Jesse and Kristin Sorenson, second generation owners are cordial, full of local folklore and stories, I was a beginner rider and they matched me to Sissy Girl who was so sweet and surefooted. My group got matched to their riding ability as well. Enjoyed the canyon - it was the best way to see it! Weather was cooler so temps and ride was pleasant, Their land is beautiful. Fun and perfect day! The Jamison's read more

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Driving from Santa Fe to Austin we were looking for a fun stop and decided Palo Duro Canyon would be perfect. We had a wonderful trail ride with Palo Duro Stables. The canyon is spectacular. Horses expertly trained for the ride and masterfully guided by Jesse, Kristin, and Cody. A really nice family and a great trail ride. read more

Palo Duro Riding Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Canyon, Texas

Very family friendly. The guides were very personable and knowledgeable. Even told us the personality and history of the horses we were riding. Loved every minute of it. read more

Great ride with amazing views and even better guides. Family owned and family ran for 2 generations. A lot of history in that small part of the canyon. They know there horses and pair you up with the horses for your ability. You get a back story on your horses including how it got its name. You do not want a horses name hell fire. You learn about there family history in the canyon, the animals that live there and even the people that where there before modern settlers. There are two dogs that meet you and really like to be petted while you wait to get checked in. It is entertaining, informative and fun. Ask questions and you will get conversations about the park, the geology, the history, stories of goats, horses and red tail hawks. Go early as you can it gets hot in the canyon. Morning rides are best. It is pricey but if you don't normally ride horses just know saddles, horse tach, horse feed, land taxes and then trying to make a living are quite expensive. So go ahead and pay and enjoy the experience and ride. This is a unique opportunity, not many of these left with this history and soon there will be none. read more

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We had an amazing morning at Palo Duro Riding Stables! First, the property is absolutely stunning! The horses were gorgeous, well trained, obviously well loved & very well taken care of! The sweet family that owns and operates it was excellent from our arrival till our departure. They were warm, welcoming, professional and it was obvious that they love what they do! They made the ride an excellent experience! My oldest daughter (12) and I have some experience with horses, but this was the first time my youngest daughter (7) had rode a horse solo. I was a little nervous about her riding alone, but my apprehension quickly disappeared as I watched the way they handled everything. Each detail was attended to and needs were met. They matched up riders with the right horses & it made for a smooth, fun experience. The family rode with us and quickly met any need that arose as well as giving any direction as needed. My daughters are already asking to go back. We will definitely return next time we are in the area! read more

What an Awe-Inspiring trail ride with a truly authentic cowboy family that love the canyons and their horses on the same level as they love their family!!! We were blown away by the genuine hospitable shown to us by Jesse, Kristen, Kodi Jo, and Cash! They are teaching their children how to love animals, nature, and their fellow brother from an early age... PLEASE do not pass up the opportunity to witness Texas Hospitality at its FINEST! This stable is the place to be for rich history and beautiful sites of the Canyon that cannot be seen anywhere else! ***Bonus points for the majestic Mountain Gazelle & fascinating snake skin we scored during our trip*** Will we be back??? ABSOLUTELY & we will bring more friends/family!!! read more

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Well I really cat say enough good about this outfit‼ I was spoiled as a child with riding good horses and enjoying beautiful surroundings, although my family didn't own them. Every summer we would be shipped off to Carter's where we would ride through fruit groves a swim with our horses in fresh lakes. This place. Takes the cake even compared to that- my own daughter has asked to come back repeatedly. She has overcome her fears after falling from a horse years ago. Kaitlyn gently and with humor talked her quietly through her panic as she " got back on ". She asks to come often. It's such a beautiful way to spend the day. The horses are quality, the folks are excellent . Worth every nickle‼ read more

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My first time riding a horse was over 30 years ago. I loved the people and ride so much I brought my daughter here for her first time on a horse. The owners are amazing. I totally enjoyed the trails. The kids were smiling from ear to ear. I'm definitely not waiting 30 years to ride these trails again. read more

Palo Duro Riding Stables - First time riders with the Palo Duro Canyon background - Horseback Riding Near Me - Canyon, Texas

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THE BEST trail ride I've ever been on. Jesse, Kristen and Kodi Jo were fantastic guides, knowledgeable, personable, and so friendly. Their trail and location is spectacular - I am so jealous!!! Our group came with very different experience levels and they had a sweet horse for each of us. Can't wait to go back - I'm planning another trip up north simply so we can go again. It was THAT good. My only regret is that I couldn't make it to a ride the next day! Thank you so much PDRS!!! read more

Palo Duro Riding Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Canyon, Texas

