circle r ranch

Hello JW and thank you for taking time to write a review about your experience with us at Circle R Ranch. We are sorry that you did not enjoy your sleigh ride. We would hope that our customers would let us know of any dissatisfaction at the time of their visit so we should have an opportunity to correct it immediately. Since we were not offered that opportunity, we would like to take a short time to respond to your points of interest. My husband was taking care of signing in our guests and the telephone calls the particular day of your visit as I was with our children at their basketball game. As the trail conditions were deteriorating (warming weather was melting snow and making the sleigh pull hard for the horse) he was trying to let our customers know of the changing trail conditions and that an alternative trail was being used to make the ride easier on the horses pulling our sleighs. Unfortunately it seems you did not get the information until you were already enroute on your ride. And yes your trip went through our farm, past our farm equipment which happens to be in good repair and equipment we use on our farm in it's due season. If you would have asked your driver about the equipment you were seeing, he could have given you information about what each piece is used for. And yes, we have an old farmhouse on our farm that we do in fact still live in. The house was actually moved here from about a mile away back in the early 1930's. I suppose next to a brand new lake house built in just recent years, our old farm house probably looks rather dilapidated. But it is a home. In response to your comment about "no one else there anyways", that is simply because we schedule all sleigh rides (public or private) and since your ride was a private ride, we did not schedule anyone else to join you, thus the "private" part. As our large sleigh accommodates 6 adults and/or children, we do book accordingly. Although your sleigh ride seemed anything but typical, our typical sleigh ride runs about 20 minutes. We book every half hour, therefore permitting 10 minutes downtime between rides for our horses to rest, grab a quick bite of hay and to have a drink of water. We do make an effort to share this information with our guests when making a reservation. Apparently I failed to share this information with you. Again, my apologies. There seems to be a certain amount of whimsy folks have about the farm life and sometimes the true reality of what a working farm really looks like doesn't quite meet the fanciful picture in one's mind. We do strive to care well for our animals, land and resources on our farm and we are sorry that we missed the mark where you are concerned.

My husband and I booked a 1 hour ride. We got to ride Chance and Patches, who were wonderful horses. From the time we arrived until the time we left, we were really treated kindly. It was a lot of fun and breathtaking views. Would highly recommend!!!

I called in the hopes of arranging an hour-long trail ride for myself and my 6+-yr-old daughter. When I told them my daughter was 6 and asked from what age kids could ride, I was told 7 years (my daughter is actually 6 3/4). The only option for her was a hand-led pony ride for 15 minutes. I declined this, and we went elsewhere in the area. We may try them on our next visit, because the location is good, but double-check before you head over for your ride.

This place is awesome! When you first get there you are welcomed by a very pleasant lady, which is the owner of the stable. They ask you your horse riding expirence level, and take time to pick horses that really fit each rider! They have a mounting block that helps get you up on the horse. The trails are very relaxing, and have some of the prettiest views ever!! Our trail guide was so helpful he stayed calm when all of us were nervous, and gave us very clear instructions. The horses do their job so well! They respond to anything you tell them, even though you don't have to do much that's how well trained they are! When you walk in you can just tell the horses are so well taken care of!! I would totally recommend this ranch to anyone in the area!

Great family owned and operated business. There were 2 of us. We were greeted by the owner, very friendly man. Filled out the release form, very simple. Asked about a bathroom, we were directed to a small building a short distance from the stable, it was clean. Our guide for the ride was Maddison. She was great. Talked to us on our ride about her family, her horse Patches and how he got that name. We took the hour ride. The entire experience was great. Even with the owner being a avid Steelers fan, and I an avid Ravens fan. I would recommend this stable if you are in the mood for a nice relaxing horseback ride.

My family and I enjoyed our ride. Wish there was a little cover from the shade. Our guide was very sweet and knowledgeable. I don't really care much for horses and I still had a great time.

Prices are reasonable, nice horses, we had a large group, the staff was very accommodating. The hour long ride was nice for all ages. Sorry we didn't get any views of the lake.

Personal group (1 or more) trail ride with guide. Very sweet owners. Really cared to match you up with the horse based on your riding experience. Helmets were optional. Price was very reasonable. Was such a nice relaxing ride. Loved it!

Great place to rent horses and go for a trail ride. Good location, good view from the ridge. Owner is nice, staff is helpful and the horses are good.

Laid back atmosphere. Horses seem well cared for. We had a lovely ride, and the price is very reasonable. We did the 1 hr trail ride, and it was lovely. The trips are led individually by group, so it's personal service. It was our first time riding horseback, and the folks at Circle R made us feel very welcome and comfortable.

My wife and I visited Circle R this past weekend and took a wonderful hour-long trail ride. Upon our arrival we were warmly greeted and permitted to go look at the horses while a family in front of us finished up their paperwork. The stables were incredibly clean, and right away one could tell that the horses were well cared for and loved. We were offered helmets for our ride, were taken to our horses, which were fabulous, and our guide took us on a gorgeous path through the ranch. To say the scenery was breathtaking would be an understatement! The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and took every precaution to make sure that we were comfortable and enjoying our ride. When we set out, my horses saddle and stirrups were adjusted to fit my long legs, which made for an incredibly smooth and comfortable ride. Overall we were highly impressed with the trails, the staff, the horses, and the care that is afforded to them. Circle R does it right and I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting to ride in the area!

My father took my daughter to Circle R expecting an hour of riding for her and a guide, along with grooming, based on the information on their website. Because of her age (6) she was only allowed 1/2 hour if he didn't ride with her, which he didn't. That wasn't mentioned on the website. The price was good, $10, but we had been expecting more riding and working with the horse. The guide herself was fine, but nothing special.

Having been on several Horseback Riding excursions, I was surprised at how this one operates. Honestly it was like a well oiled machine! Although we had 5 people in our group and called the day before for availabillity, it appeared that they attempted to keep your family together as one trail ride. They had many guides and staff available and I saw groups as little as 2 riders out on the trails The horses were very well behaved and each was picked for the riders size and experience. I had Sampson, he is the big boy, very little experience horse! Not necessarily the "see the sites" tour but very scenic and easy to navigate. We had teenagers in our group but would think this would be perfect for younger children too. Cant remember the name of the owner, but she was awesome, accommodating and very hospitable. You got the sense that she really appreciated you being there.

Great Place-We have been going to Deep Creek for over 15 years and always make this part of our trip. Very clean and always great people to greet you and make you feel safe and appreciated! We even added to our family a couple of years ago with a lab puppy-Another bonus certain years when they are breeding.