Saddle Up Stables
Saddle Up Stables
4.4
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Saddle Up Stables is one of the oldest riding stables in the Adirondacks. Since the early 1930's our grandfather furnished horses to the area's summer camps. In the 1940's he established a riding stable, that we continue to operate as a family today. Offering a large selection of horses for both beginners and experienced riders, to enjoy a pleasurable trail ride. Scenic overlooks of beautiful Lake George from the top of the mountain. Rides last about an hour. Children must be 8 years and 50" tall to ride. Hand-led Pony rides and Horse Rides for any age. Summer Season June - September. Open 9:30 am.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Big Red JonsonMiddle Island, New York347 contributionsFamily owned and operated since 1945, almost 80 years. Horses are gentle, well trained and well cared for. Friendly, professional staff. We have ridden here before and this year we brought my fiancé’s 6 year-old grandson for his first vacation in Lake George. A horseback ride at Saddle Up Stables was a “must” thing for him to do. Helmet required and provided. He rode a larger horse named “Trigger” with a young gentleman cowboy leading the horse and in control of the reins. Smaller ponies available for smaller children. Our grandson loved it, so did we and it was worth every cent. While visiting Saddle Up Stables be sure to see “Tiny” - a handsome, good-natured beast who stands 18 hands tall and weighs 2,000 pounds. Compare his impressive size to the other horses in the stable, he is considerably larger. We love him!Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 18, 2024
- Danielle A1 contributionWe had an awesome time at Saddle Up stables. The horses were clearly well taken care of and beautiful (I rode Fred and my husband rode Mustang). Our tour guide was very personal. Everyone was very friendly and the trail through the woods was beautiful.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 24, 2024
- Where2next629Rockaway Park, New York912 contributionsLarge group of us with small kids here for pony rides. Staff so friendly and helpful, even with crying kids and a very hot July 4th weekend. Ponys are cute and docile. Highly recommend for kids.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 25, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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.
Popular mentions
4.4
189 reviews
Excellent
118
Very good
50
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
8
LSte606
Thorndale, PA47 contributions
Aug 2020
The horses seem to be well cared for. They are given long breaks in between rides and have a shady area with fans blowing on them while they are relaxing. They are led to water after a walk and before the next walk. I even saw one of the handlers picking what I call "eye boogers" out of a horse's eyes. So they seem to be loved.
With that said, my biggest beef with Saddle Up Stables is this: the wait time to actually get ON a horse was infuriating. When you have a reservation, whether it be for a horseback ride or dinner or a boat ride, and your reservation is at 11am, and you show up at 10:45 am, you shouldn't have to wait until noon to get on a horse!! If this were a restaurant, I would have walked out. We were getting angry about the wait by 11:30 and then really angry at 11:45 and then about to ask for a refund when they finally called us to ride at 12:00. The anger of the wait overshadowed the joy we should have felt from the ride. There must be a better way this stable can use to handle the flow.
My second complaint was that the staff was patronizing and our guide had, quite literally, nothing to say to us about the area, the history, fun facts, nothing. We are a lively group and tried to engage her in some kind of interaction and she just didn't have the personality for it.... at ALL. We asked her questions and she didn't know anything. We even asked her if she would recommend us to do something in particular in the area since we are from a different state and she said (after contemplation).... I don't know! The only thing she actually said to us was, "we're going down a hill, heels down, toes up and lean back." For the price paid, $70 per person for an hour, I really expected more from Saddle Up.
The trail is completely shaded. Soft, loose dirt and rocks. The 'view of the lake' is twice for about 45 seconds each.
With that said, my biggest beef with Saddle Up Stables is this: the wait time to actually get ON a horse was infuriating. When you have a reservation, whether it be for a horseback ride or dinner or a boat ride, and your reservation is at 11am, and you show up at 10:45 am, you shouldn't have to wait until noon to get on a horse!! If this were a restaurant, I would have walked out. We were getting angry about the wait by 11:30 and then really angry at 11:45 and then about to ask for a refund when they finally called us to ride at 12:00. The anger of the wait overshadowed the joy we should have felt from the ride. There must be a better way this stable can use to handle the flow.
My second complaint was that the staff was patronizing and our guide had, quite literally, nothing to say to us about the area, the history, fun facts, nothing. We are a lively group and tried to engage her in some kind of interaction and she just didn't have the personality for it.... at ALL. We asked her questions and she didn't know anything. We even asked her if she would recommend us to do something in particular in the area since we are from a different state and she said (after contemplation).... I don't know! The only thing she actually said to us was, "we're going down a hill, heels down, toes up and lean back." For the price paid, $70 per person for an hour, I really expected more from Saddle Up.
The trail is completely shaded. Soft, loose dirt and rocks. The 'view of the lake' is twice for about 45 seconds each.
Written August 18, 2020
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.
We apologize for your long wait last week. This is the first year we are doing reservations due to Covid and limited staff. We understand, no one likes to wait and to keep everyone "happy", we have since limited our availability even more to reduce the wait time.
We are doing the best we can without pushing our horses faster and our staff. We want to make sure each rider is fitted to their horse properly and it takes time to load each rider and choose the appropriate horse to match.
I'm really sorry the guide you had was not an "outgoing type of person". It is top priority to hire competent horse people as guides and it is always a plus that they are outgoing and talkative.
Written August 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jessmouzakes
Rocky Point, NY43 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
What a fun and peaceful way to spend an hour on a beautiful summer day! I forced my family to join me on an hour long trail ride because it’s been years since I’ve been horseback riding and I really wanted to go while we were in Lake George. They ended up all having a great time and said it was one of their favorite experiences of our trip. The horses were calm, the scenery was beautiful and the staff and guides were friendly. I’m glad we went.
