blue bell stables

Wipfer

The horses and the staff are great. Certainly worth a trip through the woods. Lots to see and very relaxing

dragon1681

Wife and I did a couple hour horse back ride. Saw some beautiful scenery and had big horn sheep walk right up to us on horse back.

879connies

Guided horseback riding packages are available. We chose the half-day experience. The staff are helpful about helping you mount your horse, if you need that, and adjust the saddle and stirrups. They will tell you to use your horse's name, and some tips about the character of it. There is an upper weight limit. Children between certain ages may ride with an adult. beautiful ride with helpful hints from the guide along the way.

Bradols

My sister had made reservations for her family (her, her husband and and two eight year old sons) and I decided I'd like to tag along. So I just simply made a call to the staples and boom I was added. When we got there to check in I will admit that the two women that were there were a bit on the cranky side but I didn't let that get me down.They got all off us on our horses and my nephews got to lead the pack behind the trail boss. Their two horses were as calm as can be. They could have just kicked their feet up and enjoyed they ride. My sister's horse was also pretty calm. Mine and my brother-in-law's required some fighting with but I didn't mind you are dealing with animals. My sister is a pretty avid rider hasn't ridden in a while. She said that the ride was one of the best that she has ever taken because you go up and down hills and through a stream. There were times that you felt like you were in the middle of nowhere and you were the first person to see the area ever. We did the one hour tour which was just enough for us that have never done something like this. If I'm ever back in the Black Hills I will definitely be back.

docbob2596

Made a reservation a month in advance by email. They failed to give us directions in advance, instead requesting us to "call when you reach the park" to find we had no cell phone coverage ( well known in the park). When they did return our call to our cell ( the voice mail only picked up by email when we did get some wifi coverage) , they had failed to realise we had a reservation, and dimly told us our 1/2 day ride was no loner available but they could offer us a 1hr ride if we cared to call them.. Truly a cowboy outfit. Advice we since received is, on arrival in the park, ask around, as many of the ranches around the park will set up a ride for you, at more economical rates

CarrieL428

Our family of four (two adults, 12 year old and 10 year old) had a great time on our one hour horseback ride. My kids had never ridden before so we were a little unsure about how it would go. The guides were patient, encouraging, friendly and gave good instructions. We crossed a stream and went up and down a few rocky hills. Our family loved it. I thought a one hour ride was long enough but my kids would have liked to have gone for another hour.

IcyMre

My wife and I took our 7 and 9 year old girls on a 1 hour trek. The guides made the trip exceptional. The horses were very well trained and gentle. Highly recommend.Con: rain had washed out the trail for the 2 hour ride. Ah, mother nature... ;)

HJ1madison

We had a 6 year old who was permitted to ride by herself -- a giant hit! The Concessionaire was a charmer.

jrm4013

My boys and I recently booked an hour ride with Blue Bell Stables and I thought it was fantastic. The people there were very friendly. The horses were brought over to us one at time and my boys (11 & 9) were able to get on with no problems. The horses were very well trained and knew exactly where to go. We were led on through a trail that went up and down a few little hills, and a creek. Our guide Natasha, was very experienced, knowledgeable and great with kids! I would highly recommend! Just make sure you call in advance for reservations!

CWJLW

Staff was beyond great! Beautiful scenery on the trail, as well as the drive to and from (Mount Coolidge is near by). My horse was a little awnry, but fun anyway. My kids, 7 and 9, rode alone and did wonderful, as well as had a great time. I would go again

Kebjs

This was a great trail ride...We were with our children and grandchildren age 9 and 11. Perfect for them The guides were great and we got to see a beautiful area on horseback. Jerry , who manages the place does a great job and our guides could not have been more friendly and helpful watching to make sure you were safe at all times...highly recommend to add to a trip in the black hills

thesteevesgroup

I am just an amatuer rider who went solo but the Blue Bell Stables staff watched out for me. Just let them know what your abilities are and they will give you the ride horse for the ride.

896kristym

My daughter and I went on a 1-hour trail ride. I have rode horses many times in my life but I have never been on an actual trail ride. This was not a laid-back trail ride like I was expecting, we went up and down steep rocky hills and went through a pretty deep creek (it was higher than normal they said) I was actually a little nervous even though I am not new to riding. The scenery was fantastic but it was hard to enjoy because the horse I was riding kept stopping and trying to eat grass and we were supposed to not let them so that was kind of distracting. All together it was OK, The scenery made it worth while.

jpwest

My wife and I, son (11) and daughter (9) did the 1-hour trail ride during our July 2014 SD vacation and had a really great time. We met our horses, got a little training on neck-rein riding, and hit the trail! The first surprise was the trail itself. This is not an easy stroll through the plains - we went up and down hills, through a stream, and past some of the most beautiful landscape imaginable within Custer State Park. Our guides were friendly and helpful, and pointed out some of the local wildlife and points of interest. Highly recommended!

margaretf4

Our family of 4 took in a one hour ride and loved it. The staff definitely takes the responsibility of pairing each rider with the right horse. Our not-so-adventurous 9 year old was fine with the whole thing, no worries ever. A great family experience to see Custer State Park off the beaten path.