Rustic Rides Farm — Local services in New Shoreham

For all the years we’ve been coming to Block Island, we never tried the horse back rides at Rustic Rides on Westside Road. My son is 12 and wanted to try it so we did. I don’t recommend it. We arrived early but don’t do that. We were just sitting there in the hot sun until it was time to pay. There are a lot of flies that annoy the horses - poor things. The people who run it are not the most hospitable. In fact, I’d say the owners were pretty rude.

We were lumped in with another group that unapologetically arrived late. We were forced to sit there and wait an additional 20 minutes in the baking sun. Other people came after us and left on horses before us. Being slightly annoyed by this and not having ever ridden a horse before, they put me on a horse named Stupendous they said they reserved for special needs people. They called him ’Stupy’ for short. He swayed from side to side and I thought he had a foot injury. They said he was just slow.

The rude people behind me were tailgating me and tried to pass me several times on their higher horses. This made Stupy go into the road and off to the other side out of the line, and another time into the trees. Because I was extremely uncomfortable, I once attempted to get down, but the rude guy had his horse’s head inches from my side and I was unable to dismount.

Although my son was on a high steady horse, he was scared and had no one to help him. We are so lucky we were not injured (they make you sign a waiver). The young guide was helpful as much as she could with 6 riders and talked the entire time. There was also a 7-year old helper. The 2 young girls were the guides but the horses knew the routine, including where the ridges were. They pooped and peed along the way.

The ride lasted less than an hour, so with a 20 minute late start, it was high noon when we got back. I would recommend an earlier start time or afternoon ride to avoid the hot sun in summer if you’re dead set on doing this. I would also recommend not paying until you are sure you are going to be comfortable and not herded along like cattle and just lumped in with clueless, rude tourists, but that is what this is - a tourist trap only a few degrees away from a carnival ride, apparently a way for islanders with horses to make some money. Maybe other people have had a better experience, but I guarantee no one at RR gives a...

Matt was such a great guide from the moment we got into the car. We forgot water and had to stop at the store and he was kind enough to do so. So please bring your own water. Doing this kind of trip in mid Sept was probably the best idea. It was just the 3 of us and the weather could not have been better. I should mention wearing pants is a really good idea. On the trails you can encounter prickers and plant life that isn't the greatest to catch your bare legs.

Matt adjusted the horses as my daughter's ability adjusted. She has been on a couple of horses but walking and trotting in a ring. Matt quickly realized she was a complete natural so we took it up a notch as we called it a few times. We got into a full cantor a few times. But the above and beyond moment for me was when I asked about video and he offered to ride and video tape for me. That to me was what made him such a great guide. He allowed me a capture a moment that I normally wouldn't have been able to. He always looked back to make sure we both we doing well. He helped us and reminded us if we forgot a specific technique. He made our adventure complete on Block Island. The smile he gave my kid was priceless and it was his birthday. So Matt thanks again for one of the best days of her...

Sadly, I can't give a good review solely due to the condition of the horses. They are all hot, tired, old and many of them should not be ridden anymore. Its heartbreaking to see a 200lb+ man on Stuby's back when the horse clearly has a hip or leg injury and is struggling. She was so sweaty after the ride I insisted the she be taken off the days rides and hosed down. Thankfully, the staff obliged me, but, what happens tomorrow? The staff were great, but to me, how the horses are cared for tells me a lot - and these poor animals were down right sad.

I wish this place would realize when a horse needs to be retired and show them some compassion. Get them proper care because they are obviously just "work' horses to the owner. My message to you Tim....I'd be willing to pay more if you would care for your horses better and don't work them to 'death'. I think...