Lajoie Stables

What a pleasure it was to visit Lajoie stables when we were staying near Smuggs. Our party consisted of an experienced rider and a first time rider so we were unsure what to expect but were pleasantly surprised. We were kindly greeted by the staff and given some instructions as well as provided with helmets for safety upon our request. We then took off on our private guide 1.5hr trail ride which was beautiful. The guide was super fun and friendly and most importantly reassuring to the new rider. Our tour consisted of venturing around the 300+ acre farm with incredible views and paths through the woods and around open fields. The horses themselves were beautiful and clearly well taken care of by the staff. They have over 70 horses and the staff did a great job choosing horses for the riders in our party. I would highly recommend this for a relaxing fun trail ride for people of all ages and skill levels!

My family had a great experience, with no knowledge we were given instructions and a little freedom. Beautiful trail. Great staff. Maybe not good enough for «experienced jockeys» as per the princesses below me.

We recently went to Lajoie Stables wanting to ride and hopefully see some fall folliage. Two of the members of our party were experienced riders but I was not, yet I was given the most sprited and stubborn horse. The horses’ tack was in poor condition and had been repaired over and over. When you arrive you have to leave your car at the road and walk up a hill to the stable office because they have a dachshund that barks at cars. The ride was so-​so and the guide, Amanda, kept correcting us and we seemed to be going in a circle 8 several times and seeing the same things. There was little fall folliage, just alot of mud. I thought for the price charged it would be a much better experience. Should we return to that area and wanted to go horseback riding, I would select another stable.

Was given 3 choices for stables near Stowe and mistakenly chose this one. My friend and I are both experienced riders and were hoping for a chance to view the scenery and let loose a little. Instead we were micromanaged to the point it was laughable. The guide, Christina, was condescending and kept the pace so slow, it felt as if we were going backward. It was a private ride so there was no inexperienced riders to manage. Even then we were forced to stay in line and listen to the guide bark out orders to keep our horses in check if they so much as took their nose out of the other horse’s rear. Hands down worst trail ride I’ve ever been on — don’t waste your time or money here unless you can ensure your guide is someone else.