My boyfriend and I had a Groupon for an hour long trail ride that we used yesterday. I think that most of the complaints on here stem from the fact that the horses aren't just old lazy horses. I rode a horse named Thunder and he did want to trot at times and had a lot of personality. But I loved that! I'm a beginner rider but felt totally comfortable. My boyfriend had the same experience. This is a great company to go on a ride with if you're comfortable around horses and want an experience similar to just going on a ride with a group of friends. Kelly was very personable, offered helmets, and gave us each personal instructions on how to handle the different quirks of each of the horses ridden that day. We hope to go back for a longer ride soon! read more

This ride was a birthday gift for my mother, and it was worth every penny! The guides were great, the scenery was beautiful, and the ride itself was so fun! We did the 3-hour ride, and had several opportunities to do some cantering/galloping! I cannot wait to go again! Already talked my husband into going with me ;) read more

I would strongly caution anyone from doing business with these people. I purchased 2 gift cards for my daughter for 60 minute trail rides. The thing is, there is no way to redeem them. Countless emails were never responded to, and repeated calls went to voice mall and also were not returned. I'm not sure what is happening with this company, perhaps they are in the process of going out of business. Either way, I'd like my $60 back or, at the very least, a response. read more

Well, our first impression of this business from over a year ago was positive. However, now, I cannot reasonably give them more than one star. Given their responsiveness, zero would be more appropriate. We purchased 10 hours worth of gift cards at Christmas for our daughter. It's been a busy summer, but her birthday is coming up and she wanted to arrange a trail ride for her and some friends. So, we've got something like $500 or more in gift cards that appear to be trash at this point. We've called. We've emailed. We've used the 'contact us' link on their site. They ain't talkin'. This seems to be the new par for them, based on recent feedback. I think our next step is going to have to be contacting the BBB and/or WA State Attorney General, since their site is still up, actively collecting money for reservations that I suspect, aren't getting fulfilled. -------------------------- Update: Equine Escapes reached out to us and resolved these issues, indicating that they'd had a problem with their reservation system that has been resolved. All of our gift cards have been redeemed, everyone had a great time on their trail rides. Thanks for taking care of the issue, Kelly. read more

I highly recommend Equine Escapes. Kelly did a great job communicating ahead of time, organizing the group, and making sure everyone was safe on the trail. Her horses all seemed responsive and energetic, and they were well-matched to our experience level. We had riders of different skill levels so she kept the pace mostly at a walk (with a few trots). I've been on countless trail rides and I've seen it all -- listless horses, disorganized or stressed out trail leaders, unsafe conditions, etc. This stands out as one of the best I've been on, and despite the rain, we were very comfortable and had a great time. read more

I can't say enough good things about Equine Escapes. We did the 60 minute fall foliage ride today, and it started out a bit rough with my son (who has some developmental delays) being very anxious. Kelly was incredibly patient and ended up walking beside him the entire ride. What could have been a complete flop ended up being a success, thanks to Kelly. The horses were all very calm and easy for inexperienced riders to handle, and the trail was beautiful. A great experience, I highly recommend it! read more

A group of friends and I did the 1 hour 45 min trail ride. We were all paired up perfect with our horses, my horse (Nemo) liked to trot to catch up,which was great for me! A brief orientation was very helpful at the beginning for posture, holding reins, placement in stirrup, etc. The trail ride was beautiful and great amount of time. All the horses were easy going and not a nose to butt line:) Definitely will be booking again and bringing my kiddo along once he's old enough. Thank you for a fun day! read more

My 10 year old son and I took the 2 hour trail ride. This is what my son has to say. It was really fun. If you are reading this, I think you should try it. Kelly is really nice and supportive and she answered all my questions. read more

We did a 1 hour tour ride as a Brownie troop and it was the first time horseback riding for some of them. The troop had a great time. Kelly was very friendly, went over the instructions thoroughly, and answered all their questions. The horses are wonderful. The girls are asking when they can go back! read more

