Cappadocia Horseback Riding Adventure

We booked this activity for our honeymoon and had a number of issues with our experience at the golden horse ranch. Communication: Our event time was moved up an hour at the last minute and then our pickup shuttle was 30 minutes late with little communication. When we arrived, there very little discussion of what we were doing or any info on safety before we started (we were both first time riders). We also had to wait 30-40 minutes after our tour for a ride home with no explanation. Animal care: The care of horses at this ranch was concerning. There seemed to be very little rest between tours for the horses and several signs of exhaustion. Both our horses stumbled during our tour multiple times and we saw one horse collapse at the ranch. The only trough we saw for water was low, stagnant, and green with algae. Customer service: Our guide was not particularly personable and seemed almost annoyed we were there. He also tried to coerce a 5 star review from us before taking us back to the stable and described it as “payment”. I’m sure there are some great opportunities to ride horses in Cappadocia but this was not one of them.

I was very disappointed in Trip Advisor and their agency on the ground . No confirmation of pick up time closer to the “4 pm” event that in fact was 5:15 due to sunset. Others in the group had received stars app confirmation the day before. I randomly the provider phone several times but hit a Turkish voicemail. They finally responded to a local phone from my hotel. To say it was 5 pm. Precious time wasted. When I queried the local provider/ organiser he just said rudely -“you didn’t book with me”. The horse riding was to be expected. A slow walk with well trained animals. But over 30 in the group and no real interaction. Over the valley and up to one ridge. Only one stop with no view to take photos. Not a lot of real connection or magic.

If you’re black, DO NOT book this person. I was the only black person in a group of about 25. I’m a solo traveler. When the tour guide picked me up, he asked if I was a different person, I said no, he then proceeded to tell me, I had to get off the bus. I showed him my reservation. He said, sorry, this isn’t your tour. I got off, had my hotel receptionist call. He literally came back and picked me up. Once we arrived at the ranch. He was welcoming and conversing with all the white customers. I thought it was off, but I was like maybe he just doesn’t see me. I’m a 6ft tall black woman might I add, with cowboy boots and a white hat. They started passing out helmets . EVERYBODY got one, except for..you guessed it, me! So I was like, maybe they didn’t want me to mess up my hat. WRONG!! The main horse rider told me, I had to have one. I told him, I wasn’t offered one. That’s when I found out, the guy who was driving was the “boss”. So I get a helmet. Now we’re waiting to be assigned horses. Everybody has 2 or more people. I’m the only solo rider. So they’re assigning horses. Get down to 10 people. Ask me to stand aside by myself. Then proceed to usher the rest of the group towards horses. So I’m like, why am I standing off to the side alone. So I ask, did you mean to ask me to wait here? I was ignored. At this point, I’m feeling like I’m not wanted, and I do not stay in places where I feel unwanted. I walk towards the van. The owner asks, “where are you going?” I said, “take me back please!” That’s when the man said, “do you want a taxi?” I responded with are your paying for it? He said no, so I said take me back. I felt unsafe, uncomfortable, and a whole lot of other emotions. To make things worse, his family was there speaking Turkish TOWARDS me. When I say it took everything in me not to lay hands on this man.. Do yourself a favor, DO NOT BOOK, especially if you’re balck.

Nice and enjoyable. Horses are well cared for and guides walk along taking pictures for your memories. Nice stopping point to grab a refreshment and then on to the return trip.

Amazing Experience! We had no horse riding experience and this was easy ! Mete was very helpful and a great guide! We will be coming back!