Loved our 90 minute ride with our guide in April 2025. My party booked a longer ride so we could see the nearby beach. Horses are so well mannered & maintained which is a credit to their staff. No previous experience is needed. Staff were super pleasant and knowledgable. Highly recommended. Thank you, Horseplay Niagara. :) read more

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I've always pictured horseback riding on the beach in Jamaica and wistfully wishing I could one day make the trip. It turns out the reality is that you can do it right here in the GTA! By GTA, I mean Port Colborne but it makes sense as there's actually beach on the banks of Lake Erie! There are a lot of options for riding - trail riding, rides along the beach during the day or especially at sunset, as well as private and semi-private rides. They only slightly differ in costs. Our group of 4 booked online for a lunchtime ride to the beach. They take a credit card for reservation. You pay the day of the ride. They offer a 5% discount if you pay in cash which is nothing to scoff at if you're going with a group! There are a few things that you should know about your ride. The first is that you must fill out a liability waiver. You can do this online before you show up. They also suggest that you wear long pants (I can attest that there will be some chaffing in the saddle!) and narrow shoes that will fit in the stirrups. If you don't have special riding shoes like me, I'd suggest wearing something safe like running shoes. Make sure you leave a lot of time to get to Horseplay if you're coming from Toronto. It takes longer than you'd think because you're taking a lot of local roads once you get off the QEW. There is a large barn there that consists of their store and 2 restroom stalls. I was really happy to see that they weren't portable restrooms! We asked the employee in the store whether we needed bug spray and they recommended we put some on just in case. I tend to attract mosquitoes but it wasn't buggy at all during our daytime trail ride. I would definitely recommend sunscreen though as there isn't much shade on the ride. You could definitely burn during the 1.5 hours out there. Before we got on the horses, we were fitted for helmets by one of the employees. We were also given a saddle bag to carry some essentials like a water bottle, keys, phone, etc. They are pretty deep but open at the top so I'd keep an eye out on your stuff just in case. I thought there were be more of a pre-amble before we got on the horses but after we were set up with gear, it was mounting time! They make it easier for the first timers. There's a platform that you stand on before your horse gets led over. It's not a huge climb and was easy to get on board. Once you're on the horse, they give you a quick run down on how to steer your horse with the reins. They will try to pair you with an adequately sized horse which I was thankful for - seethere were some huge horses that made me seriously consider whether my fear of heights would kick in lol. The ride has you go single file through gravel trail, on the side of roads, and eventually down to the beach. You'll actually wade into the beach on your horse! This is where your guides will offer to take some pictures for you and your horse can stop to take a drink. The trek down was really smooth. We only sped up into a trot a few times. Our guides let us know before we started to get going into a faster pace so it wasn't a surprise. It was a really cool experience and well worth the $90 (beach ride plus tax and tip). read more

Horseplay - Barn - Horseback Riding Near Me - Port Colborne, Ontario

Great experience as a first-time rider Service: Staff were extremely friendly and attentive throughout the experience, from signing the liability form (online), to saddling the horses and guiding us through the trail to the beach. Only thing is that it may be hard to hear instructions/tips with larger groups, and wish there were more photo opportunities. Horses: Most of the horses were great, some liked snacking along the path but that's expected given the path of trees and leaves leading to the beach. Shout out to my horse Ricky as he was very well-behaved, and it was a neat experience trotting and letting the horses drink water. Overall: Definitely a fun experience, and would recommend if you haven't been! Tip: Discounts if going in a larger group and if paying in cash, also bring a change of clothes and wear long pants! read more

Horseplay - Horseback Riding Near Me - Port Colborne, Ontario

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This was my first time visiting the ranch with my friend. Checking in was smooth, and all the staff were great in assisting rides get on and off the horse. The only thing I would suggest is that during the group rides, have two people (the person in the front and back) explain any directions. I wasn't able to hear the directions and tips from the person who was leading our group at the front. I'm glad I experienced horseback riding but I won't be doing it again. The horses look miserable and I can't imagine how it would be for the horse to do a two hour ride, right after completing a tour beforehand. read more

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Awesome experience. It was my first time and it was worth the trip to Port Colborne. The staff were professionals and friendly. The horses are well trained and I am in awe how beautiful they were lining up and following each other. There were 18 participants on each of the horses and three staff guided us. The only drawback was you get really sore during and after the horseback riding. It can get really dusty with the horses walking and especially galloping. I recommend you bring a mask if you are care about the dust. Sun setting at the beach while riding the horse was the highlight of the event. The overall time on the horse was about 1.5 hrs. read more

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Beautifully kept rescue horses. Excellent staff that made us feel comfortable and safe. Lovely trail through forests and on the beach. Loved it!!!! read more

I love horseback riding. I have been here twice and plan to go again at some point. always so much fun. the horses seem to be happy and healthy, you can tell that the employees love what they do and love the horses as if they were their own. read more

This place is magical! The horses are beautiful, seem healthy and well cared for. The people who work here are fun, friendly, knowledgeable and professional. They were patient and responsive to our kids who had never been horseback riding before and were particularly supportive to our one son who was very anxious. One of our guides, Tony, kept him close just to ease his nerves. They were thoughtful in pairing horses, and talioring the ride/trail to the level of our crew. The 90 minute ride went down country roads, through wooded areas and to the beach...beautiful nature and breathtaking views. Yes, an expensive day out, but worth it. Far exceeded our expectations. read more

