse ride. With the care of my grandpa, however, Phyllis and Wes gas us three first time senior riders a wonderful experience on three of their many horses. We took trails down into creek beds (dried by this year's surprise heat), past few of the many mine shafts the have been filled in since the end of the gold rush and weaved through the cottonwoods and ground grown that makes this area trigger your inner cowboy. Miles was the perfect horse for me. He knew the trails but didn't always follow them but walked and galloped up some hills to give me thrills but not too many. My wife, who was apprehensive about riding a horse at first, didn't want to stop. We highly recommend Foothills Ranch. read more

Foothills Ranch - Me, wife, our friend - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mayer, Arizona

See all

We absolutely love our horse rides at Foothills Ranch! We have been twice now and will be back! Phyllis does such a good job making you feel safe on your horse. The horses are stunningly gorgeous and the trails are fun! If you are on the fence, GO!!! You will not be disappointed! read more

See all

If you're looking for a one of a kind trail riding experience, this is your place!! Wes and Phyllis are some of the kindest and down to earth people, they really made our ride so memorable and exciting. We have horses of our own, and enjoy finding other horses that we can ride around on as a family. These horses are so well behaved and did everything we asked! Their personalities were so fun, and gave us the perfect combination of challenge and thrill!! We are used to going on sub-par trail rides where you just walk on a gravel road and can't move off the path. Wes let us explore the area and gave us so much information about the land and its rich history. We will absolutely come visit again! read more

Fantastic time! We chose this stable based on the reviews of Trip Advisor and we could not be happier. Phyllis and Wes are wonderful, welcoming and beyond friendly. My husband is 6'9 and most stables won't accommodate his height. Phyllis found a horse for him and she suggested we take the morning ride so the horse would be fresh and it not so warm out. Ny husband rode Larry and he was AMAZING! He did such a great job!  My teen daughters had a blast and we learned so much about the area, the fires, flooding, local wildlife and even saw a turtle! We had a fabulous time. They are close to Prescott, no frills stable and a very lovely family. We can't wait to come back. read more

Foothills Ranch - Larry, Pepper and Sonny - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mayer, Arizona

See all

The owner of this place took our 21 year old horse saying he was a rescue facility. instead he used him for trail rides and after 3 weeks he's sending the horse to auction because his legs are shot. my daughter is devastated, and we are scrambling for a trailer and another farm. Do Not trust these people. I'm fact if the horse you ride is no longer able to carry you.... don't expect to see them next time. could be dog food by now. read more

I took my six year old granddaughter here this morning and we had the MOST amazing time! I haven't been on a horse in almost 30 years and Phyllis, the owner/guide, gave us perfect horses. The area is gorgeous, people wonderful, and the memories- priceless. I highly recommend Foothills Ranch for everyone. read more

Foothills Ranch - Great experience! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mayer, Arizona

Great trail rides, gorgeous scenery and beautiful horses; which is why I regularly go on rides here. Phyllis is friendly and gives some history on the rides so it's an informative trip with nature. Her horses are the best trail horses I've been on, & I've been riding for 50 years. Love this place! read more

Foothills Ranch - handsome Jesse before our ride - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mayer, Arizona

Wonderful morning ride. Great horse and the guides/owners are very nice and super helpful. I was nervous but they were patient. You need to wear long pants otherwise you'll end up with lots of scratches! They have helmets and hats. You can carry you phone in a pouch on the horse. Wear your sunglasses and sunscreen! read more

See all

We have chosen foothills Ranch several years ago for my granddaughters birthday present she loves horses. This year we again ventured to see the Horses and ride the best of the best.. "Larry, Pepper, Bandit,Smokey,and Austin. Our guide was the beautiful Ms Phyllis. We had a wonderful ride and of course the life lessons from Wes. We are so grateful for what you do and the Love we saw for your horses. We will definitely make this a yearly event. The price was reasonable and we enjoyed the morning. Thank you read more

Foothills Ranch - The birthday Girl - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mayer, Arizona

