Lajoie Stables

Libbi Stovall

2024-04

Had a wonderful Mommy daughter ride. Amanda and her young ladies have an awesome setup. The are all so friendly. I said to Amanda that you all are like a family. She said “we are a family “. Such a rare bond these days.

Rezwan

2024-01

I went here with my wife when we had no baby! Now we have a son haha. This was a different kind of thrill that you don’t get in a roller coaster. This made me feel as if I was in a video game. Waiting for more snow and then a bright sunny day and take my toddler. Picture perfect.

Celeste Gabrielle

2023-12

Took my daughter and my little cousins here while on vacation for my daughter’s 5th birthday celebration. The staff was friendly, very patient and knowledgeable. This was all our first time riding horses on a trail. It was an experience for sure. The only reason I did not give 5 stars is because the two of the 4 horses we rode on we kind of defiant and didn’t follow the instructions we were given to guide them on the trail. I know animals have their own personalities and feelings but the horse I rode on Teddy, was very territorial and not friendly to the other horses on the trail. He bit the horse my daughter was on and startled both the horse and my daughter who was riding him. He began to buck his head in what seemed like anger because one of the other horses Luka, was walking “too close” behind him. The other horse Knight, didn’t follow direction no matter how much my little cousin (age 12) tried to guide him. She was very determined despite being scared but the horse wanted to do his own thing lol. He ended up having to be strapped to the instructor’s horse half way through the ride for us to finish. As I said the lack of star has nothing to do with the staff or facility itself, they were great. The instructor was extremely patient and encouraging. She gave us lots of fun facts about the owners, the land and the horses themselves. She even was kind enough to take the photos I’ve attached to the review. Very kind and her little boy was just a cute added bonus to the stables. If we were to ever return I would ask for horses other than Teddy and Night.

John Jenkins

2024-05

What a blessed day for My wife & I to meet the fine folks at Lajoie Stables. From preparing us carefully for our ride and the horses, this group of ladies were professional from the first greeting to their final good bye to us.The trail ride was awesome as we saw the beautiful mountains of Vermont with wild turkeys and deer. Our guide for the trip was a young lady by the name of Makaylah who rode her trusted horse Molsen. She was knowledgeable and made sure we were aware of any hazards the might encounter. We rode beautiful horses named King & Dublin. We highly recommend this trail ride for you family adventure.

Alice Reighley

2024-04

I took my five year old nephew for a trail ride today and we had a blast! It was chilly and muddy, but we bundled up and went anyway- and we were so glad we did! My nephew rode his own pony (led by our trusty trail guide) and he said it was the best! I highly recommend a visit. 💖

Mark Williams

2023-10

What a wonderful place, everyone was so nice and the place was so inviting. From the nice walk up to the stables, the miniature donkeys, the beautiful bunnies, to the breathtaking horses. Our guide was so sweet and friendly and our horses were so much fun. They made this group from Florida feel like family, we will definitely be coming back again. Thanks for being so hospitable.

Tara Cota

2023-05

Our guide was very sweet and answered all of the kids (million) questions with patience. The horses are beautiful and well cared for. The property and trails were gorgeous as well.

Katia Filina

2023-10

Everything about this place is screaming WOW! This an absolute heaven. Views are just gorgeous. That special smell in forest and silence…Staff was amazing and super friendly. Gave us recommendations about entertaining in the area also.100% worth to go.

Adinah East

2024-01

Thanks so much for the amazing horse back riding tour. Mandy helped us make last minute arrangements on Tuesday once another one of our activities was canceled. The 5 of us including 3 kids each had horses with lots of personalities. Selena, our guide, was a lot of fun and very sweet and helped us navigate the trail and managing the horses. Highly recommend this stable for anyone looking for a fun family-friendly adventure.

Ben

2022-05

A nice, easy ride. Our guide was excellent. The horses were easygoing and happy to be working. We'll likely be stopping in next time we're up north.

carol heap

2022-05

Excellent time! We come for a ride every time we're in the area. The trail was shaded and comfortable, even on a very warm day. Our guide was excellent and took great pictures of us on our steeds. The horse were gentle and friendly.

Roxanne Sparks

2023-06

We are from Ottawa Canada and our experience was so wonderful with this riding stable. Staff were very friendly and our guide Makayla was so friendly and helpful. Thank you everyone and the horses were excellent 👍💕🇨🇦

DK Savoury

2019-05

After spending a weekend in Jeffersonville for the first time while on our one year wedding anniversary I wanted to surprise my wife with a fun activity and couldn't have been happier with our experience at Lajoie Stables. We were instantly greeted by the stable's welcoming committee Sir Baek and Kimber two wonderful dogs while the other three were sun bathing on the beautiful day we decided to go for our ride. As we saw the grounds we were pleasantly surprised at how the horses were free to roam. As the staff explained to us that the horses essentially come and go when it is their time to work. My wife and I had the privilege of riding with Pete and Bailey who's personalities came out during the ride. All the while our one hour trek with them was easy going. It was a great feeling to ride with such beautiful animals. Thank you to the staff at Lajoie Stables and for all the work that you do my wife and I truly appreciated it. We would gladly recommend this places to others.