This stable is amazing and run by some of the nicest and most amazing people you'll ever meet!! I'm a beginner rider, aka I have never ridden a horse until now, and Jessie and Kristin were able to see how nervous I was and expertly guided me on how to ride. The trails they used were safe and family friendly. Furthermore the horses were so well trained and sweet!! I loved the views we were able to see through their private property!! Some details: -50 per person for 1 hour (they offer longer rides at different rates too) -You get to an overlook and the guides will take a picture of you and the group you came with for free on your phones/cameras -They provide satchels for you to put water and cell phones/other belongings in at no additional cost -Make reservations by phone at least a week in advance; they get booked very quickly -Be sure to tip! Horseback riding with Palo Duro Stables is a must!!! read more

Palo Duro Riding Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Canyon, Texas

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This place is totally awesome. We were driving to go hiking in the canyon and drove past this cute place and popped in to see if they could take us. They told us they normally go by reservation only, but they worked us in for a tour in the afternoon. The ladies that took us on a tour were so nice and hospitable. It was an hour ride through the canyon and the views and sites were breathtakingly beautiful. We had gone hiking earlier in the day and saw the beautiful canyon, but the horse ride took us through more beautiful areas. I literally felt as if the ladies were my best friend. We had such a great ride and the conversation was fantastic. About halfway through the tour, we stopped at an area where they lined our horses together and they took photos for us on the horses. I totally recommend this place. The staff are so kind, the horses were great, and the scenery is beautiful. This was my first time to this part of Texas and if I return, I would totally visit the stables again for another ride! read more

Could not recommend them enough! First time riding a horse and they made me feel so at ease. They really do an amazing job of matching the horse with a person's personality. The scenery was amazing! Can't wait to go back! read more

Palo Duro Riding Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Canyon, Texas

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Awesome experience!! We spent the morning riding into the canyon on some of the most gentle horses you could hope to saddle up. Jesse and Kristin were awesome, taking the time to talk to us about the history of the canyon, and their operation, which was started by Jesse's father. Definitely a must-do if you're in the area. read more

Palo Duro Riding Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Canyon, Texas

New to Amarillo and found this place on yelp. My niece is visiting and loves horses so of course I had to reach out and see about a ride. Kristen was very sweet on the phone but heads up they will charge you even if you dont show up or cancel. Was not an issue for us but just fyi. Getting there was simple and greeted by their daughter and corgi, Ripley. What a welcoming. Jessie and Courtney saddled us up with Coyote, Red, Sissy and Lily. Very sweet, well loved horses. Tons of history! The trail was beautiful and just the history of it all is a very memorable experience. We were the first ride of the decade and a great one it was! Will definately return and highly suggest to fellow yelpers! read more

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With several options to select from I'm glad we made this choice. First the location is easy to get to and situated on such a beautiful part of the canyon. I took my entire family which included my 6yr old son who is extremely hyper and I was worried he would not be able to pay attention or do something that would put him at risk. Boy was I wrong! The horse put my son at ease immediately and he was calm the entire ride. The staff was extremely patient, attentive and had a wealth of historical understanding about the area. I would highly recommend Palo Duro Riding Stables. read more

Palo Duro Riding Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Canyon, Texas

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The team at Palo Duro Riding Stables was first class all the way. From the moment we arrived they were warm and gracious hosts. This is a family business with husband, wife and even their 6 year old daughter guiding us through beautiful canyon scenery. What is also very apparent is just how much they care for their horses. Jesse spoke passionately about how he tries to keep his horses as healthy and safe as possible. You could tell with how the horses acted. As someone who has never ridden a horse until now, I could not recommend them any higher. Will 100% be back. read more

Palo duro riding stables are absolutely a MUST GO tour when visiting Palo Duro Canyon! Skeptical at first glance, but once we talked with Jesse and his wife Kristin we realized the "old charm" was the point. It was amazing that they had this property for generations and continue to live and love the area! We were able to see old structures that their previous family members lived in while also seeing the rustic updates Jesse and Kristin have done for themselves. The tour we opted for was at 5pm for 1 hour at $50/person. Perfect weather and timing! My husband and I were joined up with another family of 4 so a total of 6 riders. From the riding stables we were joined by Jesse, Kristin, their daughter Kodi, and 2 additional hands Katie and John. Everyone was very personable and made sure we were paired with the right horse that would suit us best personality and riding experience style! Very impressed with everyone who worked at the Palo Duro Riding Stables! Sweet Lilly was the horse I rode (one of the tallest bc I am short which was actually really awesome, props to Jesse for making that a factor into the ride!) My husband rode Romeo and enjoyed the ride behind Sweet Lilly and I in line. Recommend making sure this fits into your Palo Duro Canyon Vacation! See y'all next time we visit! read more

Palo Duro Riding Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Canyon, Texas

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This was our second time to go to PDRS and this time was just as fun as the last. We cannot recommend this family enough. read more

