Side Horse Riding Review: Beach and Forest Experience

Exploring Turkey’s coastal landscapes on horseback can be a thrilling adventure. The Side Horse Riding experience takes riders through picturesque beaches and lush forests, immersing them in the region’s natural beauty. While the professionalism of the guides and the stunning scenery receive high praise, some customers have raised concerns about the welfare of the horses. With safety considerations in mind, this two-hour ride offers an opportunity to connect with nature and experience the equestrian lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, this unique outing might just be the perfect addition to your Turkish itinerary.

Key Points

• The Side horse riding tour offers a 2-hour journey through scenic coastal and forest settings in Turkey, starting from $35 per person.
• Professional guides are available to assist riders, and helmets are provided to ensure safety during the tour.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, heart issues, or serious medical conditions, and a strict weight limit of 110 kg is enforced.
• While the tour has received positive feedback for its scenic routes and guide support, some customers have reported concerns about horse well-being and safety incidents.
• The tour operator acknowledges the issues and has committed to improving horse treatment and safety measures, encouraging customers to reach out for any concerns.

Tour Overview

Typically, the Side Horse Riding experience offers a 2-hour journey through the stunning landscapes of Side, Turkey. Priced from $35.00, this excursion allows up to 15 travelers to saddle up and explore the area’s beaches and forests.

Riders will be provided with a helmet and can capture souvenir photos during the ride. While the experience boasts a 3.5-star rating from 28 reviews, some travelers have reported issues with the horses’ well-being and inconsistencies in the ride duration.

Still, the tour provides an opportunity to enjoy the scenic coastal and forest settings on horseback.

Inclusions and Logistics

The Side Horse Riding experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with travelers meeting at the main entrance due to privacy rules.

A guiding service is provided, and the use of helmets is included for safety. Plus, souvenir photos are available for purchase to capture the memories of this unique adventure.

The tour company offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

This enables travelers to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed.

Health and Safety Requirements

The Side Horse Riding experience isn’t suitable for all travelers. Certain health and safety requirements must be met to participate. Pregnant women and those with back problems, heart issues, or serious medical conditions are advised against joining the tour. Infants must sit on laps, and a moderate fitness level is required. There’s also a strict weight limit of 110 kg. Unfortunately, the activity is not wheelchair accessible.

Requirement	Notes
Back Problems	Not Recommended
Heart Issues	Not Recommended
Serious Medical Conditions	Not Recommended
Pregnant Travelers	Not Recommended

Guests should carefully consider these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Customer Experiences

Many travelers report positive experiences with the Side Horse Riding tour, highlighting the helpful guidance provided by the guides, especially for first-time riders.

The scenic routes through forests and along the beach are widely praised, allowing riders to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

However, the experience isn’t without its issues. Some customers have expressed concerns about the health and treatment of the horses, while others have reported safety incidents and inconsistent ride durations.

The tour operator has acknowledged these concerns and expressed a commitment to address them, encouraging guests to reach out for further assistance.

• Positive Experiences: Helpful guides, Scenic routes, Immersive experience
• Negative Experiences: Neglected horses, Safety issues, Inconsistent ride durations
• Management Response: Acknowledging issues, Committing to improvements, Offering further assistance

Management Response

The tour operator has acknowledged the concerns raised by customers and expressed a willingness to address them.

In their responses to negative reviews, the management has apologized for the issues and committed to improving the overall experience.

They’ve recognized the problems with neglected horses and safety incidents, and have pledged to address these concerns.

Customers are encouraged to reach out via WhatsApp for further assistance, indicating the operator’s commitment to maintaining open communication and providing support.

While the reviews point to areas needing improvement, the management’s transparency and desire to enhance the tour experience are encouraging signs for those considering the Side Horse Riding adventure.

Highlights and Recommendations

Travelers searching for an immersive equestrian experience along Turkey’s scenic coastline may find the Side Horse Riding tour captivating.

The tour’s highlights include:

1. The breathtaking routes that weave through lush forests and along the pristine beaches, offering a unique perspective of the region.

2. The helpful guides who provide support and guidance, especially for first-time riders, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

3. The opportunity to capture souvenir photos, allowing guests to preserve the memories of their equestrian adventure.

However, prospective travelers should carefully consider the health and safety requirements, as the tour may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions or physical limitations.

Booking and Contact

Booking the Side Horse Riding tour is a straightforward process. Travelers can easily book the experience on the tour provider’s website, where they’ll find all the necessary details.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, guiding services, helmet usage, and optional souvenir photos. To ensure availability, it’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season.

Customers appreciate the flexible cancellation policy, which allows free cancellations up to 24 hours before the start of the tour. For further assistance, guests are encouraged to reach out via WhatsApp, where the tour provider’s staff is responsive and eager to address any questions or concerns.

Since You Asked

What Is the Typical Group Size for This Horse Riding Tour?

The tour has a maximum capacity of 15 travelers, allowing for an intimate group experience. Guests can expect a personalized ride through the scenic landscapes of Side, Turkey.

Do the Horses Have Any Special Training or Certifications?

The tour doesn’t provide specific details about the horses’ training or certifications. But it does note that guides are on hand to assist first-time riders, suggesting the horses are accustomed to working with novice equestrians.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no explicit age restrictions mentioned for the Side horse riding experience. However, the tour provider recommends that infants must sit on laps, suggesting it may not be suitable for very young children.

Can Riders Bring Their Own Riding Gear?

Riders can’t bring their own riding gear. The tour requires guests to use the provided helmets for safety. This helps ensure consistency and proper equipment for all participants during the 2-hour beach and forest horse riding experience.

How Experienced Are the Tour Guides in Leading Horse Riding Excursions?

The tour guides are experienced in leading horse riding excursions, though the reviews suggest some inconsistencies in service quality. Guests should expect a scenic ride, but may want to inquire about the guides’ qualifications and the horses’ well-being before booking.

The Sum Up

The Side Horse Riding experience offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Turkey’s stunning natural landscapes. Guided by knowledgeable professionals, riders can enjoy a thrilling 2-hour journey through picturesque beaches and lush forests. While customer safety and horse welfare are essential considerations, the overall feedback suggests a memorable and immersive equestrian adventure. For nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience, this tour comes highly recommended.