I called and spoke with Terry to schedule a riding 2 weeks in advance. It was confirmed at that time but when I called the day of, he ignored my text messages and phone calls. I called his personal as well as the business number. Text messages said he read them but chose to just not respond. Do not recommend this stable. read more

Worst booking experience ever. Tried to book the beach ride to celebrate 10th wedding anniversary, the website said to call a week or so in advance of the ride day, then the lady responsible for it won't return calls for a week, then texts on a Saturday and says everything is booked two months ahead. And then did not respond to a question about available dates and how to book! When you charge 300 dollars a person, customer service needs to function MUCH better! read more

STEER CLEAR of this place for many reasons. I would give it negative stars if possible. Long history of traumatic experiences for both people and horses. Over the years many unfit horses overused and underfed just to make a buck. Pics of riders with no helmets (which are required by these facilities), stories of people being left alone on unruly horses, or horses hurting riders bc they aren't trail trained to be safe for most riders. And if you have kids or are female just STAY AWAY. If you want to go trail riding or take lessons, do your due diligence and find somewhere with a really good reputation. And if you're a parent, I recommend staying with your kids during horseback lessons anywhere, but especially this place. It should have been shut down years ago. Horseback riding is not the kind of sport that has enough oversight with stable employees or even instructors. And trail riding should never be geared towards beginners or kids to begin with. Learn how to ride a well-trained horse properly in a ring before going on a trail ride...especially since professional horse people get seriously injured trail riding or even IN a ring. Horses are unpredictable and you have to keep yourself and kids safe. Fabulous sport if done safely with responsible adults on safe horses. Get recommendations from as many people as possible. Don't be afraid to check with Dept of Agriculture if you have questions too. read more

My husband and I love spending time doing "outdoorsey" activities especially when the weather starts getting warmer, but when friends of our suggested going horseback riding at Ridge Valley Stables this past weekend we were not sure what to expect. Neither my husband nor I are equestrians by any stretch of the imagination so we were unsure of how much "experience" we would need to at least look like we knew what we were doing. What first struck me when our party of six arrived at Ridge Valley Stables was its appearance. What I envisioned- driving down a long fenced driveway toward sprawling green pastures containing galloping horses - was quickly extingished. Located on a busy stretch of roadway right off Upton Street, there were no rolling hills nor green pastures, just a parking lot, a stable, and several fenced in corrals with a variety of horses milling around. However, in a "don't judge a book by it's cover" moment, I am glad that I kept an open mind and let the afternoon play out. Despite its appearance (which might be off putting to some), Ridge Valley Stables is a place where novice to experienced equestrians (or wanna be's in our case) can come, get saddled up and be lead on a group trail ride lasting from 60 to 90 minutes. Our horses were matched to each persons skill level, but as we headed out on the trail, I realized that the horses have been trained to follow each other at a leisurely pace. At no time did I ever feel uncomfortable on my horse (Athena) and even when we changed from a walk to a "slow" cantor, I never felt a loss of control. Our trail ride lasted about an hour and during that time we traveled across several regional trails (including portions of the Grafton Land Trust) and rode across a variety of terrians. A great way to spend a Saturday afternoon! read more

I thoroughly enjoyed my trail ride. Ryan is courteous and an enthusiastic rider. Baby is a gentle horse who is suitable for beginner or higher level riders. Saw everything on the trail from chickens to turtles sunning themselves, beautiful area. Will probably be coming back soon. read more

10 reasons Ridge Valley is amazing 1) They're only about an hour outside of Boston. Close enough that it's easy to get to, but far enough that you get a break from the city. 2) Their prices are incredibly reasonable. $40 for an hour trail ride? Not bad at all. And $50 for a private hour ride. 3) Their horses seem well cared for and happy. 4) I called in the morning on a Sunday, expecting to have to schedule a ride for the next weekend, and they had an opening later that afternoon! 5) You can do more than walk. Another stable I went to several months ago was perfectly nice but all of their rides are walking only, and as an intermediate rider, that isn't very exciting for me. 6) I went on an hour ride and there were 6 spots where we were able to trot and/or canter. For this length of a ride, that was more times than I anticipated! 7) They also offer lessons (western or English). 8) They'll meet you with their horses for rides along the Cape or around Blackstone Canal. 9) Riding all year round! 10) HORSES! Anyplace with horses is amazing. read more

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Hired Lynda and her crew for a horse and pony birthday party. The experience was great all around, and everyone had a great time. Lynda provided a lot of valuable insight during the planning of the event and operated everything flawlessly on the day of the event. I would certainly recommend read more