Great trail ride with Kelly today. This was the first time I've been on a horse as an adult. Kelly's horses are well cared for and seem to enjoy the ride as much as the people did. Kelly was able to create a great experience for both the novices like myself as well as the more experienced riders in the group. Highly recommend these trail rides and will be back again. read more

Kelly was a fantastic guide. She made sure everyone on the ride was safe and had a great time. Highly recommended ! No idea why there are such negative comments.........great communication from Kelly before the ride, on time at the trailhead, the ride was perfect for beginners, safety was foremost, horses well matched to riders. read more

If you are looking for a ride full of canters and scenery, this is the place for you. I took my girlfriend here for a birthday ride and we had an absolute blast. I purchased the 3 hour ride (which is for more advanced riders...although I have very little experience). They only take 6 people out for this and everyone else canceled. So, it was just the two of us and the owners. We got to pick our horses and they totally went at our pace. If we wanted to canter, we did. If we wanted to go slow, we did. The horses are very well trained and they can roam on 20 acres of land back at the ranch. So they're happy horses :) Anyways, it was a blast and we have no complaints. I would totally recommend Equine Escapes for anyone looking for an adventure, or even a relaxed ride! read more

Thank you Equine Escapes for wonderful horse rides, consideration for advanced riders, and variety in the ride locations !! I have taken 3 rides with Equine Escapes over the the few months - one regular 1 hour ride and two 3 hour rides. Each time Kelly and the staff were attentive to the clients needs and riding ability. The rides were al in different places, some with great views. I grew up going to a dude ranch in the summer and it is wonderful to get back into riding with Equine Escapes. Their horses are great - I've ridden 3 different ones so far. Their care and concern for the horses is evident. They assist the new riders in the group, and give some options for the advanced riders. I will continue to take my horse rides with Equine Escapes - they exceeded my expectations ! read more

Kelly, Storm (the herding Australian shepherd puppy), and our new horse friends Buck, Dakota, Sampson, and Red, made for us a wonderful Saturday afternoon experience earlier this month! Of course, the gorgeous late summer weather (in fall) didn't hurt either. We ambled along the Snoqualmie River trail near Fall City (We think that's where we were, but we WERE in a dream state, after all). Kelly, our guide, took the extra effort to make sure we had a grand time, and our ponies were energetic; unlike most trail horses, they seemed happy to trot with the least encouragement, even on the way OUT, not just the way HOME, like most experienced trail horses. We loved every minute and really enjoyed Storm, who watched over us and our steeds faithfully! Thank you, Kelly, for a great day! Best wishes for the future of Equine Escapes! Staab and Herman Family read more

Not sure what some of these other reviews are talking about regarding departure time as with animals, as opposed to machines, there is always going to be some unknown variable as to the exact trail start time. I just went on my second ride with Equine Escapes and each time the departure was a little past the actual start time due to instructions and paperwork but the ride was the correct length, if not a little longer (which I actually loved! - more for the money :-) The trail leader was super friendly, informative, and helpful. Very happy with my experience both times! Amazing Trails! Beautiful horses! Incredible ride! read more

I bought a Groupon for my son/self and we went to the Extravaganza last year. I think it is amazing that this lovely getaway is so close to Seattle. Yes we stood in line to check in and yes the line to ride horses was long but have you ever gone anywhere and rode a horse for cheaper than $10. The petting zoo had chickens and goats and a pig. Bunnies were in their cages and baby ducks were safe with their momma in the pond. It was such a great experience for my son, he begged my to send him to the horse camp they run in the Summer. You can tell when an owner loves what they do and Kelly not only is very easy going and accommodating, She really loves what she does and wants to share the experience with you. read more

