Florida Beach Horses — Local services in Bradenton

If you want to avoid ruining your mood, I don't recommend this service. I was looking for a fun activity to celebrate my birthday, and my nine-year-old daughter and I decided to go horseback riding. I booked this activity through Groupon, which may have contributed to the very unfriendly treatment we received. When we arrived and approached the instructors, the instructor asked how old my daughter was, and I said she was 9 (I had indicated this during booking). The instructor then rudely remarked that she was too small for a 9-year-old, as if suspecting me of deceit, even though my daughter is just slightly below average height. It was very unpleasant to hear this, and the comment hurt my daughter's feelings. Then they immediately started putting us on horses without explaining how to control them. They seated me first, then my daughter. When we started riding horses in water, It was windy, the instructors were more than 10 feet away from me, and they shouted instructions from a distance. It was very difficult to hear over the wind, and communicating by shouting was very uncomfortable. Why couldn't they calmly instruct us beforehand? After that, we started riding horses in the water, and my daughter ended up at the end of the group and falling behind on her horse. I asked the instructor to move my daughter in front of me so I could see her. I felt very uncomfortable with my daughter riding behind me, and I was worried something might happen to her in the water on the horse. The instructor rudely replied that I shouldn't tell her how to do her job. I apologized and asked for my daughter to be in sight anyway. In response, the instructor snapped and told us to get off the horses, saying we were terrible customers and she didn't want to deal with us. It was very unpleasant to receive such service on...

Wonderful experience. Beautiful horses. Would do it again.

Could be a little more professional / better organized. Was charged some fees they couldn't explain at booking. I overlooked it. Received a text the day of asking us to be there 15 min early. But we arrived and found noone around until 30 min after our start time. Once they arrived, no intro, communication, instructions, apology or explanation for running late given. We just stood around scratching our heads, they asked our names and then suddenly began mounting the horses. It was a bit confusing as to what was going on at first. Maybe a short intro and what to expect before the ride would be useful, before mounting. In fairness maybe they rushed through it because they were running behind, but I couldn't say. It made for an awkward start. And they simply didn't acknowledge being 30 min behind schedule at all. It did ultimately shorten the ride, which was supposed to be 1.5 hours but was maybe just a couple min over 1 hour instead.

Once we were in the water, it was wonderful. Couldn't hear one word the front guide said the entire ride from the back but, enjoyed the ride all the same. The guide in the back didn't really say much and I was fine with that too. Not sure what I was missing up front though. She did a lot of talking that I couldn't hear.

My horse, Naomi, didn't feel like doing the "swim" that day. So she didn't, lol. She turned back early both times despite me following their instructions, kicking, clicking, pulling right, all of the above. She just wasn't having any of it. I forgive her, lol. She was a little diva.

Overall a great experience. There's some room for improvement which is why Im being soecific but it didn't ruin the great time in the water with the wonderful horses by any means! There's just nothing...

Ashley and Tre were AMAZING guides. They were very attentive to all riders and very communicative. HIGHLY recommend this tour. All experience levels are welcome and they really took care of the riders in our group who had never ridden before. We did the 100% water ride and it was FUN for those with experience and a comfortable adventure for those without. Definitely not a push button ride. Horses were in INCREDIBLE shape, pampered, and loved their job. We were paired with Conga and Wahoo and they were so excited to go to work. Horses are rescues and this company continues to care for them through through their retirement. Incredibly ethical and caring people. Well done!

Note Horses are animals with complex herd dynamics and preferences for companionship. The very few low reviews for this company highlight that. A few mares were rescued from overbreeding facilities and do NOT like others near their rump. This is completely understandable and this company cares greatly about keeping all horses happy and comfortable in their surroundings. Follow the guide directions, place notes OR CALL in the bookings if you have a large group that wants photos together. They will do their best to accommodate with the proper horse/rider pairings. The personalities of these horses shine and they are very confident that their preferences are going to be respected. As someone who works in equine rescue, this company is doing everything right for both the consideration of their horse's personalities and for the enjoyment of their guests. I will absolutely be a patron again in the future and have recommended this experience with all of my...