Horseback riding has always been on my to-do list, and after doing some Googling, I came across…read moreSouthern Trails. I had never been on a horse before, but thanks to the wonderful guides--Hailey, Ashlyn, and Savanna (sorry if I misspelled any names!)--the experience was amazing from start to finish. They were friendly, professional, great communicators, and kept everything running smoothly, which made the whole experience feel comfortable and enjoyable. I was also lucky enough to catch a beautiful Texas sunset during the ride, especially with how unpredictable the weather can be here. If horseback riding is something you've been thinking about, don't hesitate--just do it. I enjoyed every second and would definitely recommend the experience

We didn't do the trail rides which I assume is where they get better reviews, but the cow cuddling…read moreexperience was disappointing. There wasn't actually any place to "cuddle" the cows; you simply stand around and pet them. We got a small cup of pellets, and once those were gone, the cows had little interest in interacting with people. One cow had large horns and was much bigger than expected based on the photos and "mini cow" advertising. That cow specifically seemed pretty over the whole experience. The other two were much smaller, and they were all very cute. There was also no place to wash your hands, only wipes, which is understandable. However, when we asked where the trash can had been moved so we could throw the wipes away, one of the ranch hands responded with an attitude. The lady leading the experience was very kind though. While petting the cows was enjoyable, the experience felt worth closer to $20 than the $50 charged. That's the main reason for the low rating. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it.

My wife and I had a great trail ride at White Fences. I haven't been on a horse since I was a kid…read moreso I needed some good instructions . The owner, Silvia, and one of her trainers were so patient and helpful getting me on my horse and making sure I was totally comfortable before we took off. The trail ride was wonderful and my horse was amazing. It took me back to my youth! I also took a tour of White Fences after my ride and it's absolutely beautiful and well kept. If I had a horse I would definitely board it there. I would highly recommend White Fences! Trey Sheffield

So I visited Texas for the first time and my wife decided we had to go horseback riding in the…read morecountryside. Great idea! I googled a few places close to Austin that offered trail rides and the prices were all in the $100 range per person. When I saw that All White Fences offered an hour long trail ride for under $100 I was sold. It also helped that they had a website (and that it was user friendly) with plenty or pictures and information about what they do. We called and spoke to Angel who was able to schedule us to go on the same day. It was a thirty minute drive from where we were staying in Austin. The scenery in Manor is gorgeous and made the drive there lots of fun. We thought we were lost for a moment but once we saw the white fences we knew we were in the right place. This isn't really the cowboy hat Texas kinda place that might be expected. Instead the staff trains Dressage riders for competitions. I was able to see some riders training and it was all very elegant. Angel took good care of us and picked some wonderful horses for us to ride and gave us all the necessary instructions. The trail is beautiful with plenty of hills and small areas where the horses will trot a bit. They are wonderfully well-mannered and we had no problems with them. If you don't mind the drive, I recommend All White Fences.

Our outing with Maverick Horseback Riding was the highlight of our entire vacation. My family of…read morefour are wholly inexperienced riders; Joan Marie and her team were superb guides with the right balance of instruction, independence, and fun. Joan Marie did us an immense favor, too, by allowing us to start our ride a couple hours early in order to avoid an incoming thunderstorm. I'm sure she saved our weekend! And a final kudos for an excellent BBQ joint recommendation; we went straight there for lunch after our ride and got a "full" Lockhart experience! Strongly recommend Maverick for an excellent equestrian experience!

If you're looking for a mindless trail ride where you just sit there while a horse follows a tail…read morein front of it, this is not the place for you. Maverick Horseback Riding is for people who want the real experience. Our guide Emily was wonderful and incredibly knowledgeable. She is a total pro. But you also have to give it up for the owner Joan Marie. She is friendly but very blunt. She is not there to play nice or baby you. She is there to teach you how to properly handle a horse. If you are shy or easily offended, you might want to look elsewhere. You need to be able to take direct feedback and use it to improve your riding game immediately. They start you off with the fundamentals like brushing, saddling, and mounting. You are expected to actually do the work. They even give you cowboy boots to wear which makes you feel right at home. I rode Sheila and we spent about thirty minutes on a short trail just reviewing the basics while Joan Marie gave proper instruction on what to do and what not to do. After that initial lesson, both ladies took us out on the trails for about an hour of riding. I think if we had gone to some other ranch that just let us be lazy rookies, we would not have had nearly as much fun. We left feeling like we actually accomplished something. Huge thanks to Emily and Joan Marie for a great day.

