Happy on Hooves - Hampstead, MD (Horseback Riding)

I had a LivingSocial or something for 2 people to ride on a guided trail for 90 minutes for $50.  Can you say "GREAT DEAL"??  Even better, they did a group ride for all 6 of us (we all bought the same deal). 

When you show up, you feel like you have walked onto the scene of a Dr. Doolittle movie or into a petting zoo.  Animals everywhere!  There were even little chicks pecking at the base of a tree when you turn into the driveway.  So cute!  There was a goat chillin' under someone's truck, chickens, roosters, emus, DOGS, cats, you name it.  All delightful creatures!  There were 4 dogs hanging out.  Two enjoyed just laying in chairs or on the ground, but there was one chihuaua that looked just like a bat so I kept calling him "Batdog", and he listened!  They also had a 9 or 11 week old super-adorable chihuaua named "Oreo" that Robert kept trying to steal away in his pocket.  The little guy fit in one hand easily.  I've never seen people coo at a dog like we were with Oreo.  And such a happy and friendly fella! 

We checked in with ease with Mandy (owner) and were on our way.  I was the first to get on a horse and he was awesome.  His name is Marco.  He just stood quietly while the other 5 were saddled up, which as you can imagine, takes a little while.  The bf's horse got a little impatient and kept walking him out of the stable area towards the road, around in circles, all over.  Mandy realized that perhaps this wasn't the horse for him and switched with mine, who was as docile as can be.  The "impatient" horse, Polo, was awesome.  He didn't make me nervous and when he tried that mess with me, I firmly told him "No", pulled his reins a few times and then he was as perfect as could be.  I actually LOVED riding him because he had a little spunk but totally behaved and listened to me the entire time.  He wanted to lead the pack, actually.  I think he was walking the bf around because he just wanted to WALK!

The trail was great - it was a perfect day.  There were little streams we crossed, beautiful foilage, and a meadow.  Mandy and three of us kept a nice pace.  Carisa, Robert, and Deb's horses were more interested in eating all of that lovely foilage than walking.  Carisa kept saying, "This horse only has one speed!" as it slowly walked along.  Then every once in a while they'd trot up to catch up, with the ladies giggling like ninnies!  Little Oreo-puppy got to ride on Mandy's shoulder and in the crook of her arm, happily looking around on his first trail ride ever.  He is adorable!!  We all got to trot back together at the end, which was really cool. 

Mandy was great, and was able to match the right horse to the right personality.  She made sure we all stayed together and yet had enough room that we weren't in constant fear of being kicked by the horse in front of us or anything. 

I know that the bf and I will DEFINITELY go back for another ride.  This is a must-do if you are looking for a pleasant way to take a trail ride.  I definitely recommend trying to get 6 people together and do the group ride.  And be sure to say hello to little Oreo and pat him on the head for us!