If you're looking for a great horseback riding experience, especially as a beginner, I recommend…read moreChoyce. We had Will as our guide and he was so kind and professional. He made sure we all understood what to do and guided us through the process without being overbearing. We were able to take in the gorgeous sites and just enjoy our time without having to worry about a thing! The only reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 is that the communication leading up to this event was a little rough. We had to reschedule a few times, due to storms and a couple in our party getting sick, and texts/calls were not answered in a timely manner. There was also some confusion about where to meet and what time and such. However, that did not derail the actual experience, which was lovely. I would recommend, just be aware that your communication attempts may go unanswered for a while.

Communication was superior when setting up the reservations and the day as it progressed…read more A very friendly and knowledgeable staff. They chose horses according to your abilities and acquainted you with them before riding. It was a scenic ride thru Green Swamp Wilderness and was enjoyed by all riders. We definitely would go again!!

This is way out, North on Dale Mabry, past Lutz Lake Fern Road. It is a quite large property, very…read morewell kept, quite lush & inviting. I was picking someone up, from their lesson & she swears by this stable. As a child I went to stables for many years, before finally getting my own horse. Just driving up, looking around & talking to a staffer, told a story. The grounds were great. Everthing, including barn appeared to be in good repair. Staffer was quite friendly & very knowledgeable. Horses out grazing were well nourished & groomed. What is it they say...happy horse, happy trails? My friend loves the patience & techniques she is being taught. She tells me how beautiful & serene the grounds are. They have horses for different levels of riders & as she progresses, all horses have been gentle, with good temperaments. Sounds like a perfect place for lessons or to go & enjoy your hobby of riding. I might just be back to give it a lope myself. What's a girl to do? Lush green pastures, beautiful horses, sounds like a great way to pass some me time.

Such a fun place to be! The instructors are kind, and challenge you to the best of your ability…read more Whether you are an advanced rider or just beginning , this is the stable to attend! I have absolutely loved walking on this beautiful property and being greeted with enthusiasm and smiles every time. Ruth Gimple Stable really has it all!

I purchased a Groupon deal for a few horseback riding lessons for my daughter on a whim last…read moreAugust. She was just 4 at the time but loved horses and the website for Avalon said lessons start at age 5. I figured I would purchase the deal and use it when she turned 5, boy was I glad I purchased this deal! My daughter turned 5 in the first few weeks of December. We had our first lesson at Avalon just before Christmas. Lonna was my daughter's riding instructor for her first horseback riding lesson. Fun and engaging, Lonna made my daughter feel comfortable on top of the giant horse Evan she was riding. I might mention, my daughter is terrified of heights and Evan is impressively tall. Before riding Evan, my daughter was given the opportunity to groom a different horse with another riding instructor. She was shown how to brush, curry, and comb out the horses coat. She was also shown how to pick up and pick out the horses feet to get them ready to ride. After her first lesson she was hooked on horses and we signed up for a monthly lesson program. The staff, the facilities and the riding instruction is top notch. The Stables are always clean and the grounds are beautiful. The riding staff is trained in beginner to advanced riding techniques. They are welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly. We are happy to have found Avalon Stables for our daughter.

Best. Barn. Ever. You can tell that this barn is different from the first visit. Stables, grounds,…read moretrainers and groomers are world classtrainers. If you're brand new to the horse world or a World Champion, this barn is qualified to help you achieve and maintain riding goals. We couldn't be happier than we are to have two ASBs stabled here with our young daughter training here.

I started riding here when I was 10 years old and I am now about to be 20 and call this place my…read moresecond home. This barn and the people+animals here have helped me along every part of my journey from taking lessons as a timid young girl to competing at the World's Championship horse show in Louisville, Kentucky. It is an excellent place to begin your riding journey as there are people of all ages taking riding lessons for the very first time. Not only are the instructors amazing, but the barn family is made up of some of the best and kindest people I know who truly begin to feel like family. This is an excellent environment for you or your child to take lessons and makes moving up into the world of competition seamless if that is what you wish to do. Not to mention the barn and its surroundings are BEAUTIFUL! I would recommend Avalon a million times over.