Written August 24, 2022
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.
keeleymd
King of Prussia, PA21 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
If you’re new to horseback riding or just want to stay local, it’s an acceptable ride. I’ve been 5 times in my 3 trips to LG, but the most recent ride was disappointing. There are several better, longer trails within 20 minutes of the village, & I did one earlier in the week, but this is the only one I know of with views of the lake.
Basically, I pay for the two lake views on the trail & when I want to get out of the house on my own.
Our guide was from North Carolina. She came up with the horses they brought up this summer. She scooted right on by the lake views & interacted with only the first two riders in the group. She offered no instruction despite the first two riders clearly being novices.
The “1 hour ride” lasted 41 minutes. Yes, I timed it start to finish. What was the difference? Prior rides the guides made a point to pause at the lake views (especially at the top), let us take pictures, & simply enjoy the view for a few minutes. They also provided instructions to the newbies on the trail. She did not.
In short, there are better trails out there (think Mountain View Rocking B Ranch, for example). The only reasons to go here are convenience & lake views. Without acknowledging the importance of the latter, it’s not worth it.
Basically, I pay for the two lake views on the trail & when I want to get out of the house on my own.
Our guide was from North Carolina. She came up with the horses they brought up this summer. She scooted right on by the lake views & interacted with only the first two riders in the group. She offered no instruction despite the first two riders clearly being novices.
The “1 hour ride” lasted 41 minutes. Yes, I timed it start to finish. What was the difference? Prior rides the guides made a point to pause at the lake views (especially at the top), let us take pictures, & simply enjoy the view for a few minutes. They also provided instructions to the newbies on the trail. She did not.
In short, there are better trails out there (think Mountain View Rocking B Ranch, for example). The only reasons to go here are convenience & lake views. Without acknowledging the importance of the latter, it’s not worth it.
Written August 7, 2022
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.
Maur
2 contributions
Aug 2021
This was a terrific experience from beginning to end! I never rode a horse before, but the staff was very helpful and calmed my nerves as I mounted the horse they chose for me. The horses are treated well and know how to navigate the trail with first time riders. Our guide, Joe, was extremely knowledgeable about horses and the Lake George area. He made our trail experience so informative and enjoyable. Bravo! Can't say enough positive things about this company. Well worth the money we spent!
Written August 15, 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.
Sara P
Tonawanda, NY2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
My husband, two kids (9 & 15) and I went on the trail ride while visiting near lake George. None of us had much experience with horses (my husband and I only had ridden another trail horse years earlier in a much flatter environment) but the horses and the guide were so well trained that it felt so natural and comfortable, even my nine year old managed with ease. The trail itself was even quite impressive. Beautiful view of lake George from the top. It is expensive but I highly recommend!
Written August 23, 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.
Michelle T
4 contributions
Jul 2022
I made reservations for myself and my 14 year old son online the night before with no issues. This was our first time horseback riding, and they took the time to match us with the best horses for us based on our skill level, height and weight. They put us on horses that were easy-going and already knew what to do, so very little direction was required by us as we rode.
The ride ended up lasting a little under an hour. The trails went through the woods, so you are in the shade the entire time. There is only one area on the trail where you get a brief view of the lake, but there are other areas of interest throughout the ride (ex: oldest water well in the area, old indian trails).
The leader of the ride checked on us frequently to make sure no one was getting left behind. They will take pics for you at the end of the ride with your phone/camera.
It was a very enjoyable time!
The ride ended up lasting a little under an hour. The trails went through the woods, so you are in the shade the entire time. There is only one area on the trail where you get a brief view of the lake, but there are other areas of interest throughout the ride (ex: oldest water well in the area, old indian trails).
The leader of the ride checked on us frequently to make sure no one was getting left behind. They will take pics for you at the end of the ride with your phone/camera.
It was a very enjoyable time!
Written July 10, 2022
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.
Scott H
Westborough, Massachusetts, United States10 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
My daughter loves to ride here when we're in the Lake George area. It's not a cheap activity but for a ~45 minute trail ride it's well worth it. The views are great and the staff was very friendly - they even let her ask for a specific horse she's ridden before.
Written August 3, 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.
Bill R
Lakewood Ranch, FL4 contributions
Aug 2021
If your plans don't include a trail ride at Saddle Up Stables we recommend adding it. If it is in your plans, move it up to the top of the list. The staff is outstanding and they really know their business. The trial ride is beautiful and the horses appear to be well cared for and happy. We made an appointment and our names were called right on time. We can't rate Saddle Up Stables high enough. Outstanding!
Written August 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.
europa0421
Voorhees, New Jersey4 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Had a great time! We were all first time riders and we all felt comfortable with our horses. Everyone was friendly and our guide was great! He talked about the history of the mountains and it was very interesting. We got to see views of Lake George twice throughout the trail so that was a nice surprise.
Written August 1, 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.
Sue B
81 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Picked a busy day but was worth the wait. Horses were really tolerant and were gentle with us newbies! Kibby didn’t want to go out again right away but was such a trooper and made no fuss. Lil Joe was very tentative and extra careful with his née rider too. Friendly and smiling staff and really good care of the horses. Constantly checking their hooves. Good sign ! And horses were at ease. Noticed they took out an injured horse- cut his leg and that made me feel really confident in the organization. Thanks for a memorable afternoon!!!
Written July 31, 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.
Are there different levels of horse back riding? For example can you do trotting if you'd like?
Written July 13, 2016
Are there different levels of horse back riding? For example can you do trotting if you'd like?
Written July 13, 2016
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