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First time horseback riding. We wanted to go someplace near hamilton but they wanted 24 hr notice. It all worked out with this place. We managed to book same day and 2 hrs prior. Staff are friendly. Beautiful horses. They provide a stool for you to get on . You can carry your phone, water bottle on a satchel. Horses are so well trained you really don't have to do much except make them stop. These horses recognize the path and can take cues from the environment. You go in a straight line. At the front you have one of the workers. You have a second worker who floats around the everywhere ensuring everyone's safety . The routes and the length of this trail makes this a worthwhile experience. You travel along a dirt path, the street, the lake. At mid point you stop in the water 10 feet out from the shore and get a chance to snap group pics. It almost felt like you were in Europe. Who knew you could experience this in southern Ontario? The scary part as a first timer was when the guide suggested we pick up the pace. The horses automatically follow the pack so that was hard but if you remain calm you will be fine. Also the horse are opportunistic and will snack on leaves while the group has stopped. Do not be frightened if they drop their head to eat they will not sit down too. read more

Truly horse people. During our ride, the horse the guide was on got spooked and our guide demonstrated gentleness and positive reinforcement to help her horse overcome fear. All the horses I saw were in great shape and they were super shiny and well fed, clearly being well taken care of. Also, they are all rescue horses. I would recommend bug spray. A small portion of the ride was in a bug rich environment. read more

Horseplay - Horseback Riding Near Me - Port Colborne, Ontario

We had a really friendly guide, but the guide only talked to the person directly behind him. Fun though don't recommend to ride during such cold weather. read more

The beach ride was an amazing experience. We went as part of our anniversary. The ladies who rode along with us were very friendly and knowledgeable. Grace was especially amazing. She was super friendly, upbeat, and easy-going. She also took the most beautiful pictures of us at the beach (not just one or two...but about ten of them). My only critique is that the man who we left behind at the farm (helped line up the horses) was not that friendly. I think when you are dealing with a lot of people on a daily basis, customer service is #1. He should definitely work on his people skills and learn to speak to others in a respectful and pleasant way. I would recommend this place. read more

Did not have a reservation and rolled into Horseplay Niagara with a group of seven people ten minutes before a ride went out. After discussing, the staff quickly and kindly allowed us to join in on the ride. $60 for an hour and a half ride through some trails and to the beach. Pay in cash (Canadian or American) and get a 5% discount. Really great views and very relaxing if there's good weather. On a beginner ride, the guides will even teach and allow you to trot with your horse. The horses seemed very happy, healthy, and well kept. The guides were knowledgeable and informative. There were ~20 riders in our session and three guides came with us, keeping pace from the front, back, and middle. Afterwards, the staff was helpful when we asked about other things to see and do around town and also where might be a good place to eat. Every rider must wear a helmet (provided). Closed toe shoes are not required. This is definitely a fun time and a great stop if you're visiting the Niagara Falls region. It's only about 30 minutes from the touristy part of Niagara Falls and the drive over is really scenic as well. Highly recommended. read more

Had so much fun today at Horseplay Niagara. Everyone is really kind and knowledgeable about horses. The horses were all so gorgeous and well behaved. I would recommend the beach sunset trail. The scenery was beautiful. Just some advice, be sure to wear pants cuz i wore shorts and some of the branches will scratch up against your legs as you pass by them on the horse. read more

What a wonderful experience. My wife and I spent the afternoon on my first horse ride. The staff and guide were excellent. Our horses were sweet and the beach ride was so much fun. I would recommend them to each person. read more

Horseplay - Horseback Riding Near Me - Port Colborne, Ontario

The horses where beautiful and the area we rode is very pretty. It all came to an abrupt end when Karen our guide was very rude to a family walking on the path. She cam so close to this older lady with her huge horse, it was terrible. Then saying things to us about how they should know better to get out of the way. It ruined my experience, I was terrible embarrassed. read more

Wonderful place with both great people and horses. Mine was Mr.Big. I and my family (including 13 year old) will be back for the beach ride when it gets warmer. read more

Brought my mother for a trail ride as a surprise because she adores horses while we were visiting from Alberta. The prices are extremely inexpensive for the amount of ride time you get and the views alone are worth the money. We chose the beach ride and it was amazing. Unfortunately about half way through the ride my mother started to have a bit of a hard time due to the fact that she hadn't ridden in years. Sharon our trail/ride guide was AMAZING and called a shuttle to come pick her up at the beach. Her years of experience, patience and kind caring disposition made for an incredibly comfortable and fun ride. The horses we were riding were all so confident and gentle and we learned they were rescued from a meat auction so It was so wonderful to see them thriving and loving the amazing countryside that they get to enjoy everyday. THANKYOU 1000x over to Sharon and the amazing staff at Horseplay for the incredible day keep doing what you're doing!!! read more

My husband and I went on the two hour beach ride during our trip to Niagara Falls. Wow! This was hands down the best part of my trip. Riding a horse on the beach has been on my bucket list since I was a little girl, and Horseplay did not disappoint! Our guide was wonderful and gave us some history of the area and also pointed out various plants and foliage along the way. He was super nice and even took our photo for us. We also got to try some freshly picked wild asparagus along our ride, which was delicious! Our horses were great and needed little direction (this was our first time horseback riding). We rode our horses through the water which was an amazing and awesome experience! We both had a wonderful time and it was worth every penny. Highly recommended! read more