Maverick is an awesome experience for all ages, but young children get especially good treatment! JM (Joan Marie) is tough, but kind, strict but helpful. The horses and gear are all top notch, the land and facilities are incredible, and the two helping teenagers were very sweet and encouraging to the two 6 year olds, and two 8 year olds that we brought. Not bad for the old farts, either! We had a great time! thanks, JM! read more

Our outing with Maverick Horseback Riding was the highlight of our entire vacation. My family of four are wholly inexperienced riders; Joan Marie and her team were superb guides with the right balance of instruction, independence, and fun. Joan Marie did us an immense favor, too, by allowing us to start our ride a couple hours early in order to avoid an incoming thunderstorm. I'm sure she saved our weekend! And a final kudos for an excellent BBQ joint recommendation; we went straight there for lunch after our ride and got a "full" Lockhart experience! Strongly recommend Maverick for an excellent equestrian experience! read more

This was what I had wanted for my birthday, sadly it was a total waste of money. We had booked the sunset ride, but by the time we got going after waiting and waiting, it was dark. Our ride was scheduled to start at 4:00, but it got delayed with no explanation and we did not start until after 5:30. The sun had set by that time because of winter and we couldn't see any of the views. Also, we didn't do a true trail ride, they took us to the city park and we rode around there at night, it was absolutely underwhelming for what we paid. Lastly, there was this little girl who is the daughter of one of the instructors. At first she was cute and sassy, then it just got old. She spoke to the adults like she was one, telling them to "move" out of her way. read more

Maverick Horseback Riding - Maverick Trail Rides - Horseback Riding Near Me - Austin, Texas

If you're looking for a mindless trail ride where you just sit there while a horse follows a tail in front of it, this is not the place for you. Maverick Horseback Riding is for people who want the real experience. Our guide Emily was wonderful and incredibly knowledgeable. She is a total pro. But you also have to give it up for the owner Joan Marie. She is friendly but very blunt. She is not there to play nice or baby you. She is there to teach you how to properly handle a horse. If you are shy or easily offended, you might want to look elsewhere. You need to be able to take direct feedback and use it to improve your riding game immediately. They start you off with the fundamentals like brushing, saddling, and mounting. You are expected to actually do the work. They even give you cowboy boots to wear which makes you feel right at home. I rode Sheila and we spent about thirty minutes on a short trail just reviewing the basics while Joan Marie gave proper instruction on what to do and what not to do. After that initial lesson, both ladies took us out on the trails for about an hour of riding. I think if we had gone to some other ranch that just let us be lazy rookies, we would not have had nearly as much fun. We left feeling like we actually accomplished something. Huge thanks to Emily and Joan Marie for a great day. read more

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We went on the Lockhart Horsemanship trail ride which is a 3-3.5 hour and includes ~1.5-2 hour of saddle time, instructional education, and allowed us an opportunity to trot. Ashley was very knowledgeable and I appreciated how she explained the rhyme and reason behind what we were doing. The ranch had many horses and the cutest dogs. They also have camels and kangaroos which is a bit confusing and unsettling. Boots and helmets are provided. Prior to our ride, we had an opportunity to groom our horses. I had an opportunity to try trotting (ouch!) and quickly learned that I prefer the more leisure ride. The ranch is located in Lockhart which is a ~30-40 min drive from Austin. We made a day of it and explored the own square and grabbed BBQ afterwards. read more

