What a fun time riding with Catalina Riding Club!! We had the honor of having Mel (Melvin) as our…read morewrangler and he was awesome, very experienced and a great leader. We rode as a family (myself, my partner, Tom, and our two kids) and Mel made everyone feel comfortable, inclusive of being provided nice cold water during the warm temps. We opted for the ride from the Stables, at sunset, which was perfect for us as we had mixed levels of riding experience in our group and it was good to be a little closer to civilization. But when we are back in Tucson, you better believe we will ride with Catalina again and take the remote desert ride to experience more of that incredible Tucson charm. I'd also like to give a shout out to riding club owners, Rose and Bob, who were incredibly helpful and super responsive before, during and after booking. Not only were they awesome to work with in regards to finding a good day/time for our ride, and finding the right horse for each of us, but also so fantastic to offer up other activities for us to do while we were in Tucson. Our only issue with this experience... it had to end and that made us sad. We loved it so much and can't wait to ride again with Rose and Bob and their team of wranglers and horses at Cataline Riding Club! 100/10 recommend... so call them when you're in Tucson and get ready to enjoy the heck out of good people, great horses and amazing landscapes/vistas (and occassional cool critter or two)! :-)

Thanks to Rose who was able to accommodate my group! We all had a great time, what an adventure!…read moreCarol our guide was wonderful! Ours was a mixed group of riders some who had little to no experience, but there was no issue with the horses. Carol made sure to provide support for all of the rider. She is also a great photographer, we love our pictures!

Nice place with fun activities and a few quirks. My favorite was the Saturday cookout. It wasnt…read morebest steak ever but was good and really enjoyed the live music and outside venue. Went here for a family reunion and everyone had a blast. We had a big group with kids and teens up to grandparents. I loved the rooms and furnishing. Bed and chairs all super comfy and sturdy. The activities were all fun and the folks running the activities really seemed happy and helpful. One caveat is some guests seemed to have unrealistic expectations of the activities and their abilities. For instance a lot of people didn't qualify for the lope ride and probably shouldnt have qualified for safety reasons but still seemed upset about it. My kids were too old for the kids club but the kids who were in that program looked to be having an awesome time! It is great to have that option on a place like this. Couple things they could improve on: The online activity signup clunky to the point of barely functional. Everyone, even small kids had to create separate accounts -- i even called to confirm this and was told to reuse emails and phone numbers. A 9 year old doesn't need their own account. One member of our group just gave up on signup and showed up for events. Also you need to have everything signed up for by 8 pm the night before but there is no easy way to cancel and no penalty for not showing up -- so when activities start there is usually space but you have to wait until the no shows don't show. Bathrooms in some rooms were quite small. The toilet in my sisters room i think was built for a child. The food included with the rooms was good but not great. The al a carte menu was better but quite pricey. Also service in restaurant seemed good not great. We would have to flag down a waitress and several times they would say no problem and scurry off to fulfill our request, when others at the table also had requests. Also some of the staff could use some more training. They are clearly reaching for a luxury travel experience but check in, communication and questions seemed to lead to different answers from different people. For instance when the folks before us were checking in they were asked what time they wanted to come to breakfast, while we were told to call 1 hour before coming down -- frankly i dont really want to do either and would like to just show up for the breakfast thats included in price. The staff was all very nice but a bit more training and organization is needed. But none of the issues really affected our trip and as a whole great time and I would definitely return.

We have been to Tanque Verde twice, and absolutely loved it both times. The staff are so friendly…read moreand welcoming, and most of them have been there a very long time. There are a wide assortment of rooms. Last time we had a nice Casita. This time we were in a smaller room, but it still had a wood-burning fireplace, which was so cozy on chilling evenings, The property is beautiful, the trail rides are wonderful and the desert landscape is stunning. It is such a treat to be around and ride the horses. We also went on great walks, hikes. They also have tons of activities I'd like to try next time, like pickleball, tennis, archery, fishing, etc. The pool area and Jacuzzi is so relaxing and beautiful. My husband loved the saloon, and it was a fun watering hole for happy hour. I was doing Dry January, and the bartender made me a tasty mocktail, and we met some nice people. The food was very good. We were there for Friday prime rib night, which was awesome, and loved the salad and soup bar. Looking forward to our next trip and hope to bring more family or friends next time!

Fantastic experience Superior wranglers…read moreDelicious food friendly service Wonderful to see owners socialize with guests Will return!!

one of the nicest experiences i've ever had. came here for my birthday trip and it was truly…read moreamazing! food was spectacular, service and hospitality was amazing, and scenery was so beautiful!

