Sun City Stables Cash Only-No Refunds-Dangerous Horses Ruskin, Florida
Run from this place. The place is a dump and the horses are not trained. I knew I was in trouble when they didn't have the reservation, we stupidly paid for 2 hours, you get the third free. It took almost an hour for the staff to saddle the horses and walk us to the trail where you can ride unguided. This was after swapping out a horse who was bucking and only wanted to go back to the stable. As soon as the guide walked away from the trail, my horse refused to do anything but go back to the stable as well. I got thrown and luckily came out with just a few bruises. These horses are clearly not treated well, trained well and the staff does not care. When they tell you, you don't get your money back no matter what, it's a good sign you're in for a miserable experience. Miserable doesn't begin to describe it. Based on other guests we saw there having a similar experience, this place should not be in business. Stay away from horses named Blaze and Clyde. We tried a third hose named Starbuck who also only wanted to be in his stable. $120, no ride and no refund. They only train the horses to run back to the stable. I spoke with someone who had the same experience 14 years ago! They have been getting away with mistreating horses and humans for far too long. Run!
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Elizabeth
St Petersburg,Florida,
USA
Disagree
#3Consumer Comment
Fri, September 15, 2017
I go to sun city to buy Diatomaceous earth and have for several years. I have never ridden a horse there but i do see the condition of these horses and i can tell you they are cared for quite well. The stabling isnt fancy but it is very secure and the animals there are safe. Most trail horse are sour. They carry around people who have no clue day after day and they know when they can get over on someone. If you would have hired a guide instead of ride another hour (3 hours is a long time to ride if you cant even get the horse to move forward) you would have had a much better time. This facility has operated successfully for decades. People love to complaine..i am sure if this place were remotely this bad there would be some indication somewhere. There is nothing . go figure.
Shayna
Orlando,Florida,
USA
Different Experience...
#3Consumer Comment
Wed, November 09, 2016
I felt compelled to rebut this review as I have been going to Sun City Stables over the past five years, my most recent visit being yesterday. As an intermediate rider with Western leisure and English leisure and eventing experience, I was actually quite shocked at this review. I have ridden numerous horses here, most notable George, Magic, Clyde and Valor, and all have been a pleasure. I have gone both guided and unguided, and they have always been friendly, knowledgeable and so much fun. I didn't see any signs of mistreatment of animals and their weight and coat are both clearly an example of good health. While some horses are, of course, meant for more experienced riders, it's easy to have an enjoyable ride if you're honest about your experienced and matched with the right horse. Additionally, they're very quick to swap your horse and credit you time if needed. Personally, I love Sun City Stables, and can't wait to try out their Adventure and beach rides!