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I wish I could give this place 10 stars. Jesse and Kristin exceeded our expectations of a horse guided tour through Palo Duro Canyon. From the second you pull into their parking lot you are treated like family. We had a large group of 6 ranging of all ages and Kristin and Jesse took the time to learn each of our names go through the process of which horse they picked for us and why. This was my sons first time to ride a horse and they made him feel like a seasoned champion...he left telling me he was a cowboy and immediately wanted to get back on the saddle. I really enjoyed the way the family told us stories of the rich history of their lineage and how this place came to be, It is a true family gem. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and you get to see Palo Duro Canyon in a unique perspective during this tour. I can't wait to come back again! read more

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Jesse and Kristen do an excellent job with their rides. Jesse has been there for all of his life - he is 3rd generation in this location. They have great respect for their horses and their guest. It is a great ride and one gets to see some beautiful scenery. Highly recommended as an activity while in Amarillo. read more

Palo Duro Riding Stables is an amazing family business. Jesse and his wife are kind, gracious and knowledgeable. The land has been in Jesse's family for generations and there is so much neat history. The horses are fat, happy and well loved. I have so much respect for these people, they take in horses that are broken, abused and unloved then show them how life should be. Their horses are well trained and perfect for any level rider. Bo is a nice kid and a great guide. My kids and I had a great time and would love to come back. I highly recommend! read more

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This was the most amazing day! Jesse, Kristin, Kaitlyn and their adorable families were so sweet and welcoming! The canyon and the history were beautiful to see, and the horses were still sweet! Would highly recommend! read more

Located on the road leading to Palo Duro Canyon, about 1 mile BEFORE the Canyon entrance, is Palo Duro Riding Stables. It has been owned and run with pride by 3 generations of Sorensons. Jesse, the current owner, carries on the tradition of keeping it the "Finest and and the Friendliest". He is dressed in cowboy black attire, complete with his six gun holstered on his hip. In April, I took 4 teenage girls from the SHARE High School Exchange Student Organization, for a one hour ride. They said it was their favorite activity of the year, and we do one every month! Not only was it fun, it was also a cultural learning opportunity, because Jesse explained to them the history of this section of the canyon and the Comanches who had lived here before the soldiers drove them out. He also told them of the wildlife and native plants. About the horses, I have owned and ridden horses for 25+ years, so I know when a horse is not taken care of. Jesse definitely cares for his herd! After talking to each girl about their riding ability, he matched them up with a mount for the ride. Everyone, including myself, was pleased with her horse. We were given saddle bags for our cameras, helmets, and off we went. It was a great trail, with plenty of shade from the sun. We crossed a small bit of water because it had rained recently. About midway through, there is an small "Old West" Cowboy-like town, that has some cute miniature goats in it, and it was here that we met Kodi, Jesse's little daughter. Jesse even took pictures of us with the canyon cliffside behind us. All in all, a wonderful trailride, escorted by knowledgeable and friendly people, who obviously care about the canyon and their horses, and choose to give you a great experience. read more

This is the ultimate way to see the Canyon. The crew is beyond attentive and the horses are so clearly loved. It is such a good value for the duration and quality of the ride. Jesse and Kristin are the real deal-my family and I will never forget our day with them and will be sure to return the next time we are in the town. read more

I agree with all other reviews below. This is a family owned and operated business who take pride in their work and make everyone feel very comfortable. Each horse is specifically chosen for the individual rider. Our group consisted of 8 riders and 4-5 staff members, which added to our comfort level. The ride went through the canyon on the owners private land, through wooded areas where we saw several groups of Aoudad rams, canyon views, farm animals, fresh springs, and learned about various plants in the area. Do yourself a favor, visit Jesse and Kristin, kick back and relax while you take in the beautiful sights of the canyon. read more

Palo Duro Riding Stables - Beautiful views with Skippy and Mooki - Horseback Riding Near Me - Canyon, Texas

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Cannot say enough to describe our visit. We got in a day early, and drove past these stables, and those at the bottom of the Park. WAY glad we chose this one. The views from here alone make it worthwhile, and the experience was Wonderful. Lots of interesting things to see including some wildlife such as Aoudad Ram Sheep. read more

Palo Duro Riding Stables - Who's watching Who? - Horseback Riding Near Me - Canyon, Texas

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We chose this stable for horseback riding because we knew we'd be able to ride into to the canyon (as opposed to riding only on the rim) and our 5 year old would get to ride her own horse. But the experience was so much more than that! They had the gentlest horses and their trails had the most beautiful views. The owners were so warm & friendly, and so attentive to our needs from the beginning of the ride to the end, and were fantastic storytellers. We had the best time & are looking forward to coming back! read more

