A relative who had been riding weekly since early childhood was also thrown from a horse and suffered traumatic injuries. I know another woman (friend of a friend) who had ridden since childhood and was killed when thrown (head injury, died almost instantly).

No way would I take my kids to a ranch and let them ride strange horses.

And I'm with the pp: if there's sun and heat, there better be a beach, water and boozy drinks.

Anonymous wrote:I will never go to one again. When I was 14 my mom got thrown from a horse and kicked in the head. Not a fun vacation.

And that's why you wear a helmet. Watch the Olympics.

--lifelong equestrian

Anonymous wrote:We are going in two weeks with our three kids - will report back. Personally? Can't wait.

Which one are you going to? And do you horseback ride already?Looking forward to your report!

All I can think of is Jeff Spicoli.

Anonymous wrote:I hate outdoor "adventures." My threshold is about an hour-long hike. Mayyyyyybe two hours with the second hour for turning around and getting back. I hate everything cowboy-isn. The clothing, the dumb hats, the boots, the bolo, the high cholesterol meals, etc.

How was Italy this year?

Anonymous wrote:I hate outdoor "adventures." My threshold is about an hour-long hike. Mayyyyyybe two hours with the second hour for turning around and getting back. I hate everything cowboy-isn. The clothing, the dumb hats, the boots, the bolo, the high cholesterol meals, etc.

We can hang out on a beautiful beach together.

We are going in two weeks with our three kids - will report back. Personally? Can't wait.

OP here. Thank you to the 16:14 and 18:24 responders. Anyone else out there that has physically gone to one for an actual vacation?

I will never go to one again. When I was 14 my mom got thrown from a horse and kicked in the head. Not a fun vacation.

Are there any that aren't the price of college tuition?

Anonymous wrote:I hate outdoor "adventures." My threshold is about an hour-long hike. Mayyyyyybe two hours with the second hour for turning around and getting back. I hate everything cowboy-isn. The clothing, the dumb hats, the boots, the bolo, the high cholesterol meals, etc.

You sound like a blast

I don't know anyone who can afford one! For what you pay, it better be amazing.

I hate outdoor "adventures." My threshold is about an hour-long hike. Mayyyyyybe two hours with the second hour for turning around and getting back. I hate everything cowboy-isn. The clothing, the dumb hats, the boots, the bolo, the high cholesterol meals, etc.

So much fun! It was our best family vacation.

We are not riders, but are considering this type of vacation. There is something about the West that is calling me. All the reviews online are amazingly good--is it really THAT good? Has anyone NOT liked it who has actually gone???