Gold Lake Stable & Pack Station

Ride at your own risk! I have gone riding with is stable twice. I am a beginner rider. The first ride was in 2014, we went on the 2.5 hour ride. This was a great ride, some of the areas of trails were a bit scary (big rocks for the horses to go over). We got a lot of direction and I felt like they took the time to assess our riding abilities and insisted we all wear helmets. The ride was beautiful and we saw lakes. Fast forward another year… Went back to do the 1.5 hour ride since the first ride was so nice. When we arrived the horses were ready to go and we were shown how to get on the horses and were on our way. When we first got on my daughter asked me to put her cell phone in the backpack I had I. So she would not drop it. I took the backpack off and put the phone away. We went on our way. Ok ride, not really any scenery, just forest. Ride guide was nice and friendly, young gal. My horse was a bit head strong, had to spend most of my time keeping him from going off the trail and eating everything in sight! My daughters horse just walked along (she is the advanced rider). We got done with the ride and returned to the parking area. I asked if the guide would take our picture before we got off the horses, she said sure. I took off the backpack very carefully, no sudden movements or swinging anything around (been around horses enough to know that). Out of no where the horse spooks and takes off at a dead run. I fall off and my foot is stuck in the saddle, luckily my mountain bike experience kicks I and I am able to twist my foot and get out, horse is still running full out. WTH! I get up and I swear my hip feels like it is broken. So we determine that yes I can stand up. I am trying very hard to hold it together because my 12 year old just witnessed this entire event. All I keep hearing the woman who is in charge (not the guide) keep saying is your ok just walk it off. How the hell does she know I am ok? She says oh it was the back pack that scared him. Ok so you have a horse that is going to spook at a minor movement? Glad I did not try to take any pictures while we were on the trail, could have landed on my head on a rock. Geez people that horse is not trail proof. Btw last year I took off the back pack and took several great pictures, the horse never flinched. So long story short, will not be back and our guide was nice. Woman in charge was not so great. I filled out my accident report and paid my bill and left. 3 weeks later still have a bruise the size of a frisbee on my upper thigh and pain. Last thing… Don’t get on Chewy he is a bit spooky!

This was by far one of the best experiences ever! The staff there was great, even though I was afraid of the horses and apprehensive about the planned trail. Some of the riders in my group were experienced, so we were doing an intermediate trail. And I am completely a beginner, both in compfort and skill. Jamie went through the safety and handling guidelines, and took the time to help ensure I was comfortable. The horse I rode had previously carried riders who used a wheelchair, so I felt comfortable that the horse was gentle and surefooted. And the trails… well, it was spectacular! Simply awe-​inspiring! And I cannot wait to visit the area and ride again.