My husband and I had a half day ride ( which included lunch). We really enjoyed the ride. It was very scenic and relaxing. Luke, our wrangler, was very nice and very knowledgable on the area we were riding. I've ridden for many years, but my husband hasn't and the ranch provided him with a very quiet horse so he could relax and enjoy the scenery. We will definitely go back to Foothills Ranch when we come back to Arizona. Thanks Al and Luke (and Buddy& Cash)!
My fiance and I recently rode with Don (aka Sam) and we had a fantastic experience. It was just the three of us and I couldn't have imagined a more fun or intimate experience. He was a very personable and enjoyable guide and he led us on a wonderful and scenic ride. He pointed out a Great Horned Owl and some other wildlife and was knowledgeable about the area and plant and wildlife. He had decades of experience as a guide and it showed. My fiance and I have some riding experience and he tailored the ride to our comfort with some excitement for our level. I rode Pepper and she rode Maude without issue. I felt they were both well trained and taken care of horses. I would recommend a 1.5-2 hour ride.To the people complaining about "riding in a line", herd animals follow a leader and trail horses are trained to ride single file to keep from jockeying for the lead to keep them, the guides, and the riders safe. You will never find a stable that does not do rides in this fashion. But the small, personal rides provided through this ranch are the best I have experienced.
I enjoyed an hour trail ride with my daughter, niece and nephew. The guides were fun and informative and mades us all feel very comfortable. I would definitely go again for a little longer!
We had a group of 6 of us and did the 2 hour ride. One of the nicest horseback rides I have ever done. The Trail Boss was very informative. This was a relaxing ride and very enjoyable. We plan on doing the 4 hour next time back.
What a fun ride into the foothills and out again, with a yummy lunch besides. Al and Sandy took my husband and I on a lovely Valentine's Day four-hour trail ride. It felt more like going for a trail ride with friends than the sometimes-uncomfortable feeling of just being a means to an end for the stable's bottom line. The horses were healthy and well trained. They actually listened when you asked for something, then (gasp!) really tried to do it for you! Not the usual dead-sided, mentally checked-out horses you get at riding stables. My horse, Cash, had the fuzziest ears (well, it was February!) and I just wanted to hug him, he was so sweet... The scenery was beautiful, and our guide (also the owner) was very knowledgeable about the local area and its prospecting history. We also learned plenty about the local flora and fauna, and got to see things that you normally wouldn't have access to with a larger, more profit-oriented riding stable. This was not a ride where you felt like you were stuck on a boring track...it was engaging both in the breathtaking views, as well as the obvious feelings of stewardship and appreciation for the land surrounding the ranch. We've ridden in lots of different places over the years, and besides home, this was the best trail ride so far for us :)
Al was great, friendly and knowledgable about the area, mining history, and wildlife. An enjoyable 3 hour ride through the foothills and up into the mountains. The horses are well trained and fun to ride. Small family group ride was amazing. Looking forward to another trip the next time we are in the area.
We looked hard to find a ranch with trails that would give us a chance to see lots of different terrain. (AL ) the owner was great. He took us up the grapevine trail into the hills above the little town of Mayer AZ and his ranch. 4 1/2 hour ride with a quiet lunch in tall pines. We would recommend this for people of all abilities. Horses we nice. Just needed a little attention in the beginning and the rest of the ride was super. If you are looking for a good ride with a good trail with lots of variety this is it. Just what we were looking for. Thanks AL.
We are sorry you didnt like the ride.People have to realize the ride has to be geared to the least experienced riderThe horse named maude that you could not control has been on the dude string for the last 14 years,she is as broke as they come.We have put 7 year olds on her,and they do just fine.You might want to consider some lessons,and quit blaming the stables,they are just trying to keep you,and your family safe.
Aloha!I bet you thought those people from Hawaii would never write a review... We're on Hawaii time :)WE LOVED Sam, we loved the trail ride, we loved the cowboy poetry, my husband loved Larry the horse, we loved the authenticity, the location, the owl nest- everything. Thank you for making it a memorable and wonderful experience. Please come see us on Kauai!Aloha
A quick trip from Sedona got us to Foothills Ranch where we had our first family horseride while on summer vacation. Al suited everyone to a horse that was a great match and our 1.5 hour ride couldn't have been better. Our 8 year old was a little scared at first, but soon became a pro. With just our family and Al riding through the valley, this was a great memory for our trip and one we would love to repeat.