Sun City Stables

For the most part, the staff is not helpful or knowledgeable. They will tell you anything to get your money, why do you think they take it before they even tell you what horse you'll be using? If you are going to spend your money there talk to Rita or Kelly, they are the only two HONEST people that work there. Don't even waste your time talking to the owner, Dave, he'll tell you anything to get your money. He is more concerned with making money the the care of the animals or the happiness of customers. They knowingly give first time riders horses that should only be ridden by experienced riders or not ridden at all. On two occasions they have had mares out on trail and the mare gave birth the next day, obviously she should have been resting and not working. They give NO refunds regardless of what your reason, be it a horse bucked you off, equipment of theirs broke, weather, you fell off and had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital (yes that has happened before) They take advantage of their workers, sometimes paying under minimum wage, and customers. They over charge for the horses they sell. Just don't bother wasting your time or you money. Pros: None! Cons: Terrible staff (except Rita and Kelly), Poorly/Untrained Horses, No refunds, High prices to buy horses, Poorly cared for animals, Neigbors that randomly shoot the animals...... EVERYTHING!!! more

I have ridden horses before, not professionally, but I know enough to get by. I went with my boyfriend and another friend, neither of whom have ridden before. The staff was unfriendly and were only eager to take our money. They didn't show my friends even how to get on, let alone how to steer or anything at all. The horse I was put on was temperamental and would only go the way it wanted to, which was back to it's stall. When I would pull the reins to turn or stop, it would just buck its head at me and continue to do what it wanted. The staff told me ""thats just the way he is"". Well i don't want a horse that is just that way! I want to ride a trained horse and enjoy the day riding it! I had to force them to give me another horse despite the ""inconvenience"" it was for them. When we finally got onto the trail, the horses were so hungry that I got rope burn from the horse yanking the reins out of my hand. After half an hour of being stuck while they grazed, we were finally able to pull the horses away from the grass to get back to the stables. We didn't even bother asking for a refund in hopes they would buy some food for the horses and put some water in their stables, since there was none. We paid for a full day and ended up riding for only about 1 hour. Cons: everything more

My boyfriend and I drove to SCS all the way from Orlando this past Saturday, figuring it would be a great ""full day"" activity. Arriving at the thing they call stables, we found it to be very unkept and dirty looking. They have pigs roaming next to the road and there are no clear signs as to where to park or go once you do. I called the phone number, where the guy told me in a rude manner, to go to the trailer. Mind you, there are about 5 trailers on the property, all of which are very run down and trashy looking. We decided to give it a try anyways. After wading through mud and water, we got to the ""office."" I refused to go inside because it looked super dirty. The lady gave us the form that we were supposed to put our information on. We did, and she took our money. We were given 2 horses. Both who turned out to be stubborn and not very cooperative. We were out on our trail for about 20 minutes and my stirrup broke completely. The saddle I had looked like it was on it's last leg as it was. We decided to try and keep riding. The horses had a mind of their own, and though you may reign them one way, go the way they want. We ended up at the gate, and when we tried to go back, the horses would no budge. Frustrated and with a broken stirrup, we headed back to the ""what should be a barn."" This was exactly 1 hour into our 3 hour reservation. Explaining what had happened, the lady asked us what we wanted to to. I told her that they were the most uncooperative horses I have ever ridden and that it is their responsibility as a business to have horses that are easy to ride and have equipment that is not faulty. She proceeded to tell me that there is no refund and that 25 people had ridden that day, and that I was the only one to complain and that 1 out of 25 is very good. I was livid, and left. I have ridden and shown horses for 15 years and I have NEVER seen anything like this. VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!!!!!!!! Pros: Country setting, quiet Cons: unprofessional, ill trained horses, rude staff, very trashy more

My friend and I decided to give Sun City Stables a try after living here for 30 years. We are both experienced riders. The staff was nice and the horses were very well cared for and tame. I was very impressed with the quality of horses! We went on a 60% chance of rain and had reserved 2 hours. We wanted to change it to 1 and the were not willing to work with us at all. Most barns will when the weather is questionable they do not. TAKE INSCET SPRAY!! Trails are muddy, rough, and were not well marked or maintained. Trails are hard core Florida backwoods so keep in mind while trying to ride a horse through it. Pros: Great Horses & Polite Staff Cons: Lots of water on trails and not will to work on ride time adjustments when weather is bad more

