THE STABLES at Palmer Gulch

Dang this is sure disappointing to see... I’m sorry to hear your experience wasn’t the best. We take a lot of pride in our outfit and take our reviews very seriously. We've gone through our waivers to attempt to speak with you directly about this review but cannot find your name in our records. Due to the amount of misinformation, we feel we must be thorough in this reply. To start off, if you know horses, you'd know that some horses really are "that way". Just like us people, all horses have their own speed and personality. Some horses like to move fast, some like to move at a leisurely pace. In this industry, we much prefer a horse that takes it's time to a horse that goes in a quick or unsafe manner. We spend countless hours a day caring for these horses, and I can assure you your horse was not sick. The nearby woods you rode through was the Black Elk Wilderness. This area is only accessible to horse and foot traffic, offering many views of Black Elk Peak and Elk Horn Ridge along with multiple crossings over Willow Creek via Bridge. We are the only outfit to hold a riding permit in the Norbeck and are very proud of that. The insect that caused so much tree fall is actually the Mountain Pine Beetle which is, in fact, a native species that has always existed in our ecosystem. The last one resolving itself in 2016. The damage you referenced was due to that last epidemic. We are ever amazed at natures ability to adapt and regrow itself at such a fast rate. It has a beauty in and of itself. We do not allow passing, riding off trail, or trotting on our rides- nor do we advertise that. Safety is our number one priority, and our horses are excellent at giving their riders a fun experience while also keeping them safe. Riding off trail is a big no-no for horseback riders and hikers alike when in a protected wilderness area. Doing so can damage or kill certain plants or animal species in the surrounding ecosystem. We always try to be mindful of the local wildlife as it is their home we are riding through. Please feel free to reach out to us with more specific details about your experience. You can find a contact form on our website.Thanks

Carlos,Thank you so much for sharing your experience for others to see. We're very glad you enjoyed your ride and sure hope to see you back at the Stables some time!

You are very welcome! Glad your little one had a nice time