Yosemite Trails Saddle & Sleigh Company

This is probably my least favorite place at the moment. They cancelled on me twice when I was literally 20 minutes away from a two hour drive and I haven’t received my money back for 3+ weeks. The lady who answered the phone have me attitude when I tried to address the issue. Unprofessional and unacceptable.

Austin Healey week in Yosemite. While the in laws were driving toTuolumne Meadows with there group, I took my twin 10 year old boys on a trail ride. Over the Hills and through the woods as well as three creek crossings. My boys are experienced riders with taking writing lessons for the last year I have very little writing experience. The guides were fantastic as well as the horses seem to be a very well-​run operation. Will be back maybe even again, this week.

Well, at 46 years old, having grown up on a small ranchette and riding since I was 10, I’m pretty experienced with horses and livestock. Since I’ve been married and had a family, I’ve continued my love affair with horses and we have enjoyed family horseback rides together over the years. NEVER have I EVER heard of anyone demanding me to step on a scale or measure my BMI before getting on a horse! Are you freaking kidding me? I’m guessing most seriously obese people wouldn’t be interested in riding in the first place because it is in fact a physically demanding thing to do, but to tell my husband, who is just slightly over their «acceptable» weight limit, that he’s too fat to ride one of their precious prized horses is so offensive and ridiculous I can’t even stand it! He is an accomplished motorcycle rider with intense muscle mass and just a big, strong guy. These are work horses who are in better shape than pasture or breeding horses, so I’m guessing they can take a big guy who is just 10 lbs over their «suggested» limit. Complete bullshit that made my husband feel bad, ruined our vacation plans and made themselves LOOK bad. But that’s OK, there are other outfits more than willing to accommodate as we’ve found…

This review is intended for the sleigh ride in the winter. We went on the 5pm sleight ride so it was fairly dark, but really an amazing time of day. We booked our ride the day before during New Years weekend, which is really a busy time with no problems. E-​mail is the best way to contact them, as the phone line was always busy. Larry returned my email within 24 – 36 hours. We went with 2 families and 2 small toddlers. The horses are beautiful, scenery breathtaking and our guides were great! A great activity for families with small children. Arrived at the camp site greeted by a blazing fire, friendly staff, ready with hot cider and cowboy coffee. Everyone is very warm and friendly and very willing to take pictures for you. Overall, great time, would recommend, especially during winter time! What a treat!

Wanted to horseback ride with the family
Called couple of times left a massage.
Still waiting for call back lol.

Words can not express how thrilled I was to come upon this little gem! Stopped on a whim thinking that my son with Autism would never tolerate it. Boy was I wrong. Kim was our guide and she was amazing with my son and used good judgment with me as I grew up in a Pack Station just like this. They were understanding of my son and knew exactly how to handle him. I was more nervous than them! I would highly recommend this place
Especially if you have a kiddo with Autism. They know what to do!

This was a great place for a first time experience. When we first got there the staff was very greeting and happy we were there, and we felt comfortable being there and they had a very cute little dog they had there that reminded us of our little dog. Larry who picked out the horses did a great job picking my horse (Tina) which is my moms name haha I loved it, she was an amazing horse! Larry explained very well how to control the horse and how to make the turns I was very impressed how the horse responded!!! We then went on the trail which I though was very good and safe. Our guise through the trail which I forgot her name was she was very entertaining and answered every question the group had. It was an hour long and which I thought was just the right amount of time. My girlfriend and I will definitely be back next year for Labor Day we had an amazing time there

This was an amazing experience! Very nice staff and you can tell they care about their horses. They give good instructions prior to beginning the trail and a small test walk which makes you feel safer. I would definit

They only allow the beautiful people with perfect BMI to enter their domain and ride what I can only assume is Shadowfax and his offspring. They require you to put in your stats and check your BMI prior to making a reservation, and you must agree to have it validated on site. It denied my reservation because a person in our party didn’t meet their beautiful people BMI requirements. So we are all boycotting them, and asking everyone else to do so.
If they claim the perfect BMI requirement is for the safety of the horses, that’s a bunch of crap. I grew up on a farm with horses, also boarded them, and have seen large, burly men with beer guts plus stacked sacks of feed take a horse out to fill the feed troughs which was a 3 – 4 hour job. Never once caused a maimed or lame horse, and we took immaculate care of our horses. Maybe other stables don’t.
It was my idea for us all to go on a ride, now I feel like total shit because my best friend is horrified and doesn’t want to try another stable. I encourage everyone to go to another stable and don’t subject you, family or friends to the «shaming» saddle & sleigh.