My husband and I (late 60's early 70's) had a good time on the trail ride. The horses appeared…read morehappy and healthy, all the staff were very friendly and helpful from the initial reservation call to when we disembarked the horses. They narrated some of the highlights of what we were seeing during the ride and that was enjoyable.

This place checks all the boxes. Authentic experience, beautiful and I mean stunningly beautiful…read moresurroundings next to the Saguaro National Monument, East next to a wash with views of the mountains. The ride through the monument isn't too long or too short, just right. Definitely check this place out!

Tucson Mountain Stables is tucked away behind White Stallion Ranch. Booking was super easy. I…read moreplaced a phone call, spoke to Bob, and made the reservation. He was quite friendly and provided specific directions to the location. Google Maps will get you there. Signage is minimal so drive slowly so you don't miss the entrance. Upon arrival, we checked in and were paired with a horse. I had the pleasure of riding Gunsmoke. After a brief tutorial (left, right, stop, and go), we were ready to ride off into the sunset. Parts of the terrain were a bit rocky, which was a little intimidating, but Gunsmoke was able to navigate without any difficulty. Our guide was friendly and attentive. Definitely add TMS to your activity list if you're ever in the area! Our guide was super friendly and attentive.

An amazing experience was had…read more This is located near the dude ranch. Reservations are a must. We reserved for the sunset ride. We were quickly given an easy 1-2-3 of steering and handling the horse. I had the pleasure of riding atop of Romeo. The staff were pretty reserved and friendly. The ride was about 1.5 hours long thru a desert path. It was amazing to see the horses navigate in incline and descent rocky terrain. They would halt or slow down walking until they got good footing. Depending on the weather bringing sun shades, water, mask for dusk, proper attire would be recommended. However, I was not fully prepared. With that being said I still was ok without and had an amazing time anyway.

David is great !!! the environment is beautiful and well kept ! Just a great place to be ! Such…read morebeautiful horses

That's the thing about David--he always has to have the last word. The day I was asked to leave, he…read morefollowed me around yelling at me in front of volunteers and staff. This made me feel completely backed into a corner. I repeatedly asked him to please let me get my things and go home, as I had been there since 6 a.m., had not eaten or taken a break, and it was 5 p.m. Instead, he continued provoking me until I responded in kind. His anger and the way he uses it to intimidate people have been a recurring issue in my experience. I also witnessed a similar situation involving Kelli and her husband Al, who has since passed away. On what was one of Al's last, if not his last, rides with Blue, several of Al's friends rode onto the property to meet them for a trail ride. After a verbal altercation between David and Al's friends over their gaited horses being too close to the barn, Al left with them to trail ride. David then approached Kelli, in front of me and another student/volunteer, and began screaming at her that she and Al were banned from the property and had to remove Blue that day. Kelli repeatedly apologized and explained that she and Al had nothing to do with his friends' behavior and had nowhere to move Blue on such short notice. After she continued apologizing, David eventually calmed down and allowed them to stay. Watching this interaction was extremely upsetting, particularly given the circumstances, and it was another example of the anger, intimidation, and instability I experienced in my time at the ranch. That being said, I appreciate the acknowledgment of the years I spent caring for the horses, but I believe the response misses the central concern of my review: the unprofessional behavior of the owner and barn manager and the welfare of the horses who work there. I also want to clarify that I was never a therapy patient at Heart of the Horse. I was a volunteer who spent years caring for the horses. Therefore, invoking confidentiality or HIPAA to avoid addressing the specific concerns raised in my review is misleading. The issues I raised concern my own firsthand experiences as a volunteer and the care of horses, not the private health information of a therapy client. In my horse Earl's case, he suffered from significant left stifle arthritis for years while he was a lesson horse at Heart of the Horse. Looking through photos of him on Instagram and Facebook, his recurring leg wounds and bedsores are visible, including photos where they appear to be bleeding or wrapped in vet wrap. Despite his pain and mobility issues, he continued participating in lessons without Equioxx or other appropriate pain/comfort management. His current veterinarian has since determined that his arthritis requires ongoing management, and he is now enjoying a comfortable retirement with appropriate veterinary care. I am also concerned about the "dental" care horses at the ranch received. In October 2025, the dental provider used by the ranch filed Earl's teeth deeply enough to expose the pulp. Subsequently, Earl broke tooth 306, which is closest to the Tom Thumb or Pelham bit that the barn manager insisted he needed for "brakes." These are not, in my opinion, examples of putting an individual horse's comfort and safety first. They also raise concerns for me about whether other horses have received similarly appropriate care while using ill-fitting tack. Earl is now retired, comfortable, appropriately medically managed, and living a much happier life. The greatest thing David ever did for Earl was give him to me, and I am thankful for that gift. At the same time, I remain concerned about the horses still in the establishment's care. I understand that the ranch may not wish to discuss individual situations publicly. However, that does not change my firsthand experience or my concerns about the way horses are managed and cared for. My review reflects my experience, and I stand by it. The positive reviews David references do not change that experience either.

