HORSE CLUB (Layan Beach) — Local services in Choeng Thale

This is a very professionally operated company, and the staff delivers a very enjoyable experience.

The most important thing to note is how the horses are cared for. They are all in good health, well-stabled, and well-cared for. Unlike other companies who ride their horses 2km from the stable to the beach, this company uses a horse transport trailer to take them there and back.

One apparent thing is this operation is popular and busy. This means they have to operate on a strict schedule. This is the reason they need deposits in advance, and why they cannot give people extra time when they arrive late... because they have a full schedule and other customers who DO arrive on time are waiting for their turn (I see that many 1 star reviews are given to this company because of them being strict on times).

From the moment we arrived, we were asked to sign a disclosure form (and were also told they were accident-free), and we were given quality helmets and riding boots. We were instructed in clear English how the ride would work. This did not happen at another horse riding company we visited.

We were then driven from the stable to the beach and waited for the horses to arrive. Unfortunately, they were late because some other customer had arrived late and needed to be received (please come on time so you don't affect others!!)

The staff who led the horses were excellent. They led the horses professionally and helped to take wonderful photos. But most impressively, they paid attention to each of our children's abilities and confidence. Whilst both my children had only been on a horse once before, they were able to judge their confidence and tailor the experience to each of them appropriately. For my daughter who was confident, they walked her, they trotted, and eventually, they also had the horse gallop. A few times, the staff also released the rope and allowed my daughter to ride by herself. For my other daughter, who was less confident, was led the entire time, sometimes walking, sometimes trotting. (The other company just led our kids on a walk).

The price was 1200baht or 1500baht for the sunset ride. Sunset rides are booked out 2 days in advance, so we couldn't do this. The company picked us up and dropped us off at Kamala Beach for 800baht.

We were told that the ride was for 50min, with 10 minutes afterward spent feeding the horses. But because another customer made us late, we only got 40minutes, 5 minutes feeding the horses carrots, and then the horses were rushed back to the stable. The owner said we would get the full amount of time, but I guess he didn't tell his staff about this. It's not a big deal, but he should have followed through with...

We live in Phuket I have now ridden with this company twice and look forward to doing the swimming with horses next time. The first time, we got caught in a storm at the beach and decided to cut the ride short . They very kindly offered for us to ride again for free, even though we had been out for a full hour the first time. This is a joy for good riders, who get frustrated with pony trekking on fat plodders, who like only to stop and eat. However I recommend you ask as much about your horse, as possible, before you ride. The boys who ride with you have very little English (but they are lovely and very caring), so best to have one of the English speaking staff to explain before you ride.Horses have different personalities and different ways that they like to be handled. My horse Coco, likes to canter with a loose rein and a short jerking action to slow and stop. This made for a much more enjoyable ride, as a tight rein makes her bolt. The horses are well fed and looked after. A guide will come with you to lead the horses to the beach, until they know how well you ride(as back firing motorcycles, careless drivers are hazardous), then the follow on a motorcycle, to points along the beach and only one lead rider will accompany you. My daughter 12years old had a beautiful horse Cobi. It is so wonderful to ride the beach cantering through the water. If you are looking for horse riding lessons Bukit horse riding is excellent and very reasonably priced. No one over 85kg will be allowed to ride, as riding on the sand is tough enough for the horses, they can not take...

Phuket International Riding Club gave us an incredible experience! First off, they were able to accommodate us the following day, which was MUCH appreciated. With a 2 hour ride, they will take you to the beach and let you swim with horses. There was a slight miscommunication but they were flexible and made everything work. I've grown up riding (English) and this was a DREAM COME TRUE.  The guide let us walk, trot and canter on the beach. I am an advanced rider but my husband is a beginner. They accommodated both of our skill levels (he weighs slightly over 85kg which is the max so we made sure to let them know and make sure they had a large enough horse). They provided us with helmets and boots. Their horses are clearly well taken care of (I would NOT support a company in which this was not the case). I would recommend being honest with your skill level so that they can match you up with the right horse. Our guides were patient, kind and knowledgeable and the manager/owner was also wonderful and accommodating. They also took tons of photos which was very appreciated. I would 100% do this again and recommend it to anyone considering it. We purchased some carrots at the end of our ride to feed to the horses around the stables. There were also the cutest kittens at the stables that you can play with before/after the ride, which was just a bonus. Thank you for this...