What an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon! This place is close enough to add to a Yosemite trip and much more personal than the in-​park competition (which may all be mules? It wasn’t very clear on the site and I didn’t really want to spend the whole morning calling all of them to check availabilty like they ask). Yosemite Trails was easy to book online, and while it’s a little more expensive — we paid 90 each for a two hour ride — it’s completely worth it.
The two of us actually were the only ones booked for our ride, so we had the guide and the trail all to ourselves. The trail meanders through a quiet part of the Sierra Nevada forest, crossing three creeks, sun-​drenched meadows, and up and down hills and valleys. Plus, you actually get to control your horse! They were wonderfully responsive and it really just felt like you were out with a friend who owns a few horses, instead of plotting along in a straight line on autopilot.
Michelle, our guide, was so personable and always made us feel comfortable on the sometimes hilly and rocky terrain. You can tell that everyone working here really cares for these animals and truly enjoys the rides as much as you do. We had a blast and I’ll probably do it again the next time we’re in the area. Highly recommended the two hour ride for the more adventurous.

My 10 year old son and I just finished our 1 hour ride. We did the earliest ride and our guide was Sierra. The staff is was amazing and made sure we knew all the rules before our ride. Sierra was an amazing guide and I highly recommend a ride here is you’re staying in the area.

I’ve been going to Yosemite Trails for as long as I can remember. I was extra excited this year because my son is 7 and is now old enough to ride!
As always, the staff was fantastic. They took their time to be sure my son was comfortable with his horse. We did a very thorough warm-​up in the little arena. I’ve been riding for sometime, so I really appreciated the explanations they gave to all of us about how important it is not to jerk and yank on the reins. New riders often confuse the reins with an all in one steering wheel– gas, breaks, steering. NOT!!!
YTSS has AMAZING horses! They are solid and healthy! I always feel bad when our family rides crummy rental horses in other locals around the world. These mares (mostly mares) are fat, happy, healthy, and STRONG! Seriously, these horses are more fit than most athletes I know. They really are kind and gentle. They know the trail and appreciate a slack rein so you can just enjoy the scenery.
Larry was our guide. He’s one of my favorites. He’s always smiling and patient.
Bring water and a snack, seems like riding in the mountains always makes ya hungry!

I bookmarked Yosemite Trails Saddle & Sleigh Company after I quickly threw together a spring break vacation to Sonora in Gold Country.
(There’s nothing like a little peer pressure when you hear every other parent has arranged a camping or family trip to Hawaii to realize you totally failed to plan.)
So off to Sonora we went with the intention of doing a little gold panning & horseback riding while teaching my little boy about the California Gold Rush and the ‘49ers. Since we were only 90 minutes west of Yosemite, I thought we could also sneak in a quick trip to catch the major sites.
After entering Yosemite and going to the first two scenic treasures, I gave a quick call to Yosemite Trails to see if we could do some horseback riding. I was disappointed to learn the earlier time was sold out but they had 3 spots left at 3:30.
It was good those available spots were after 3: I didn’t realize we were clear on the *other* side of Yosemite and 2.5 hours away! But, I’m a goal-​oriented gal and motivated as well so off we went, driving and driving until we got to the side of Yosemite where Tenaya Lodge is.
After sharing a burger at Tenaya Lodge, got back in our car and drove down a long and rocky road about a mile and a half, right to the stables.
Their great employees gave us and other families a good 45 minute training on how to ride Western and matched us to our horses.
My little boy, his first time riding, giggled with glee as he scrambled up on his horse, Leigh. I got a decidedly less amenable horse named Nanny who was darn hungry & was intent on stopping to eat and had a proclivity to steering me into a tree or two.
(If I hadn’t eaten since morning and had to heft a person up very steep and rocky inclines for an hour, I’d be a little grumpy, too).
All the horses are female– they follow instructions and get along with the others easily. The trails are breathtaking as you go through the wilds of Yosemite, climbing steep hillsides and crossing rivers. It was very peaceful.
You can choose a 1 or 2-​hour guided ride. Cowboy Alex was our guide and he kept a close eye on my 7 year-​old, riding in front of him with a rope he had my little boy hold onto. The extensive training they gave us paid off as my child felt totally confident and I had the refresher I needed after not riding for a decade.
We did the one hour ride as we had a very long drive back to Sonora that evening. The one hour ride ($ 90 for two of us) was perfect: enough time to enjoy the experience especially with a young child riding for the first time– he LOVED it!
The experience was totally worth the hours of driving that day. We saw a huge swath of Yosemite and then had this *fantastic* and unique experience horseback riding through the park at Yosemite Trails Saddle & Sleigh.
I *highly* recommend you bookmark this business and go there if you’re taking a weekend trip to the Park. You will have a memorable time!

We booked a sleigh ride the week of Christmas at the Tenaya Lodge. The owners were very friendly and polite. The sleigh ride took us through a snowy path up to a cabin where there was a fire, hot coffee, hot cider and marshmallows for roasting waiting for us. The cabin area was decorated for Christmas and had a huge snow area for the kids to run and play. The staff was knowledgable and friendly. My family throughly enjoyed the ride.