Ellen Friedrich

2023-05

My husband and I decided to go for a horseback ride the day after Christmas2022As we walked up to the barn, we were warmly greeted not only by our horseback guide but a warm inviting bonfire with a circle of seating around the fireIt wasn’t long before she guided us to the stables where our horses were waiting for usWe were warmly greeted by KrystinaShe was absolutely amazing with helping me mount my horse and she told us the names of our horses Bailey and King, a little about each of themBoth girls were attentive that we were comfortable with the saddle , stirrups and the reins before we left the stablesAnna then lead us on our horseback ride. She was absolutely amazing with advising us about how to lean forward or back based on the terrain we were on.She stopped in a picture perfect place and took pictures of us on top of our horsesWe didn’t want to get down from our horses as we had an absolutely amazing time and we were so very well taken care of by the staff as well as the horsesLajoies Stables are not only absolutely amazing but they are extremely attentive to your comfort and safetyDefinitely going to go horseback riding again ( and again) at Lajoies Stables

Eyal Shelly

2023-07

The place is really beautiful, the horses seem to be in good health, clean and treated well. It was a 1 hour ride, the trail is very nice with some wild animals you can spot. Our guide was nice and treated us well. Would have been nice to have more of a conversation or stories about the place, history and such. It was kind of a quite ride.There were two things that kind of ruined the experience. The hospitality was a bit cold, very much to the point and felt not welcoming. The other issue was we were 5 but actually took only 4 horses since my son is only 4 and rode with me. Still we paid $300, $60 per person including my son who didn’t take a horse. I would of at least expected a discount cost since he didn’t utilize a horse.Overall a nice place, we enjoyed the ride.

wilker blaise

2023-11

Review for Lajoie Stables:Having recently enjoyed a horseback riding journey at Lajoie Stables, I can confidently say it's an experience not to be missed. The staff are a testament to hospitality, with their warm demeanor and patience shining through every interaction. I was particularly impressed with our guide, Anna-Lise Cooledge, whose knowledge as a native of Vermont enriched our scenic tour through the state's breathtaking wooded terrains. At $60 per person, the value is unmatched, and I urge guests to remember tipping for the outstanding effort the team puts into maintaining the health and happiness of the horses and the pristine condition of the stables. A resounding 10 out of 10 experience that I highly recommend to both individuals and families.

Adriana Michele

2023-11

What an incredible experience! The guide was so sweet and knowledgeable, and their horses are smart and wonderful. The trail has beautiful views. Highly recommend.

Kaitlyn Biancaniello

2022-05

While staying at Smugglers Notch, we decided we wanted to try horseback riding. After reading all the amazing reviews, we knew Lajoie Stables was the place to go! I called in the morning and was able to make a reservation for the same day and it was a quick 15 min drive from Smuggs. The horses were calm and super sweet, and our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. We even got to spend a few minutes afterwards chatting with the owner, and petting the friendly dogs that hang out on the property. On top of all that, it was reasonably priced! Highly recommend checking this place out!

Samantha D

2023-05

This is going to be in-depth winter trail ride review. I wasn’t going to post my experience but Iv had time to think on it and now that winters coming up I feel it’s important to share so this doesn’t happen to anybody else or the horse again. Iv taken horseback riding lessons since I was 6 years old up until I was 15 or so. After getting bucked off pretty bad at 15, Iv only gone on trail rides since. In March my fiancé and I decided it’d be fun to go on a winter trail ride so I jumped on google and saw lajoie barn. We booked a week out and then a snow storm hit. We had probably 2 feet of snow. I decided it was a good idea to call and check in with our trail ride because I assumed they’d reschedule for better weather. The lady on the phone was snappy and rude when I asked if it was still a safe idea. She told me not to worry about it and so on. Feeling uncertain at this point we both decided to just go with it. When we arrived another group had just got back. We signed the papers and our guide fully explained to my fiancé that they used to go to school together.. it was odd. He and I were both uncomfortable as we were clearly on a date.. we started the trail ride and immediately I could tell my horse was having a hard time in the thick snow. As we started to go downhill both my horses front legs collapsed almost sending me over. (Someone with less experience definitely would’ve ended up overboard) I mentioned to the guide and she reassured that he was fine.. later on the same thing happened again.. this made me feel awful for the horse and guilty for booking a winter trail ride. I had no idea this was going to happen. When we got back to the open barn I realized the same horses who had got back from a trail ride when we arrived were still tacked up with sweat / pee frozen to them. I have to say this was my worst experience at a barn in VT and Iv been to many. There’s lots of other better options for trail rides. I’m sure any other season would be better but I genuinely still feel guilty for even thinking booking a winter trail ride was a good idea. We left feeling very sad for the horses and guilty.

