What a great find…read more Texas Longhorn Ranch is just a few hours outside of Toronto and well worth the visit - whether you're looking for just a night away with someone, or looking for a larger group activity. The TLR used to be a summer camp and has been converted into a very unique Bed and Breakfast. You're greeted by the family that owns the place and their farmhands (everyone was so nice) and shown the grounds. Unlike most B&Bs, you actually have your own cabin (which is a converted covered wagon). Maybe not the best for noise cancellation, but luckily there's no one around for miles. The room was neat, modern, and comfortable. A heater is provided incase it gets cool at night, and if you're lucky enough to get some night time drizzle, you'll fall asleep to the sound of dancing raindrops above you. There is a fire pit with each wagon (which they start for you, city slicker), and each morning you wake to find a fresh pot of coffee outside ready to go. There's also a large field (wouldn't want to mow it) for playing catch or whatever it is people do in large fields. They have quite a nice size pool and lounge chairs which during those hot Ontario summers will come in handy. The meals that were provided were awesome; great value and delicious. Totally homestyle. We had roast beef, fresh and local vegetables, strawberry shortcake, grilled potatoes, salad (it was enough for 6 people...there were 2 of us). It was so good (and $30 per person was the best deal i've seen for a meal of this quality/quantity). The horseback riding was what initially drew me here - and as a novice was happy to find that although am I a not horse-whisperer, the very capable hands of our trail-leader basically was. We had a about a 2 hour enjoyable ride through the woods, visited some neighbouring horses (which started galloping over to meet us....amazing), saw lots of deer, and enjoyed nature. The next morning it was time to leave and I remembered I didn't have that much gas (it's sort of the middle of no-where and probably 20 minutes to the closes gaz bar)...the Texas Longhorn Ranch came out and gave me a good 10L for free. Because they're that nice. I can't wait to go back. Best B&B/ local vacation I've had....and it won't break the bank. 5 out of 5 neighs. NEIGHNEIGHNEIGHNEIGHNEIGH!

Visited this beautiful ranch today and got deluxe treatment from Cowboy Fred. Totally made my…read moreniece's birthday special. She is horse crazy and got to feed and ride a horse for the first time. Even got a wagon ride from Milly the Mule. What a wonderful place--beautiful covered wagons to stay in too. Really happy we found this hidden gem. Erinn, Aaron and Sloane

I took my 3 girls riding in the morning and we all had a great time! We were not very experienced…read moreand by the time we were done we all felt much more confident. We took a nice country road route and were able to trot and cantor with the horses. We will be back in the fall!

We had such a wonderful experience doing a trail ride on April 14th, 2023 with Calvin. We are…read moredefinitely amateurs - ride about once a year on average and have ridden with stables in several different states and countries over the years (e.g. have seen how riding is done with other companies). Today topped our list for one of the best (if not the best) trail rides we have ever done. Calvin was the guide for our group of three. The horses were very well-trained and energetic. This is definitely not your "walk in a line" type stable ride which was refreshing. We felt he tailored the ride to the experience level of our small group in terms of trails and gaits, and we always felt safe. We can't wait to come back.

After having been riding at many other stables I found that Rochester hills was the best! The…read morestaff was friendly & very knowledgeable. My trainer gave me a thorough lesson and made me feel comfortable & safe. The horse was quiet & steady. I loved my experience riding there so much I bought the 40 lesson package for a very reasonable price:).

I rode here as a teen and thought I would give it a try again. After a couple times I remembered…read morewhy I stopped the first time. The people are unfriendly and the rings are packed. There are sometimes six horses in one indoor ring at a time with three different instructors. It's a mess. As a returning rider, I had a lot I needed to learn again and lots of muscle tone to build. I was up for the challenge. However, they had me riding either lame or behaviorally problematic horses. It was very frustrating. When I asked them about riding a different horse that I could learn more on--just while I got my muscles and skills back--they were unsympathetic. I recognize that school horses are not known for being amazing, but that's not what was going on here. There were easy horses--I just wasn't riding them on a consistent basis. I put off writing this review because I wasn't fully convinced that they were the problem--I thought maybe my expectations were off. Unfortunately for them, I have gone on to have an INCREDIBLE experience at a different barn. I feel like I can unequivocally say now that this is not where you should spend your money. In fact, in my experience, they will treat you like they don't want your money anyway. Sorry about the bad review. I hope you will treat the next people better.