This place is fabulous! We had such a great time at Palo Duro Riding Stables. Our family of five rode Coyote, Red, Romeo, Stormy, and Sissy. Jesse and Katie were professional, congenial, and had some great stories to tell. I really liked that Jesse lives right below the stables and has plenty of stories to tell about growing up in the canyon. This isn't just a "tourist attraction", it's Jesse and his family's way of life. Jesse was mentioning that he is considering opening some cabins and I hope that he does- we'd certainly like to experience more of the canyon through his eyes! We HIGHLY recommend! read more

If you are looking for a horse guided tour this is the place. The Sorensen family who runs this tour are excellent at what they do. Jesse and his wife Kristen were very attentive to the group of kids we had ranging from young kids to teenagers. All while giving us a very informative tour. There are two tours you can call and book. A one hour or a hour and a half. Both will take you down to the bottom of the canyon that is full of history. I was so enthralled in hearing the history of everything that I often forgot to take in the views. Plenty of picture moments. We had so much fun doing this. Definitely will do the longer one next time were you get to go deeper into the canyon. I came in a bit skeptical but quickly that all left when Jesse started to talk to the group. He really knows his craft and how to make everyone feel welcomed. This place is so good the slots fill up fast. I want to say they do two tours a day. Your best bet is to call and book your time. You are able to add on to parties there but only by cancellation of others. read more

What a great time with these down to earth folks. This is a must do with the family. The cowboys are legit and the horses not ridden to the ground. read more

We had a party of nine from 5 to 45 and just had the best time. The owners took us on a tour of their canyon "home" and it was just wonderful. My kiddos want to go again and I'm afraid they will be disappointed if we go anywhere else!! Thank you for the memories! read more

We took our girls on their first trail ride at Palo Duro Riding Stables and I could not have asked for anything more. Jesse and Kate were fun to talk to about the history of the land and the landscape was amazing. I would highly suggest going to anyone looking for something a little different. read more

We brought our daughter and some friends for her birthday. We had a great time. Extremely friendly staff at this family owned stable. The hour ride takes you down into the canyon and back out. Jesse is a third generation owner of the land and stables and is very friendly, with a great knowledge of the area. The staff was great with the kids. They are already planning their next ride! read more

This was such an amazing experience for our family! Jesse and his family are so welcoming and make sure that everyone is comfortable no matter what level of experience they have. We rode Sissy, Lili, Peekaboo and Red, and these beautiful horses did not disappoint! The horses were so patient with my children who had never ridden before. What a beautiful trail to ride on! So much shade, which was perfect for the sunny day we were riding. It was so beautiful! We cannot wait to come back next year! I cannot day enough how much we loved this trail ride! read more

THIS IS A MUST! Jesse & Kate are the absolute best! Jesse knows this land like the back of his hand, Kate is sooo sweet and helps make the ride comfortable. DO NOT LEAVE THE CANYON without taking a ride through it! The horses here are well train and respond so well. Make sure to call in advance, they book quickly! The scenery is amazing and Jesse's knowledge of the land AND his family's story really makes the land sooo much more enjoyable. We are already planning a trip back! read more

If you want to get a taste of the canyon on horseback, this is definitely the place to go!! We had such an amazing time on our time ride with gorgeous views and an incredible, friendly staff. Jesse made it his top priority to make sure that we were comfortable at all times, even for relative beginners like myself, and he truly made the experience worthwhile. This place far exceeded my expectations and I would happily return year after year! read more

Well, I'd have a difficult time adding anything to the other glowing reviews but do want to say that the Sorensen's deserve every accolade. They made the experience personal and very enjoyable. It's obvious that they love their piece of world and the job they do everyday. I think the most impressive ability they have is to make it seem fresh and fun when you know they've done it a million times. It was beautiful, informative and a peek into someone's family heritage. We recommended them to fellow campers and surely recommend them here. I'd also like to add that we bought a beautiful print by Jack Sorensen. They sell them in the stable office at a reasonable price and it's gorgeous. read more

Had an absolutely amazing time. The owners are so nice and knowledgeable. The ride is through their privately owned property in the canyon. They actually care about their horses and treat them so well. Choose this place over the others. They aren't just out to make money, rather they actually care about their horses and giving the customer a great, personal tour. They never have more than 8-10 people on each tour too so that really helps!! read more

We had such a great time on our trail ride. Beautiful ride through the canyon on well behaved, well cared for horses. We loved hearing each horse's story and background and it's the most instruction I've ever seen given in a tourist trail ride before. Guides are knowledgeable about the area and have lots of interesting stories. Great service, highly recommend for kids and adults both! read more

Palo Duro stables was one of the big highlights of our trip. Jesse and Kristen are the best, just down to earth good people. The stories that Jesse tells during the ride are just awesome, lots of laughs. We really enjoyed riding through the old "western towns" that his dad built, and hearing about how Jesse grew up getting shot off his horse. We will go again next time we go. read more