Horseback Riding....worth it?

[golfknut]

Can anyone give me any information on the horseback riding at Fort Wilderness? Is it worth the price? Is it a ride on old slow horses, single file- nose to tail, over a flat loop at a slow pace?
Is it a full 45 minute ride?

 

[disnygrl00]

We did the trail ride but it was a few years back so it may have changed. You go on a guided ride through trails in the woods. It is basically a slow ride. No galloping accross open fields!!
But it was relaxing and fun. Can't remember the price but 45 minutes seems about how long it was.
I enjoyed it but if you are an expert rider you would probably find it boring.

 

[travelin' tigger]

I did this last Feb. and if you ride at all, it'll be boring. Yes, it is single file, following a loop through the woods and only at a walking pace. But it is the full 45 minutes – well, at least mine was!!

 

[Cameo]

I agree. If you ride at all, this is a terrible ride. We are experienced riders and like to try trail rides everywhere we go. This was single file on a dusty trail with no talking by the guide. Also, my saddle was too small for me and they didn't care to do much about it.

If it is a child's first or second ride, it is probably a good one to start with.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

How old do you have to be?

 

[Greg K.]

...be prepared to be saddle sore! Ouch.

I rode horses back in my, ahem, youth, but wife was a novice, so we went on this a few years ago.

For 15 minutes, it's neat. For 45, torture.

The scenery is flat and dull and, if it's summer time, the weather is HOT. But the horses are agreeable -- I think they were as bored as I was -- and well-behaved.

But, as I mentioned at the top ... your butt'll HURT!

 

[peachgirl]

Originally posted by golfknut
Can anyone give me any information on the horseback riding at Fort Wilderness? Is it worth the price? Is it a ride on old slow horses, single file- nose to tail, over a flat loop at a slow pace?
Is it a full 45 minute ride?

Other than I wouldn't call the horses old, it's pretty much what you described. Two in our group did this during our Dec. trip. It costs around $35. They do give you the full 45 minutes, but unless you've never ridden before, it's probably not what you want. The price is about double what it costs around here and not worth it to us. I believe you have to be 16 to go on the ride.....why is beyond me. According to those that went, our guide did plenty of talking, but only about how wonderful and talented her grandaughter was. It got pretty boring.

 

[we3luvdisney]

We just returned from our New Year's trip and did the trail ride. I agree with everyone, if you are experienced (which we were not) you would be bored. The ride took 45 minutes on a 2 mile trail. The lead guide did not talk, but the assistant rider rode along everyone asking them questions and talking to them. You rode along the trail, which was along some wet lands. If you book in the summer I would were some repellant. All three of us enjoyed the ride and would do it again.

 

[AngieBelle]

Yeah, it is on the expensive side for horsebackriding. But I was so happy to be riding again! I'm an experienced rider, but I didn't care that the ride was extremely tame- I just loved being up on that saddle. I was also right behind the guide so I was able to talk to her. She enjoyed my singing as well. hehe. It's definately great for first timers.

 

[Rneighh]

I am an experienced horse person. We have 23 head of horses that we breed, raise, train, sell, and show. Unless you are riding regularly (once a week) this type of ride is all you can handle. It is a trail ride -- a time to relax and enjoy the flora and fauna. Enjoy the gentle rock of a horse walking. The twitch of their ears to hear sounds around them.............

Most people who do not ride regularly have an over inflated opinion of their riding abilities. If you are not riding on a regular basis you are not ready to be a "cowboy." Go and enjoy the trail ride for what it is meant to be.

Renee