Took my family out for a lesson and we had a blast. The horses were amazing and responsive to each…read moreof our riding abilities. My 11 year old rode for her first time ever and was ecstatic to be able to trot by the end.

From the owner: Welcome to Esoteric Farm, Austin's newest Equestrian Center…read more We are a show barn offering: English riding lessons, Hunter/jumper training, Children's horse camp, Indoor riding arena, Equine care, and Boarding We're conveniently located 15 minutes north of downtown Austin, so come on out and live your passion to ride.

Today was the first day of equestrian camp at this location for my son. When we arrived at the…read morecamp, we were greeted by a student who was working on learning how to care for and train new riders. After a brief introduction, my son then went right into his lesson. When I arrived to pick my son up at the end of camp today, he was filling a horse trough and helping with the grooming of Skittles; the newest horse at the stable. This camp/ stable provides lessons without the "fluff". Sydney (the owner) is very direct, open and honest about what it takes to learn to ride and care for a horse. Within the first day, my son learned how to care for a horse as well as was able to trot on a horse without an equestrian saddle. *COVID protocols are followed during the pandemic

I love Idylwood Stables! Sydney is a wonderful human being and has so much passion for horses and…read moretraining. She truly cares about her students and boarders. The number one priority at Idylwood is the happiness and health of the horses. They are treated like royalty! Her training style is very positive and encouraging. She will continue to challenge you, ultimately making you a more confident rider. I have tried almost every barn in the Austin area but none of them have that "barn family" feel like Idylwood! Feels like home.

New facility of an experienced professional. Great for lessons, fun birthday parties.read more

Celebrated my son's 5th birthday sunday 12/1/24 and had such a great experience! First of amanda…read morewent out of her way to have a team large enough to cover my large amount of kids on this day! I don't believe I saw a kid on a device, rather they were playing games, riding or on the trail rides, or painting a horseshoe:) We had food, cake, a pinata, and a signed cowboy hat by all the invites! Everything went smoothly, and for this to be my first time hosting an event like this, it was awesome! Amanda's team answered all my questions, and everyone was so polite and helpful.

Horsey Heaven! I…read morehave been boarding & riding her for over three years. You won't find a better place to board your horse and at reasonable rates! Great facilities for riding too. I have been taking lessons with Debbie Seymour and have found them to be very helpful in improving my riding! Feel free to send me an message if you would like any further information.

From the owner: We are a Hunter and Jumpers equestrian facility on 100 acres of rolling hills in beautiful Bastrop…read moreCounty. We board, lessons, camps, sales and two horse shows a year. We also can accommodate a small amount of retirees at the farm. We focus on beginner lessons and teaching basic riding skills and horsemanship. We also do camps at spring break and summer.

Lorie is an amazing. She cares not only for her dogs but for every dog that she looks after. It is…read morea truly great place to leave your cavalier King Charles Spaniel there. My Lancelot spent 8 nights there and he was really well taken care of and LOVED! Thank you, Lorie for caring for my dog.

I cannot say enough good things about this camp. Both my 8 and 12-year-olds had a wonderful time…read more They made great friendships, bonded with the counselors, had an amazing time, and cannot wait to return next year. Oh, and they came home exhausted!! I only wish we would have started sooner.

This is an incredible facility. My daughter immediately felt a connection. We can not wait to go…read moreback. She's excited about riding and there is so much to learn. When speaking to Jessica, this facility seem like a place where anyone can come to learn, ride, care for beautiful ponies and horses and to find peace when their world becomes a bit chaotic. It is truly an amazing place when you need to find your center. Much needed for my daughter and I.

I've been riding at MEC for 2.5 months now and I absolutely love it. Daniel is a superlative…read moretrainer who prioritizes rider skills and safety. As an adult trying to get back into riding after 7 years out of the saddle (and a spine surgery!), I appreciate the focus on safely building my strength and technique. The horses are in excellent condition and of good quality, and the riding arenas are impeccably maintained. They have another trainer named Jessica who has several adorable ponies/kid friendly sized horses and after working with her on a Girl Scout workshop I highly recommend her for the kiddos--or anyone! Bonus: every staff member, boarder, and rider I've met has been warm and welcoming. No one is pretentious or snobby and everyone seems to be there for the joy of riding and the pursuit of horsemanship, not ribbons. In short, it's been an ideal place to get back in the saddle and I look forward to riding here for many years.