PLEASE READ Note: I am not a student--I attended this as part of a team event, not to become an experienced horseback rider. I was genuinely excited for this experience and had a great impression before even arriving on the property. However, that quickly changed once our group walked up. At first, I didn't know who the owner was, but it became clear very quickly. Before any introduction, Joan Marie was whistling and shouting to get our attention. The tone felt condescending and set an uncomfortable tone right away. While it caught me off guard, I tried to brush it off and stay open-minded. To be fair, she did clearly state that customer service was not a priority. She emphasized that her focus was safety and keeping us calm, as horses respond to human energy and emotions--which I completely understand and respect. I'm also someone who can handle direct instruction, especially in higher-risk situations involving animals. That said, nothing prepared me for what happened next. While mounting the horse, I followed her instructions and got on without issue. I held the reins and rested my arms, unknowingly allowing them to touch the saddle. I later learned this is something to avoid, but at the time, I had no idea. Without warning, Joan Marie slapped my hand--hard--2 to 3 times. I was shocked and didn't fully process what she was saying. As she moved to the other side of the horse, she slapped my hand again multiple times. At that point, I was completely taken aback. When she noticed my reaction, she told me to "calm down" and change my facial expression because the horse could sense my emotions. But after being physically struck, I don't think that's a reasonable expectation. I'm not overly sensitive, but this crossed a line. I seriously considered leaving at that moment. I am an adult, and there is no situation where it is appropriate for someone to hit a customer--especially without warning or explanation. I want to be clear: I'm not sure if I did something that triggered that response, but regardless, the behavior was completely unacceptable. I'm sharing this so others are aware before booking. read more

STAY AWAY!! I've never come across a company that was so unprofessional in my life. Horrible customer service, staff is unprofessional and condescending. Do yourself a favor and avoid these horrible people, there's plenty to do in Austin. read more

This isn't just riding--it's a respectful, enriching partnership with incredible animals and land. Highly recommend for anyone serious about horses. Joan Marie and her team deliver excellence every time. read more

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Just after I stepped out of the car a young lady approached me started scolding and warning me. I was given a very stern warning not to touch the dogs, don't even look late the dogs, if you do I will have to shoot the dogs, if you do look at or touch the dogs they will want to be with people and won't be doing their jobs. She repeated the warning in a very stern voice two more times. She did not identify herself. I found out later that she is the owner. I was aware that there were dogs and goats and guinea fowl in the yard but was not near them or paying any attention to them. I still don't know why she singled me out to be rude to. He instruction regarding horse grooming and riding were rambles which sometimes mentioned something regarding horses. I wanted to leave after the rude arrival but we had promised the grandkids a ride. read more

Husband and I went just as total beginners and it was great to learn how to prep for a ride, the five rules for riding, and then actually get to experience a ride all on our first time out. This is a working ranch so there are all kinds of other animals there - other common farm animals like goats and sheep, different poultry birds, plus camels, peacocks & peahens, working dogs and pet dogs, and there were multiple people working there too which helped keep things moving along for our group. They had so many horses! I was surprised by how big of an operation they have but at the same time it was still a very personalized experience. I certainly didn't feel lost or uncomfortable. The instructor was very direct, very confident and very clear, which made it a lot easier to know exactly what to do. I can see how a direct personality might turn some people off, but you can get killed riding a horse and I'd rather have someone be clear and let us know what to expect and what she expects from us so that we can relax and have a good time. I left feeling more confident about horses. The time spent brushing and putting the saddle on and then brushing again after the ride, also seeing them put the halter on and how all the equipment fits together helped me learn more about what it'd be like to ride regularly and what to look for to make sure everything is right to avoid an incident. Oh FYI if its your first time too: they do have gear like boots and helmets so if you don't already own a pair of riding boots or already have a helmet: you don't have to buy all that just to try it out. Helmets were optional but I rather have messed up hair than a messed up skull! I don't see myself or my husband becoming regular riders. This was an indulgence for us, but I definitely want to go again and I'd love to go back to this ranch now that I've got familiarity with how it works and what the expectations are. I could see us visiting a few times a year. Recommended for sure! read more

We came here early in the summer and sadly, we did not enjoy it. They were bossy and rude with my teen son and wife. They have no patience for new riders. We explained my wife and son had very little experience and that was fine while taking our money... when we got to the ride, it was very different and condescending. They give you the feeling that you are waisting their time and I saw others treated awful and were bullied. We really expected more from the reviews we read. I think this place needs a management redo. They don't understand customer service or really how to talk with people. They are like a snobby club and try to make you feel like you are lucky to be with them. read more