Overall a really fun experience, but there is definitely room for improvement. My friend and I went on an hour long walk / trot trail ride this afternoon. There were three other riders who we didn't know, and the instructor. Being an intermediate English rider I didn't have many complaints personally, so these suggestions for improvement are based on the experience of my friend who was a first time rider. Check in process: we showed up about ten minutes early so we walked into the office and paid. The instructor told us to feel free to walk around the barn and wait for our ride. When the time came to start we overheard confusion as to why all the riders weren't in the correct location. If we're expected to wait in a certain area that should be made clear from the beginning. It would probably help with punctuality. Horse / rider matchup: my friend who has never ridden is 5 feet tall. I made that clear on the phone and stressed in person she needs a mild mannered, smaller horse. When we toured the barn I saw several horses all tacked up that would have been appropriate for her. She was put on a tall quarter horse with bad manners. He was problematic while we waited to start the ride, and the whole time on the trail. He was on autopilot and didn't respond to her reins. He kept trying to bite the horse in front of him, and we actually had to change order because of it. These behaviors don't make him a "bad" horse and they can easily be fixed, but it's intimidating for a first time rider. Lack of direction: like other reviewers mentioned once you are mounted on the horse they automatically walk to the head of the trail and start eating the grass. I can understand why this is very scary for inexperienced riders. The horses aren't very responsive to the rider, and there is no staff to help. There should be an instructor already up there so when the horses take off in that direction people don't get scared. Basics of riding: I understand this isn't a lesson, but some things needs to be said to the group BEFORE the ride starts. Steering, using your leg, whoa, go, appropriate and inappropriate behaviors, distance that should be left between riders, body position for terrain inclines, declines, and trotting. Just basics that would ease the mind of someone who has never been on a horse. This place has a lot of potential, but the management needs to take a step back and really think about the experience they are giving first time riders. Being on a horse is extremely fun, but if it's not done right it can be just as scary. A better orientation and more education would go a long way. read more

My SO and I went on their local horse back ride. We had a great time. I think we were mostly focus on the horse back riding aspect vs. Ridge Valley Stables. Basically any time you get out in nature and get to ride a horse, how bad can it be. I enjoyed the trail they took us on. We crossed many different type of terrain, got to pick wild berry's, had some really pretty views. Our leader was really nice, though since we were in a line, it seemed hard to talk to to eat other. The staff was really nice in general. And they let us spend some time with the horse after the ride. We purchase the 60 minute version, but our experience was much long. The Bath room wasn't clean. The farm has some high voltage power lines running through it, if such things worry you. I recommend any first timers or individuals wanting to treat their SO trying Ridge Valley Stables. read more

Ridge Valley completely MADE my daughters birthday party! They came right on time, actually about 5 minutes early, and the horses were sweet and adorable as can be. All the kids got several rides, and some used brushes on the unicorn/ponies. Yes, they even strapped on beautiful decorative horns to look like unicorns. Lynda is very easy to book with and returns calls same day. She patiently answered all my questions and delivered exactly as promised. No complaints whatsoever. read more

My wife and I had an excellent experience celebrating our wedding anniversary with a half day trail ride at Blackstone Valley. Our guides were Linda and John. Both were very nice and helpful. They also shared some funny stories along the way. Just ask if you're curious! Together, the four of us traveled through woods and fields. The scenery was beautiful; I am a fan of Lord of the Rings, and several parts of the trail reminded me of the fields in the Shire and the woods. A caution for the naive: Animals may not always act the way you'd like them too. In the beginning, my horse Robin liked to test the boundaries with me by constantly going for the grass. But I didn't give in and soon things were smooth. All in all, if you like the outdoors, horses, and/or a little challenge, this is a great experience. I would recommend Ridge Valley Stables to any of my friends. read more

We had a pony party for my daughter this weekend. Everything went great and I was super impressed with Lynda and her crew. They brought a horse and a pony both of which were very sweet and knew their job. There were 3 helpers for the horse&pony and the kids got to take multiple rides around our backyard and were made to feel comfortable during their rides. They brought water for the horses and cleaned up after them as well. They also helped figure out a reschedule due to the weather and everyone wore masks which made me feel comfortable given the current covid concerns and unvaccinated kids at the party. Highly recommend read more

