Address: | 190 Greenwood Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA |
Phone: | +1 843-671-2586 |
Site: | lawtonstables.com |
Rating: | 4.2 |
Working: | 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM |
LA
laccanvas
This place had potential. Very small place, kind of like going to your grandpas barn, but without the barn. We were never guided or shown around after we first arrived when we paid our fee. We wandered around aimlessly trying to find the area where we were "suppose" to be. The place wasnt busy. Just about 5 families. The pony rides go around in a circle hand guided by a handler that goes around the animal "petting area", which is in the center. So when pony rides are going on, you can potentially be in the way of the pony rides. You can go into the gated petting area, where SOME of the animals are, but you have to cross the pony lane. The pony rides were one at a time, so you have to wait for everyone in line before your turn. When it was my 4 year olds time to pony ride they asked me to walk along with her because it was her first pony ride, while walking along side her the handler told me not to walk too hard on the gravel because it could "spook" the pony. WTF? I am a skinny average height person. We also were scolded very rudely for having our stroller on the gravel, which is where I was petting the famous Clydesdale. At one point, the lady that was working the counter started guiding the ponies...thats when she scolded us about our stroller. Were they understaffed? Very horrible experience. I have been to tons of petting zoos since I was 5, am now a mother, rode horses my whole life ( I live near the Smokies), even in different countries. This horse riding company was not a well thought out lay out. Hilton Head brings in billions of dollars each year...the riding stables is practically the only land attraction they have along with the lighthouse, you would think they could afford to pay someone to help with things. The animals were clean and the property was clean, and wish I could say that I had a normal fun time, but the experience was difficult, even the staff at the Piggly Wiggly was more helpful. Also, for out of towners, you can bike to the stables, you just park your bikes outside of the entrance. Also we were charged a $1 fee per bike to enter the Sea Pines area. Basically, a toll fee.
CA
Carol B.
Beautiful animals and location. Office personnel very helpful. Now, I specifically went to just visit the horses and animal farm because we, due to certain personal reasons, cant ride a horse. That said, Id emailed a few weeks prior about just visiting as horses are my fav animal and its literally been over a decade since Ive been up close to one. So, we went to just visit. Anyone around us riding/About to ride seemed to be having a great time. Animals appear extremely well cared for. If you want to feed the smaller animals, you can buy feed from a dispenser on the porch. We walked through and settled in front of the large pasture that had 3 ponies and a large male horse. The latter was enjoying the shade under a tree (corner of the fence area) and allowed us to pet him and stand near him. Such a sweetheart. Every so often one of the ponies would come over to make his presence known and then strut back off to eat some more grass. **note** These stables are located in Sea Pines which is a gatedgates area of the island. $6 a car, entry fee. Lots to do and see in this area so we planned a trip to the lighthouse , Stoney-Baynard ruins and the stables back to back to back once we got through the gate** Thank yall for allowing me to visit and just see, spend time with, and enjoy being near the horses. I appreciate that. You seriously made my day! If I come across anyone interested in riding, Ill be sending them your way.
KA
katy gracia
The experience was WAY too expensive for a 45 minute walk around a neighborhood lake. If you have any experience riding horses whatsoever, you will be bored out of your mind. I have been riding horses my entire life and have been on many, many trail rides through other companies and at different locations, and this ride was by far the worst. We were in a group of 15 people, which is pretty large. The horses had to walk single file, which is standard. But the staff put emphasis on keeping the horses 4 to 5 feet apart, which is easy for an experienced rider, but the majority of the riders were first timers, having difficulty keeping their horses apart. Because of this, two horses ended up bucking at the horses behind them. The riders were frightened. Horses conditioned for trail riding shouldnt be so quick to react, or be spooked by the crumbling of leaves. I am overall so disappointed, and feel like this place is just trying to take in as much money as they can without caring about their customers experience.
KR
Kristin Crowley
This is cute if you want feed some farm animals. It is $0.50 for a handful of food so for a few dollars you have plenty. Bring wipes as there is nothing to wash your hands after your done feeding animals. The place is a little complicated to navigate so follow the signs. Staff was hot or miss. Some were incredibly friendly. Others were less then hospitable. Pony rides are expensive. Trail rides are extremely expensive. Ages and weight limits strict enforced. Keep in mind you must pay $6.00 to get into this area of the island.
BR
Brittany Brookshire
My boyfriend and I stayed on Hilton Head Island for our 4 year anniversary and we loved Lawton Stables!! Before the ride, we went into the petting zoo area they had which was great! An actual deer walked right up to me which is not an everyday experience. The ride was very nice and relaxing! This was my first time going horseback riding and they were very helpful and taught me the basic knowledge needed! We are actually going again in a couple of weeks for our 5 year anniversary!
JO
Joshua Merrell
Avoid this place! Was refused a horseback ride for my 6 year old daughter. She is very tall and athletic for her age (60 lbs). Staff said she was to heavy for the pony. We said fine. How about a small horse and lead her around the ring. They refused stating they only take trail rides with the horses and she has to be 8 years old for the trail ride. Thanks for breaking my daughters heart on vacation. Way to go!
MI
Misty Davis
Nice place. Been wanting to take the kids here. Love the "petting zoo" although some of the animals were not really the "petting" kind. Go early! It gets HOT in the sun and crowded and the animals get full or "beg" you for the food to the point that it isnt "fun" to feed them. The horse rides seem like a rip off. Save your money there. and take your own cup and quarters to get the food.
MA
Mackenzie
I am an equestrian that rides a lot and I was disappointed in the rides. The ride was slow and it was too expensive. I didnt like being with inexperienced riders that scare at every little thing the horse does. The staff didnt seem enthusiastic and they werent very flexible with the inexperienced riders. They should open up English rides in the ring. That would be fun and worth while.
DE
Derek Such
Great visit for families with kids! We went here with my two boys (1 1/2 and 4) and they had a lot of fun. Once you pay the entry to Sea Pines the admission to the petting zoo is free. The kids liked seeing all the different animals they had and then my oldest did a pony ride which he really enjoyed. For older kids and adults they have riding lessons and trail rides.