Bonito Stables
Bonito Stables
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
38 reviews
Excellent
20
Very good
7
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
6
Tony M
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Family
Definitely don’t go, save yourself a lot of time and money!!! The old man running the place a 1st class jerk! His customer service is the worst I’ve ever experienced. I didn’t get a chance to interact with all of the hands and guides but they seemed nice. Sadly the crew working only for “tips” were adversely financially impacted because of his bad attitude…I did feel sorry for them however! Not willing to put up with his behavior, I took my family and left. We spent lots of valuable vacation time going completely out of our way to pay for a fun family trail ride experience. There was no way I was going to spend a single dollar with a stable that wasn’t grateful for our tourism dollars! They obviously don’t care that the patrons have to go way out of their way to reach their ridiculous location and poorly maintained stables.
Written March 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marybeth S
Ardmore, OK14 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
BEWARE! We called twice and got their voicemail saying they were open. 45 minutes drive from ruidosa. It was very ran down but I thought it wouldn’t matter, the quality of horses and trail was what mattered. We were directed to ask a gentleman about the trail rides. He informed us there would be a 2.5 hour wait and he could only take 4. (We are a family of 5). We ask “you can’t take 5”? He literally stomped his cane at us and said No!, my horses are rented out to elk hunters and I can only take 4 or none!! I was appalled. We immediately left. Not at all what is advertised online. Beware if you are going during elk season Bc there aren’t but 4 horses there working all day.
Written October 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Salamanca
texas4 contributions
We rented horses for a half day ride at Bonita stables on Forest Road 107 next to the National Park and felt we were lucky to make it back alive. Two of the horses were bucking so much during the ride up narrow mountain trails that
I ended up walking two hours down the mountain because I thought my horse was too dangerous. (and I am a Texan who has ridden many horses in my 48 years.) I asked for a refund
for that horse which was rudely refused and was literally pushed by the woman working there four times.I was told it was my fault because I was too fat (size 16) to ride a horse. I am making an official complaint to the Forest Service.
New Mexico has passed a law called the EQUINE ACT which basically makes it impossible for renters to make any claims for injury or damages if you are hurt on a horse unless the equipment provided by the
stables fails (ie. a broken bridle). I call it the "you can hurt the
tourists and it's not a problem act." These people referred to that act when we told them we thought the horse was dangerous.
When it comes to riding horses in New Mexico, just know that the State is protecting them and not you if you get hurt or killed. Until this law is changed, they don't have to worry about whether or
not their horses are safe. Buyer beware
I ended up walking two hours down the mountain because I thought my horse was too dangerous. (and I am a Texan who has ridden many horses in my 48 years.) I asked for a refund
for that horse which was rudely refused and was literally pushed by the woman working there four times.I was told it was my fault because I was too fat (size 16) to ride a horse. I am making an official complaint to the Forest Service.
New Mexico has passed a law called the EQUINE ACT which basically makes it impossible for renters to make any claims for injury or damages if you are hurt on a horse unless the equipment provided by the
stables fails (ie. a broken bridle). I call it the "you can hurt the
tourists and it's not a problem act." These people referred to that act when we told them we thought the horse was dangerous.
When it comes to riding horses in New Mexico, just know that the State is protecting them and not you if you get hurt or killed. Until this law is changed, they don't have to worry about whether or
not their horses are safe. Buyer beware
Written August 2, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrsdanceswithferrets
Rainhill, UK23 contributions
Oct 2017 • Friends
Great ride through forest. Cowboy saddle and stirrups like i have always wanted to try... very comfortable ride. Horses are clean and well looked after.
Tour guide friendly.
beautiful scenery and the buffet lunch at the casino was great... i am vegetarian and there was plenty for me to choose from.
Tour guide friendly.
beautiful scenery and the buffet lunch at the casino was great... i am vegetarian and there was plenty for me to choose from.
Written October 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nmcanchaser
Capitan, NM1 contribution
If you want to get out of town and see some beautiful country Bonito Stables is the place to go! We have rented horses here for the past 20+ years and have always had great horses and a wonderful time. The horses are well taken care of and gentle and they send a guide to ride with you for help, safety and to tell you about the country. It is off the beaten path but worth the drive, not to mention less expensive than the stables in town.
