We decided to add a little adventure to our Mackinac Island trip with the grandkids and rent a carriage from Jack's. The idea of driving our own horse and carriage around the island sounded like the perfect "pinch-me" moment. Now, the weather... that part wasn't on Jack's. What started as a gorgeous morning turned into a cold, windy, "wish-I'd-brought-another-layer" kind of afternoon, which definitely put a damper on things--but that's Mother Nature's fault, not the establishment's. Our 2:30 reservation had us checked in quickly, and by 2:45 we were on our way with Jake, our horse for the day. Poor Jake. He didn't seem bothered by the chilly air--in fact, I imagine he'd take that over summer heat--but he looked worn out, like this was his third or fourth loop of the day. He trudged along so slowly that what was supposed to be a 90-minute ride stretched into two hours and twenty minutes. The hardest part, though, wasn't the pace--it was the hills. These carriages don't have brakes, so while Jake pushed hard to get us uphill, the downhill was brutal. He had to zigzag side to side like a slalom skier, straining under the weight of the carriage to keep control. It was really tough to watch, and toward the end most of our group actually got out and walked just to give him a break, because none of us could stand seeing him struggle anymore. What also struck me as odd was that no one asked about weight before sending us off. We were a group of six (two kids included), probably around 900 pounds total. You'd think that might matter when it's just one horse navigating steep hills without any braking system. To their credit, the staff admitted it shouldn't have taken that long and only charged us for an hour and a half, which was fair. But still--the ride dragged on, Jake was clearly exhausted, and what should have been a charming island trot ended up being more stressful than enjoyable. Had we taken a carriage out early in the morning, and the horses are more energetic for the day, perhaps the experience would've been better. But I'm just not sure. All in all, not the magical experience we were hoping for. read more

What a cool experience to drive a horse and carriages around the island. We had no idea what we were doing but the horse kind of lead the way for us. We really enjoyed it. read more

Jack's Livery Stable - Katie - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mackinac Island, Michigan

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Our horse was named Katie. She was very well known around the island and had a great personality. Was a lot of fun. My third time visiting Jacks and would always recommend it. read more

Jack's Livery Stable - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mackinac Island, Michigan

We had an awesome time on our ride! I had some sticker shock at the price per rider, but I am so glad we went for it anyway. It was the one thing my youngest regretted not doing on their first visit to the island. My husband was with us and the three of us had fun as our horses led the way through a path in the woods - yet another space on the island that I hadn't seen! The staff were friendly, as were the horses. Just a really fun new adventure! read more

Jack's Livery Stable - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mackinac Island, Michigan

Our experience wasn't the best. My 11yr old son had his foot stepped on by the horse he rode, because they wouldn't put the steps up to help get off the horse. He cried And ended up with a badly bruised foot. Nobody even asked if he was ok, no sorry, nothing. When we asked to have a step to get off the horse, the girl rolled her eyes. read more

Awesome!! Me and my mom did a trail ride and it was so fun. Instructor and staff were amazing and very helpful. Totally recommend for horseback and carriage rides. read more

The whole process of the rental was great. The lake trail was amazing. We traveled down lakeside road for some of the trip then cut across the island in the woods read more

This was worse than "not good" but that is the lowest review offered. Several groups received terrible customer service for the buggy rides at Jack's Livery Stable in September 2024. Our horse, Bob, was so slow that persons walking regularly passed our buggy. No amount of encouragement or rein work would get him to move. And staff never gave us any instruction about how to get him moving, only stop and turn. They knew that NOTHING would get him moving! Turns out, our horse was waiting for the horse behind to catch up to him. The horse behind ours (started 15 minutes after us) pulled so hard to catch up to our buggy that its driver hurt her hands trying to hold him back. At the midpoint, a staff person had the behind horse go in front of ours which perked our horse up briefly, but then he went back to plodding and the other horse got back to the stables 10 minutes ahead of us. We let the staff know that our ride sucked because of the horse's behavior and they couldn't care less. read more

Great service but definitely need to reserve a day or two prior as they are very busy.

Great place to come and ride horses! We've also done carriage rides which are awesome too! read more

Jack's Livery Stable - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mackinac Island, Michigan

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We did the horse carriage ride (1 hour) and we would highly recommend this! I am a novice at this (I have rode a horse a few times) but it was very easy and a great way to see some of the island. The team did an excellent job of giving us directions, explaining how to direct the horse (very intuitive) and things to see along the way. We had Sky as our horse and he was incredible and was on auto pilot! Do this when you visit! read more

Awesome afternoon and a great way to see the island. We did both drive the carriage on your own and horseback riding. We loved both, and the people here are amazing! read more

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My favorite thing to do on Mackinac Island -- go to Jack's, rent a horse and buggy, and drive yourself along the shore with a fantastic view of the bridge, and then through the woods and back to Jack's. My husband grew up on a farm and is an experienced driver. But experience is not necessary. You can have brief instruction and you will do fine. You'll have a map -- but trust me, the horse knows the way! Enjoy!! read more

Awesome experience! Self driving horse knows where to go, when to stop, slow but fun;

