hole in the wall stables

We made a reservation for a two hour ride. First we had a little problem to find Tom but luckily he found us on the road and we really had a great time. It was just our Family ( two adults and a 7 year old girl) with Tom and his son. We are all beginning riders, but this was no problem anytime. The horses were peaceful and easy to handle and after a short lesson we had a wonderful trip through the wood. We made several stops for photos and a short walk to a wild river. And Tom and his son were so nice to us. Even with our poor English we had so much fun. And our daughter was also so safe. She had Black Jack, the horse of Tom's son, which felt like a big stuffed animal for her. So we say Thank you Tom for this great trip and the gift for our daughter Lena and we hope to come back.

This was definitely a local one of a kind experience. First of all, you have to call the owner to set up a time because there are no stables. You find him by looking for his vehicle parked off the road. His 30 or so horses run wild on the mountainside property and he has to round them up each morning. The horses are all trained for beginner riders which fits our description. The one hour ride was through wooded trails that offered a view off the mountain and also took us to a picturesque lake. Since it was after Labor Day, the two of us were the only ones on the trail. We enjoyed every minute of the peaceful ride and it more reasonable cost wise than the other two stables rated by Trip Advisor.

We called the stable on Thursday afternoon and booked a 2 hour ride for Friday morning at 10. He gave us directions to meet him, and quoted us a price of $60 each. We were looking forward to our ride the next morning. We drove the 10 miles north of Durango, but couldn't find the meeting place, so called to find out exactly where he was waiting for us. Imagine our disappointment and surprise when he told us his truck had broken down and he would not be able to take us for our ride. That was bad enough, but not to even call us before we drove to meet him was really inexcusable. He had our phone number and if he had called us at 9:30 even we could have gone out on a ride with another stable. But by the time we talked to him, nothing else was available and we had to head home. Very rude and inconsiderate behavior on his part, and cost us 1/2 day of vacation we will never get back.

As others recommended we called Tom to set up our trail ride. He met us at the road and drove us back to the stable because rainy weather had washed out the drive. The location could not have been better - beautiful serene scenery and so quiet and peaceful. Our group of three adult riders had next to no experience, but Tom made us feel right at home, and the horses were well behaved. It was awesome. Thank you Tom for the great afternoon!

I called Tom 1 ½ months in advance to get information about his horseback riding experiences and the services they provided because I was from out of town and had read some good reviews. He sounded very rushed over the phone and informed me about the prices and told me to call back when I get close to the date of arrival in Durango. I also asked for the address of his location so I can plan ahead and he tells me that he will give it to me when I call him when I am in Durango. So about a week before I leave on my trip, I phoned him several times and no response but he called me back because my number showed up on his caller ID. I reminded him that I had spoken to him about a month ago and told him I am from out of town and plan on being there on the date and time. He informs me, not a problem and to call him the morning of arrival. Then that morning came and I was driving from Utah to Durango and I was calling him to confirm that I would be there at the time I stated. I called over 30 times and he did not pick up. I left him messages and he never returned my call. I assumed he was out riding with others and that he knew we were coming because I had spoken to him on several occasion prior to the actual date of arrival and I just pulled the address off of Trip Advisor so we headed toward his location. I started calling him over and over again using different cellphones we had and he finally pick up. I asked him where exactly is he located because we are on the right road and probably a few minutes away from his exact location. He tells me, sorry, I can’t take you out. I am in town and cannot take you out. We came from very far and had this horseback riding experience on our itinerary and I had planned in advance by constantly calling Tom and checking in with Tom and he always said not a problem and to call him then all of a sudden he backs out. Why didn’t he pick up the phone to call me in advance so that I could have booked a horseback riding experience with another business? We wasted 1 hour looking for his location, all morning calling him, and then we lost 2 hours of fun we could have had because he is located way North of County Road and of course you have to drive back South in order to get back to the main area of Durango. I just feel like this is not a reliable source of fun because he can cancel on you anytime and then your family plans are ruined. Don’t take a risk and lose precious travel time and family time by coming to this place. I should have known that by him saying I will give you the address when you come and when he continues to tell you to keep calling him when you are close.

Called on Sunday and booked a ride for that afternoon with kids ages 10,6, and 4. Tom and D were wonderful with the kids and us adults! Horses were gentle and loving, and looked happy to work! Ride was beautiful and guides were knowledgeable about the area, animals, plants, etc. They were extremely safe while giving kids confidence riding their own horses (our 4 year old rode with me which was perfect). Awesome experience!!

