kelly seahorse ranch

The experience levels in our family vary from beginner to advanced, and we all had a great ride. We knew ahead of time that it is just a walk on the beach - no galloping or trotting, which was fine. It was a cool, sunny afternoon. The staff at Kelly (Kelly, Jim, Chris) could not have been more pleasant. The horses well trained. The ride was partly through a wooded path, and then down the beach at the edge of the water. Would love to do it again!

My husband and I have wanted to ride horses on the beach for a while. He proposed doing so on Amelia Island. The horses were really well trained, and we got to ride through the woods and then onto the beach along the ocean. Initially we were only going to have four people on the ride, but they accepted another couple at the last minute. Wasn't a big deal except that the guide seemed to be talking in the front and since we were in the back, we couldn't hear anything. We weren't allowed to bring cameras or our phones on the ride. One of the guides took pictures and they were made available later online for purchase.I thought it was a little overpriced, but we were willing to pay because it was a one-time experience. I wish that we didn't have to pay for photos. But I really enjoyed the experience overall and would come again.

Please skip to the truth and visit our only "official" webpage (easy to find) for accurate information before you book. Yet another case of "know before you go" for which we are getting faulted. Except now one calls us liars, even though proof to the contrary was present. That's not very nice. Our website explains everything in honest detail. (Please take special note of our Services page where we specifically address our "experienced" riders in bold large print). Oh, and let us know if you find the video. :) We love our customers, and we have a blast riding, talking and having fun with them. Most are very accepting and respecting of our policies as they are set in place for the safety and well-being of all, horses and people. Thanks for reading. Scroll down for the slightly-less-than-professional second half. ;).......If management could write what really needs to be said to those (few) impossible-to-please, uninformed, inconsiderate and completely self-absorbed, undesirable people brandishing their intense displeasure and horrible attitude during the entire ride and afterward, this response would not be published. Ironically, those are the same people who DO suck the fun out of the job and maybe should revisit that carnival pony a few times to learn how to ride. Maybe the little guy will give a bonus lesson in manners.

I wanted to do this for the longest time and finally got the chance to do so. As other reviewers said, this is a sedate walk along a woodsy trail and then along the beach, so if you are looking to trot, canter, or gallop on a horse this is not the trip for you. We arrived early and enjoyed sitting by the cedarwood fire pit and chatting with the staff. The staff gives you great directions about how to control your horse, so even if you are a first-time rider you will be fine. One thing to note is to add some $$ to this activity's budget for photos. They are $15 each with shipping for a standard 5x7 photo.

FIrst off the entire staff at the ranch was very accommodating and professional. From scheduling the excursion to giving the riding instructions everything was very clear and concise. I took my wife here for her brithday and she enjoyed every second of it. I also enjoyed the ride, especially the trail down to the beach through the woods and over the sand dunes. It is a very nice trail ride and I would recommend it to anyone. The ranch is a nice place as well. I enjoyed sitting by the fire, it was vey easy to find right off of A1A.

We went to Kellys Sea Horse Ranch today and we had expectations of a typical trail ride experience. First, we did go by and make a reservation since we were staying at the Omni 5 minutes away. They did return our phone call but since this was a last minute trip we went by to make sure they could fit is in. Let me mention the horses are very well taken care of. They are very clean. It is obvious the owners are very conscious of the horses health, overall safety and liability. We actually rode for one hour and did not even smell like we had been around horses let alone riding on one. The stalls and yard are perfectly kept. The trail from the barns to the beach is shaded and pleasant. The beach is beautiful. Let me address the "boring comments" The horses had personality. Yes, they are trail horses and they are used to following each other. If you want your horse to walk in the water you must guide it to the water. If you don't want it to eat leaves then you must control your horse. If you don't want your horse up the butt of the one in front of you then you must control its gait. With that said, anyone who has never been on a horse can enjoy this ride because it is safe. If you are looking to canter, gallop and trot on the beachthis is unrealistic and we understood this because I know I would not want to risk a complete stranger taking my own horse out and trotting it around when I do not know them or their riding ability. For the safety of the horse mostly. For the person who complained about the tip box. It is for the young lady guide and I had no problem tipping her. It would be proper to do so. To the people who could not find the place. It is immediately inside Amelia Island State Park. Big sign. Can't miss it. For the persons who said the owners were rude. No. Absolutely I could tell if you didn't follow the rules they would definitely say something. However, these horses are their own personal babies and I totally appreciate that. In conclusion, a very peaceful beautiful relaxing ride. They take up to 10 people and this day there were 4 of us. I rode just to the back and side of my fiance so we could talk and it was super nice. Thank you for the nice ride! -Lee and Michele

My hubby and I spent our 1st Anniversary on Amelia Island. A horseback ride on the beach was tops my list of things to do. First, let me say that if you are expecting to ride around at will or go galloping down the length of the beach, you will be disappointed. If you visit their website and take the time to actually read it you will know that isn't what this experience is about. I did a good bit of research and I couldn't find any that would allow you to go off and do your own thing. The ride was everything I expected it to be. The entire staff were friendly and informative. The horses were well cared for and trained. You cannot take pictures on the horses but the staff does and you may purchase them online. I know some people are bothered by that. Considering the time commitment of the staff (20-30 min instruction and an hour long ride) for $70 a person and the expenses of paying the staff and caring for the horses and running the ranch, I didn't find that unreasonable. Thanks Kelly Seahorse Ranch and staff for a lovely experience!

