Trail ride

[rab]

I noticed on the Camping board that there were some negative opinions on the FW Trail Ride. This was something we wanted to do this year so can you tell me what your opinion was of this ride (i.e. the people, scenery, etc.). Thanks.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I enjoyed the scenery, the people were really nice, the horses are gentle (in a coma) and for people who do not ride, it is probably a wonderful ride. For those of us who do ride it is a bit boring, but, a nice activity. It is walking only, no trotting or cantering.

[travelin' tigger]

I second Gail's thoughts. Did this in early Feb. and it was a nice, mellow ride. :)

[rab]

Thanks. I was worried because the people on the Camping Board were saying the people in charge of the trail rides were REALLY rude. Don't want to have to deal with that on our Disney trip.

Also, it was mentioned that you may be separated in the line of horses from other people in your party. I don't want my kids separated from us in the line. Anyone know about that situation or how we can avoid that?

[travelin' tigger]

When you get there, I would just tell them that you want to stay together. When I went, there were only 7 of us on the ride (I was solo) so I don't think there'd be a problem!!!

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I did not find the CMs to be rude at all, they are very business like. I will say they are not "typical" kiss your butt CMs, but, few in the horse world are. They try to get the attention of a bunch of people who do not wish to listen. They go over the basics over and over and over, and, no one listens. Makes me nuts. Even if the horses at Disney are very gentle, they are still horses, and they can be very dangerous. The CMs are there for your safety and the safety of the animals. I can see where that could be construed as being rude, but, trust me, they are not.
They line the horses up according to what horse likes to be where in the line and what horse likes to follow which horse, or what horses don't get along. Again, all in the name of safety.
So, tell them that you would like to be together and they will keep you that way.
They also line you up according to ability. I got a horse that could not stand to be behind any other horse and could be a bit rowdy when you put some leg on him. Personally, I thought it was fun, but a real "greenie" would have been a bit edgy. But, they tell you not to do anything but neck rein. :) You won't need spurs, whips, or leg, just sit and relax and enjoy.

[rab]

Thanks. When we get there, I'll check to see if they can keep us together.

[walt's assistant]

Gail's got it right on. Self-professed horse people weren't listening and that concerned the CMs whose responsibility it is to communicate all of the instructions. If that comes off as rude, they asked for it (IMHO).

The CMs are REALLY nice folks who want everyone to have a safe and fun time. The Disney horses are, well, Disney-fied (which means that they are bombproof...which means that not even a cannon shot from Captain Hook is supposed to scare 'em). Still, folks should pay attention.

Enjoy the ride. If you are a horse person and ride a lot you will be bored (except for the wildlife you may see). Nevertheless, we still had a good time!