Claireville Ranch

Claireville Ranch Breakfast Trail Ride July 22, 2012, July 23, 2012

By Anne McClintock

I took a family group of 10 on the breakfast ride and it was fantastic! I'd recommend it to anyone. We saw 2 deer, hawks and a great blue heron. Thanks to our Clairville cooks, the cowboy cookout breakfast was declicious, followed by another hour of trail riding. I don't know anywhere else so close to Brampton/Toronto where you can have this kind of expereince. The staff were friendly and made sure everyone knew riding safety rules. My family all agreed,this experience was a 10 out of 10!

, July 22, 2012

By Chris K.

For a park and BBQ spot this place is great. For a trail ride with the purpose of interacting with horses this place is poor. I will focus on the ranch since most have the intention of riding when they pay for the service. In addition I have been on multiple trail riding so I am comparing this place to other Ontario ranches.

Objectively the ride was not an hour long. The mounting of each rider took up most of the time. The trail ride was not through an old growth forest or even a well established forest. It went through 2 hay fields, under a highway bridge and along a road run off river. The horses walked nose to butt while stopping to eat.

The trails were led by teenagers who were neither fun nor sincere in their scripted pleasantries. I think the horses and workers were overworked in the heat.

That was the trail ride but the experience was soured by the unprofessional owner who over booked our group twice and took the money without a smile. The experience was chaotic and unpleasant. Please don't go here if you are an adult looking to have a first interaction with horses or are going to be the one who organizes with the owner. Kids would be able to over look adult drama and have a good time anyway.

feel bad for horses, November 13, 2011

By Dave

the horses are covered in burs,the mane tails hoofs etc completely knotted. rundown biulding and sullen staff. Miserable place that should be inspected for poor conditions. think that is what needs to be done.

never ever go to this place again, July 11, 2011

By jeff

I went to clearville ranch with my family and friends.It was the most horrific experience of my life.The staff member was so rude that all of us were shocked,She syas to put your four year old on the horse and walk the horse yourself without any help from the staff members.When we mentioned that we have no experience in walking the horses and what about the safety measures,at that point she said she cannot do anything about it.She was talking to us in an abrupt rude tone all along.
In a nut shell I would never advice anyone to go to this place.

Avoid these rude, irresponsible people., July 9, 2011

By Olga

Yesterday a friend and I went for a trail ride. When getting onto the horses, one of the staff members instructed us to place our cameras, cell phones, etc on a wooden shelf (she pointed where). My friend took out his cell phone, a camera, and a car key and placed it on said shelf.

When we returned, the key was gone. They searched for it for about 5 minutes and then listlessly looked at us and said "nothing we can do". They stared at me as I rummaged the recycling bin that was near the shelf (perhaps it had fallen in there?).

We were in complete disarray, and realized we're not getting the key back. After calling the tow company, we informed the manager. She said she is finishing up as per usual and locking the gates, the rest is not her problem. She would not give us her name.

I called the police. After hearing the details of the situation, they asked to speak to her. She refused. About 1.5 hrs later, when almost all the staff went home 2 girls approached us and asked when the tow truck would be arriving. It came about 10 minutes later...

All of this .... and then our promised 1 hour ride was really about 40 minutes.

The staff were apathetic and rude. I would never go back there.

Awful Experience, April 18, 2011

By Annoymous

I have visted this ranch a few times when I visit my Aunt in Ontario. The scenery is next to none but the staff is awful. The horses could look a bit better. There not under fed but they could be de-burred a little more. I saw horses who's manes were full of burrs completely.