Disgraceful facility and "business". It is not well managed at all and is a joke. Several horses are very thin and still being used for trail rides and pony parties. My own horse that I boarded here was being starved and when I asked the barn owner about it, he became irate and called me out of my name. He is forgetful and unstable. The barn workers are unreliable and don't know much about horse care. They caused my horse to develop chemical burns due to ignorance and ignoring my instructions. I also have reason to believe my horse was being used without my knowledge. A horrible experience altogether. read more

After hearing numerous positive reviews, a friend scheduled an hour-long trail ride over the weekend with Ridge Valley Stables. We were told to be there 15 minutes prior to our appt. to check in, and we were even a little earlier than that. When we arrived in the office, the staff was very curt and acted like our group was in their way. We ended up standing there for an hour, with no one trying to help and see if our horses were ready, despite us asking several times how much longer it would be. The resounding answer when asked what time we were going was: "Oh, the last trail ride hasn't come in yet?" I don't work there, how would I know? Not a single apology was offered by the staff, and we were absolutely treated more like inconveniences than customers. After an hour, we decided to leave. My friend saw a couple of the staff members in the barn and called into them that we were done waiting and were leaving. We received a bit of flack and attitude, which was certainly not appreciated after we stood waiting around for them for an hour. Apparently this was a fluke, judging by the many positive verbal and written reviews. However, none of my group will be returning to Ridge Valley. The only positive thing about this reservation was that the staff was too unorganized to take our money when we checked in, so we didn't have to fight for a refund. read more

The owner seemed like the nicest person but turned out to be completely disrespectful and arrogant. Admitted to not having our horse taken care of is now underweight and looks sickly. I've had to go out there and personally do what we're paying them to do. Will be removing my horse and never doing business there again. I strongly do not recommend them to anyone. read more

I went riding with 2 friends from out of town- as a new experience for all ! Unfortunately the ride was anything but enjoyable. Although the website says "no experience required" that was NOT the case. Horses in our group were kicking.. running... and required EXPERIENCE to control. None of this was stated by the workers or mentioned on the website. If you know how to ride or are lucky enough to get a cooperative horse, I'm sure it's a great experience. But for a first time rider be prepared to be eat trees, bushes, shrubs and come home with bruised shins and bleeding legs... and our money was not refunded. read more

I had a really great trail ride here in early summer. The horses were well cared for, the guide (Mariella, I think?) was really nice, and the scenery was very pleasant. The owners were friendly and helpful too, and the price was reasonable for a 1 hour ride. Come ON, people: activities involving animals can be unpredictable, and if something makes you uncomfortable or fearful, then speak up & ask for help, or bow out. It's a shame when someone gets injured in any activity, but personal responsibility for making informed decisions & assuming risk seems to have gone out the window in our litigious society. If you want to ride a horse on a trail ride, this is a nice and affordable place to do that. If you want a completely safe, risk-free activity that virtually guarantees nothing could go go wrong, go to Redbox...! read more

NOT a safe place for so many reasons!!! Years of experience there that I wish never happened. I hope this review will help other people. I would give it Negative or No stars, but Yelp doesn't allow it. read more

My friend and I went for a group trail ride on a Sunday afternoon and had a great time. The staff were very friendly as well as the horses. I had an amazing time and would definitely recommend the stable to others! read more

I went on a trail ride last August and it was my first time, with my two pen pals and their mom - so it was four in total. We all know how to ride and have experience. Our guide was an older nice lady who was really informative and nice to talk to. We crossed the street and went up into the woods, and we walked, trotted, and cantered through the trails and fields. Overall, it was really fun! (: Then I went again a second time, earlier this year. This time wasn't as great. I was with my two cousins, who also know how to ride, and they put us with an inexperienced couple who never even heard the word canter. The guide this time was younger and she rode bareback, she wasn't as sociable as the first and didn't talk to us unless we asked her a question. She was riding a chestnut Arabian, I think. We only cantered twice (but I won't complain about that because it's better than nothing!) but we did venture through a river and etc. The second I'd give a 2-3/5 and the first trail ride I'd give 5/5. I'm gonna go back again to do their beach ride with my two friends! read more

We used Ridge Valley Stables for our daughter's birthday party this afternoon. We hired two ponies to come to our home for an hour. The horse trailer with two ponies and three employees showed up right on time. They brought a block step to help the kids get on and off and they also cleaned up after each pony. For one hour the kids took turns being led around the property and couldn't have been happier. The staff was great with both experienced and unexperienced rider. They exceeded all my expectations and the event went off perfectly. I would definitely use Ridge Valley Stables again and can't thank them enough for making my daughter's sixth birthday such a special and unique event. read more