The trainer Scott is a certified judge , teaches children to older adults , lovely view , bathrooms…read moreand friendly owner Becky

Lucky Charm Riding Center has been a haven of happiness for my children. They look forward to their…read moreprivate lesson all week. The instructors are superb, location is gorgeous, the horses my children ride are calm, intelligent, well trained and obviously loved very much. There is a wonderful playground under the shade of a tree. Grooming the horses has turned out to be just as much fun as riding. It's such a joy to watch my children care and bond with these wonderful creatures and develop new skills each time. Good for the soul. I highly recommend Lucky Charm Riding Center!

We recently had the most wonderful trail riding experience at Rockin' Star Ranch with family…read moreranging in age from 2 to 72, and every single person had a fantastic time! The horses were thoughtfully matched to each rider's size and experience level, and it was clear how well cared for and well-trained they all are. The guides were absolutely phenomenal -- not only friendly and professional but they went above and beyond, even riding backwards at times to capture incredible photos and videos for us! As someone who tends to be nervous around horses, I was given the most patient, gentle, and intuitive horse, which made the entire experience enjoyable and safe. When my 2-year-old decided he had to ride with Mama AFTER everyone was saddled up, they went out of their way to help us rearrange and make it happen -- and I still felt safe and confident holding him, which speaks volumes about both the horses and the staff. We've been to Rockin' Star Ranch a few times over the years, and it's always been a special place for our family. In fact, our now 12-year-old once rode the same sweet pony on a lead ride that our 2-year-old recently did -- a true testament to the love, care, and longevity they provide for their animals. Every single interaction we've had with their staff has been warm, professional, and full of kindness and patience. They are always happy to teach, answer questions, and help everyone -- from total beginners to more experienced riders -- feel welcome and confident. I can't recommend Rockin' Star Ranch enough for families or anyone looking for a safe, fun, and memorable horseback riding experience!

After an extremely disappointing ride in Benson, with horses that could barely move I was beyond…read morefrustrated... and having only one day to myself in AZ while on a work trip I was feeling down. I called a bunch of places, and this one answered. Oh my word, this was exactly what I needed! Chris is an incredible, experienced, and funny guide, and the ride was FUN. He even took videos and photos and shared them after the ride. I lost my keys, and he helped me find them at the end of the ride, which was extra time and effort. Iris and Stormy are awesome horses, Stormy helped with finding the keys. I would say this is the single best trail ride I've ever done, and I ride A LOT but usually have a "no trail" rule--most trail rides are a snoozefest experience, and I would straight out recommend lessons with a trainer instead. Chris' place does fun trail rides, lessons, parties, you name it.... And such great horses. Can't recommend them enough!

Came here for Valentine's Day without knowing anything about the trail or horses. My boyfriend and…read moreI had an amazing time! Perfect weather and our tour guides were greats. Highly recommend Jay and Larry. Definitely plan on coming back another time to ride a horse!

Wonderful 1.5 hour ride into the Ricon Mountains. Horses are…read morevery nice and beginner friendly. Took my 10 grand daughter who had never ridden before and Jay our lead wrangler was amazing with her. Kind and encouraging. Jay was very knowledgeable and had a lot of interesting history and facts about the area. Highly recommend the Saguaro Stable for a great ride.

Had an amazing time! Hubby and I went for a date! The tour guide, Del, was super funny and very…read moreinteractive with the crowd despite his nervousness. I would definitely recommend going on a tour, you learn alot and get to see so many cool cave geography!!

The cave tour was very fun!! The tourists said to say uhm Erik? Smells nice : ) and uhm Adam smell…read morebad. The jokes make it so much funnier aswell as amusing!!! The cave was beautiful! I absolutely loved hearing about the evolution of people in the cave ask !..the demonstrations were vivid too. The view was AMAZINGGGG LIKE O.M.G i did trip sometimes, just don't be clumsy like me loll. The gift-shop was nice too aswell as every other worker Also do watch your head