Pam McCarthy

2023-09

A wonderful ride with my granddaughter, her first! Gorgeous day on a tranquil trail, gentle horses, and a dynamic trail guide who really personalized our ride as she led the way on her fabulous Fjord! Highly recommend!

Brittany Miller

2023-05

Makayla was awesome, the trail was beautiful and it was only 30 minutes from Stowe!

Christen Hauenstein

2023-10

We had a calm, relaxing ride and saw deer and a flock of turkeys!Tour guide was lovely and the horses receive excellent care.

Debbie Arneault

2023-06

The ride was absolutely fantastic. My horse King was very well behaved. The guide was very nice. The grounds were spectacular. The horses we're extremely well taken care of. You could literally tell they were happy. The only complaint I have about the ride was that we didn't get any pictures except for one. I understand why they do not allow you to carry your camera. However I do think the guide could have taken more than three pictures. Two of which were of the ground and the third one cut off one of the girls heads. We ended up with one picture of two of only two of us. I know the guide is not a photographer but I do think she could have tried a little harder. I am sure everyone who goes horseback riding wants a picture. Perhaps she should take them throughout the ride and then send them to you afterwards that way you'd be sure to get at least one good one. We tipped very well but would have tipped less had we looked at our pictures first.6/3/23 I just received a very nice phone call from LaJoie Stables apologizing for the pictures and offering a gift card. This place is a Class Act. May I suggest in the future taking pictures with your own phone and then texting them rather than using a phone that is not familiar to you. Again I thought this was a fantastic ride we had a wonderful day and the horses actually seem joyful. Thank you for a beautiful experience

Bree M

2022-05

It’s a tradition for my husband and I to go horse back riding here every year! Our guide Amanda was wonderful and creates an unforgettable experience for us every time! We always use the photo that’s taken for our Christmas cards. We can’t thank Amanda enough!

Joey McManis

2024-04

Had an amazing experience, from a fun ride to how experienced and knowledgeable the tour guide was highly recommend!

Natalie Dow

2023-05

Absolutely love this barn and the people who work here! I went for a private ride with my boyfriend and our guide Tina was amazing! It was my first time riding a horse and Tina was very patient and kind when answering all the questions I had! Overall just a beautiful barn and it is very obvious that all of the horses are extremely well taken care of! Will definitely be returning and would highly recommend this barn!

Morgan Manning

2023-05

My family and I have been coming to Lajoie for several years now and we always have the most amazing time here! My daughter is obsessed with the trail horse Luca and my fiancé loves to ride Alex who normally prefers small woman but has created a bond with my man that he lets him ride! My personal favorites are Goose and King! The girls that work at the stables are always so kind and helpful, they answer every question my daughter asks about the horses and tell us about Lajoie and the horses every time we take a ride. They have the sweetest team and you can truly see how much they love what they do with the horses! They helped me to become so comfortable riding again after all these years! We feel like family at this point and it’s always a top pick for a family day for us no matter the season!

Courtney O'Brien

2023-05

I have visited Lajoie Stables many times over the years but after trying different seasons to ride, I wanted to share that Winter is my all time favorite time of year to ride. The trails are beautiful. The horses are fluffy with their winter coats and you can tell that they genuinely like being ridden in the snow.My family and I will be sure to book a ride every holiday season!

Jean Uttero

2023-05

What an amazing place! Not only are the horses amazing and gentle but the staff is one of the friendliest I’ve met!! Krystina made our trial ride amazing 🤩 she kept my step daughter calm and entertained while also joking with my boyfriend. She really made us feel like family while at the facility💞. This place is clean and well maintained and the horses are all happy and healthy. It’s a very majestic experience! My family and I can not wait for our next visit at lajoie❤️

CarleysChaos

2023-05

If you’re in Vermont and looking for a place to take your friends and or family on a trail ride, this is the place to go!! I took my aunt riding for her first time ever, she was very nervous at first but 5 minutes into the ride she had a huge smile on her face and had a very nice ride! They take excellent care of their horses & other animals, the staff are all wonderful and the environment itself is just a magical place to be!!