I purchased a Living Social deal for a few horseback riding lessons for my daughter on a whim last…read moreAugust. She was just 4 at the time but loved horses and the website for Avalon said lessons start at age 5. I figured I would purchase the deal and use it after she turned 5, boy was I glad I purchased this deal! My daughter turned 5 in the first few weeks of December. We had our first lesson at Avalon just before Christmas. Lonna was my daughter's riding instructor for her first horseback riding lesson. Fun and engaging, Lonna made my daughter feel comfortable on top of the giant horse Evan she was riding. I might mention, my daughter is terrified of heights and Evan is impressively tall. Before riding Evan, my daughter was given the opportunity to groom a different horse with another riding instructor. She was shown how to brush, curry, and comb out the horses coat. She was also shown how to pick up and pick out the horses feet to get them ready to ride. After her first lesson she was hooked on horses and we signed up for a monthly lesson program. The staff, the facilities and the riding instruction is top notch. The Stables are always clean and the grounds are beautiful. The riding staff is trained in beginner to advanced riding techniques. They are welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly. We are happy to have found Avalon Stables for our daughter.

This isn't just a beach ride--it's a beautiful, ethical experience with rescue horses who truly…read morelove what they do. We had an absolutely incredible experience with C Ponies, and I can't recommend them enough--especially if you're looking for something unique, meaningful, and truly unforgettable. What makes this experience so special goes far beyond just "riding horses on the beach." These are rescue horses--many of them coming from difficult or neglectful situations--and C Ponies has created something really beautiful by giving them a second chance at life. You can feel how deeply loved and well cared for these horses are. They are healthy, happy, and genuinely seem to enjoy their work. One of the most fascinating parts was learning that the water is actually healing for them. Being in the ocean supports their joints and overall wellness, so this experience isn't just fun for us--it's beneficial for them, too. That alignment made the entire experience feel even more special and ethical. Our guide, Raina, was fantastic. She had the perfect mix of humor (yes, some delightfully corny jokes), warmth, and knowledge. More importantly, you could tell she truly loves these horses and what she does. She made everyone feel comfortable, safe, and engaged the entire time. Walking the horses into the water--and even getting to experience them swimming--was surreal. Each horse had its own personality, which made it even more fun. You could tell they were relaxed, confident, and happy to be there. It didn't feel forced or transactional--it felt like a partnership between humans and animals. Living in Sarasota, it also meant a lot to support a business that is doing such meaningful work in our own SW Florida community. C Ponies is not only creating unforgettable experiences, but they are actively rescuing, rehabilitating, and giving these horses a life filled with purpose and care. If you're on the fence--book it. It's one of those rare experiences that stays with you long after it's over.

Absolutely exceeded our expectations! Raina was an amazing guide, full of tons of information…read moreabout the bay, history of the ponies and nuances of each pony to better assist each rider. Would highly recommend! This is an experience you'll never forget. Thanks to Raina, Coral, Dori and Snooki.

Clair Kellner is an exceptional trainer! She really helped me improve my riding, and setting me up…read morewith the horse that meets my individual needs. Her style of training is very professional, encouraging, and kind to the horse, which is why I ride with Clair. Charlie Kellner and Clair run a great farm too! The horses are well cared for, watched over, and given the TLC they need. Sydney Eggleston, our assistant trainer, does a fine job too. We enjoy competing in the horse shows too! I highly recommend these folks if you are into hunter-jumpers :) They have lesson horses too, so do not shy away coming over even if you do not own your own horse.

This 1,500 acre conservation area is part of the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Area. It offers…read morehorseback riding and hiking. The 10 miles of trail roughly parallel a tributary of the Hillsborough River, Cow House Creek. The direction the creek flows can reverse and depends on water levels in the Hillsborough River and the Tampa Bypass Canal. For more information see the Southwest Florida Water Management District website: https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/areas/lh-jefferson.html

I go here all the time to walk my dogs. It's a nice area with low traffic where you can let your…read moredogs run. There is a trail through the wooded area which is nice and shady for hot days or you can walk along the bypass canal. There is plenty of parking, trails for horseback riding, and you can fish in the canal if you want. I deduct two stars for the large amount of trash in the parking lot. There has been a half burned matress there for months as well as bags of trash from some selfish person that dumped it. Also if you bring your dogs be aware as there are often people here who irresponsibly let there dogs run around and don't keep track of them so I've had people's dogs follow my dogs and me down trails and one tried to pick a fight with my dogs. Luckily I have 2 extremely mellow pit bulls who wanted nothing to do with the aggressive dog but it could have been a problem if I had an aggressive dog. Also ironically, be aware that it is a misdemeanor to have your dogs off leash here or on any SWFWMD property...I know it sound unbelievable but it is true and I have been threatened by an FWC officer, which imo was absolutely ridiculous but I guess rules are rules.