My family (4 adults) rode with Equine Escapes last Sunday, Sept. 14 and had a great time. Kelly was completely organized with her horses, and patient with her riders. I'm glad we didn't read the snarky messages recorded earlier, or we probably would have gone elsewhere. Instead, we were delighted with all they had to offer. The scheduling, reservations and accompanying bookkeeping went very smoothly and we were off on our horses in a timely manner. The possibility of delay mentioned frequently in previous messages could relate to whatever might happen with riders in the previous group, ie problems with inexperienced riders slowing down the return scheduling down. We had an inexperienced rider, a child who caused some normal delays, but Kelly was extremely patient with him, even as she knew the scheduled return to the trail head would be delayed. I recommend Equine Escapes to anyone interested in quality horses, beautiful terrain through which to ride, and a delightful "guide." Beth S. read more

After reading some of the reviews here on Yelp, I was feeling a bit nervous about Equine Escapes, but I'm glad to say that I had a great time. The trail was easy to find and our guide, Kelly, showed up at the scheduled time. She gave us a quick and helpful explanation on how to control our horses, and then offered helmets to everyone. Shortly afterwards, we were on our horses and on the trail. It was a very wet and rainy day, but hey, that's the Northwest for ya. I rode one of the smaller horses, Tinker, who was very calm and mostly cooperative with my directions on the trail. As a beginner horseback rider, I never once felt uncomfortable or unsafe. Kelly was a cheerful guide and made sure to check in with us periodically to see how we were doing. The trail was beautiful and I really felt like my time and money were well spent with this trip. I will be back in the future, no doubt (hopefully when the sun is shining). read more

So many bad reviews. Not on our occasion AT ALL. some info: I am an experienced rider. I went with two others who were not. Here's what we dealt with: -we were early, Kelly and co. were on time. -offer of helmets -explanation of how to hold the reigns, how to stop, how to go, etc. Basics. Which is what you get when it's a trail ride. If you want more detail, take lessons. *This is not a horse riding course.* -Step ladder to mount. -Kelly adjusted everyone's stirrup without rushing. -we were asked if there were any questions. Our trail ride was by Tiger Mountain and gorgeous. Two hours of forest views without any mishaps. Very Idyllic. No cantering or trotting or anything dangerous for two beginners. Any of the old reviews do not pertain to the business as it stands now. They've clearly learned from any mistakes. I have recommended them to others. read more

My husband, my children (ages 8 and 11), and I took the 1-hour trail ride with Kelly as our guide. We were all offered helmets and there was plenty of time given for instructions and answering questions. The horses we rode were beautiful, calm and well-behaved. We rode along a forest trail. It was peaceful... a great ride for novices like us. Everyone enjoyed the experience. We would take another trail ride with Equine Escapes without hesitation. read more

