ABD Horseback riding

[WDWmom08]

I realize this may sound like a strange question but do any of the itineraries other than the Wyoming trip still include horseback riding? My DD and I both ride and I love to have this incorporated into our vacations. We were tossing around the ABD trips but I notice that the trips that used to include riding are cutting it from their activities...Scotland is now just for junior adventures and even the donkey ride in Oia on the Greece trip seems to have been eliminated. I'm not sure if Costa Rica used to include it as well, I may be confusing ABD's trip with Tauck. Both of Tauck's Costa Rica and Peru trips include it. Does anyone know if it could be aadded to any of the trips? Thanks for the info.

 

[Bobo912]

I don't believe the Costa Rica trip has ever included horseback riding. Horseback riding is available at Sol y Luna in Peru and at Red Cliffs Lodge in Moab during you free time and at your own expense, since it's not included in the ABD itinerary.

 

[WDWmom08]

Has any adult tried to sweet talk their way into the highland pony ride now that it's for kids?

 

[carpenta]

We did the horseback ride at Red Rocks. It was a group line ride where the horses are basically trained to follow the trail and return to the yard. It was nice but not a wide open trail ride on your own. The people were very nice and it didn't cost a lot. Loved the Arizona trip.

 

[sayhello]

Has any adult tried to sweet talk their way into the highland pony ride now that it's for kids?

The reason it's for kids only now is because the ponies can only hold so much weight (they are pretty small) and some adults were being excluded due to the weight restriction (and I assume complained). So they just made it Jr Adventurers only to solve the issue. I personally wouldn't want to put an Adventure Guide in that position. Because if you got to, then what's to stop everyone from asking? It's not like you're going to be able to hide that you're going on the ride.

Sayhello

 

[WDWmom08]

Wow, that's a bummer. If it's a weight limit then it should be a weigh limit, not a weight limit disguised as an age limit.

 

[sayhello]

Wow, that's a bummer. If it's a weight limit then it should be a weigh limit, not a weight limit disguised as an age limit.

It was a weight limit. And people complained about that. I guess I can understand not liking paying for an activity that you're prevented from participating in because of your weight. The weight limit is one thing if it's an activity you've chosen, but if it's an activity provided by ABD, it should be an activity everyone can participate in *if they choose*. I've certainly opted out of a couple of activities (biking because of my back & wrists) but that was my choice. I don't know that I'd be too happy if they told me I *COULDN'T* participate because of my weight...

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[WDWmom08]

Good point. I just wish it would still be an optional activity.

 

[sayhello]

Good point. I just wish it would still be an optional activity.

Well, that's something you might want to check with ABD about. If you're willing to pay extra for it yourselves, as a separate activity, who knows, it might be something they'd consider (but it probably wouldn't be at the same time as the Jr. Adventurer's ride.)

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[mapsd]

Not sure where the stopping point is during the few day, but if you're near West Yellowstone, check out Diamond P Ranch for horseback riding.

Just west of town and lots of trail ride options. The nice part is that they don't use "retired" horses that just walk in a straight line. Many are former "cutting" horses. Sure-footed & a little more lively, which is good because we crossed streams and climbed some steep terrain.

Just a few miles further west had ATV rentals.

 

[Kona65]

The reason it's for kids only now is because the ponies can only hold so much weight (they are pretty small) and some adults were being excluded due to the weight restriction (and I assume complained). So they just made it Jr Adventurers only to solve the issue. I personally wouldn't want to put an Adventure Guide in that position. Because if you got to, then what's to stop everyone from asking? It's not like you're going to be able to hide that you're going on the ride.

Sayhello

hello

 

[sayhello]

hello

Can I answer a question for you? Is there a part don't you understand?

Sayhello

 

[carpenta]

Not sure where the stopping point is during the few day, but if you're near West Yellowstone, check out Diamond P Ranch for horseback riding.

Just west of town and lots of trail ride options. The nice part is that they don't use "retired" horses that just walk in a straight line. Many are former "cutting" horses. Sure-footed & a little more lively, which is good because we crossed streams and climbed some steep terrain.

Just a few miles further west had ATV rentals.

Good tip. The OP could always decline a day trip with the group and horseback ride on your own. On the Arizona trip a large number decided to rent ATV's off site and I was told had a grand time riding with a private contractor divorced of any affiliation with ABD. We decided to go on a tour of Denali when we were in Alaska with a private group tour and left for the day. Our guides were quite gracious and even arraigned transportation to and from the tour departure point.

 

[hdnwaters]

Just a suggestion. If you like to ride, I would skip Disney Adventures and book Brooks Lake Lodge in WY yourself. It is an awesome place and you can ride twice a day! My husband and I went there for our anniversary. We have also stayed at Red Cliffs Lodge in Utah but did not ride.