WORST Customer Service Experience EVER!!! When I was looking to plan a date night for my husband and me, Horseback riding sounded like a great option! We've ridden horses many times on trips throughout our lives. Once I booked, I texted them shortly after to see about changing to the next day as I had literally just booked it, and I hadn't even received a confirmation email yet. When I asked, there was no mention of a rebooking fee, but I found out they had charged me one after the ride. If they would charge me a rebooking fee, I wouldn't have moved it. Someone has emailed and texted me saying it was in the email/website (mind you, I didn't get a confirmation email for hours), so how would I have seen it? I looked after to see that, and while I understand the policy, it was NEVER mentioned to me. Additionally, it also states (on email/Website) that the ride time can change (on their end), but that you would be notified the evening before of any such change --THIS NEVER HAPPENED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My husband and I got there and waited an hour and a half without communication with the staff about a delay. They emailed me saying they had to rebook staff for the change (they had the same option listed for both days, and I messaged them shortly after booking), so that makes no sense. Again, I hadn't even received a confirmation email when I texted to change it. So there wouldn't have been a rebooking, as I had just booked it and then texted to change it--which would require no turnaround time. The frustrating part is that it clearly states that if the ride were to change (on their end), we would be notified; this didn't happen. Therefore, this contradicts them, as we were not notified AT ALL that our ride would be delayed. Our ride didn't start for an hour and a half after the initially booked time, and there was no communication or explanation. Maverick Horseback Riding failed to notify us of any changes when they moved our ride, as it clearly stated it would. It is very hypercritical to say one thing in one sentence, and the company will not be held to the same standard. The ride itself was okay. The area had many broken gates, which wasted even more valuable riding time (again, it didn't start on time-delayed an hour and a half) as the guides kept trying to figure out how to close them properly to avoid losing other animals. Some guides were friendly, but others were very cold and gave little direction, which I found unsafe. It was very unorganized, and the trail ride wasn't that great. I was so excited about planning this date and it was an epic fail all the way around! We've been on several horseback trail rides all over (US and other countries) and this was by far the worse. I wouldn't recommend Maverick Horseback Riding to ANYONE! VERY SHADY OPERATION!!! RUN AWAY FROM THIS PLACE AS FAST AS YOU CAN!!!!!!!!!!! Save your money!!! Go somewhere else! read more

We had a really great time riding horses. My family came here during a trip to Austin, TX. We signed up for a 1 hour 15 minute total session with 45-50 minutes mounted on the horse. They do a really great job of ensuring the horses are ready and the equipment is secure. The kids were sent into the "dog park" to ensure they could handle their horse. Then we headed out for a ride around a pond and through the ranch. The horses were amazing and we all had a great time. It was a highlight of our trip. The scenery was beautiful, the ride was peaceful, the experience was unforgettable. My only issue was that my wife and I were asked to walk the horses around with the kids in the "dog park". After that, my wife was able to go in to get used to her horse. But by the time I got mounted, we were off. The owner asked me how long I thought I'd been on the horse so far, I said, "5 minutes." She replied that it has most definitely been longer than 5 minutes. She claimed 20 minutes. Those were part of our mounted ride. So, my 45 minutes in the saddle was taken down to about 30. Still a highlight of the trip. I was glad the owner was with a different group. Our guides were awesome! read more

Maverick Horseback Riding - Horseback Riding Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I've been on a couple trail rides with another company & they were peaceful, but not very challenging. THIS ride scratched the itch. I signed up for the horsemanship ride and I'm so glad I did! In the horsemanship ride, I received a little extra instruction, and was given the opportunity to trot. I was also able to break away from the group, assisted by a couple of the resident more-experienced riders, and we trotted along the trail. This is an instructional trail ride, so expect to pay attention. Also expect to have to practice what they have taught you. If you have never been up close with a horse, you might want to familiarize yourself a bit before heading out on this ride. read more

