Zephyr Horses — Local services in Byron Bay

I booked a ride with these guys, and due to transport issues I did everything to resolve and wasn’t my fault, I couldn’t make it, there is no mobile number to contact them directly when you have a ride, all I could do was email them.

I emailed them and hope they would allow me to reschedule, they have 5 spots available for the day after, hoping they had some empathy for my situation, as a backpacker with little money, and a love for horses all I wanted to do was ride with these guys. They refused and quoted t&c’s to me saying as I hadn’t turned up, they will not re schedule my horse ride or provide me any sort of credit, they offered me a meer 10% off my next ride like I even have the money to boom with them again.

Whilst I totally appreciate it is not their fault I had transport issues, they had 5 available rides the day after despite saying they didn’t. They could arrange me for another month? I wouldn’t be taking up anyone space as someone else just would book another available time? They didn’t provide me with the service I paid for and all I wanted to do was reschedule with them so I could have a ride. Despite begging on an email, they refused, they showed no empathy towards me and frankly did not give a toss about me as a customer.

I cried that day - upset I didn’t get my ride, and upset I lost out on money. Whilst they have t&c’s, empathy and customer service could have been provided here, they could have booked me for a month’s time ensuring I take no immediate spaces up. They made out they had to turn people away for a spot I didn’t show up for, but people can just book another date if they want to go?? They charge an absolute fortune for the ride for 1 person, it’s an insane amount, but I was willing to pay it for the experience and how badly I wanted it.

Whilst I’m sure the ride is beautiful - should you have any issues, they will not assist you, they will show no empathy, and all they care about is money and their policy. Not only should you have transport issues, but I imagine any emergency situation, injury, family issues, they will not show you any remorse or offer any kind of resolution. Whilst they cannot re arrange every ride as it is not profitable to them, I believe that they could consider certain circumstances, customers behaviour, and offer something to them wether it’s re book in a months time with plenty of notice or a last minute spot that no one claimed, as long as the customer has never done it before ect. I would not recommend using this company. I have attached emails of how insincere and unempathetic they are, quoting the t&c’s to me.

My insurance couldn’t and wouldn’t help on this occasion, as I knew they wouldn’t.

I’m 280 dollars down, no...

We recently did a forest ride with Zephyr Horses and overall had a good time, though there’s definitely room for improvement. Upon arrival at the farm, we were welcomed and given time to explore the tack room, which was fairly well stocked with helmets and riding boots in various sizes. A helpful tip, bring extra socks! Some of the boots were wet, and a few of us ended up with soggy socks before we even got started. After completing the necessary paperwork and meeting the rest of our group, we were introduced to our horses. The three girls leading the ride were mostly reassuring, especially helpful for some of us who were first-time riders. That said, one instructor in particular did become visibly impatient when instructions weren’t followed perfectly. It showed in her tone, body language, and facial expressions, which made a few moments feel tense. The ride itself was enjoyable. Chatting with the other riders added a nice social touch, and the instructors made sure to take photos throughout the experience. More experienced riders were given the chance to canter, and we appreciated how safety remained a clear priority throughout. After the ride, we chose to purchase the photo package for an additional $50. Be aware, these are casual photos taken on the instructors' iPhones, not professional shot and while they could easily be airdropped or shared the same day, they aren’t. Instead, you're told there's a delay due to the “photos team” needing to sort through them, which felt unnecessary. Overall, if you're in Byron and looking for a unique activity, Zephyr Horses is worth considering. Just manage your expectations, bring dry socks, and be prepared for a wait if you want to...

We visited Zephyr in February 2021. I was quite looking forward to it. The horses were beautiful.

However the lady that led the pack was so distracted through the whole ride and was texting on her phone for most of it. Didn’t really interact with any of us and only took like 1 photo of me on the horse (we weren’t allowed to bring our phones to take our own photos so we’re completely dependent on the guide to take photos). My one and only photo came out with my face covered by the horse hair from the wind. She hadn’t even bothered to check it after she took the photo. When the photos were airdropped to us after the ride, she had even shared photos to us of another couple. No attention to detail and surely a privacy issue there?

The beach part of the ride was beautiful but definitely expected more attention from the guide, some helpful information/fun facts along the way and some better photos to capture our memory of the experience since we were totally dependent on her to take photos…. Although now it seems it’s better not remembered.

Not a cheap ride and unfortunately wouldn’t recommend this place. The service was sadly subpar.

EDIT: I've done plenty of tours before and this one was comparatively not up to scratch. I do not appreciate the owner replying using language that makes it sound like I just have a problem when they should probably check on the quality of their staff as well. Regardless of photo-taking, the guides barely interacted with...