This review is for a visit that we took yesterday during the Horse Extravaganza. Before writing my really long review, here is the two word summary my husband used: bush league. Kids' review - "boring and took too long". I purchased the tickets using Groupon a few days before. For 4 tickets it was $36 (2 kids and 2 adults, plus a 2 year old that was free). Nowhere on Groupon did they mention reserving a spot, however, in the Questions section, I noticed one of their answers recommended making reservations. So, off to their site I go (which is very easy to navigate) and I made the reservations. When we arrived at 2pm (our time choice was 2-5, they had several over the few days of the Extravaganza), there was a long line of people in the walkway to their home. Apparently we had to register (even though we had reservations). After waiting about 20 minutes in line, we get to the front and sign a waiver with the opportunity to buy raffle tickets ($1) or BBQ tickets ($5). We purchased 4 BBQ and 5 raffle. Right as we got to the front, the lady had to put down her son for a nap (this place is just a house with a very large yard) and an older gentleman took over. The poor guy had no idea what to do. The people in line were having to tell him. During the time, the kids were playing at the "playground" which was just a wooden swing set thrown together a few days before. It was rocking like crazy and the monkey bars were unusable. They were installed above the swings (?????). There was also a "bounce house", which was about 10' x 10' (my 2 year old was even bored with it, let alone the 7 yr olds), and a "Tipi". After 10 minutes, we moved on to the petting zoo. The petting zoo consisted of 3 goats, a handful of chickens, a pig and bunny. All fenced up and not able to be petted. There wasn't even feed nearby to give through the fence. Additionally, there was a (recently made) pond with a few ducks (highlight of the 2 yr old's visit). Next up were the pony rides. The main reason for coming, the girls were so excited! We stood in line for about an hour (truly, no exaggeration - about 30 people were ahead of us). The ladies working with the horses were very nice and great with the kids. It seemed like most of the time was being used to get people helmeted up, on and off the horses (which were fantastic and well taken care of). There was one person doing this and then a line of about 2 or 3 waiting to dismount because their ride was over (even though the had a guide). The ride was a little longer than your typical pony ride, about 5 minutes (twice around the large corral) with 4 or 5 horses working at the same time or waiting. Lastly, we wanted to hit up the BBQ. You got a bottle of water, your choice of a hamburger or hotdog, some chips, potato salad, broccoli salad and stale Pirate Booty (2 year old loved..hehehe). There were a few picnic tables that were taken so we sat on their porch overlooking the very nice view. The food was just okay, I have had much better. We realized after the toddler took off for a door he thought was a bathroom, that we were sitting right outside their master bedroom, belongings in full view. The actual bathroom was one single porta potty. Needless to say, we were over it. We didn't even stay for the raffle. We will never go back unless we have heard there were tons of improvements. Everything looked thrown together a week before, and was made a lot more difficult than it needed to be. I'm glad we arrived when we did, the parking when leaving was horrible and dangerous. Recommendations for your extravaganzas - replace the swingset, rent or buy a huge bouncy house, advise people to print out a waiver and bring with them, have a separate line for ticket purchases, have extra helmets available and more stools to mount and dismount to save waiting time, rent a few extra picnic tables and bathrooms, have some music or face painting, something to occupy time. read more

I did a 1 hour trail ride and it was very nice. She was very nice, came over and introduced herself and remembered all of our names and called us by them which I thought was nice I thought it showed she cared. The horses were all very well behaved and were very well kept. The trail was nice and all the horses seemed like season veterans on the trail and didn't even look twice at the wild elk we saw while riding. Overall it was a great trail ride, nice horses and a nice trail riding guide. We came from Seattle and it was very quick and easy to get to and I would definitely recommend it. read more

I did the one hour trail ride and had a great time. It's nice that the terrain isn't just flat. You get to experience different trails and even walk across streams. Kelly cares a lot about her horses and those riding them! read more

Kelly took my two daughters and their 4 friends on a wonderful 2 hour trek. Everyone really enjoyed themselves, in spite of the rain. The horses were very well trained and were easy for the girls to handle, even though most of them had little riding experience. read more

Had a great experience the other day. There was 3 of us and everyone enjoyed themselves and kept saying it was a wonderful deal/experience for the money. Diffidently would and will do again!! read more

We had a great trail ride with Kelly! She is a true animal lover and shows great respect and care for her horses, I just love that! Can't wait to go for another ride. read more

Had an excellent time on the 2 hour trail ride with Kelly! She took the time to get to know everyone's skill/experience and comfort with horses. She positioned everyone on the trail accordingly and checked in often. The ride was 2 full hours, which was awesome. I definitely recommend Equine Escapes and will be booking another trail ride soon! read more