I took my ten year old grandson to Ridge Valley today along with my daughter and son in law. We are all inexperienced riders and we were all excited but very apprehensive about riding. We had a wonderful time! Our guide, Dominique, was fantastic. The trail was beautiful and the horses were very cooperative. We will definitely be back! read more

This was a lot of fun and the staff was super courteous -- especially Terry. However, being a novice to riding, me and my girlfriend were hoping to get some training / instructions. However, there wasn't much of that --- nowhere near enough. Nevertheless, we both enjoyed the rides but there was always a slight discomfort that we were riding some what on our own with no training as such. Also, at the very end, I tried to get my horse (Athena) closer to my girlfriend's and my horse suddenly shrieked and tried to bite her horse (Flicker). We were fortunate that nobody got hurt, but my girlfriend was quite shaken. I see another reviewer having a similar and worse experience. I think RVS should note this and try to be more cautious. We were also left unattended (8 riders) for 15-20 minutes on our horses quite a ways from the instructors and my girlfriend's horse was wandering the barns far away -- kind of a disconcerting thing to see when riding for the first time. Nevertheless, the ride was a lot of fun and I highly recommend it. :) read more

I would say that this is a great place to take your first trail ride. I definately will be returning.

Ridge Valley Stables helped create a magical day for my 7 and 5 year old cow girls' birthday party. Terry and his crew of 3 arrived on time with 20 children engaged immediately at the unloading of a horse and pony that they had trailered to Brookline. Within no time the children were taking turns riding the animals around my small property that for a little over an hour had been transformed into a ranch. Some parents even got into the act and rode their kids on the horse. Terry and his crew were all professional; made sure each child was safe and cleaned up after the event. Several children commented that it was the best birthday party that they had ever been too, which felt good, but not as good as the smiles on my daughters' faces that I will cherish forever. Thank you! read more

I have been riding here for about a year, and my experience has been uniformly positive. RVS is a small, friendly barn, and the staff knows their animals very well. Most of the horses are turned out a majority of the time, and are kept in various herds depending on their temperaments and activity level. They are well-tended, and there are a variety of trail horses suited to all levels. As a student and rider, I have been challenged, but never put into a dangerous or uncomfortable situation. The barn staff, instructors, and owner are all willing to answer questions and teach, if you're willing to ask and learn. In particular: Becky is a wonderful and patient instructor and trail guide who works overtime to build responsible, educated, and comfortable riders - both adults and kids. Gina knows what seems to be every horse on the property by name, and is always on top of any potential concerns. read more

My fiancee and I went to Ridge Valley Stables for my birthday. I had never been horseback riding and had a wonderful time. I thought the staff was pretty friendly and my horse was great! It was very cold the day that we went, if it had been warmer it would have been more enjoyable. I think we'll definitely go back. The person that stated the staff is unhelpful and the stable is dangerous must have had a bad experience, I didn't feel this way at all. read more

Had to give one star because there was no zero.This is not a place to be if you don't want drama. There is a controling matters that make the boarders and some customers not enjoy their stay. read more

I hired them for my son's birthday party (5 years old); they were the soul of the party. Everything was perfect, they arrived a few minutes before the time, they were really excited and enthusiastic to be there, like it was there own party. You can tell the kids had a blast because the line never went down during the time they were there. Not to mention, the party was originally scheduled for Sunday and was moved to Saturday because of the rain and they found the way to make it happen for us. read more

great laid back place. tons of fun. no drama. good horse people!

We hired Ridge Valley Stables for our daughter's 4th birthday party (pony/ rides). I spoke with the owner of the stable over the phone and he was incredibly pleasant and professional. He went over the whole process and asked questions about the venue so I felt that he really understood what we needed. The crew of 3 arrived at our home with the horse and pony exactly on time and were excellent with the group of very excited children. They easily managed a group of 16 children (4-6 years old) and every child had multiple rides. I felt that safety was a priority and the crew was fantastic. And the horse and pony! Such sweet, beautiful animals. It is evident that they are well cared for and loved. They stayed for an hour (more than enough time) and when they left, you would have never known that two horses had been there, the crew took care of all the cleanup. Excellent experience, will definitely use this stable again. Thank you Ridge Valley Stables! read more

my husband and i went for a trail ride last sunday. yes i was a little nervous when my horse went up the hill to eat but the guide did tell me he would do that and it was ok to let him eat. i am new at riding and have only gone on a few trail rides. once the ride started my nervousness went away. the trail was beautiful. the horse was very well behaved. we plan on doing another trail ride there this weekend. i would definately recommend ridge valley stables. read more