Horseshu Ranch Friday Harbor, Washington

When we tried to book an experience with them, they used a generic BMI chart to tell us my husband and I were too overweight for their insurance to allow us to ride. They said we needed to be taller or smaller in order to ride, and that not following the chart causes accidents and liability from their insurance company. I've gone horseback riding at this weight and height before multiple times and have never heard this. We are 180 and 4'11" and 220 and 5'10" for reference. They then said they would check with their insurance company to see if there was anything she could do, and get back to us (this was Sunday and she said they'd call on Monday when the office was open). It's Friday, the day we would have had an appointment, and we never heard back. Guess we're too fat to ride on their property. We'll take our money elsewhere. I suggest if you are heavier set, or more muscular than average, that you do the same, as their BMI charts exclude you from pursuing their services. Dear owner, I see you generally respond to critical reviews, but there is no need. Seeing as you chose not to call us back, I don't see any reason for you to communicate with me here.

Funny, she thinks her high employee turnover rate is because "ranch work is hard." However, myself and 6 others quit over the lack of care provided to the animals within a couple of months, all of us who had moved from other states and other countries to work here. There's probably a reason nobody local will work for her anymore. Horses go months without hoof care, years without vet care, and are fed absolute garbage. Horses were put out on the trails that I would consider dangerous for beginners to be riding and some of the good trail ponies were put on the trail or lesson program multiple times a day, every day of the week.

Worked for her for 3 years and the owner is so nice and sweet.

We had a great time. The owner was so sweet, showing my kids all the fun animals on the ranch. We all had such a great time!

I love going there for our chicken needs... everyone there is so friendly, helpful and nice.

The horses are used for their business, yet they are left out in the fields without any protection from the elements. This last week alone, the horses were subjected to bitter cold winds, freezing temperatures, snow, rain and there they stood, in the fields with no shelter of any kind -- and their hay was dumped on the soggy ground. I drive past these horses every day, several times a day, and there has been no change. This is no way to treat these animals. They should at least have some kind of protection -- there are barns on property. Put them there if shelters can't be built.

I’ve never been really enthusiastic around horses, but Rocky and her crew made for a great trail ride with horses who can be trusted, and I’m looking forward to the next ride. Thanks Horseshu!

Lovely people. Friendly service. Great selection. They got me all set up for my new chickens. I don’t know what I would have done without them.

Never go here the horses were lame and under fed.

Very helpful when looking for something you need, also patient and very nice!

We buy straw from them and they are always very friendly and helpful. If I had livestock, this is where I would shop. When my granddaughter comes I will see abt taking her on a horse ride

I couldn't in good faith give Horseshu a glowing review or recommend it to friends or family despite the fact that the owner was perfectly lovely to us and even extended a 5% discount on our beginner's forest ride. The resources and the good intentions are definitely there at Horseshu. That being said, I had a several expectations that were not met. I feel that a beginner's ride should include a quick 5-10 minute safety overview before riding, an explanation of what the ride will consist of (i.e. "We will ride around the arena for 5 minutes until you feel comfortable, then head out to the trail for one hour, then circle back to this arena."), some time getting to know the horses and being introduced to their names and personalities, time for photos in the woods, and a partially-narrated tour with information about local flora and fauna. None of these amenities expectations were met, much to my disappointment. Therefore, I feel that the ride was not a good value. Our guide was callous and resentful. He used curse words several times which for me was not a big deal, but if I had been visiting with my family (and/or children) it would have been distressing. It's possible I caught him on an off day. I had to ask for nearly everything including just getting the name of the horse I was riding.