Adi O
Google
We recently did a forest ride with Zephyr Horses and overall had a good time, though there’s definitely room for improvement.
Upon arrival at the farm, we were welcomed and given time to explore the tack room, which was fairly well stocked with helmets and riding boots in various sizes. A helpful tip, bring extra socks! Some of the boots were wet, and a few of us ended up with soggy socks before we even got started.
After completing the necessary paperwork and meeting the rest of our group, we were introduced to our horses. The three girls leading the ride were mostly reassuring, especially helpful for some of us who were first-time riders. That said, one instructor in particular did become visibly impatient when instructions weren’t followed perfectly. It showed in her tone, body language, and facial expressions, which made a few moments feel tense.
The ride itself was enjoyable. Chatting with the other riders added a nice social touch, and the instructors made sure to take photos throughout the experience. More experienced riders were given the chance to canter, and we appreciated how safety remained a clear priority throughout.
After the ride, we chose to purchase the photo package for an additional $50. Be aware, these are casual photos taken on the instructors' iPhones, not professional shot and while they could easily be airdropped or shared the same day, they aren’t. Instead, you're told there's a delay due to the “photos team” needing to sort through them, which felt unnecessary.
Overall, if you're in Byron and looking for a unique activity, Zephyr Horses is worth considering. Just manage your expectations, bring dry socks, and be prepared for a wait if you want to buy the photos.