Claire Summers

Review of Swan Mountain Outfitters

As an avid horsewoman, I normally wouldn't justify...

As an avid horsewoman, I normally wouldn't justify paying $200 for a trail ride, but I thought I would splurge as this would surely be worth it. Unfortunately, the experience just didn't live up to my expectations.

First off, I called in the morning to book a ride and was told I would receive a confirmation email that included all the info about the ride, including where to be and when. By 4 pm I had not received the email, so I called back to inquire. I was told that the email had already been sent and I needed to check my spam folder. I already had, and didn't see it, so I wanted to verify that he email address was correct, etc. The woman on the phone confirmed the address, but still worrying that I hadn't/wouldn't get it, I asked her what time check-in was. She seemed very annoyed by my questions and just kept telling me the info was in the email, and to check my spam folder.

Secondly, I had booked the full day ride at West Glacier, as the website mentions that this ride is recommended for experienced riders. I definitely would not recommend this ride for experienced riders...you will be bored! Danielle the guide was lovely, but the entire ride was single-file, nose-to-tail, plodding along very slowly. And the company policy is that riders, regardless of experience, may not mount or dismount unless the guide is holding the horse.

The entire ride was on a walking path or two track through dense forest. Nothing challenging or adventurous. And not much to see except trees. And the "views" at the overlooks where we stopped, were just more trees. I was expecting breath-taking scenery, but unfortunately there really wasn't any. Perhaps at the other locations? I was also under the impression that we were riding into Glacier, but I don't know if we actually did?

Finally, I can't believe that the $15 lunch consisted of a ham and cheese sandwich, an apple, a small huckleberry square, and a bottle of water.