"My sister, mother, and I have been out multiple times for trail rides. While I had riding experience as a child and my sister has dabbled recreational, our mother grew up in horses and is often bored with the horses that ride nose to butt on other trail riding operations. This business is very much the opposite. When asking about our riding history the trail leader listened and matched us with horses that were compliments to our levels. There's and old barrel mare named Harley (I think) and I've never seen my mother so happy after a trail ride on Harley where the instructor let her ride Harley at a full-out run. While not able to go quite so fast ourselves, My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed the different speed of the trail ride. Most notably, when I was on my most recent ride with them I lost sight of my speed and the curvature of a turn that led straight into a tree. Despite noticing and attempting to correct, the horse and I didn't communicate effectively and I put myself into a tree and onto the ground. The instructor was great expressing concern for me and asking what i wanted to do. Obviously the answer was to get back on the horse. So she let me mount up again, and since I was doing so from the ground and not the mounting ramp offered me a boost up. When I asked her if I could try to mount without assistance she allowed me to give it a try and I was got back on the horse of my own efforts. When we were back at the barn we found I cut my arm pretty thoroughly on the tree back, and they helped me tend to it and go on my way. The waivers and paperwork are thorough and let you know what you're getting into, but I could tell they were anxious about how I would react to the situation. My reaction is this: Horse Rides of Pensacola is by far the best organization I have ever been riding with in my adult life. I haven't been back yet because my weight has ballooned and there are weight considerations for the horses that I exceed, but since I'm aware of how much it can hurt a horse to maneuver with an inexperienced and heavy rider, I don't take it personally. I respect her rules and guidelines and will be back once I am within an acceptable weight range for her trail riding team.
If you're reading this posting because your on the fence about going, just reach out and have an honest conversation with the organization. They are openly communicative and reasonable.
However, if you're reading this before posting a negative review, I'll ask you to do the same and reach out to the organization to resolve your issue before you post. If you don't and/or you're posting a review over a personal disagreement with the owner, save your comments for your therapist."
"My whole family rode with you and we all had a wonderful time. You were awesome with my little boys and very accommodating for my deaf son in law."
"Great place! We completed a ride last week and the horses are well cared for and very well mannered. The staff is amazing. I have read a couple reviews here that are not positive but I would find them very hard to believe. We have been here several times with nothing but 5-star service. Perhaps the poor reviews are talking about a different facility as this is not a boarding facility."
"Loved the ride on Morgan today, she is a great horse. My friend decided last minute to check this place out and it is TOTALLY worth it. She also enjoyed the riding."
"I had the most extraordinary horse riding experience! On January 31st, I took my kids and husband on an unforgettable horseback riding adventure for the very first time. Then, on February 2nd, my husband and I set off on a breathtaking 2-hour trail ride! Every moment felt like a dream. We were enveloped by nature's splendor, traversing alongside a sparkling river creek that glimmered in the sunlight.
The horses were magnificent, each one well-trained and hand-picked to match the unique spirit of every rider, instilling a deep sense of confidence as we rode. Sheryl, with her incredible expertise gave us confidence and Bailey, guided us seamlessly into this riding paradise, making the experience not just enjoyable but exhilarating.
You could feel the palpable bond of love and care between the staff and their magnificent animals—a true testament to their dedication. I was particularly touched when they gathered us for a prayer before we began our ride, a gesture that resonated profoundly and highlighted the heart of this place. Thank you for keeping my family safe while we savored every moment of this wondrous journey!"
"My boyfriend decided to surprise me with an hour of horseback riding. We were able to practice riding a horse in the arena, even learning how to run on a horse! We then went to a small little trail. Cheryl is an amazing owner and instructor. She’s someone with a good heart and a good soul to care for these horses. We had an amazing time for the whole hour, and then she proceeded to show us some of her other horses. If y’all are gonna pay to ride a horse, this would be the only place that I recommend :)"