I have been going to Jack's Livery stables to ride since I was 8 years old and my mom took me out of school as a surprise! I am now 28, 20 years ago they got me hooked and now I can't go to Mackinac without stopping in for a ride with either a guide, or just recently this weekend my first solo ride with the handsome Oscar. I have even done a trip for my baby moon pregnant and took a carriage ride, following my son being born I took him at 4 years old on a carriage ride with the strong and beautiful Judy who is still there today (4 years later, I got to see her again)! This last trip was extra special because I went by myself and they made me feel so confident and gave me the best tips for a great ride Kathryn this last visit was so kind and very organized with setting up all riders and horses perfectly. Thank you all again for another amazing time, see you again! read more

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Did a guided horseback ride north through town and west on a trail toward the shore for five with an escort for $250. Two adults and kids 11, 13, and 15 all rode individual horses guided by Savannah. Very personable and friendly as she greeted passersby and other town workers. Our horses, Rio, Casper, Birdie, Jimbo, and Adam were great. "Jimbo" occasionally had a mind of his own on the route, but not concerning-- Savannah helped keep him on course. They mention a 250# rider weight max, but Rio had no trouble with me at 240# plus backpack. Most interesting about the process was how we walked up without an appointment at noon on Sunday, asked for a ride for five, got told it would be a 2-3 hour wait, filled out waiver forms, then the same person said, "You can go right now!" Must've been a cancellation. read more

We utilized Jack's for a horseback ride and a carriage rental. The staff is friendly and helpful. The rates are the same as Cindy's, but Cindy's staff is surly (we went there first, but decided not to use them). Jack's made sure that we had the right horses for our ability and the right horse to pull 5 adults in a carriage. They provided good maps of the trails on the island. It's not cheap to rent horses or a carriage, but it's a great way to see the island. read more

Such a great time! The employees were patient and helpful! Would definitely recommend to everyone! read more

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Was so happy to be able to ride on the island! My guide was Jackie - she let me lead which I wasn't used to but really enjoyed doing. My horse "Oscar" was very well behaved and walked at a nice pace. The problem was that Jackie was farther back and was trying to communicate directions to me and I couldn't hear her due to the wind. She finally caught up to me and told me I was going too fast! So after that she lead so Oscar would go slower. The ride was great other than that! read more

WHAT A HOOT!!! We rented for the hour, ended up a little longer. We had my 88 yr old disabled Mom. They treated her like royalty and helped her right up and off the carriage. We had an excellent map and had great instructions. We still are amazed that they just hand off their horse and buggy to inexperienced people. We just figured, "the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh..." We were warned that our horse Jim would want to head home on a couple turns but to be firm and lead him. Jim let us know on several occasions he was not happy with our decision not to let him take us back to the stable. NEIGHHHHH.... Can't say enough great things about the staff and the overall experience. It is a MUST DO on Mackinaw! read more

I've been a horseman most of my life, but since I didn't want to trailer my horse almost a thousand miles from New Hampshire to Michigan, I went to Jack's. Instead of renting a saddle horse , I rented a carriage for my friend and myself. Michele didn't want to drive, but I sure did. Got a great horse. The owners are friendly and helpful, they make certain you know where the trails are, and the horses are well cared for. They are so gentle almost anyone could drive them. Highly reccomended. read more

Amazing staff, well trained horses! Horses are in great condition and are treated very well! Reasonable prices! Highly recommended, we will be back! read more

Wow! This is a great place for inexperienced riders or drivers. The route was very easy and simple--the horse knew where to go! This is a great way to see Mackinac Island from horseback or buggy. The carriages were very easy to drive, horses were very nice, the guides were helpful, it was an overall great experience! read more

Not horrible but one problem: They held us back, gave us Molly, and sent us off after Star on the same path. Star is slow. Very slow. The driver even got out the buggy whip but Star didn't give a flying cow pie. And the driver in front never pulled off to let us pass. So why is this Jack's Livery Stable's fault? Because they purposely held us back to let Star go first. They should know what the horses are feeling that day. They claim that Star is faster and Molly likes to follow Star. So we followed the very slow Star for the entire path, staring at a horse's butt the whole time. I think what it was was the guy in front of me was very experienced with horses so they thought he could set a better pace. He couldn't. read more

This is a great spot for either driving your own carriage or riding on a guided trail by horseback. The carriage horses know their route so you don't need any experience. The trail horses will trot for you and your group. read more

The employees are professional and courteous. My family got to drive our own carriage around Mackinac Island. It's less expensive than having someone drive you on a tour. Since it was just my family, we didn't have to worry about masks and distancing. Our horse was really good natured and definitely had personality. Far and away the best way to see The Island. read more

We decided to rent a carriage to drive ourselves around the less crowded parts of the island. The folks at Jack's are friendly, patient, and kind to their horses. Shout out to Paul--he explained different paths we could take and what we would see. He probably gives the same information multiple time a day, but it didn't bother him. He was happy to talk about the island and about our particular horse. Our horse, Jim, was relaxed, strong, and well-trained. The fee is an hourly rate, and any time up to the next hour is prorated every 5 minutes. Overall it's a great experience!!!!! Definitely worth it! read more

