Natural Valley Ranch

We decided to go horseback riding to celebrate my birthday. My children (10 & 12) have never been horseback riding before and, though nervous, were excited to experience it. I rode quite a bit many years ago. I had a service expectation in my mind for how things would go and unfortunately the team at this ranch did not deliver. On arrival, parking was not clearly marked (broken signs and no arrows to direct you). Once out of the car, there was no one to greet us or give next steps. We were told by visitors already waiting to step inside the barn to sign a waiver. Once inside, the staff member who wondered out of the dark handed the waiver to me and explained it. Yet she never said hello or introduced herself. It all felt very transactional or as if we weren't welcomed. I can only assume how many trail rides are provided in a day or week but the experience is still special to visitors. I would like to think they still remember this. My children were assigned horses (Cherokee and Widow) and given basic riding instructions from other staff members (they stated afterward the women providing them were not very warm). I was given a horse named Stitch that I did not enjoy or recommend to anyone who has never ridden before. He was headstrong and unfriendly. I can say: The 60 minute ride through the wooded trails was beautiful and very quiet. Our group totaled six so I guess I assumed there would be conversation from the trail lead but there was none. No water was provided or information about the land we were on. I was grateful for the instructor stopping before bigger hills to describe what was ahead and how to best handle it, it helped my kiddos, but I can't say as I would come to this place again. The horses looked thin and tired. Not to mention the barn bathroom was exactly what you'd expect: dusty dirty and rusty. Perhaps our expectations were too high? One big plus: the friendliness of my children's horses and the barn cats.

After reading other reviews I guess we just got them on a bad day. My daughter and I booked a ride. When we got there 3 women were in the barn. No hello, welcome to Nature valley, no eye contact. A girl comes to us with something to sign. She didn't speak during the ride unless we asked questions. After the ride, we got off the horses, no thank you, come again, no did you enjoy your ride. Still no eye contact. It was all very underwhelming. We felt like we were bothering them.

We visited Natural Valley Ranch a couple years ago during the Christmas season. Our kid was little at the time and we all enjoyed the candy cane hunt. It was wonderfully set up with Hot chocolate, cookies and play items for all kids. The place is huge and they also have nightly places to stay near them. I think they own those as well. This is a super hit for our kid and I have seen on websites that they do a lot of other programs throughout the year. This is a definite must with your kids. I highly recommend this place.

I have been wanting to get back out on a horse for a while now. It had been probably 25+ years since I last rode. Natural Valley Ranch is very easy to get to and was a great experience. I arrived about 25 mins before my time as they recommend arriving at least 15 mins before your ride. I spoke with one of the employees and signed my waiver and then went and checked out the goats and had a good time watching the chickens running around and the barn cats just relaxing. It was raining the day we went but cowboys dont shy away from the rain, so we rode! It was a nice peaceful trail ride and the person leading the ride was very knowledgeable and interactive and my horse Stitch wanted to be right behind her so we were able to talk all through the ride. It was a great time and I look forward to returning. It's best to make reservations online and the price for a 60min ride was $40.

Not only is there a great petting zoo and an awesome horseback riding facility here, but you can also rent the cabin or the cottage on this property for your family or group whether for an event or just for a getaway from the every day. I rather enjoyed my stay at the cottage this past year and the wonderful trail ride we took (through the water!) as a group. It was nice to have a place to stay for the Indianapolis convention we were attending that gave us some seclusion away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The horseback ride was a wonderful respite from the insanity of the convention, and I liked how helmets are available, the staff are personable and helpful, and the horses only sometimes misbehave (mine wanted to eat constantly even though he had a bag over his mouth preventing him, for example).The cottage is a great facility and I look forward to staying on this property again in the future, perhaps at the cabin depending on my group.

This place was very reasonable in pricing and the horse back ride with my 8yr old and 16 yr old for the first time was very safe. We did the 30 min option although I honestly think an hour would have been just fine. Definitely going to do it again

This was a wonderful place to bring the kids. Small petting zoo with a bunny, pig and goats and a larger area with horses. The best part was it was free!! We just brought some leftover carrots and fed them to the animals. The owner was very nice and there is a rental house you can rent that's is dreamy just up the hill. It was well kept and didn't stink you can tell they really care about the property. We will be back!

Took my daughter here on her 2nd birthday for tea party they were having. Then made her dream cone true with a horse ride that she is talking about months later. Everyone was friendly, we will definitely be back!

I was looking for a spot to have my daughters 9th birthday party, and found this wonderful place. Me, along with about 30 other people had the best time, thanks to Natural Valley Ranch! The staff is so friendly and laid back. They make you feel right at home. If you request it, they will make the birthday cake as well, and it is phenomenal!! The horses were great, the hayride, and the petting farm. My daughter and I will be coming back often.

We've stayed at the cottage twice and love the cozy atmosphere. They have everything you need and are quick to respond if you need anything.