Malibu Riders — Attraction in Los Angeles

We rode with Malibu Riders before with no issues. However, our recent experience left us utterly disappointed and frustrated with their handling of unforeseen circumstances.

Having booked a session for five individuals, we were excited for another horseback riding session in Malibu. Unfortunately, our plans were thwarted by unexpected rain and subsequent mudslide delays in the area. Despite our proactive effort to communicate our delay with Malibu Riders well in advance, we were met with an inflexible and unsympathetic response.

While three members of our party managed to navigate through the delays and arrived on time, the remaining two of us faced unavoidable setbacks due to the adverse weather conditions. Despite our best efforts to update Malibu Riders by message and a call in advance, we were informed before our scheduled ride time that we would not be accommodated with the rest of our group and was turned away even before our session began.

What was particularly disheartening was the lack of willingness on the part of Malibu Riders to make any concessions or offer alternative arrangements. Despite being the only party members scheduled for that particular ride session, they refused wait for the rest of our party, were open to reschedule or even provide a partial refund for our paid session.

Riding horses in Malibu should be a core memory experience, but it's a shame that Malibu Riders' poor service overshadowed the experience for us. In situations where circumstances beyond anyone's control, such as mudslides resulting from prior rain come into play, one would expect a more understanding and accommodating approach from a reputable establishment.

For those seeking a horseback riding experience with excellent service and customer care, I would advise looking elsewhere, as Malibu Riders falls short in this regard. It's disappointing for an experience like this to fall so short. A once valued customer...

We’ve had really great experiences in the past. Our most recent time we didn’t make it. Buffered in over two hours (an extra hour for traffic) for the commute but recent rain fall blocked off usual paths, and a car accident that blocked three right lanes of the 101. Our arrival time- 5 minutes before the scheduled start time. We were literally around the corner, and my sister was literally in the lot and not on a horse yet. 🤷🏻‍♀️ the guide said the office said to not wait the for us. Oddly enough, others were still signing waivers at the time.

We asked the office if it was possible to wait, they said no. Asked if we could reschedule, no. Asked if we could refund, no.

Tried our best to buffer in “LA traffic.” Sometimes literally can’t control it. Left 2.5 hrs early for a commute that is usually 45 minutes, seemed reasonable.

Have always loved riding with Malibu riders! My sister and friends all seemed to enjoy the ride (they left four hours early so didn’t run into the accident traffic on the 101)! Lucky them. Oh wells, better luck next time. ☺️

Only writing this review because they sent me a text asking to review them. I know, they might respond and say that it’s not mindful of others time— except it was my group of friends, and they would have actually agreed to shorten the ride if it was to wait five to ten minutes for us. Since the office took our $300 and told the guide not to wait, and asked us to turn around, fifteen mins before we arrived, might as well give an honest review.

Update: screen shots of the business harassing me by text after being unhappy...

What an absolutely perfect ride!! Im an experienced rider and have been on quite a few trail rides throughout the west coast. This was definitely the one I’ve enjoyed the most and next time I’m in the area I will definitely be returning! I lucked out with having another experienced rider participating with me, and together we were able to kick things up a notch from the standard ‘easy rider baby beginner’ level expected on most trail rides into a fun little trot through the hills. Nelly took great care in pairing riders to horses, adapted the ride to our level of experience, was diligent about giving directions and warnings along the route, stayed very attentive and interactive with us, and took some great photos! Overall just an incredible experience!! My biggest regret is that I had no cash on hand to tip. Hopefully I’ll be back soon and better prepared ;) One thing to note if you’re headed up is that the path is a bit overgrown and a sleeved shirt (elbow length tshirt/longsleeve) will help avoid little scratches from the bush. Also some parts have low hanging branches, so a shorter horse (such as the lovely Hannah) makes these easier to duck under. ...