Loved, loved, loved this ride !!! My friends and I took the 2 hour ride yesterday !! We are all horse owners and wanted to ride in Yosemite to experience the magnificent trails … We were not disappointed, the horses were well mannered the guide, Larry, was great, as were all the staff, and the trails and vistas were breath taking … Treat yourself and take this ride when visiting Yosemite !!!

Our guides Kim and Kevin were very nice. They make sure everyone feels comfortable before heading out on the trail by having you practice in an arena before leaving. Definitely kid friendly. Great experience, and fun ride. My husband’s first time horseback riding and he really liked this place. I have ridden before and was impressed by this place. Would definitely recommend.

We just visited Yosemite and bass lake this week. We decided we wanted to go horse back riding last minute. We called the morning of– and they got us scheduled to ride within 40 minutes.
It’s 45 a person for an hour ride– not too bad.
Once saddled up on our horses picked by the staff (based off height and weight to each horse) they then gave us detailed instructions on how to handle and control the horse. They had us in their arena doing a couple practice rounds before heading out into the forest.
This was perfect, for one: my boyfriends never ridin a horse before, secondly: my dad is terrified of horses.
Every horse was very well mannered and calm. This all helped greatly with everyone feeling comfortable riding.
The trail was beautiful! All through the trees, and forest, with a couple spots crossing the streams.
Granted your horses aren’t running or going fast throughout the ride– but there are some up and downhill areas.
Our guide kim/​karen? Was fantastic– very sweet and talkative. Very good guide.
You are able to wear pants or shorts– but I’d suggest pants– just in case you ever rub past a bush on your legs. Also come prepared with a jacket in case it gets chilly!

This review is for their customer service from September 2013 (late posting).
I made a reservation for 4 adults and a 1 hour ride. On the reservation confirmation it said to please call or e-​mail to make any changes or to cancel it. I needed to cancel the reservation because we are rescheduling our Yosemite trip because of the fire that broke out so I e-​mailed them on Sunday. I decided to call on the following day to confirm that it was cancelled because I didn’t receive an e-​mail or call back.
When I called, the lady was very rude on the phone. I told her I made a reservation and needed to cancel and that I e-​mailed but didn’t receive a reply so I called. She asked me what e-​mail I e-​mailed it to, and it was the same e-​mail that was on the confirmation e-​mail. She asked the date. I replied with the date and that it was for 4 adults for a 1 hour ride. She then asked how many adults it was, so I told her I had the order # handy if she needed it and she responded sarcastically, «I don’t need anything like THAT.» She then told me I should have called to cancel in the first place. Why put «please call or e-​mail us» if you don’t check the e-​mails?
She kept saying «I’m cancelling it now» in an angry voice and when I said thank you, she hung up. No «thank you,» no cancellation number, no «You can expect the refund to be credited in xx days…», no «I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you, I hope you choose us again in the future,» etc. Just hung up on me.
This phone call put us on a sour note before even getting to experience the ride. Needless to say whenever we reschedule our Yosemite trip I will not be choosing Yosemite Trails for a ride.

My boyfriend and I paid Yosemite Trails a visit this past weekend after seeing signs for it along the 41. We booked the one hour trail ride online ($ 40/​person) while driving in and were greeted by name once we arrived. They suggest you arrive 30 minutes prior to the start time, which we did. The staff were incredibly friendly.
The early portion of the session is dedicated to training. They spent about 15 minutes or so getting everyone settled on their horses and teaching the basics of how to stop, get the horses going and how to make turns. There was a family as part of our group, and the two instructors/​guides were accommodating to both the children and adults.
The ride itself was a slow walk through the woods, across a creek. Most of the horses were well-​adjusted to the trail and didn’t require much «steering.» So, it was an easy ride. I would definitely recommend this for those looking for a calm, quiet ride. Would love to come back and try the two-​hour or half day rides.

3 Stars — means A-​OK per Unilocal standards. Seems like good standards. As a single adult without kids, my friend and I went on the «Sleigh Ride» per Liam of Eye on The Bay.
Let’s get real here, there’s no view, it’s a ride — short ride, mind you, through the woods, less than a mile long. You stop and drink some watered down hot apple cider by a camp fire — kind of cool, then you sprint back in 10 minutes of the 45 minute outing — easily the best part of the trip. Well 60 minutes if you count meeting up ahead of time and walking down to it together.
So 10 minutes of fun for $ 30! That’s rough. Great for Kids — absolutely, you might even say exciting for little kids. So if you’re a parent or chaperon — it makes sense if not a bit expensive, it’s $ 20 for kids.
The people are great, Larry, Nishma (sp?), and Keith was the BEST. Glad I did it, but will never do that again.