Written October 26, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NMRAISED
Las Cruces, NM3 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
Best horseback riding place in Ruidoso. I am also including information about Runnels Bonita Stables that hopefully will answer a bunch of questions. First off, this was an amazing ride. There was Sandra (guide and owner), my daughter and myself. It was beautiful and an easy hour ride. We showed up around noon on Friday, August 3, 2018 and had no problem getting on the trail in 15 minutes. The scenery was beautiful and Sandra was an excellent guide, answering all our questions and pointing out interesting points. My daughter talked nonstop and Sandra never showed irritation or dislike. She was friendly and I enjoyed talking to her. I highly recommend this place. The horses and equipment are well cared for as well. I have no association with the stables but I did ask Sandra for permission to post the following information.
I have posted the prices, waiver (small warning sign) and all other information. These prices can change at any time. The stables are open year round. It is the only Ruidoso stables that are open in the winter. The prices are affordable and competitive with the other stables. I personally found them a bit cheaper. The hours are 10-3 for summer (I forgot to ask winter hours) which means if you show up at 3 you will not be able to ride. If you want to do a half day or full day ride you must call the night before after 6 pm at this number, 575-354-2778. The reason there is no phone out there is because there is no electricity or cell service. They have propane and generators to run the few necessary things they need. There is a private residence that is not their primary home. It is not that Runnels do not want your business; they just don't have the ability to answer calls. If you leave a message they will get back to you. The answering machine does work. They have 23 horses so they can handle larger parties. Robert and Sandra Runnels own and operate the stables. He is the 3rd generation to run the stables. As for him being a rude and grouchy man this is untrue. Robert can't hear and his hearing aid is not working properly. So he will answer questions but will not strike up a conversation because he can't hear you. He greeted us and asked how many in our party. He got us set up immediately and answered our questions but I spoke up as soon as I saw his hearing aid. As for people getting hurt on the trail I can't give a 100% answer but I can tell you from our 1 hour ride that the terrain is wild. My horse stumbled a couple times, due to the terrain but also this horse had a fun personality. We were in the forest with trees, rocks, logs and stream. We dealt with all of these and had to duck a couple of times for low branches and even guide the horse around a fallen tree branch. There is a path but because of the weather and normal forest activity the trail can change. When I want to go on a horseback ride I want to be in an area I won't see unless I am on horseback or hiking. The hour trail is easy and I never felt I was in danger or worried about my safety even when my horse tripped over her own feet. I swear she did this on purpose once. Belle had such a great personality. I loved it. I am an experienced rider. My daughter was on Squirrel and has only ridden a couple of times. She loved every minute and never felt like she was going to get hurt. As for the half or all day rides I cannot tell you what the terrain is like. If you are concerned I would just ask.
I hope this answers some common questions and gives a bit more information. Sandra said they are working on getting a website up. Just enjoy the drive there. It is a dirt road and takes awhile to get up there but well worth the drive. Enjoy the beauty of nature and have a fun horseback riding experience.
I have posted the prices, waiver (small warning sign) and all other information. These prices can change at any time. The stables are open year round. It is the only Ruidoso stables that are open in the winter. The prices are affordable and competitive with the other stables. I personally found them a bit cheaper. The hours are 10-3 for summer (I forgot to ask winter hours) which means if you show up at 3 you will not be able to ride. If you want to do a half day or full day ride you must call the night before after 6 pm at this number, 575-354-2778. The reason there is no phone out there is because there is no electricity or cell service. They have propane and generators to run the few necessary things they need. There is a private residence that is not their primary home. It is not that Runnels do not want your business; they just don't have the ability to answer calls. If you leave a message they will get back to you. The answering machine does work. They have 23 horses so they can handle larger parties. Robert and Sandra Runnels own and operate the stables. He is the 3rd generation to run the stables. As for him being a rude and grouchy man this is untrue. Robert can't hear and his hearing aid is not working properly. So he will answer questions but will not strike up a conversation because he can't hear you. He greeted us and asked how many in our party. He got us set up immediately and answered our questions but I spoke up as soon as I saw his hearing aid. As for people getting hurt on the trail I can't give a 100% answer but I can tell you from our 1 hour ride that the terrain is wild. My horse stumbled a couple times, due to the terrain but also this horse had a fun personality. We were in the forest with trees, rocks, logs and stream. We dealt with all of these and had to duck a couple of times for low branches and even guide the horse around a fallen tree branch. There is a path but because of the weather and normal forest activity the trail can change. When I want to go on a horseback ride I want to be in an area I won't see unless I am on horseback or hiking. The hour trail is easy and I never felt I was in danger or worried about my safety even when my horse tripped over her own feet. I swear she did this on purpose once. Belle had such a great personality. I loved it. I am an experienced rider. My daughter was on Squirrel and has only ridden a couple of times. She loved every minute and never felt like she was going to get hurt. As for the half or all day rides I cannot tell you what the terrain is like. If you are concerned I would just ask.