Our personally-owned and trained horses can be handled easily, and we have an outstanding and longstanding reputation for their training, ease of use and safety for even a complete novice rider. The tour is about an hour in length with a short 8-minute trail ride to and from the beach (it has been timed); therefore, most of the ride is directly on the ocean shoreline. Actually, a highlighted and unique feature of our tour is that you can ride directly from a beautiful oceanside horse ranch to the ocean by way of a gorgeous, pristine trail through the woods and over dunes.

Amelia island, Kelly seahorse ranch 8/1/2014.. The beach horse ride was very boring. There were so many rules! I got yelled at for laying the reins down (to tie my hair up). I had anticipated a rough exciting ride, galloping through the woods of Amelia island into the sandy beach and racing the ocean waves. None of that happened. Instead, we had to ride in a single row, at a certain pace with one guide in the front and one in the back of the line. We rode in a line, at a very slow speed, in the scorching sun. I felt like captured criminals lined up to get shot.Safety was a major concern. If you have never been on a horse, this ride would be perfect for you!

Most of our customers are from out of town. As a courtesy, at the time each and every reservation is made over the telephone, great care and time is taken to give our customers directions, and even estimated travel time. This information is also listed in great detail on our website. The ranch is located on a main highway with clear signage within a state park. Regardless, there are a few who will have trouble and arrive a little late. This is to be expected, which is why we ask you to arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time. However, if you come in as the tour is about to leave, please forgive us if we seem a little rushed in getting you and yours included. This situation is a bit unpleasant for all concerned. During that thirty minutes, not only are you stressed because you're lost, but we at the ranch are in high gear giving you repeated directions over the phone, signing in, giving riding instruction, getting horses ready and personally mounting up all of the other riders patiently (or not so patiently) waiting. We believe that timeliness is a common courtesy, and we certainly extend that to our customers in leaving on time. We only ask that our customers extend the same in allowing themselves enough travel time. We will always graciously help you find us. Of course, if you miss the two huge red and white ranch entrance signs and call us lost from the parking lot, you are fair game for being teased a little, but it's all in good humor. ;)

We originally wanted to book a horse tour with another co. but, upon reading customers' reviews, chose Kelly Ranch. This is a real horse ranch, not a meeting in a parking lot. All the horses looked healthy and the staff was very friendly. The tour was a perfect mix of shady trail with interesting terrain and secluded beach. We will definitely be back.

My wife had expressed her desire for horseback riding as a bucket list item. Bonus was riding on the beach. Staff was helpful in matching riders with appropriate horse. Very clear instructions for novice riders on how to actually control the horse. Two staff accompanied our group of 10, with one in the front and one in the rear. I was on Chip who didn't need much controlling other than when he stopped for a "snack" on the trail to the beach and we fell behind just a bit. Riding on the beach met all expectations and very enjoyable. Help was provided in both mounting and dismounting the horses. Staff took every opportunity to ensure the riders were enjoying themselves and paid special attention to first time riders (young & old). We live nearby and I can see this being an annual event. Oh, and finding the place? Easier than one might think. The entrance is located at the entrance to Amelia Island State Park on A1A. The new Kelly Seahorse sign & entrance is on the left just before the gatehouse to the state park.

My wife and I wanted to rent bikes to explore the area on a Sunday afternoon while in town for a long weekend. Staying in Fernandina Beach Historic District but really wanted to ride further south near the Omni, etc as the trails looked good.Were able to park our cars, rent 2 bikes (helmets and locks included) without any issues. $20 bucks each for the day (we used them for about 4 hrs) with easy return and kind staff.Would recommend.

Our experience with KSR was good, if only to be able to say that we rode horses on the beach. The staff was experienced and very patient, and the horses were well trained and gentle. In. Y opinion, I would have enjoyed the experience more if we had an option for a longer ride and / or if it hadn't been a very strict nose-to-tail walking tour. But then again, none of this was a surprise, and overall we had a nice time.

If you are in AMELIA ISLAND, you need to go to KELLY SEAHORSE RANCH,where you can rent HORSES ,and ride them on the ocean. we did this,and had a GREAT TIME.MEAGAN was our Guide. GPS gets you about a mile from where you need to go.Just proceed straight ahead and its at the AMELIA ISLAND STATE PARK, as soon you turn in. HAVE FUN!