This was a great place to go for a ride. Not fancy but the horses are very well trained and cared for! We spent some time getting familiar with our horses in a fenced warmup/ trail course area then it was out into the open for a trail ride.The owner gives very clear, direct, easy to understand directions. That is essential for the safety of all her clients. She also speaks fluent Spanish! read more

We reached out to this company multiple times to clarify if my sister would be able to join a trail ride with her group. She was very transparent about her height, weight, and riding experience. Instead of receiving a clear answer, the responses were delayed, confusing, and at times unprofessional in tone. Despite repeated attempts to get straightforward confirmation, the company never gave a direct yes or no, and instead made the process unnecessarily frustrating. Planning a special event should not involve this level of back-and-forth or uncertainty. Clear communication and respect are the basics of good customer service, and unfortunately this company fell short. I would recommend looking elsewhere for a trail riding experience. read more

This is not ordinary, horses can't wait to get back to the barn riding! This is a teaching ranch and all the staff are passionate riding teachers. Ann Marie's staff, particularly Lynn, were excellent, completely engaged and so attentive to our particular ride, horse's, etc. Tireless in their instruction and passion for what they do. Even my well ridden friend learned a lot! Very enjoyable experience. Can recommend the Horsemanship Trail Ride. Well worth the small additional cost. Pick this ranch now and never regret it Gratefully, Kevin read more

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We were very nice to the owner. But she treated us poorly. Before we rode , JM the owner was arguing with a paying customer. JM made me wear boots when i was wearing perfectly closed toed shoes(please note, boots are only recommended on the website not required). I worry those boots are not cleaned because they were sitting out in a pile with mud. We will definitely not recommend this place to anyone. She came to me to complain about my boyfriend. It was our 3 time riding horses. We have never been to a place like this. We were told to saddle our own horses with no experience. We had a demo which wasn't very helpful. We got corrected and yelled at on every minor mistake. I had even asked my boyfriend if we should leave but we stayed hopeful it would get better. I never leave reviews but after this experience i want to warn everyone this is not a friendly place in my opinion. I was told not to look at her when she was talking because i need to stare in front of me so the horse knew where to go. JM told me not to talk to my horse bc it wasn't "cowgirl cool". When i apologized she told me not too because i didn't mean it and only say sorry if i was going to change. read more

Do NOT choose this company for a trail ride. Very unwelcoming. They expect you to be a perfect rider even as a beginner. Owner/Manager Joan Marie is very harsh and rude. She made the ride terrible. Got upset about every little thing. I tried to make things more lighthearted by engaging in conversation, but it shouldn't be my job as the customer to make the experience better. I don't remember anything we saw - All I remember is constantly being corrected, shamed, and belittled. This company should not be in the customer service/experience realm. If you want a relaxing and enjoyable ride this is not the place to go. It's important to care about the horses, and to make sure people are riding safely. However, you can't only care about the horses and not care about the customers that are paying for an experience. We had an experience and unfortunately it was bad. read more

My experiences with Mavericks have been nothing short of exceptional. Having ridden with them twice now, I can confidently say they offer an unparalleled adventure for horse enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. I rode a lot as a kid, and have recently gotten back into it. Joan Marie, Eryn, and Deb have created an environment for me that is so welcoming, informative, and fun while keeping everyone safe. The property in Lockhart is a hidden gem, and I highly recommend reaching out about taking an adventure ride off of the property. They are always down for an adventure, and the horses are too! Their level of training and the amount of love that has been invested in them is clearly evident. I am a huge fan of Charlotte and Coca! The memories created during these rides will last a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner, Maverick's provides an experience that caters to all levels, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for horsemanship. This is not your typical trail ride - they adjust for your skill and comfort level to provide a once in a lifetime adventure. I wholeheartedly recommend Maverick's to anyone seeking an unforgettable trail riding experience. Their dedication to excellence and their love for horses and nature, makes every ride an absolute delight. I eagerly anticipate my next ride at Maverick's and encourage everyone to book theirs today! read more

