Porter Mountain Stables — Local services in Arizona

It's unfortunate that I'm writing this review. We were very excited about going on our trail ride, was going to be in the snow and had heard such nice things about this experience. Horses looked well care for but 3 of the horses we were going to ride were acting up. After we mounted up and we're trying to leave the barn area 2 kept jigging and one took off trying because the horses turned out were running and playing which made the horses we were riding excited and the ground was icy so not a good mix. The horses were fresh and wanted to go, which is fine, but when I called I said most of my family are begginer riders so we needed pretty steady horses and was told that these horses are beginner safe, well today they were not. I 100% understand if they act up that they are animals which is what I told the barn manager or whomever it was that came out and yelled at us for asking for a refund because they didn't offer the service promised. But I'm sure it would have been a good ride if the horses were a little better behaved or if the barn manager learned how to behave better. Unfortunate experience for us so just be aware that if your horse acts up you won't be getting a refund and you will most likely find yourself dealing with a very angry barn manager. Will say though that the wrangler seemed very nice and also mentioned that the horses weren't acting their best that morning.

Also, in a response to this review (on trip advisor, since I can't even reply to that) they said they refunded some of it back to us, which isn't true or haven't called us or notified us in anyway. If so, that's great maybe we could have done that while we were there without being yelled at for about 20 min. Before we left we did try to work with the owner of the barn and said we would take half of it because we wanted to pay the wranglers, we had planned on giving them a tip anyway, but he probably couldn't hear that because all he did was yell at us and offer us 40 dollars for a 400 dollar 3 min ride. I said I own horses, but my family does not, which is WHY I said they were beginners on the phone and the only time that came up was when the owner was yelling at us about "horse behavior". Be defensive all you want, but maybe also throw some truth...

WARNING - DO NOT TIP UNTIL AFTER YOUR RIDE!!!!! I made the mistake while paying for the ride and tipping at the same time. I did this and regret it. My family took a ride on 10-10-21 and Ashley was our guide. Although the horses were nice and the weather was nice, we did not enjoy the experience. Ashley appeared to be on her phone the entire time. The only question she asked was "where are you from?" We passed by a small lake, I had to ask "what lake is that?" I passed another landmark with no comment from Ashely and had to ask again. She did not engage or attempt to engage AT ALL. At the very end of the ride she blurted out that she didn't believe in COVID. Whether you believe or not, it was an extremely inappropriate comment. I planned on calling to complain when we returned home, however had a personal emergency that took my attention away until today. I called 9 days later and spoke with Stephanie who repeatedly apologized and said how shocked she was to hear this. Stephanie said "Ashley ONLY receives glowing reviews". Honestly Stephanie came off defensive and attempted to speak more than listen to my complaint. I had to interrupt her to finish what I had to say. I asked to receive a refund for the TIP ONLY and was told by Stephanie - "You should have asked for that the day of." Maybe I should have, however I just wanted to get the heck out of there because wasn't a good time and I was upset with lack of customer service. She also said "it's been 9 days and that Ashley had already been given her tip." I said that Porter Mountain Stables should step up and reimburse the tip. I got SILENCE on the other end of the phone... Stephanie, finally spoke and said " I don't even know how I would handle that". Stephanie offered nothing but an apology. After spending $210 for 3 people and another $40 plus dollars for a tip, I expected a bit more than an attitude and more poor customer service. ENOUGH SAID...POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND UNCAREING FROM ASHLEY TO STEPHANIE. There are other stables in the area - try...

Well the truth of the matter is PORTER MOUNTIAN STABEL is THE BEST place in the White Mountians, that is if what you want is to pull yourself up a horse and ride till you can't no more. The cowboys and girls are super friendly and for what I have seen they seem to know what they are doing on the back of a horse. I have never worried what kind of temperment the horse I choose to ride is going to have because, most anyone of them you pick will likely not suprize you but will delight you through your whole ride with them. They are very well trained and want nothing more than to please their rider. These working cowboys and cowgirls are very knowlagable and make it a point of making sure anyone on the back of an animal is safe as you can be on the back of a horse. They are available to the public and have had many years of training as well as a lot of love. So if you have been itching to try it for the first time, or have just been yearning to get back in the saddle again you have almost made it to the right place. Definetly head on over to The One and Only Porter Mountian Stables. They ride 6 days a week and their hours will fit most anyones scheule. There are plenty of horses to ride and many trails to explore. The prices are very reasonable. I'm not sure of the hours of operation but I know they are open early and round them up by dinner time. So what are you waiting for get on up off that coach and go round you up a saddle and ride till you can't no more. Relax have fun be safe and I will be waiting to see all y'all posts. Sincerely, Rhonda...