Cemal Ranch — Local services in Ortahisar Beldesi

Our horseback tour with Cemal Ranch in May 2025 was deeply disappointing and, at times, unsafe.

Booking through Viator was confusing -- the operator listed two tours with nearly identical names but at different price points ($66 vs. $126), with no clear explanation of the difference. The tour description on Viator also didn’t match how the tour played out. It described a “sunset ride” with views of cave dwellings pointed out by a “veteran guide” on “well-trained horses.” In practice, we got none of that. Our ride ended well before sunset, no sights were pointed out, and our horses were visibly skittish throughout. The guides were not professionals, just stable hands walking beside the horses. One looked no older than 14.

The pre-tour communication was poor -- the operator wasn't responsive on WhatsApp, and oddly, had “disappearing messages” turned on. Pickup was included but disorganized -- a taxi with no clear signage showing that it was associated with the operator eventually located us after back-and-forth calls with the operator. When we arrived at the ranch, we were given tea. However, no safety briefing, helmets, or basic riding instruction were provided, which was surprising and unsettling.

During the ride, the weather turned to rain and hail, visibly agitating the horses. My horse became so jumpy that I was worried it might throw me off. While the weather is no one’s fault, Cemal Ranch made no effort to monitor the forecast or offer cancellation beforehand. In the end, the ride was cut short to just one hour, with no explanation at the time of the event.

We were fortunate to secure a refund via Viator. Had we paid the operator directly, we likely would have lost the money entirely. I would advice anyone looking for a horse riding tour in Cappadocia to avoid...

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 An unforgettable sunset ride with amazing horses and wonderful people!

We had the most magical experience at Cemal Ranch in Ortahisar, Cappadocia. Our group of 8 people was each matched with a beautiful, well-trained horse, and what made the experience truly special was that each horse had its own dedicated helper. That meant we had 8 incredible staff members riding alongside us, one-on-one, guiding, supporting, and making sure both the riders and the horses were perfectly comfortable the whole time. Their calm, professional demeanor and genuine care for the animals was so clear—it made us feel relaxed and safe even if we weren’t experienced riders.

The sunset ride was absolutely breathtaking. Riding across the Cappadocian landscape as the sky lit up in glowing shades of orange and pink was something straight out of a dream. The ranch team didn’t just stop at guiding us—they took beautiful photos and videos throughout the experience, capturing memories we’ll treasure forever.

The atmosphere at Cemal Ranch is peaceful, warm, and welcoming. From the moment we arrived, it was obvious that these people truly love what they do, and that energy is contagious.

If you’re in Cappadocia, this is hands down one of the best ways to experience the region’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or it’s your first time, Cemal Ranch will take great care of you. Cannot recommend this...

I and my fiancee decided to give it a try while looking for attractions to see during our visit in Cappadocia. It was going to be our first horse riding, so we were kind of excited.

Cemal Ranch is a family business, and you feel the welcoming sincerity and hospitality once you enter the ranch. As inhabitants of the town of Ortahisar, horse riding is much more than a business for Cemal and his team. It's a part of their lifestyle and culture; moreover, Cemal is a true horse expert and professional horse rider. He chooses the right horses depending on your horse riding level and experience. Since we had no prior experince, he prepared 2 easy-going horses from his well tamed horse herd. We were accompanied by his knowledgable tour guides for our safety and comfort during our sunset tour. Our photos and videos were taken with some of the most gorgeous views of the area in the background.

Upon completion of our sunset tour, Cemal treated us with complimentary Turkish coffee and tea. Overall, our experience at Cemal Ranch turned out to be one of the unforgetable moments of our vacation. If you ever visit Cappadocia/Urgup/Goreme area, do not miss the chance of this...