My wife and I drove past Rita's while exploring Montauk on a rainy day. We called back the following morning to ask about trail rides. Easy enough process and we were booked for the afternoon. Things were running a little late but no big deal by us - we passed the time in the area and headed back. We killed another 10 minutes petting the very friendly goats wandering about before getting saddled up for a ride. Our guide was a very young but very knowledgeable girl our from NYC for the summer. She was so sweet and my wife chatted with her about horses the entire time we walked the trails. Wise beyond her years is an understatement. She was a joy and we're both terribly sorry we didn't seem to catch her name. The trail was easy and quiet. We trotted a few times and our guide checked on us every 5-7 minutes to make sure we were comfortable and feeling good. She noticed my saddle slipped right away and guided me through fixing it. Total pro! We did an hour - it was a bit much for me after around 40 minutes but I'm not an experienced rider so maybe that's why. The trail is a loop so don't expect a full hour of unique sights. However, we really found it peaceful and enjoyable. It was $75/each which we felt was fair. Two tips: 1. Cash only, so bring enough! 2. Tip your guide! read more

Rita's Stable - Horseback Riding Near Me - Montauk, New York

This doesn't look open but it is. We dropped by late in the afternoon as Rita was cleaning out the barn but she was happy to answer my kids' questions and let us wander around patting the animals (we did not ask about a pony ride.) All the animals are very friendly, including Henrietta the chicken who gently pecks at you to demand a pat (who knew chickens were so snuggly?!) My kids really enjoyed the relaxed no hype time and want to go back right away. Be careful driving in and backing out. The animals are free range and Henrietta often leads them out to greet arriving cars. read more

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Great place to ride. Went there last week before heatwave only place to ride close to town.

We confirmed a time for a pony ride & arrived to find no one there, the stable gate open, & poop everwhere. horses, donkeys & goats started exiting the stable around us and coming right up to us. They didnt bite but were obviously hungry. After 20 minutes, no one showed up, so we left. A goat also started to enter our car as we were buckling our scared 5 year old into his seat, trying to nibble on our tissue box, then my jacket! I did leave a voice message saying we were there and that the main stable gate was open, and didn't hear back. read more

Rita's Stable - We arrived to find no one there. Here 2 donkeys exited the stable where the fence was wide open. - Horseback Riding Near Me - Montauk, New York

Went in today for an hour long ride. The guide was very nice and helpful. This was both mine and my girlfriend's first time on a horse. The horses were quite majestic and we even made friends with a goat named puppy. We would definitely go back. We had a lot of fun. read more

I loved this place! I brought my 2 year old son who is very sweet and gentle, but sometimes overly cautious (we have been a little too overprotective). He was hesitant about getting on the horse but the guide was amazing. She was a young lady working on July 4th (couple weeks ago from this review). She noticed that my son was refusing to go on so she suggested that he go into the barn and walk around a bit to get comfortable. He got to pet a bunch of animals like goats or donkeys, and she was nice to hold out a rooster for him to pet too. I think after that, you could see that he trusted her and was having a lot of fun. It seemed that he was still nervous to get on the horse but after a minute or so he was all smiles. For $10 I felt like we got to circle quite a few times and I believe we tipped her $10. Initially I was wary of going because of all these negative reviews. Ultimately the hotel I was at recommended this place so I just went anyway. I didn't see anything wrong and maybe people expected something really different so they are bashing this place? read more

We just had the best time at Rita's with my son- who will be 2 next month. The stalls were all large and mucked out. Clean, cool barn will well cared for animals. My little man was not up for a pony ride- so we went around petting the animals. He loved it!!!We will be back very soon. Great experience. read more

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This place is so sad. The workers are sincere animal lovers but Rita should not be in a business that deals with the public. Ask what happens to the horses at the end of the season. I would never send horses to get auctioned for meat. She believes in disciplining horses with a 2 x 4--- those are her words. Where is Buck Brannaman when you need him? I suppose if this is the only place your kid can pet a goat, go ahead. But---Giving her money just encourages more of the same. This place has great potential for a humane owner. Therapy for the autistic and disabled. Horsemanship classes. Note some of the 5 star reviews are by accounts with very little history of reviews or no experience with horses. read more

One of only two horse riding stables.

