Purchased the groupon hoping for a fun experience. Perhaps we just went on a bad day or our guide wasn't really supposed to be guiding....this might be a long review but it's worth the read.
This was our morning: showed up at 7:45 for an 8:00 ride. No signs directing where to go or park. Saw other people already waiting so walked to them. Saw no staff member until around 8:10 when he started getting all the tack ready for the horses. He never spoke to any of us, not even "hi my name is __." At about 8:30 he led the horses into a round pen and held the halter of each horse as we climbed on. There were steps in the pen, but they weren't offered for use. Nothing was said about the horses personalities, names or anything. Once on the horse he didn't even instruct us to walk around or stand still while waiting on others. He didn't check our stirrup length or reins. There were people in our group that this was their first horse experience and were nervous (heard them tell the guide) and he offered no directions, not even basic left, right, pull back instructions...just "use your heels on the side of the horse to go." The guide rode out in front of most of the group and never rode back to check on anyone. When we arrived back at the barn there was no instruction when to get off, where to take your horse, etc. We were back in our vehicle at 9:30, so we didn't get the 1.5 hour ride we purchased.
I've been on several trail rides, and it's not like my expectations were that high to begin with, but a little safety lesson, conversation and maybe pointing out something interesting to our group would have gotten them four to five stars instead of the generous two I'm giving now.
On the upside the scenery was pretty, even rode by some cows. We didn't have to keep in a line which was also nice. The weather was pleasant and the horses were sweet and well behaved.
Would I buy this again? No. read more