, August 12, 2010

I am a student there and have been since I was 5,up until about last year, it has been great, but recently, I have found the staff to be extremely rude. Its one of those things, where if you are younger than them, they treat you like a 5 year old. You could be an Olympic gold medalist rider, and be younger than them, but they will still treat you like you are about 2 cm tall. There have been hundreds of times that they have made me want to quit riding forever, and thats saying a lot seeing as I am absolutely obsessed. There have been many times that I have just skipped the lesson because I was afraid to face the staff. A few of the staff members are nice, but that doesn't make it any better because the rest act like they are superior to all of us and that they are way better than everyone. Really the only reason im still riding there is because I have finally found a coach that is actually helping me learn(it only took 8 different teachers and 2 barns), so im hesitant to give that up because who knows when I would be able to find somewhere else with a coach that actually understands the way I learn. The scenery is amazing, the horses are all very willing, but I do think that they could take more precautions to prevent them from getting burrs in their manes and tails, instead of leaving them for the lesson students to get out. The horses are really good on trails, a few are still learning,but lessons they tend to be more tired because they are used all day. The arena equipment could be in better condition, but its usable. Overall, I wouldn't suggest coming here unless you are willing to take a lot of criticism. Heres my advice to you, if you decide to go here, try to blend in and don't leave the porch unless told, don't touch the horses until your trail, don't stand on the fences, or allow children to climb fences or trees. If you are doing a pony ride, DONT STAND STILL OR LET THE HORSE EAT!!! If unsure, try to ask someone who seems young and/ or happy, it will save you from a rude response.

, August 12, 2010

By Anoyamous

I've been riding @ Claireville for about 7 years now. When I first started every staff memeber & coaches were really nice. now i've notice that the staff have became stuck up snoobs, like hello it's a ranch not a Olympian barn. I really love the horses & my coach but. I think half the staff should be fired! Most of the staff only do a program called safe rider & I have done safe rider & it really help me start off riding. most of the people that have done safe rider continue riding in lesson that are offered & other dont & become staff. I really think that Claireville should get more experience & nicer staff. I suggest you at least try a trail & if you don't get the full respect ( witch i highly doubt you get ) then find a better place to go & enjoy amazing scenery.

Arrogance, June 22, 2010

By Mr Sandman

As I read these comments about how this ranch isn’t meeting their end of the bargain I come to realize how arrogant and narrow minded people actually are. When the ranch says that what happens on trail all depends on the weather they are doing the right thing. There were comments about riding malnutrition horses and loping as well trotting on horses in other countries. However this is Canada and there are animal cruelty laws. If you have ever worked outside for 12 hours straight in the sun everyday you know exactly how tiring that can be. So bravo to the ranch staff and horses.

Claireville Ranch, July 9, 2009

By Western and English Rider

Over all, it's a great place. I have been to better learning-wise, but it's really great. I love how they let out their horses into th HUGE pasture on the reserve at night to graze and be free. I l LOVE how it's outdoors which adds a nice feel to the place, and the wildlife on the trail rides are AMAZING. I've seen rabbits, deer, coyote, and after a trail ride I'm never disappointed. Although a bit scary, riding trough the river was fun because all the horses clearly do their job great. Every trail ride is a bit different, so you get different scenery each time, and on the trail the horses behave very well (excluding their trying to eat every few seconds to few minutes).
The staff could be A LOT nicer, and they didn't really make me feel comfortable asking questions twice because of forgetting something, and were pretty grumpy. But every volunteer is the nicest I've ever met. They even yet a few little girls pretend to groom the horse.
The safe rider program covered all the basics, and I can now feel comfortable riding and tacking up a horse, Western style! I love how well they treat and love all the horse as if they were their own, and how they did was the best I've ever seen.
The personality of the staff is the only thing that keeps this place from being 5-star, so I suggest this ranch to anyone who can take a few down-right-honest or strict words. The horses are trained well, and I look forward to next time that i go for a ride the o

I loved it, June 9, 2009

By D.S

I had the chance to experience Claireville's safe rider program, and a few trail rides and I have nothing to complain about. They treated me like gold and always made me feel safe on my horse. Yes okay so maybe there was not much troting and the trail was mostly walking but not everyone in your group may be an experience rider, and in case you've forgotten trotting on a horse is a skill. If you do it incorrectly you can hurt yourself and the horse.

So in conclusion I found this ranch amazing, and I recommend it to all, especially first time riders.

A Great Experience, May 23, 2009

By Tracey M.

I have been to Claireville Ranch many times and will continue to go there for many reasons.

1. The facility concentrates very strongly on safety for the rider.
2. The horses are well cared for, healthy and well trained.
3. The scenery is without equal for any facility so close to the city.
4. The prices are very reasonable.
5. The staff are experienced, knowledgeable and friendly.
6. The facility promotes an education in equine studies.