This was the ideal, slow ride for my 10 year old daughters who had limited horse riding experience. Tom and Ben were very attentive to the entire group (9 in total) and Ben took extra care to make sure my girls were comfortable and safe. The scenery is gorgeous with plenty of photo opps to make it a memorable occasion. Ben was full of interesting factoids about the area and each horses' personality. I was very satisfied with the experience and my girls delighted. The actual ride was a full two hours. Experienced riders looking for a faster ride might not find it here, although I'm sure if asked Tom would make arrangements. The location is slightly tricky to find but if you have Tom's cell he will always answer and provide a few extra directions to help you find your way. It's less than 30 minutes from the main Durango district so all-in-all very convenient. Make sure you call in advance. Tom accommodated us with less than 24 hours notice. Highly recommended!

This ride offers families with little to no horseback riding experience a slow walking ride through very pretty scenery. Our guide, Ben, was very attentive to the young riders and did a great job organizing photo ops. This is not a ride for intermediate or experienced riders, just way too slow -- slowest walk ever experienced on a horse. It's a pretty low budget operation and horses could have much better care of their feet. Good luck finding the place too, it's just a horse trailer and bare corral area unmarked on the road.

My husband, daughter (10), two sons (7 and 4), and I went on a two hour trail ride today with Tom and his ranch hand, Ben. I searched high and low to find a stable that would allow a four-year-old to ride a horse on a trail, and Hole in the Wall Stables was the only place in Durango (and many other nearby towns) that would do so. Tom was super friendly and extremely accommodating. He and Ben helped everyone in our party (9 total) saddle up, and then they led us on a wonderful 2 hour excursion through a beautiful 30 acre ranch- gorgeous wooded areas, small ponds, mountain views--- it was an amazing experience!! Tom and Ben were excellent in regards to making sure everyone was safe, and they were super friendly and patient with the kids! My youngest (4) rode right behind Ben, who held onto his horse the entire time. The horses walked nice and slowly, and my children were extremely comfortable within minutes even though they had NEVER ridden a horse before!! I was so impressed, and I HIGHLY recommend this establishment if you are looking to take your family on a horseback riding excursion. Tom and Ben also offered us the chance to take family picture in several areas - so this trip will never be forgotten!! Thank you very much Hole in the Wall Stables- you were definitely one of the best highlights in our 2 week vacation to Colorado:)

Tom led our party of 5 on a one-hour ride through absolutely beautiful countryside. Tom was great with the kids, a 6 year old and a 9 year old who had never ridden before, and we all emerged with smiles on our faces. We would have loved to have gone for the extra hour.

Chose this due to trip advisor ratings and were they correct. Had a bit of difficulty contacting Tom, the owner/operator because the phone number on trip advisor is wrong, but if you go to his website from the ta link, the correct number is there. Email does not work. Seems Mrs. Tom set up website and she is no longer around and Tom does not know passwords. But once we hooked up, the site was magnificent, the horses were nice, and Tom even had mounting steps to help this old broad broad get on and off my horse, Banks. Grandson and his parents and I all rode for total $140 ($35 per person for an hour). Only ten miles north of Durango and much nicer environs than other stable choices on hwy 550.

We came to Durango on our honeymoon and decided to give horseback riding a shot. We originally chose to go with hole in the wall because it seemed like the most bang for your buck, being $55 for two hours. After our ride I am so glad we chose them! Neither of us had any horseback riding experience. Ben and Dylan were really helpful and made us feel comfortable. They took us out through forest areas, a lake, a cliff, and a river gorge. Everything was beautiful! The views are really amazing and they'll offer to take pictures for you! The horses here are not confined to a stable. They are free to run around the property and I really think that contributes to the happiness of the horses! Great ride and great guides!

Just returned from a fabulous riding trip with Ben & Dylan. FYI, my son and I are 'greenhorns' with little to no horseback riding experience and we were introduced to Bulls-Eye and Bo, two docile horses. We saddled up and were taken through some absolutely gorgeous trails by lakes and majestic cliff- views. Out two tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. You simply can't do it any better.... VERY satisfied!

We had a private tour near the end of the season. they didn't take the full two hours because the wrangler had a second job, but they gave us a discount, so I feel like we were made whole. They advertise the best views in Colorado, but there is only one part where you go up by a cliff and they let you get your picture taken. the horses were pretty good looking (yes that matters to me). Mine even trotted a little and jumped, which I didn't mind because I have ridden. But there was a hint of shadyness to the affair - there was no real stable, just horses in the woods, and the wrangler picked us up in a dirty truck to get down to the horses.

My family and I, who have virtually no equestrian experience, took a two hour ride on August 7, 2013. Dillon and Ben, who work for the stables, were very patient and guided us through the initial mounting of the horses and subsequent ride. The ride itself was fantastic, winding through beautiful ponderosa pine forests and along multiple lakes. It was a memorable experience and we were all glad that we did it. I highly recommend the Hole in the Wall Stables!