The reviews honestly had me a little concerned about what kind of experience we were going to have - but our concerns were totally unfounded and we were in for an awesome experience. First, we were greeted by a cute young lady named Lydia who was as cute and personable as could be. She kept us entertained while we waited for Kelly to show up with her 2 hour excursion. When Kelly showed up she immediately came over with a big, beautiful smile, introduced herself to my daughter and I, the other two riders had ridden with Kelly before and she remembered them by name. Kelly said her goodbyes to the other group (they too, obviously had a great experience judging by the big smiles and fond farewells to Kelly and the horses.) We picked our horses and were off! It was an excellent, fun filled day, led by two very personable and fun women who had everyones comfort at heart.. Because our group consisted of experienced riders we were treated to a full out horse experience. Kelly started us at a nice meandering pace along a wide gravel trail. We passed over a narrow bridge that spanned a deep, deep ravine that was scary and beautiful at the same time. We eventually left the gravel trail and headed into the forest up hill at a brisk trot. After checking that everyone was okay she asked if everyone was ready to canter - YIPPPPEEEE! And off we went, tearing up the trail, horses and riders alike having a grand time!!!! I have been on several rented horseback rides in my lifetime and I would have to say this was by far, THE BEST! Some that I have been on the wranglers were a little arrogent and too know it all. On others the wranglers and horses alike were non-chalant and well, bored. On all of those they did not let you run the horses........... this was fun and amazing and all in all A GREAT EXPERIENCE!! And one we will repeat again and again! I implore Kelly to KEEP THAT BARN DOOR OPEN GIRL! You have a real gem there! Kara and Kajla read more

I took one of the 4 hour trail rides by myself as a day trip and LOVE IT. Kelly is great and a lot of fun to ride with. The horses were all magnificent, they looked healthy and well taken care of. They all behaved themselves tremendously on the long ride. The trail Kelly took us to was beautiful and a great outdoor experience. It was an amazing day and I can't wait to go back again and take my boyfriend. I would HIGHLY recommend to anyone! read more

Well, I hope Yelp doesn't filter this out because for some reason the majority of the good reviews are not calculated in their overall rating and they definitely deserve a better overall than what they have. Just rode today 3/22/2013 with my friends family and myself. Great experience! Kelly was wonderful and kind to us and it's obvious their horses are well treated. Absolutely would do it again. I consider myself a beg-intermed rider as I had ridden more in the past but not in a long time but I really enjoyed and felt very comfortable on the horse I rode who was a little spunkier than some of the others but made it more fun for me because I remembered I knew how to handle it! Just some advice for people interested since there seemed to be alot of complaints regarding timing and horses. The nature of this lends itself to not always running right on time in my opinion so if you are planning this, make sure you are doing it when you have some flexibility in your schedule. And remember you are dealing with animals here, who despite being well trained can at times be unpredictable. Horses are very instinctive to people and respond in kind. You have to let them know who is boss KINDLY but they will walk all over you if you let them and if you're too scared. Simple as that. And listen to the instructions given on how to control the horse and use them. read more

Had a great trail ride experience with Equine Escapes on Sept. 14. I was a little nervous, since I had not done much riding much since I was a kid. Kelley did a great job of matching us up with our horses and I soon relaxed. I agree with the previous commenter, that Kelley was very patient. She checked on everyone throughout the ride, to make sure everyone was comfortable. I have nothing negative to say about Equine Escapes and hope to do another ride soon. read more

Spoke with Kelly Bolen, the owner. She is planning some awesome women retreats. Once she begins those retreats (late 2011 summer), they will be worth a 5 star rating. Keep up with her progress on the website, and when you are ready to book make sure it's Kelly you talk to. read more

No stars ride during the blue moon 2011. After Kelly's husband (I think that's the owners name) rolled over gas cans which sprayed all of our gear, we went riding anyway (horses and gas odor don't mix - the guides should have stopped there). Here's the short version: one horse tripped the entire way eventually bucking me off (neither guide bothered to help immediately...F that hurt). Kelly's (owner) horse actually laid down with her still on, then rolled over and wriggled in the mud. Then a second horse did the same (the rest of us dismounted in a hurry). She claimed she'd never had that happen. A third horse had the saddle on wrong, the saddle listed and my friend fell off after the horse jumped slightly. Last, but not least, I was kicked in the shin by a horse on the way out (horses do that if they are too close to one another). Kelly's husband was totally sarcastic to the point of being mean the entire day. Not recommended. read more