Maverick Horseback Riding - A ride at Somerville Lake. - Horseback Riding Near Me - Austin, Texas

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What an amazing morning! We started off by enjoying an amazing sunrise at the 100+ acre ranch. Then, we were taught about the importance of grooming the horses before putting them to work, and how to properly brush them. Since the purpose of the morning was to learn how to properly lead a horse, we practiced on the ranches course. Then, our leader (Joan-Marie) lead us from the ranch to downtown Lockhart! We practiced how to safely lead the horses across the streets, how to keep a safe distance from other horses while keeping the group together without large gaps. All in all, I learned a lot today! I do not consider myself a "horse person," but today was so incredibly fun! I highly recommend experiencing Maverick! read more

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Absolutely wonderful. Joanne and her son Sammy are AMAZING and passionate instructors. Id trust them with my life. They made this experience one I'll never forget. They were very attentive and informal when guiding and giving instructions. Their horses are not robots who just follow a trail, you have to build a relationship with the horse and I found that so enjoyable. Beautiful views on their ranch as well. Such a therapeutic ride. I'll be recommending this place to everyone I know and I can't wait to plan a trip to come back and do this again. read more

Maverick Horseback Riding - Horseback Riding Near Me - Austin, Texas

My girlfriend and I went on a sunset ride with Lynn and she was amazing. It was just the three of us so it felt more like a one on one lesson. She gave us great instructions and we felt very comfortable. She also gave us information on some of the educational programs that they're apart of and it's very clear that Maverick's cares a lot about their community and giving back. Lynn yelled just enough when we were on our ride to make sure we were safe but also have fun! We had such a blast!! read more

Maverick Horseback Riding - Brushing our horses before saddling up - Horseback Riding Near Me - Austin, Texas

The team at Maverick was outstanding. This is a great experience especially for novice or intermediate riders. The instruction before and during the ride was very beneficial (grooming, saddling, and riding technique). If you are looking for more than your traditional trail ride, this is the place. If you welcome and enjoy coaching, you will love this experience. Thanks to Joan Marie and her team for exceeding our expectations. read more

Lovely morning spent! We had a party of 8 and the owner of the ranch was very accommodating w/ the last minute planning and also tossed in a longer session to really ensure we got our money's worth. Beautiful estate equipped w/ gorgeous healthy horses - the owner and staff really take pride in caring for the horses. This was a first time experience for most of the girls in our group and the friendly staff really took the time to ensure we were properly educated and mounted to ensure safety. Great time w/ great friends at a great place - thanks! read more

Maverick Horseback Riding - Horseback Riding Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I'm not an experienced rider, I have been on about 3 trail rides that were all fun and pleasant. This was my fourth but by far the worst. While I will say the ranch has a good amount of land and it was good experience getting to take the horse out on my own along the fence lines, everything else that could have made for a nice experience was dampened by the attitude of the woman that runs the place. We were barely greeted when we drove up, she had a terrible attitude from the start. She wouldn't even had said hello and introduce herself hadn't we done so first. We were made to feel like an inconvenience when we got there. She was constantly yelling at her dog and son. Carrying on about how the dog is always getting lost and she doesn't want it. At one point she said that she wanted to "murder the dog". On top of that she was on her cell phone nearly the entire time. Her son was friendly. Her boyfriend that was saddling up the horses was a nice guy as well and you could tell that they were trying to make the best of the situation. Word of advice, if you are gonna be in such a foul mood maybe take the day off and have your son and boyfriend run the trail ride! Anyway, once we got out on the trail she was very condescending, rude and continued to be in a bad mood. I will say this, I believe she was trying to "teach me" how to ride, and everyone has their own style of teaching. But teach a child as you would teach a child, treat an adult with a little more respect. Especially when they are PAYING YOU. Don't worry though, we won't be "paying her" again and I would suggest you save your money. I have been to several ranches in the austin area ranging from decent to amazing. On a scale of 1 to 10 I'd give this place a 2. Save your money! read more