We took a tour around the entire coast of Mackinac Island today. What a fantastic tour, it was so peaceful. Our driver Molly was fantastic! She knew a lot about the island. Molly has lived year round on the island for 21 years and she shared her love of the island. A private tour is not cheap but well worth the money. Next time we plan on taking the inside tour with Molly. read more

This place and the carriage tours are the way to see the island. I was lucky enough to have a father who knows how to drive a horse drawn carriage. We took a two hour drive around the island, and it was very peaceful. One of the best experiences I've ever had on vacation. read more

What a great time! Everyone was friendly and fun from the yard guys to our guide, Rachel. Rex was the perfect horse for me and our group was happy to have picked Jack's. We'll be back! read more

Every once in a while you stumble upon an employee who is perfectly suited for the experience to be had. The man with the plan, Teddy, has worked at Jack's stable for years and is an expert not only on the horses but the island as a whole as well. Following incredible customer service my family jumped in a self driven carriage and cruised around the island completely independently. We were also here earlier in the week and had an excellent time with each person on their own horse. 5 stars for this place only because 6 isn't an option. If you aren't coming here your missing out, priceless. read more

I've been renting the drive yourself carriages for years. Staff is friendly, family loves the carriages and horses. Always an employee out at British Landing to hold your carriage while you grab a drink/snack. A unique experience in a unique place. read more

Very unique experience, being able to drive my own horse and buggy! The people here were very nice and knowledgeable about picking the right trail for you and helping guide you through landmarks--they even had photos! Before setting us off, someone helped us with driving directions, which he explained were similar to riding a horse. The horse was really responsive easy to work with. My only complaint is that the breeching seemed to be tight around my horse's behind, even while he was standing still. I wonder if this was what caused him to walk downhill leaning to one side and dragging a foot. read more

Awesome. Mable was a wonderful Horse. We drove our own carriage along the lake shore into the state park and then by the grand hotel into town. Worth every penny and customer service was excellent. read more

Had a great experience at Jack's this year. Last year we rented a private buggy with a tour guide and had a fantastic time. She took us to all the normal spots that the public tours take you on plus a few other spots including the bluff where all of the million dollar houses are. She also gave a lot of historical context to what we were looking at. Now to this year, we finally had the courage to drive our buggy without a driver. I have been thinking about driving my own buggy for years but was always nervous about it. The staff at Jack's is professional and knowledgeable and tge family feel at ease. The horse we were assigned was Molly and she was fantastic. It is sooo easy to drive your own buggy, I regret not doing this years ago. Tge horse basically drives itself. They know where they are going and are basically on cruise control. We did a two hour tour and went half way around tge island coast and then went through the interior of the island. We saw where the locals live (Harrisonville), the airport and the best part wa riding through the forest. Absolutely, scenic and peaceful. We have been coming to Mackinac Island for nearly 15 years and we discovered something new and something wonderful. read more

We took the long carriage route which is about 1 hour 45 minutes. It's basically the lake shore road to British Landing Road then back. Our horse was King and was just wonderful. He kept a steady walk pace the entire time. He was incredibly smart and checked back looking at us a few times to confirm the direction. He stopped a few times for a light snack of leaves (adorable) but picked right back up with a little "giddy up king" . He was sweet and calm and communicative with the other horses (lots of neighing back and forth). I don't know what they were saying but they were definitely talking to one another. Loved the trip and since King was so calm we really enjoyed it (and weren't too nervous). If you love nature and animals, take the longer tour. It was great. King doesn't like the airplanes so he'll pick up the pace a bit by the airport and then again going down the hill by grand hotel. Oh, and the humans at the stable check-in are pretty darn nice too :) loved it!!! read more

When my college-age daughter and I were on Mackinac Island this past week we rented a horse and buggy from Jack's, and also went horse back riding. The horse and buggy ride was relaxing and we had no worries that hour horse, Shorty, knew his way around the island. It was a great way to see the outlying parts of the island - no horse and buggies are allowed in the main areas where the shops are. Isaac was our (free) guide for horse back riding and that was our favorite day on the island. We were out for an hour and a half and Isaac took us on his favorite trails and to his favorite places. Our horses, Sadie and Sam were selected for our minimal riding skills. The view from Fort Holmes was so beautiful. My favorite, though, was the trail through the woods. It was so quiet and peaceful. All you could hear was the sound of the horses walking on the trail. Remember to tip your guide! These kids work super hard. read more

The trail through the forest was fun. But getting there & back (1/2 the ride time) was not enjoyable. The streets are so crowded with buggies and you have to go very slowly and keep pulling over to the right as buggies come up from behind. Also, we thougt the saddles were uncomfortable. Some in our group rented a buggy & toured the island. They said it was a great experience. I think that's a better was to go than an individual horse. read more

Had a great time with the self drive carriages. There were 6 adults so we took 2 carriages. They gave us a break on the price. Staff did a great job selecting. 2 horses that work well together and assigned drivers based in experience. We picked up 2 people near the Grand Hotel and they lent us a mounting block for one passenger who wasn't very mobile. Had a great time. read more