See all

What a nice little gem! My boyfriend and I come down to Arizona from Michigan every year to visit his sister. I work in the horse industry, and have been to many trail riding places over the years so I have seen it all, the good the bad and the ugly. Let me tell you Phyllis and Wes know what they are doing! Their horses are treated like family and they make sure you are comfortable with who your riding. It was so nice to see a trail riding place treat their horses so well- all were fat and happy!! The trail was NOT boring and Phyllis was very knowledgeable about the history of the surrounding area. Great terrain and great views! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone wanting a more personal experience. Can't wait to come back next year! Ps. Also gotta say "Rat" was the best Trail Boss with four legs I've ever met! He made sure we stayed on track and made sure the trail was clear ahead! read more

We own Prescott Hideaway Vacation Rentals in Prescott. You can find us on VRBO. Two of our Guests went riding here and LOVED it! Their actual word was "AMAZING"! They said they rode Larry and Jesse who were both "great" and that all the horses were sweet. They also noted the "owners/trail guides were kind and knowledgeable on the land you ride." Wow! Now I want to go! Look forward to meeting you and enjoying a trail ride! read more

On the phone and in person, everyone we connected with was especially nice and welcoming....which was great for a couple of city slickers! Phyllis is amazing. She knows horses, riders, the terrain, and the history. So much history as well! Was a fun ride as the terrain does vary. Phyllis teaches you how to maneuver the horse and makes the riding easy and fun. Afterwards, Phyllis showed some historical items she had found and sent us some picture she took during our ride. BTW, water was provided and helmets were also available. Was a great Wednesday morning!!! read more

My girlfriend wanted to go horseback ridding for her birthday. After looking at the reviews on Yelp, we made a reservation at the Foothills Ranch, about 40 minutes outside of Prescott. That was a good choice! We met Phyllis at the ranch, and she was delightful. Our group of five were treated to a lovely 1.5 hour ride through BLM land and the Prescott forest. During our ride Phyllis gave a brief history of the area, which I especially enjoyed hearing about the huge mining camp that existed where we were riding at the end of the 19th century. The views were great and the horses were well behaved for even the most the inexperienced rider. I highly recommend this western experience. NOTE: As the temperatures rise, I would recommend an early morning ride. Cheers, D read more

We had a wonderful guided ride along a stream, through woods and across hilly pasture land. Phyllis was very knowledgeable about the area, the history of the land we were riding through and is a great tour guide! The horses are well cared for and sure footed. I would recommend giving Foothills Ranch a try! read more

I have gone on three trail rides so far at Foothills Ranch and I will definitely be going on #4 and beyound. Phyllis and Wes are wonderful down to earth people. The horses are excellent trail horses and so well cared for. The scenery is great and both Phyllis and Wes are knowledgeable regarding the history of the area. It you are looking for a place to ride in the Mayer - Prescott area put this one at #1 on your list. read more

Beautiful 1-1/2 hour trail ride, great trail horses and Phyllis was a wonderful, knowledgeable, guide. our family of 5 certainly recommends Foothills Ranch. We will be back. read more

This trail ride was the highlight of my recent trip to Prescott. My friend an I took the 3 hour trail ride and it more than lived up to our expectations. Wes was our guide, I rode Smoki (the best horse in the world) and my friend rode Wylie (the 2nd best horse in the world) Wes was our companion and guide and I felt like I was riding with an old friend who really knew the history of the area and the terrain. The ride struck just the right balance for our riding experience and was a pleasure from start to finish, We hated leaving the place and definitely will be revisiting whenever I am in the Prescott area. Sorry I did not get to meet Phyllis but she was very pleasant to talk to when I made my reservations. read more

Foothills Ranch - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mayer, Arizona

This was Lily's first real horseback ride, and Wes was so gracious and kind to help her learn how to have Little Man stop and go, turn whatever way he should, how to hold the reins, etc. Wes had many interesting tidbits to share along the way about the history of the area, and of course Lily was quite interested in all he had to tell about the cow eaten by a bear and yet another set of bones leftover from a mountain lion meal. Thank you for a fantastic 7th birthday memory that will last for years. read more