Maverick is AMAZING! I've had two not-so-great experiences with trainers back in California, but Maverick is fantastic. The people there are knowledgeable, patient, and flexible. I really enjoyed my time with them. read more

If you are a horse lover and want to ride ... and i mean really ride .... this is your place. Masks required Can pet animals Helmets and boots available If you are a beginner ride and want to learn how to ride correctly. This is your place. Unlike other boring trails where trotting is non existent and you don't even know your horses name, Maverick is all about horsemanship and will guide you on knowledge everyone should learn before riding. On the website just text and ask them for open spots. They respond immediately and are very helpful. We signed up for the Horsemanship class. When we arrived everyone was safely wearing masks and we were able to walk around and meet the animals. (It's a working ranch and there are many different types of animals your hands will be busy !!) We were able to meet our horses and take some time to ride bareback around the arena to truly learn the art of balance. Then we joined a riding group and during the group met Jo, once you meet Jo you will never forget her. Jo pulled us from the group and allowed us to ride at different paces while instructing us on proper horsemanship. I haven't felt that free on a horse since i leased my own. Take some time after your ride to love on your horse, feed them and then sign up for your next one! Highly recommend this experience. read more

Maverick Horseback Riding - Horseback Riding Near Me - Austin, Texas

I must rave of this place so much. They teach you how to hold reigns, saddle up, mount, dismount etc. Me and my mother did the two hour educational trail ride and 12:30 pm. There was only two other people, so we each got lots of focus. I am a full beginner, and terrified at first when on a horse. I'm not sure what his name is (Mart?) and he comforted me and assured I would feel safe. He led my horse at first, then let me steer myself. We briefly trotted before our trail came to abrupt ending due to my mom getting dizzy. They were so kind about the whole situation; Bonnie, the female guide had me and my mom walk back to the barn and did not make any rude comments at all. Everyone is incredibly nice! I totally recommend! We even fed the horses at the end. Was so good my mom got dizzy with excitement! (satire.) read more

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Tons of fun for an experienced rider! I've been riding my whole life (eventing/hunter jumper) and am wary of trail rides / ranch rides as many are nose-to-tail and lack adequate care for their horses. Maverick Horseback Riding exceeded every expectation as we spent hours on the Private Horsemanship Ride cantering through fields, wading in the the river, and trotting through downtown Lockhart. Joan Marie clearly prioritizes the well-being of her horses and trains many of them herself. Shock, at 5 years old, was level headed and a dream to ride. I trusted him over all terrain and had a great time at all gaits. The ride was very customizable and well suited to our abilities and what we wanted out of the experience. Go ready to spend multiple hours around the ranch from riding to grooming and petting the sweet dogs! read more