Beautiful scenery! Pavement is smooth. Nice and relaxing!…read moreNo cars so the little people are free to ride and be safe.

The Southern Links Trailway is a 10.2 mile long asphalt paved trail that connects the communities…read moreof Columbiaville, Otter Lake, and Millington. The trail is well maintained trails and offers a safe and scenic biking, hiking and horseback riding destination to the areas. The trail has markers every 1/4 mile which is great way to track your distance traveled and perhaps to encourage you to go just a little further or even motivate you to try to complete a full loop (20+ miles)! Each of the adjoining cities have parking areas at the trailheads. Parking in Columbiaville is off of Water Street between the Columbiaville Branch Library and Curley's Lakehouse Grill. The trailway in Otter Lake is close to the midpoint and also the high elevation point of the path. This is also the location of the Otter Lake Recreational Area Skate Park. A small area with wooded ramps for bikers and skateboarders. Also nearby is a Marathon Gas Station and Otter Lake Pizza. Park between Payne Street and Detroit Street, just south east of where Lake Road crosses the trail. The Millington trailhead parking area is on at the south east end of Gleason Street about two blocks south of Main Street past Cardinal Drive. Keep looking it's there. The trail does not allow motorized vehicles. Horses are also allowed along the trail, but should follow the easements adjacent to the pavement when available. Go, have fun!

Great place! Love all the coaches! They always welcome everybody with a smiling face and the…read morestudents are all super sweet. Felt very safe riding with COVID having multiple sanitizer stations and wiping down all tack after each ride! A very welcoming and open atmosphere for everyone no matter what skill level they have! :)

Superior riding instruction, care and service. We love this farm and the staff. After trying…read moreseveral other local places West Meadows is a breathe of fresh air.

I'm a big fan of Free Spirit Farm! It's been a lifelong dream of mine to own a horse, and the next…read morebest thing is riding frequently and learning to ride properly. That's what I get to do here. I've ridden many of the horses and ponies and have always felt safe. Shae owns the barn, trains the horses, and teaches lessons. All of her horses are loved, well-cared for, and do well with riders at all levels. She is a patient instructor, cares about her clients, and is passionate about her business and horses in general. She's also a certified saddle fitter. Weather-permitting, lessons are outside year round. From the outdoor arena, there's a lovely view of a beautiful grassy field where the horses love to graze with a gorgeous tree-lined backdrop. During inclement weather (when it's simply too cold or rainy), there's a very nice, large indoor arena. Lessons are private and semi-private and priced fairly. Shae teaches all ages. I am super happy at this barn. I think the world of Shae as an instructor, trainer, business owner, and person. You're in good hands here, and if you enjoy it half as much as I do, your life will be brighter when you take equestrian lessons at Free Spirit .

I have been riding and boarding at great escape for years! Wonderful facility with knowledge staff.read more

My daughter has been riding at GES on and off for several years. The quality of instruction is…read moreexcellent with a focus on developing properly and safely. The other riders are friendly and this is a NO DRAMA barn (which as a mom of a teenager...I appreciate!!) Robyn is wonderful with my daughter who also suffers from anxiety. She is patient and understanding. My daughters skills have increased 10-fold under Robyn. In addition to riding, there are fun events, shows (if you choose) and horsemanship training for those who want to take their knowledge to the next level. I highly recommend GES.

Me and my sister went here for like 1 and a half year, maybe even more, and it was quite literally…read morea waste of money. We didnt ever improve we walked the whole time, and did nothing but go over like 2 logs ONCE!. They had trail rides and we did one of those and it was fun and we did good, but the lesson after that we asked if we could do more trails, and they said we "wernt ready yet.." Like wdym?? we literally did good. I don't think y'all should go here find somewhere better. 2/10 would not recommend

Me and my sister did horseback riding here for over a year and we got no where. We were continually…read moretold that we will eventually go trail riding and we never did. We even did the summer camps where we did trail riding and were still told that we couldn't trail ride for normal lessons. They also kept changing the parameters for getting to a higher level at the place, and when we got one or two questions wrong we couldn't advance to the next level. We were at level one for over a year. Would not recommend this place.