Kimberly T.
Yelp
Hey Ya'll there's a summary at the bottom if you're rushed for time. I don't even know where to start. Lots of my fellow yelpers
were correct, this place offered a great horseback riding experience. But the yelper who gave ONE star because she was treated poorly on the phone, she was also 100% right.
Our 10 year old rides horses, and she wanted to the entire family to commit to a trail ride while in Colorado. I read that this place had great reviews. I understand why. It was a beautiful, interesting, and even exciting ride. The horses seemed relatively well cared for. The trail guide (maybe Astrid?) was helpful and very sweet. I loved that our 6 year old got to ride with a lead rope right next to the guide. There was man with a really impressive mustache (I say this because I don't remember his name) he was so kind. I have a bad hip, AND I was wearing very tight pants- lol. He brought my horse over to me on the elevated platform, and getting on was no problem.
My horse was named Sysco/Cisco. He was in a very big hurry, he wanted to trot and tried going around the other horses. I felt like it was quite the adventure with all of that pep in his step. We rode The Dark Timber Trail. There was a climb, and then just gorgeous Aspen trees. The photos don't even do it enough justice. Breathtakingly beautiful.
The most impressive trial ride I've ever experienced. I wondered if I would be bored or at least underwhelmed. Not in the slightest. I had a feisty horse, who was responsive when I did decide to take control. My family had a wonderful time, and I'm glad we decided on the particular place.
There was a friendly little miniature horse hanging out by the office that was so affectionate! Followed my kids around, it was so soft, it was hard to convince them to go home.
Why 3 stars? WELL.. I've never been treated so rudely and then still decided to plunk down 1, 368.00. I know it's not a huge amount of money, but it's hard to get treated like absolute shit, and still say "Here, thanks for being awful, please take my money"
When the man answered the phone, there must have been a crowd in the office (which is a cute tiny shack), I wasn't rude at all- I knew we were flying home soon and I wanted to check to see if we could make this ride work for us. I just said "I'm having a hard time hearing you" and he snapped at me (like a teenage girl) "well why don't you book it online??!" And just slammed the phone down. What in the mantrums was that all about? So, I called back and it just kept going to voicemail. We piled into the car, and I went to book in person. I smiled and said "Hi, we'd like to book a trail ride and I believe you hung up on me"
He said nothing. He just stared dead pan straight ahead. No acknowledgement. NADA! The owner was also less than warm or welcoming. I wanted to explain that our kids don't all ride, just one- well she talked right over me. Interrupted me mid sentence. Shut me up AND shut me down. RUDE. It was blatant give me your money, and don't waste a second of my time talking to me. I don't give a rat's ass about their skill level. I'm not here to make friends. I don't care. Fill out the paperwork, submit your payment, and leave. So sorry for the 30 seconds that you had to listen to me. There was no line behind us, no group coming in.
When we returned the next day for our ride, we met a women who was helping out, maybe named Chrissy? Anyway, she was extremely friendly. I bought an ice cold beer, enjoyed her sweet smile, and appreciated that she was welcoming.
Another turn off. Before the ride, my kids asked if we could buy the advertised horse food. The office staff said "No, you can do that after the ride"
Well after the ride, we were told we couldn't buy food because it was for the goat yoga. My kids have animals at home, so they didn't mind. But, there was no emotion or slightest sense "Oh gee, sorry we said one thing and then set you up for disappointment."
I'm really grateful that I don't have to deal with smug people on a daily basis because they are just the worst. I am Lord of the stables, and this is my Queen, do not speak to us you lowly peasants, YOU ARE UNWORTHY.
IN SUMMARY:
Great rides, gorgeous views, and helpful
guides.
Great for kids and adults
Helmets provided
Cowboy hats available too
SO Rude on the phone
Beverages and limited snacks available for purchase
They provide a helpful description of what you'll need to prepare for your ride.
BOTTOM LINE - Unprofessional because they can be, they're clearly not hurting for business, so I guess some of them find joy in being less than courteous.
The bathroom is a porta potty type situation. But the wood shavings keep it smelling fresh in there.