What a fantastic experience! Wanting to spend some family time outdoors in this glorious springtime weather, we decided to go on a trail ride with Maverick Horseback Riding. My husband and I had never really ridden a horse before, but our daughter took lessons for several years when she was much younger. That was at least five years ago, though, so she wanted to get back in the saddle. As a bonus, she got to see her ol' mom and dad give it a try! As Maverick owner Joan Marie will tell you, their trail rides are different from the usual fare. We did the Ranch Ride, which is about an hour & fifteen minutes on the horse, going on a long trail around the ranch. You and your handsome steed will go up and down hills, cross little gulches, meander through fields, and stop at a couple of water tanks along the way for a refreshing drink. Well okay, only your horse will drink from the tank, but bring your own frosty water bottle so you can stay hydrated, too. When you arrive, you can choose from a large assortment of loaner boots if needed, and a helmet (optional for adults, required for children). Joan Marie reviews the fundamentals of riding and steering a horse both before and after you're mounted. I was quite impressed that she knew everyone's name as we were preparing to start the ride! Our group was at least a dozen riders; she had clearly studied the details you provide when you book a ride, and knew which people had indicated that they had some experience, which ones were newbies, etc. She did a terrific job of matching horse and rider. During the ride, you'll really get to know your horse. There are several moments of "active steering," during which Joan Marie or one of her helpers will watch and guide you on how to communicate with your horse. My pretty black & white mare, Coca, and I occasionally lagged a bit behind, and Joan Marie taught me how to encourage Coca to pick up the pace. It was challenging, exciting, kinda scary at first, and ultimately exhilarating, learning to communicate with this beautiful, intelligent creature. I chatted with Coca throughout the ride, and by the end I swear we were best friends. When you book a ride they'll email you a waiver to print, fill out, and bring with. I recommend bringing your own water bottle -- one you can strap to yourself, or even a hydration backpack (i.e. a Camelbak). Wear sunscreen and a hat (if you decide not to borrow a helmet), and remember to bring socks if you plan to borrow a pair of boots. If you do wear a hat, make sure it ties on! One of our riders lost her hat in a wind gust. (She got it back, of course!) I'm embarrassed to say we arrived a bit late, which made things a little hectic for us at first. They were super nice about it, but I strongly suggest giving yourself a little extra time. The ranch is located in Lockhart, an easy 30-minute drive south of Austin; I'd add 10-15 minutes to travel time, for opening and closing the gate, traffic along the way -- Sunday drivers, packs of motorcycles, you name it! After the ride, getcha some of that famous Lockhart Barbecue! We went to Black's. It did not disappoint! I highly recommend Maverick's Horseback Riding. We will be back! read more

Maverick Horseback Riding - Horseback Riding Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I was a bit worried by some of the negative reviews. Having played Polo for years I wanted to take my girlfriend on a fun ride for both of us. With nearly 20 years of riding between us we were looking for something a bit more adventurous than your typical nose to tail ride, so we booked the Private Horsemanship Ride. You have to go in without an ego, Austin and Joan Marie clearly have met customers who exaggerates their riding abilities and we spent ~30 minutes earning their trust and demonstrating our riding ability. Joan Marie is a non nonsense woman who doesn't beat around the bush, especially when it comes to the customers treatment of the horses. Her directness could come off as abrasive for some (something I definitely noticed in the less favorable reviews), but if you pay attention to what she has to say about how to ride her horses, it's well worth it. Her horses were eager, energetic, soft to the touch, very easy to control, and sure footed. Once we warmed up we went on an incredible journey through the Austin backcountry, true pony trekking/adventure hacking. It was perfect for experienced riders who wanted to open up their horses and canter through the wilderness. Joan Marie also arranged all of this day of (definitely book ahead if you can) but I mention this to say she went above and beyond to fit us in to a very busy schedule. I rode Storm while my girlfriend rode Shock. read more

I had a great ride today!! With Maverick Horseback, a trail ride business/ 100 acre ranch in Lockhart TX. I rode Dutch, a spunky OTTB. Walk trot canter I have 7 horses of my own and ride regularly so.. it takes a lot to impress me when it comes to trail rides. This is a UNIQUE experience. These are not deadhead nose-to-tail type horses. They seemed to have a horse appropriate for every level of rider. Fun even for experienced riders- highly recommend giving this business a try. A truly unique BBQ eating, city riding, country enjoying piece of Texas. Go check it out! I will DEFINITELY do this again. read more

Maverick Horseback Riding - Dutch, my ride for the day - Horseback Riding Near Me - Austin, Texas