I hope this answers some common questions and gives a bit more information. Sandra said they are working on getting a website up. Just enjoy the drive there. It is a dirt road and takes awhile to get up there but well worth the drive. Enjoy the beauty of nature and have a fun horseback riding experience.
Written August 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dona R
Las Cruces, NM3 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
Having been ranch-raised, and rodeo trained....I find it hilarious how "experienced" some people think they are. I have seen a woman say she "used to ride the circuit" and go put on a pair of chaps BACKWARDS. Folks...these horses cannot be perfectly matched for every person. The Runnels do the best they can to match you up with a horse you can handle, but if you tell them you are "very experienced", why would you be upset if they put you on something other than a dead-broke kid horse? After all...you told them how good you are. There are some folks who don't want to ride a "plug!" And...if a horse is climbing, sometimes they will lunge...which, you...with all your experience, might think is bucking. I know for a fact that Bonito Stables would never have a horse in their dude string that would buck. Do you think they want you to get hurt?? Come on!! They want you to enjoy your experience, see beautiful country and come back. Perhaps some of the help need some etiquette lessons, or some training in people skills...but they are there to help you with your horse, not hold your hand.
Written April 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica S
18 contributions
Sep 2016 • Family
We drove over 30 minutes and as soon as we get there at around 2:35 the man told us they weren't going to give us a tour because they didn't have enough horses and it was the last ride. They close at 3:00PM... We got there 30 minutes before closing time. He just said to go back the day after. Not going back.
Written September 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quentin B
France36 contributions
Jun 2014 • Solo
No one showed up, it was supposed to be open, the horses were in a pretty ba shape to my opinion. Too bad because the trails were really beautiful. I decided to go horse riding at the Casino finally and I don't regret it.
Written July 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
T C
Dallas, TX12 contributions
Apr 2014
I've been on many trail rides in many different areas and this one was par for the course and what I expected it to be. It's not a fancy outfit but that's what I liked about it too. The horses followed each other because they are trained to do so for safety reasons; and, the horses are older but again they are probably retired horses that had a much more exciting life prior to being a trail horse. I enjoyed the scenery, being outdoors, and just getting to ride; things that I don't get to do on a regular basis. I wasn't looking for a long ride and from other vendors (which weren't open yet) I researched this place was competitively priced.
The drive from Ruidoso was not bad and the drive to the stables from the main highway was scenic. You really get a feel for how much of the land was scorched by the fires several years ago. Our trail guide actually told us that the stables were missed by the fire, although not by much, but they did loose a lot of stables (not horses) to a flood right after the fires.
Overall, I would return and bring my children with us next time. I am also glad this place was open because the other places I checked were not open yet. Our guide said Bonito is open year round.
The drive from Ruidoso was not bad and the drive to the stables from the main highway was scenic. You really get a feel for how much of the land was scorched by the fires several years ago. Our trail guide actually told us that the stables were missed by the fire, although not by much, but they did loose a lot of stables (not horses) to a flood right after the fires.
Overall, I would return and bring my children with us next time. I am also glad this place was open because the other places I checked were not open yet. Our guide said Bonito is open year round.
Written April 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gfuhrmanator
Iowa Park, Texas
Does the trail ride include a little loping?? I hope so.
Written July 22, 2015
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