mt princeton riding stables & equestrian center

**Let me preface this by saying that I have tried to contact the owner of the stables several times, and I've never received a response. Here is an email I sent him explaining our experience.**...My husband and I took one of your horseback riding tours. It was quite eventful…a little more eventful than we were hoping for, and I feel that you should be aware of our experience.The horse I rode was Rodeo. I don’t have a whole lot of experience with horses. I rode a few times when I was younger, but that’s about it. When we first started on the tour, I practiced the turns/stops that the guide showed us to make sure I understood, and I did, and Rodeo did what I asked. That didn’t last long…Rodeo was right up against the horse in front of me in no time, and nothing I did would stop her. I couldn’t slow her down, I couldn’t direct her in a different direction. I was a little worried because the guides had said it’s important to leave half a horse to a horse distance between each horse. Finally, I gave up. I was tired of fighting her, and I knew she had traveled this path a million times, so I tried to relax and just let her do her thing. About half of the way into the tour, Rodeo kept trying to stop and eat the plants…another thing the guide told us not to let the horses do! I tried my best to keep her from eating, but she’s way stronger than me! So, again, I felt I had no control. At one of these stops, Rodeo is again trying to eat, and I’m trying to get her to stop. My husband is riding behind me. He stops his horse, but then his horse thinks it’s a good idea to eat too. So, his horse turns slightly and when it does, bumps Rodeo and startles her. She rears up and kicks back and sprints off…without me. I flew off her…I lost my shoe I flew so hard! Luckily, I just cut up my knee, lost my breath, and bruised up my left side. Now, the reason for this email is not that I’m upset about Rodeo. Rodeo is a horse, and she cannot be completely controlled. I get that. What my husband and I are upset about is the way the guide (I can’t remember his name) handled the situation. After I fell, the guide came over, and all he kept doing was making jokes! JOKES!? After I just flew off the horse and could’ve been seriously injured? I understand that he was probably trying to make light of the situation, but it was extremely scary for me, and I feel that was very unprofessional. I don’t think he ever even asked what happened….I think he thought I just slid off the side of the horse, which is NOT what happened.I got back on the horse…terrified. Rodeo was still not controllable. The guide said he did something to keep her from stopping to eat, but it didn’t. I was still fighting against her. I let the guide know, but he didn’t seem to care much…maybe Rodeo does this a lot? I don’t know, but none of the other horses were acting out this way. Why didn’t our guide take note of this? When we came to the cliffs, I couldn’t contain my fear. I just started crying. If I get kicked off this horse again…I’m going right over, and I WILL be seriously injured or worse. My husband finally stopped the tour, and we got off our horses. The guide just couldn’t understand why we didn’t want to ride again…(I guess he really did think that I just slid off the horse?). We told him we would just walk the rest of the way, following the group. He insisted that we walk back the way we came, that it was shorter. So, finally, he convinced us. Bad idea. What were we thinking walking alone by ourselves in the middle of nowhere with no guide and the sun is setting!? We had to cross a creek on foot…that’s dangerous. Our guide told us a “short cut,” which I don’t think we ever found. The “short cut” we took, was definitely not a short cut. We ended up way down the road from the stables. The other people in our group made it back quite a while before we did. And, when we were finally in sight of the stables, here comes our guide in his truck. We pull up to the stables, and no one else is there. No one was waiting for us. No one was looking for us. Why wasn’t there some sort of communication between your staff to say that two people are out on foot…by themselves…with night quickly approaching? That’s not only unprofessional, but very alarming. Does this happen a lot? What is your plan when a guide sends people back, walking alone, and they cross that creek, fall, and break their leg, sprain their ankle, or bust open their head? Apparently, no one will know about it for a while, since no one is aware that they are out there alone and no one is looking for them.When we got in the guide’s truck, again, he just started cracking more jokes about my fall. Yes, that’s exactly what we wanted to hear, after falling off a horse and walking all the way back to the stables.I don’t know if you were aware of the situation or what happened, but I feel that you, as owner, should know this. I apologize for the long email, but I felt it was best if everything was detailed, so you hopefully could fully understand why we were dissatisfied.So...All of that to say, if you want to work with people who care about your safety and well-being, DO NOT use this company. Find some other place! You'll be doing yourself a favor!

The trail was scenic and a beautiful reprieve from soaking in the hot springs. The horses were well maintained and friendly. Overall a great experience for couples or families.

These people own the same stable that offers tours of the Garden of the Gods, but trust me, HIKE the Gods and go to Nathrop for this adventure instead. The ranch has Mount Princeton as a back drop and the scenic beauty is astonishing. They took my family on a ride that was unforgettable. We rode up into the mountains and finally reached our destination for lunch, which they provided, a WATERFALL! My God it was gorgeous! The ride to and back took up a good chunk of the day. It was another cherished memory. The staff was tremendous too. Be sure to tip your guide, they work hard at your enjoyment. A MUST SEE AND DO.

We went on the 2 hour ride. I hadn't been on a horse in 16 years, but the wranglers were very cheerful and helpful and got our group (3 kids, 4 adults) set and ready to go quickly. Their instructions actually worked with the horses, and we had no problems. The landscape was beautiful - trails, creeks, fall colors. Our guide, I think his name was Bryson, was very friendly and fun, and we all had a good time. I will definitely come here again next time I am in the area.