So I booked this ride blindly, since I was coming to Austin for my first time. But, I have to say I am glad I did, it was truly a great experience. Joan Marie was the best ever. She knew me by first name and made sure me and my group felt at home. We opted to do the horsemanship ride, which I recommend if you want to do some trotting. The scenery was amazing the horses are beautiful and her expertise makes a first time rider feel completely at ease. The views were spectacular and being able to see the sunset from the property was priceless. I definitely will comeback when I come visit it again. Thank you to Joan Marie, Sam, and Will who made this birthday experience one for the books. read more

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All of the staff was very accommodating and our young girls l, aged 2 and 4, got to pet and take some walking rides in the pasture. The one star lost is only due to the somewhat un-organized meet and great and the common area bathroom could use some sprucing up. In addition to the front gate closing randomly on the car with not much holding it. These were all minor things that could use some attention but overall my girls were very happy. Other than that all of these folks working here love horses and are working hard to keep these beautiful creatures maintained and happy for us all to enjoy and ride. read more

Maverick Horseback Riding - Horseback Riding Near Me - Austin, Texas

10/10 would recommend. We had Debbie, Erin and Abigail leading us. They were great as instructors, kept us safe and eased us into everything. After we were comfortable they gave us the option to trot or gallop if we were up to it. read more

My boyfriend and I went on a tour for Valentine's Day and it was so amazing! They explained how to ride safely so that even me, a first time rider, felt comfortable and safe. Really nice and we went through water which was so exciting!! I'd say this is great for couples or families. Honestly a must do if you're in Austin! Next time we're in town, we can't wait to come back! read more

Maverick Horseback Riding - Horse back riding - Horseback Riding Near Me - Austin, Texas

I've been riding at Maverick's for about four months now and have loved every minute of it. It's one of the best activities you can do just outside of Austin. The owner, Joan Marie, is an extremely experienced rider and instructor, so come with open ears and ready to learn! There are a couple of rides you can choose from, depending on the kind of experience you want, but ultimately don't expect a run-of-the-mill trail ride. Joan Marie's property is an adventure all its own. I also highly recommend the BBQ ride if you want a chance to eat some delicious BBQ and check out downtown Lockhart. Or you can always stop by afterwards. Joan Marie is passionate about supporting the local shops & restaurants and can give you plenty of recommendations. I rode when I was a teenager, but it's been so long, I may as well have been riding for the first time. Maverick's has been a great place to pick up riding again, and if you come regularly, you can get more hands-on experience with caring for the horses outside of just the ride. All the horses are wonderful in their own way, and every ride on a new horse is a chance to learn. Anyways, I've attached a photo with Annie, Storm, Shock & Sheila. I think the smile says it all. read more

Maverick Horseback Riding - First Friday in Downtown Lockhart - Horseback Riding Near Me - Austin, Texas

My husband booked us a private ride with the lovely lady who runs the ranch. I was greeted by a wagging tail doggo and a sweet purring kitty...that's when I could feel the love and energy of this place. I enjoyed my gorgeous blue eye'd blond hair Mare...she was so gentle and sweet. In addition to the wonderful ride I really enjoyed watching the guide interact and bond with the horses. She had so many interesting stories about all the horses and all of their little personality traits. This experience was a true gift. Thank you. I will be back. read more

This place was absolutely amazing. The grounds were filled with wild flowers and streams. The staff was so friendly and they have a "dog park" that you walk through while in the saddle before heading out to get you accustom to the horse. Depending on your experience, that may be longer than most. Teaching you the proper way to ride and hand movements. I think that's a brilliant idea. For new/uneasy riders it's a way to decide early on if the ride isn't for you. Another aspect that I found great was the specific weight/height requirement. I went riding a few places across the country and this isn't common but it SHOULD BE. That alone shows the true care for the horses. They also offer boots to those who did not have the proper footwear. Also, this place is nuzzled close to downtown Lockhart which is a gem of a town. I LOVE small towns and this is it. This is what Texas is when I think of it, not Austin which is essentially just another big city with no real character. If you want a true Texas experience, go to Maverick and hang out in Lockhart. You won't regret it. read more

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