Griffith Park Horse Rentals — Attraction in Glendale

Wanted to celebrate my girlfriends birthday with the true love of her life, horses. Yet, being received after point of sale was honestly uncomfortable to say the least. We round the building, read the sign as instructed and had a gentlemen who showed some hospitality approached us for any questions. After I reassured him in Spanish that I was the first time rider he addressed any misunderstandings I had and explained. I entered the area and greeted the two men who were sitting on the fence. One young man and another elderly man. They just stared at us not attempting to return a greeting or welcome us whatsoever. Aside from their disgruntled stares I genuinely felt these were customers and not workers: that’s how Unprofessional it felt. 15 mins later the young man approached us, still tight mouthed and non-conversational. Simply saying, “ Get on.” Not specifying to whom or what horse allthewhile pulling the horse I was going to ride in a malicious manner. This Made me feel Uncomfortable.That was the 1st red flag. We mounted and were on our way when I asked,” Is somebody coming with us?”. and was ignored. There I was riding toward the trail for my first time ever where out of nowhere our guide comes trailing behind us. I was relieved. My girlfriend knew more than I so she began instructing me. Our guide was the older man who similar to the young man Didn’t even give any instruction despite my back to back questions I was asking my girlfriend. I alerted the guide that my horse had tremors which I felt consistently with a similar spot . Without even looking my direction he was like it’s a fly. I replied there is no fly and he Insisted without any concern for the horse . I couldn’t help but connect the dots of the spasms the horse had and the picture I have of the young man dragging my horse out against its will. We continued until my horse began to get unresponsive to my directions and wanting to gallop. As I was pulling left the tail end of my horse was drifting right and kicked my girlfriends ankle and horse she mounted. Finally he opens his mouth not to explain or aid us But to reprimand us like children. We told him we didn’t feel comfortable and was arguing with us as if it’s a debate. I know he has the pointers and tips but his apathy and negligence is a risk I was not...

First time I came here I had a great time (now realizing this was a one time experience due to a uniquely great guide.) After this experience I decided to bring my mom and sister, and chaos ensued.

First, we were put in a group of 5. They lined us up and 1) did not explain any directions for how to ride a horse and 2) asked no questions to ascertain rider experience level. For the record, this is marketed as a beginner-friendly experience.

When “assigning” us our horses no thought was given to which horse was given to who. At other locations like Sunset Ranch, they specifically put “horse friends” together so that groups stay close.

Then, no one adjusted our stirrups, resulting in me and my boyfriend both hurting our knees.

Now for the ride itself: these horses are absolutely untrained. Did not listen to a single clearly executed direction, randomly broke into running, and my horse even slipped off a cliff. I mean. Come on.

I could go on and on, but I think the cherry on the top was the fact that half way through the ride, our guide dropped his hat and asked my clearly uncomfortable and inexperienced sister to hold the reigns of two horses. When the one inevitably bucked, and she decided she was done with this atrocity, she was asked to WALK HER HORSE BACK to the barn.

Many other options in the area. If you are new to horse riding or looking for a relaxed ride, I would suggest...

DO NOT COME HERE!!! Horses are not trained very dangerous and even more dangerous for children I was recently there two weeks ago and the horse went crazy and started running really fast I tried to hold on but ended up getting thrown off and in shock I broke my pelvis bone had to get rushed to the hospital the lady that was on the trail with us was no help when I asked her if she could help me up she totally ignored me but just called an ambulance and continued the ride and let the horse I was on run back the other way on its own and even asked me if I wanted to get back on the horse knowing I was in very much pain and broke something The police ambulance and park Rangers had to come to the scene and report the place I am now in a wheelchair and can’t even walk because I’m disabled and have to have in-home physical therapy on top of it I have to walk with a walker to even try to use the bathroom it’s hard for me to take a shower now I can’t do anything I now have PTSD and trauma from that incident these horses are very dangerous please...