I took my 5 year old daughter here for a pony ride 2 days ago and ended up going back today for a 1/2 hour horseback riding lesson. My daughter disappeared into the barn for 20 minutes and made friends with all the goats and donkeys. Very relaxed, intimate atmosphere, and Rita and Jan were great with my kid. Convenient location right off 27 in Montauk. We'll definitely go back again for more lessons. I would recommend bringing your own helmets and just trying to chill out when you're there. read more

Rita's Stable - Horseback Riding Near Me - Montauk, New York

Had a great time at Ritas! A great place to get out the city. I lot of animals running around that you are free to pet and feed.. sheep, donkeys, horses, peakcocks, goats, chickens! Bring some carrots for the donkeys! Great for kids and trail rides. read more

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It's rustic for sure, but we had a great time. Our 8 year old daughter had a terrific ride and a terrific time visiting with all the unique and exotic farm animals. Rita is a genuine character. If you are a helicopter parent and are looking for helmets and safety harnesses this is not your place! read more

Rita was very nice and so was the crew. it's worth taking the kids for $10 pony rides. we had a blast.. read more

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Our Kids had a great time at Rita's Stable. We called Rita the day before to make sure someone would be there since we were in Montauk during the off season (April). We agreed that 10:30 am was a good time to bring our Kids (3 & 5) for pony rides. She allowed me to guide the horse with one child at a time for long laps around the Stable grounds. She is is very knowledgeable about the Montauk area and has been around for 50 years. Our kids were able to walk around and pet the goats and look at other Horses. She also had Chickens and a large male Peacock for us to see. I recommend this place to any family looking to add some fun to their Montauk vacation! read more

Well my family and I have been going to Rita's for a couple years and we truly had a good time till this time. I had called the day before to book a ride for my girls we arrive and Rita tells us her trail guide was not coming back till four so ok things happen but we went back at 4 and now she told us 5pm well that was unacceptable so we left and will not be going back there is another trail riding place a few blocks away they were happy to accommodate and my girls had a great time. read more

We paid for a 30 minute long family ride that was billed as good for family members as young as five. I thought it was odd that we were helped into the saddles not by a step ladder or platform but by standing on an empty cooler. The ride was going fine until my saddle began slipping on my horse. By the time I understood that it was actually the saddle actually sliding off my horse's back, I was falling off and thankfully into dust and not rocks. Our guide, a very young girl who was not allowed a cell phone by her boss, tried to shout back to the barn that we needed help, but ultimately had to make sure I was okay and reposition the horse's saddle so it stopped pinching the animal herself. Although in considerable pain, I opted to walk back instead of trying to remount without assistance. When Rita, the boss, finally realized we were off trail and I was on foot, she drive over to us with the other hand who took my horse. Rita did not talk to me, spent time yelling at her young guide, ordered the other hand to take the horse back to the barn and drove off. She didn't bother to ask if I needed medical attention. She did not offer to drive me back to the barn. She seemed angry there was an accident, but angry at ME. Back at the barn, she insisted that the girth had not broken so it must have been my fault that I fell off even though both and I and the guide told her the saddle slipped a full 90 degrees. She got more angry and ranted about her personal problems, including her daughter's private medical issues, and then declared the stables were closed for the day and stormed off. She still didn't bother to ask if I was okay. Several families waiting for rides were sent away, and as my wife tried to reason with Rita for a full or partial refund of our fee, several more families with reservations arrived and were sent away. We finally left when my wife realized there was no way Rita was going to listen to anything reasonable, and was not emotionally well in their encounter. She gruffly told us to call her later that day and when we did she said she could not give us any kind of refund because that would be an admission of "guilt". Horses are large animals. I don't begrudge an accident. But I do expect certain treatment from a place of business when I am hurt by an accident using their animal and their equipment. I was riding slowly and calmly and the saddle simply slipped 90 degrees on the animal, throwing me in the dirt and leaving the horse in discomfort. Instead of an inquiry to my physical well being, an apology and offer of even partial compensation, I was left to walk back, accused of somehow causing HER SADDLE to malfunction and treated to a temper tantrum. Stay away from Rita's stables. If something DOES go wrong with your ride, you cannot count on Rita's professionalism. read more