The ranch was right off State Route 69 on south side of road. I was greeted by wrangler and asked to sign wavier with is normal for any stables. My ride was easy to schedule over the phone but it was one of the most expensive I have taken. One and a half hours for $95.00 with a lot of stopping along the way as wranglers had to pick up stuff that customers dropped so didn't ride very far. We also stopped for history lesson about area which was good and informative. Horses looked well cared for and tack was in good condition. Problem I had with the ride was most of the riders where novice at best and should of had basic instructions on how to ride such as HEELS DOWN, balls of feet in stirrups, adjust stirrups correctly, sit tall, hold reins correctly... We also had a horse kick another as the rider was trying to past. This was because no one had to stay in line which they didn't and even could ride in front of lead wrangler often. This could have really been dangerous as a horse could easily took off with novice ride at anytime Especially when we were heading home. I liked my horse"Duke" as he was lively and responsive. I really was amazed no one got hurt thank goodness. I was told that they don't offer fast rides as terrain is rocky but I saw many areas like dirt roads this could work. I see all other reviews where so positive but I got to be honest as horses are big, strong and unpredictable. read more

Took my wife here. Phyllis was able to accommodate us with our short notice (less than a day). Once we got there their two dogs greeted us along with her husband Wes. They were so great. We did the 1-1/2 hour ride and we really enjoyed it. Phyllis and Wes were good about instruction for the ride as well as our horses quirks and personalities. Overall I would rate the experience higher than five stars if I could. read more

Our very favorite ride when we're in the area. Quality well trained/mannered horses. Phyllis really takes care of us on the trail. It's like we've been friends forever - but we'll certainly be friends for life. read more

Four of us went riding this morning. The owners were wonderful.they take really good care of their horses and match riders up well. The ride was through old trails, river beds and dirt roads. We had a great time! I look forward to taking more visited out to see them. read more

Foothills Ranch - After our ride!!! What a great day! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mayer, Arizona

We picked a pretty muddy day to go riding but we had a great time. This was by far the best riding stables I have ever been to. The horses were great, the owners were amazing and so informative. You get some history with a great ride. If you want to go to a place where you don't ride tail to nose this is the place. read more

I don't normally write a review but absolutely had to. My daughter had been asking us to ride a horse. After some research we found Foothills Ranch with great reviews. Well the 5 stars is not enough. Wes and Phyllis are amazing people. They have patience and great knowledge how to deal with people (either it's your first time or not). We had such a fun day riding and loved the horses. Don't think we could ever pass the big huge flag by the freeway without stopping and seeing our friends Wes and Phyllis. read more

We were visiting from out of state and wanted to go on a trail ride to enjoy the Arizona scenery and sun. We found t e Foothills Ranch online and the reviews sounded good. When I called to book Was and Phyllis were so nice. When we got there they were very friendly and made sure to pair us with a mount that would match our strenghths and personalities. On the trail they were very patient and attentive to our safety. The vast panoramic scenery was spectacular and all along trail we were favored with stories from the history of the gold rush days. We rode through moderate terain and crossed a small creek where we refreshed the horses. Wes showed us old mining structures and even let us see old abandoned mining shaft. These lovely ranchers have rescued and rehabed some of their horses from less than ideal situations. You could tell their animals were very well loved and cared for. After our ride when they were turned out they followed us around like puppies. Wes was sure to take pic along the way and gave them to us for FREE at the end so we could cherish the memories forever along witoh a keepsake that was personal from their ranch. When the ride was over Phyllis could tell I didn't want to leave and encouraged me to stay and brush their babies and let me give them treats! She introduced me to all he other pets and let me enjoy her little slice of heaven to the fullest. I would encourage anyone at any riding level to come experience The Foothills Ranch. I was worried this ride would feel like a tourist trap dude ranch but it WAS NOT. It felt like a ride with my friends and family. read more

My daughter and I found this wonderful stable as we were driving through the area. They were able to accommodate our very last-minute request, and were so warm and welcoming. We had a great afternoon with friendly Wes as our guide. He went out of his way to take photos of us with various backdrops, then emailed them to us the evening after our ride. I thought their prices were very reasonable -- I would absolutely recommend this company! read more

I haven't ridden before and this place was recommended to me. I took the one hour ride and had a great time. Al the owner was super nice and Don our trail ride leader looked after us and made sure we were not only safe but having a good time. I can't wait to go back for more rides. If your looking for a short ride or long this place is good for all. read more