I have taken lessons there as well as going trail riding. I was disappointed to see the poor reviews given because of not getting to lope or trot. People need to understand that horses are living creatures. A very big part of the staffs' job is looking out for the horses' welfare. Imagine a day when it is 35 degrees celsius outside. Now imagine if someone asked you to put on a fur coat (like a horse has) then strapped a 30 pound bag of rocks to your back. Do you think you would want to go for a run? No. I would not want to go riding anywhere that would allow the horse's welfare to be compromised because "that's what I paid for." Sorry folks, it's not an amusement park ride. Leave the urban cowboy egos at home.

With regard to the comment about the staff being "children" - they are all over 16 and enrolled in the lesson program at a high level. Most of these "children" also compete in regional horse shows, so please don't underestimate them because they look young. They are well educated, talented and experienced riders.

The poor rating is undeserved in my opinion. For the family wanting to provide a safe and relaxing introduction to the world of horses there is no better place to go in the metro region.

, April 14, 2009

By Heather S

"I'm sorry to say, but I've experienced riding malnourished horses out in other countries in 50 degree weather which they still allow slow lope because that's what I had paid for, but even I was unsure about riding those malnourished horses, but they told us they had fed them enough water for the 2 hour trip. If you pay for something, wouldn't you want to get it in full and not half the product? "

..where do i begin.
Clearly you either do not know very much about horses or are lacking a conscience. A visibly malnourished horse should NOT be ridden. period. They may very well have had access to enough water, but that is not the only thing a horse needs to function properly, they require various fats, proteins and vitamins just like any other living thing, the fact that you allowed yourself to be bought by a line such as "they had enough water" makes me really question the validity of the rest of your review.

Horses should not be loped in certain weather conditions as it endangers them as well as the rider. For example, loping(even slowly) in slippery mud could result in a horse falling and seriously injuring themselves. Even if they were to slip and then right themselves, i highly doubt you would have the skill necessary to stay on and could sustain a serious injury as a result.

When riding you must take into consideration the horses overall safety and well being, their health should ALWAYS take precedence to your desire to be a cowboy.

In short, this barn should not receive such horrible reviews just because of weather conditions, they can not control the weather anymore then you can, and should be praised for taking such good care of their horses, despite some peoples persistence and obvious ignorance.

If you want to ride something reliable, then i suggest you go rent an atv.

RE: Nancy's Review, July 21, 2008

By Stan Smith

I agree with Nancy, Claireville Ranch DID NOT guarantee a slow lope when I went with reservation and put the whole down payment in. Honestly, if the company had reached me before I arrived, I would have rather taken my 25 dollars for gas to take a long walk to Algonquin for free.

I will not recommend anyone I know, for the customer service was terrible and the instructors were children.

Oh! I didn't mention, the reason they gave as to why they couldn't do slow lope was the same reason Nancy gave which was due to the weather permitting for the horses.

I'm sorry to say, but I've experienced riding malnourished horses out in other countries in 50 degree weather which they still allow slow lope because that's what I had paid for, but even I was unsure about riding those malnourished horses, but they told us they had fed them enough water for the 2 hour trip. If you pay for something, wouldn't you want to get it in full and not half the product?

I guarantee you that Claireville Ranch cannot do anything for you once the money is in.

WORST PLACE, ATMOSPHERE, CUSTOMER SERVICE, and EXPERIENCE, July 21, 2008

By Nancy K.

I am from Toronto. We choose this place because it is the cheapest and closest ranch to us. We made a reservation for 10 people and put a HIGH down payment of $150 and was told to pay the balance upon arrival. On that day, only 9 people were able to come, yet were told numerous times they had to turn away people and had to pay for the 10th person.

Poor customer service - rude (made one rider cry) and unentertaining. Cannot handle or serve huge birthday parties. Sometimes, the horses do not get breaks for the day which limits what each rider can do with the horse. We made a special request to have at least a 3 second trot on the trail because it was for a birthday. However, we ONLY walked and was told it was all weather dependant. On the site, it says "About an hour for $25" which concluded to be 35min. Conclusion: did not hold their end of the bargain.

Recommend going somewhere more expensive and even further for a better experience.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND NOT GOING HERE. First come first serve AND reservations here ARE NOT WORTH IT because there are no guarantees. WASTE of everyone 's MONEY and TIME.

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