Texas Trail Rides — Local services in Austin

I wish there was an option for no stars. But I felt I needed to let people know how the staff and owner treats their customers. — I reached out to Lonestar Ranch to set up barrel racing lessons numerous times with the promise of a call back. Waited for about a week and a half. And nothing. It was a highly unprofessional experience and showed a great deal of carelessness on their part. And I am not the first to have the same experience. — So, I sent an email to the owner. Which I then received a very passive aggressive petty response from, no apology, just a bunch of excuses. she told me : "If I don't like the way they run things, I should look somewhere else for lessons". Not even attempting to set up lessons after such a long process, even though there's no way in hell I will ride with them.“And the equine director has too much going on that she doesn’t have the time to call back to schedule a lesson”. So, be prepared to wait about two weeks to hear a response back. Who knows, maybe longer. But when it’s most convenient for them. Also apparently, they “screen everyone who wants a ride or lesson before they let them ride ” which means if you have little to no experience, get lost. In my case I have experience running a ranch with years and years of riding experience but even I was turned down. (I am surprised they are still in business).

What a big joke. And a huge...

So I am visiting Austin by myself for a few days and really wanted to go on a ride. I called them a few days in advance to make reservations. They had plenty of days and times available, so very flexible. I also got a confirmation email with all the do's and don'ts to prepare for the ride (long pants, closed shoes, some water, etc.).

Today I went on a 1.5h trail ride at the new Lonestar Ranch location which is only 15 minutes from the center of Austin! It was super easy to find when you plug in the address into your gps and then look for their sign on the main road. All of the staff were very friendly and enthusiastic. I showed up in time, signed the waiver, got my helmet and was ready to go.

I was the only person on the ride, along with my wonderful guide. The owner, Miss Tina was so nice, giving me her personal cutest cupcake named Batman. I loved him! Since this ranch is new, we went to explore some of the trails. Some spots are out in the sun but most of the time there are enough trees and branches to keep you shaded. The trails are narrow (but wide enough to maneuver around) so you do ride mostly in a single file. You cross the creek a few times, so your horse can grab a sip and you get a minute to breathe. It was a really relaxing nature experience and definitely a good break from all the Downtown...

I came to Austin by myself and of course they don't take out single riders which is understandable , but they were able to put me with another group that was riding! I went on the sunset tour and rode Batman. He was perfect I would have loved to of took him home. He has suck a spunky loveable spirit! All of the horses that went were well behaved and appeared to listen on command. If this is your first horseback ride these horses would be the ones to break you in! Chelsea was the guide for the eveing she was very friendly , went over safety and answered any questions you may have had. She also was would ask if the group would want to trot or canter, of course I'm always up for a good canter . the other two at first were a little unsure , but Chelsea allowed me to hang back and canter up to the group with in a comfortable range with the other horses. Oh and even when I did come up cantering behind the other horses they didn't get anxious or anything which is even more postive points for those guys! As far as scenery goes its good, I feel that the sunset...