Stud Horse Riding and Rescue — Local services in West Nusa Tenggara

Me and my friend booked a sunset ride with this company. First of all we were double booked and requested our deposit back however the owner told us she would just take us instead of being lead by the trained workers. We both had some experience with horse riding so felt comfortable walking with the horses on our own with her leading on her own horse in front. As soon as we left the stables the horses were immediately scared of everything including bikes, waves, water and music. This may have been due to the fact they were not being lead however we had being reassured it wouldn't be a problem. The owner immediately started complaining that there were too many people around on the island and too much going on. When the horses would stop due to being scared by these things the owner told us that the horses did not respond to 'leg on' or kicking which is a basic practice of horse riding which is the used to get the horse to carry on. This led us to believe the horses have not been trained properly. After around 30 minutes we cut the ride early and both got off our horses after nearly being bucked off and my friends horse ran away leading her into a tree in which she has multiple marks and scratches from over her shoulder and face. Luckily my friend knew how to control the horse and stay on it otherwise she would have definitely come off. We both said we felt unsafe on the horses and wanted to head back which then led to the owner being annoyed at us and lead 2 of the horses back herself leaving us behind with one of the horses. This felt very unprofessional. She then tried to blame the fact that the tide was high despite it being a sunset beach ride when the tide would always be high and said she has prewarned us of this - yet the only thing we was told is that we wouldn't be able to trot or canter because of the high tide, not that the horses were terrified of the water and would try bucking us off every 5 minutes. From making the way back and back at the stables she barely spoke another word to us and we felt extremely uncomfortable and left quickly. The horses seemed to be kept well however other than that we would not recommend. The other horse companies that were out for rides had much better control over their horses and the people for their companies seemed to be having a much more enjoyable time so would recommend...

We had a great sunset ride here, the views were gorgeous and the horses were well behaved and clearly well looked after. Each horse is accompanied by its handler, this is for the wellbeing of the horse - the beach is full of broken sharp coral and in the water the corals can be quite close to the shore so they will escort you, as well as take photos for you. Don't anticipate riding off into the sunset by yourself :) They do book out so make sure you reserve ahead. We contacted them by whatsapp and paid a deposit online, with the rest paid in person. Sadly when we returned from our ride we found out that another customer had been very rough with their horse, pulling on the reigns so hard that the metal on the side of the bit had broken! The horse was clearly distressed, as was its handler. To pull so hard (to make the horse stop) to break the equipment is so cruel for the horses, and it surely caused the horse a lot of pain in its mouth. It was very sad to see this beautiful creature stressed. Please be gentle with the horses! The one I had had also been injured on the mouth so they did not fit her with a bit, which makes communication with the horse harder, but she was clearly well trained as she was calm and obeyed (even though it was obvious her personality was playful and she wanted...

Stud Horse Riding and Rescue is a very special place. It is home to many rescued and retired horses on Gili Trawangan. These horses are the healthiest, happiest horses on the island for sure! They get the best treatment and care and you will see that first hand when you meet them. I have had the pleasure of riding with Stud quite a few times while on the island and each time has been wonderful. To have the confidence that the wellbeing of these animals is of up most priority, in a place where some some are not always treated well is so so important. The horses seem to really love their lives and enjoy going for a ride (canter! Hehe) along the beach taking in the gorgeous surroundings. Stud is the only riding stables on the island offering Helmets to its customers and your safety is looked after to the highest degree. You can also ask for chaps to protect your legs from the stirrup leathers which is great! I am so so happy to have found Stud because they really display a very high standard in every way. Thank you for all that you do for your horses and other island ponies. And thank you for all the amazing experiences on horse back! So what are you waiting for?! Get yourself booked in for a Sunset ride on a beautiful...