On July 22, 2008 at approximately 3:30PM, I contacted Sun City Stables (SCS) to inquire about getting an emergency horseback riding lesson for my daughter and her friend, both of whom had never ridden horses before. After explaining to the man who answered the phone that the previous stable where the lesson was scheduled had cancelled my reservation at the last moment because one of the owner's dogs was delivering puppies and they were having trouble with the birthing as one puppy didn't make it, he made arrangements for a lesson to be taken at approximately 5:00PM that same Sunday afternoon! My daughter and her friend were delighted as SCS had saved the day by being so accommodating. I found the stables to be clean and the horses and other animals appeared to be well cared for. The young lady provided our girls with the horseback riding instruction did a fantastic job and by the end of the lesson the girls were pretty much controlling the movements of their horses on their own. Of course there is always room for improvement, but overall we had a fantastic experience and I would definitely recommend SCS to consumers. :) Pros: Accomodating and affordable. Cons: No information brochures on site. more

My daughter and I went to sun city stables this past week. I so wish I would have seen these reviews prior. We were very disappointed. These horses are VERY poorly trained. Cons: Everything more

We came to sun city stables for a family ride. I have owened and riden horses for over 20 years my husband rides and my daughter although only 7 has done the basics. We asked for a lead rope for our daughter as she isn't very able in the open. We were told her horse was so quiet he would just follow behind mine. She had no stirups as she was on an adult saddle. We followed the owner down a narrow track leading off the property. The first thing we saw was a lose horse running back to the barn. At this my horse started to get restless pawing the ground. In the next few mouments lots of riders appeared, many out of control. We got our horses as best we could to one side of the narrow track. As my horse was neared by the other riders he went mad bucking rearing kicking out and spinning round. I fell off, was riden over, kicked in the head and leg and my daughters horse bolted and she fell of in the scrub cutting her back. We were very lucky we wernt killed.The owner refused to refund our money and offered no assistance. There are to many people who cant ride being let lose on unschooled horses here. more

My boyfriend and I were very disapointed with our experiene at Sun City Stables. The staff were not helpful to us when we were asking questions and instructions to help us on the trails. After being on the trail for 30 minutes, 20 of which the horse chose to graze we headed back in. The horses they gave us to ride were hard to control and didn't follow simple comands.We had paid for two hours up front, and ask for one hour to be refunded cause we were not happy and did not feel comfortable there. They didnt give us a refund. I would not recommend Sun City Stables for your horse back riding experience. Pros: Lots of land, inexpensive Cons: Horses look underfed, no refund policy for unhappy clients. more

Ahhh....looking for horses that will respond to your commands?, horses that are well fed?, and horses that are given lots of love? Well I would suggest Sun City stables. If you are new to horses or are a beginner then try using one of their guides. I have ridden at a lot of stables and by far overall this one is the best. Their animals are never abused. I have been at stables where the horses are punished and abused for no good reason. I look for a stable that has talented horses, well fed horses, and most of all I look for a stable that respects and loves the horse. This really ""IS"" that place. Yes, there are stables that are fancier, but if you are looking for a good place to ride for your dollar then treat yourself to Sun City stables. The staff are good Christian people. They know their ""STUFF"" and will share their knowledge with you. You'll never get lost on their trails, because the horse always knows his way back to the barn. If you are not sure of yourself on a horse then use a guide. These animals are one of God's greatest gifts to us. They aim to please at all levels. At Sun City Stables they will eat carrots and apples from your hand......and some give kisses...... more

I would not suggest this place to anyone. Whether you just want to go on a trail ride or board your here. Most of the horses are in horribles conditions/starved. My horse was there for only two weeks and probably got only 3 feedings. He lost over a 100 pounds in a 2 week period. If any place in this area had the deadly horse diseases it would be this place. Pros: no Pros Cons: Starved horses and manager takes advantage of people more