My Boyfriend and I had the best day, as good riders we were worried it might be a a little boring but the scenery, precarious cliff edges, beautiful waterfall and wonderful horses and guide were just fantastic. We got a lovely big lunch and time at the waterfall midday.

Our group did a combination morning raft (awesome) and afternoon 2 hour ride. Upon arriving, a very grumpy lady working in the office greeted me with saying there were only 2 of the 5 of us expected. She sighed and mumbled a bit and never made us feel like our business was desired. She never smiled during the entire transaction and so my impression was negative from the start. She assigned our horses.Our wrangler, Kevin was friendly, but had a horse "in training" and had to spend way too much time getting his horse to allow him to mount when needed. Our youngest, lightest, 8 yr old granddaughter was given the most difficult, oldest horse nicknamed "grandma". Even though she has had a little experience, she was unable to kick or swat hard enough to make the horse cooperate. Our wrangler was really not able to efficiently help her mainly because his horse did not seem trained enough for him to come alongside or quickly intervene when necessary. We stopped repeatedly while our poor granddaughter tried to make grandma go. Our 9 year old granddaughter who had never been on a large horse at all (pony rides only) had a horse who followed and responded exactly as the wrangler instructed. Finally, after unsuccessfully trying to take the lead rope and force grandma to follow, he was able to get the lead rope and led the horse. Our granddaughter was frustrated and disappointed that the others in our group had horses who followed and she had to be led. Our route was cut short because of this situation. I continued to be positive and upbeat about the beautiful views and interesting scenery so that the other 2 girls and the youngest granddaughter wouldn't be negative about all the delays and sitting still. I gave this review a 3 because I believe that the horse assigned was a very poor choice for a smaller 8 year old who couldn't control an older, more stubborn horse. The fee for the 2 hour ride was not cheap, so I was disappointed that it wasn't a highlight the way it should have been. It would have been awesome if a) a friendlier person had handled our arrival with a smile. b) "grandma" be given to someone able to be strong enough to light a fire under her and c) the wrangler was on a horse that was able to intervene when it wasn't working.This ride does go thru some very pretty areas, up inclines, down through creeks and meadows. We didn't get to see it all however, because of the repeated delays. I jfelt bad that one child's experience was really damaged by horse assignment and perhaps by the wrangler having a horse under training.

I asked my 8yr old and 14yr old what part of our vacation was the most fun and they said "The horses!" We did the Waterfall ride and it was well worth the sore bottom in the morning. Highly recommend.

The ride was enjoyable and the guide was awesome. Very scenic and fine! Highly recommend. Have been here several times and would go back for sure.

We took a 2 hour ride through the high desert. We had tow wranglers, one experienced and knowledgeable and one not much of either. The horses were well suited to our abilities and we saw a variety of flora and fauna, through streams, forests and high desert. Well worth it. Wish the horses had more shelter from the heat and rain but we understand this is a business.

My wife and I are in our mid 20's. Neither of us had any riding experience but we loved it. We were the only two on the tour which made it nice. We opted for the 3/4 day waterfall ride. This gave us plenty of time on the horses. This wasn't the trip wasn't some ride on a 40 yr old pony going along wide dirt roads. It was tight rocky up/down hill trails on the side of a mountain. Again my wife and I had never done this and it gave us the "pucker factor" at times but without it we wouldn't have the great memories. Lunch was provided by subway which was fine with me. I expect these folks to lead me up a mountain on a horse and make sure I don't die, not prepare a meal. The waterfall was great. Usually you hear waterfall trip and it's some rocks with water flowing, no this was a good 20/30 foot waterfall in the middle of the mountains. Our guide was great she could handle the horses just fine. We had a blast on this trip and we were happy with the 4 hour ride. It gave us enough time to really enjoy it but not wanting more. This is the only place I would trust again. All the others seem kinda boring. We drove from our campsite in canon city and took a different route back the entire day was beautiful. If your staying within a two hour radius and want To go on a great ride sign up for this one.

We always add a horseback ride to our trip. This trip was nicer due to the great views of the snow capped mountains.The guide was knowledgeable and funny. However it was hard to hear him (only 3 riders) when he faced forward. A suggestion would be to have guide wear a small microphone (nothing that would interrupt nature or horses) just something where everybody could hear him. he did tell a joke about animals that I didn't think was appropriate for children. It wasn't funny and it made my daughter sad - she is a huge animal lover. Guide was more than willing to take pictures. However if he had stayed on his horse the 3 family members would have been in the same photo. he was more concerned with his horse eating and walking away. so only 2 of us at a time were in the picture. Our guide mentioned to us that the 1.5 hour tour included lunch and a view of the waterfall. I guess I didn't know that prior to booking otherwise we would've done that one. That would have been a nice addition to our already beautiful scenery.We could tell the horses were well taken care. We appreciated how mild mannered they were.We will recommend to family and friends.If close by we would go again.Thank you!

Nice to com across a riding place that really and truly cares for their horses. They are well covered and lovely temperaments, well schooled too. Loved the mule which is part of the family. Very knowledgeable and friendly wranglers. Recommend as a must do when staying in the area.

Like everything -- good horses, guides who were very personable and informative, upbeat atmosphere of all the staff.

Our guides Heidi and Ron were wonderful. The one hour trail ride goes through beautiful scenery. Enjoyed it immensely.

We had been riding here six years ago and came back this year. Our rangler was very knowledgeable and friendly and we all had a nice ride through the mountains. If you want a nice ride, use them.