Very disappointing experience. Signed up for hour ride. Guide, who was pleasant and helpful, led us round and round in circles on boring trail. A half an hour would have been more than enough on this ride. Shame on Rita. read more

I was there in 2012. It's a stable full of loveable animals and it's a bit messy, rocky, and little stinky, you can't expect anything else it's a stable. The horse ride/trail was excellent and the rider showing us was very helpful, friendly and full of knowledge! I would go back definitely. Bring the kids, spouse, etc, it's for everyone, just use the bathroom at home or at a restaurant before you arrive. read more

We had a wonderful time at Rita's stables today. Renny(spelling) was great! She took the time to show us around and tell us about each animal's background, answered all of our questions and was generally delightful. One of the highlights was when Renny picked up Henrietta the chicken and let us hold her. We loved feeding carrots to the horses and goats. Will be back next year! read more

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Rita was so sweet and so was her staff. Horses were friendly and gentle. The trails were a bit boring but we still had a great time.

Wonderful experience. Great staff and beautiful animals. Rita really cares about these animals.

Visited Rita's stables today for a pony ride with our four year old daughter. There was no clarity on where to go and what to do. Reni, the young lady (probably 14 years old) who helped us, was wonderful and arranged immediately for the ride. The whole ride lasted 1 lap, and 1 minute. The petting zoo which is touted is a few goats. The donkeys were grazing off in the distance and two chickens were just running around. I also did not feel comfortable or safe letting my 4 year old get on a real horse with a very young girl leading her and no safety considerations. I think they could make this place great but the owner needs to get involved and tighten up her operation rather than letting a 14 year old run it. read more

My wife were on our honeymoon recently and wanted to go riding for our first time. I called up and their reception sounded terrible. You could barely hear what the girl was saying, but I got through the message what we wanted to do. She said it'd be fine, so we went to make a reservation... but she couldn't do it herself and would definitely call us back after talking to Rita. We never got a call back. read more

Access to horse rides was nice but for $10, ride should be longer than 5 minutes. Also, the 5 minute tour of the stable was $10. There is potential for greater customer service, if that is Rita's goal. read more

Rare way to experience old Montauk! My 2 year old son had a great time riding a large pony and following around roosters and goats. The laid back vibe reminds me of what Montauk was like when I was his age. read more

Wish we had come here before we went to Deep Hallow Ranch. Rita is a charming women and her farm as a lot to offer children! From pony rides to actual horse rides to a petting zoo! The prices are very reasonable and more over the service is warm and friendly. Again, I can't emphasize how much I wish we came here before going to Deep Hallow Ranch!! read more

I went to Rita's today with my friends and had a wonderful time riding! I loved all the little animals running around donkeys chickens goats sheep rabbits peacocks ponies and horses. The horses were a joy to ride, the employees were extremely nice and helpful in teaching us about steering and how to sit properly in the saddle. I will definitely be going back great for kids teenagers adults, everyone. Best barn ever! Rita was charming and interesting to talk with. read more

I had a wonderful experience at Rita's Stable this past Saturday! Their horses are very well cared for in a relaxed setting. The barn experience is worth the trip as you can visit with a variety of animals, all happy to meet you and looking for the obligatory scratch on the back. I spent some time getting to know a draft horse named Humphrey, a sweet heart, and then rode a horse named Lucky. Lucky was very responsive and easy to ride between a walk and a trot. I would recommend Rita's for anyone looking for a real-country riding experience, outside of the typical Hampton's scene. read more