bonito stables

Nice ride in a beautiful canyon along a stream. Our three year old rode with Mom. If you go in a winter snow four wheel drive is a big plus as you get near the stables.

About an 18 mile drive from Mechem and Sudderth down paved and unpaved roads and passes Lake Bonito. The drive itself is pretty, and the road ends at the stables. Don't arrive earlier than 10 AM or later than 3 PM. Riders head out on a first come, first served basis. They have a large variety of horse breeds, and my horse was the most responsive trail horse I've ever ridden. Usually they just follow the trail regardless of my commands. I didn't see any fire damage.

Amazing day for the family, once you arrive if the old dog barks, just keep walking he's safe. You will love this place kids.

No one showed up, it was supposed to be open, the horses were in a pretty ba shape to my opinion. Too bad because the trails were really beautiful. I decided to go horse riding at the Casino finally and I don't regret it.

I've been on many trail rides in many different areas and this one was par for the course and what I expected it to be. It's not a fancy outfit but that's what I liked about it too. The horses followed each other because they are trained to do so for safety reasons; and, the horses are older but again they are probably retired horses that had a much more exciting life prior to being a trail horse. I enjoyed the scenery, being outdoors, and just getting to ride; things that I don't get to do on a regular basis. I wasn't looking for a long ride and from other vendors (which weren't open yet) I researched this place was competitively priced. The drive from Ruidoso was not bad and the drive to the stables from the main highway was scenic. You really get a feel for how much of the land was scorched by the fires several years ago. Our trail guide actually told us that the stables were missed by the fire, although not by much, but they did loose a lot of stables (not horses) to a flood right after the fires.Overall, I would return and bring my children with us next time. I am also glad this place was open because the other places I checked were not open yet. Our guide said Bonito is open year round.

Having been ranch-raised, and rodeo trained....I find it hilarious how "experienced" some people think they are. I have seen a woman say she "used to ride the circuit" and go put on a pair of chaps BACKWARDS. Folks...these horses cannot be perfectly matched for every person. The Runnels do the best they can to match you up with a horse you can handle, but if you tell them you are "very experienced", why would you be upset if they put you on something other than a dead-broke kid horse? After all...you told them how good you are. There are some folks who don't want to ride a "plug!" And...if a horse is climbing, sometimes they will lunge...which, you...with all your experience, might think is bucking. I know for a fact that Bonito Stables would never have a horse in their dude string that would buck. Do you think they want you to get hurt?? Come on!! They want you to enjoy your experience, see beautiful country and come back. Perhaps some of the help need some etiquette lessons, or some training in people skills...but they are there to help you with your horse, not hold your hand.

not the greatest trail, the horses were a bit older than expected. The guide was nice but for the price it should have been a bit better. However none of the other places were open due to time of year and the wind. We love riding horses so it was fine.

So I cannot comment on the quality of the trail rides because we waited over an hour for someone to show up, and ended up leaving without getting to go on a ride. We called the number listed beforehand, and the message said that they didn't have phone or electricity at the stables but to come on up, they were there every day. It's a 30 minute drive out of Ruidoso, so it was a little disappointing to drive all the way there just to wait around.

The road getting to the stables got a bit rough on the car for the last three miles, but the ride was well worth it. We took the 1-hour ride option and our guide was nice and curteous.

I really enjoyed the ride and the "wranglers"/girls that lead the tour. We had a great time and the horses were very calm. Will definitely come back next time we're in town. Thanks, Karina and Kate for a fun time on the trails.

I've done several trail rides and would describe this one as average to poor. The man running the operation was not very friendly and the tour guide said maybe 3 words throughout the entire ride. They also put the person I came with at the back of the group while I was at the front so we had a group of strangers between us. I have no idea why they did this. Also the trail was rather boring. We went out and back on the same trail. It could have been a much better experience.

It was great. Except for almost falling off the horse holding my baby. The boy was very curious and helpful, he was not the one who prepared my horse but he made sure we were safe and tightened down after we realized what was going wrong. Overall great experience and will return. My husband and I took along our 17 month old and 37month old.

We started worrying driving down the 7 mile road (take a truck if you have one) that all we would be looking at was scorched trees. Some how the little area where the stables are was missed by the fires. The trail was beautiful. We were the first ones there and were lucky to go out just by ourselves (husband and 12 yr old daughter) Very peaceful! The owners dog Toby runs a head and might stop and bark up at some critter hiding in the tree's. The only except cash so make sure you have enough on hand! It was $75 for the 3 of us, plus tip. When we left we had to go wash my white truck, which ended up black on the bottom.

My husband and I visited the stables on our honeymoon. We have both had experience with horses, but we never feel comfortable taking someone else's horses on a trail alone. We went with a guide, and she took us on a two hour ride that met our experience level. The scenery was beautiful! We even heard elk in the distance. We could not have asked for a better trail ride! We will definitely visit again. Also, to correct the post below, the stables were not burnt in the fire and personnel are currently working on the road, just call them at (575) 354-2778 before arriving.

My wife and I rode there several times. Great place; beautiful views; nice people, never had a problem there. After the recent fire (summer, 2012) the place is gone. We just returned from Ruidoso and the main road leading past Bonita Lake (which is also gone) is closed due to ongoing issues (when it rains the sludge from the fire washes out the road). We were told by several people that the stables burned although with the road closed you can't get there anyway.