Barking Horse Farm

Overhyped and Underwhelming: A Disappointing Ride

I'm still trying to process the disconnect between the glowing reviews and my own underwhelming experience at Barking Horse Farm. As an avid horseback rider with a passion for endurance riding, I was excited to explore the Costa Rican countryside on horseback. Unfortunately, the reality fell far short of my expectations. The horses, while well-cared for, seemed uninspired and lacked the spark I've come to expect from horses trained using Natural Horsemanship techniques. Our guide, though knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, seemed more interested in chatting with the rural families we stayed with than ensuring our safety and comfort during the ride. The accommodations, touted as 'rustic luxury,' felt more like basic hostel rooms with fancy branding. Don't even get me started on the 'upscale beachfront hotel stays' – our hotel was nice, but nothing special, and the beach was crowded with tourists. The worst part, though, was the lack of attention to detail and personalized service. With such a small group size, I expected a more tailored experience, but it felt like we were just another bunch of tourists being herded through the countryside. The 5-night trek felt like an eternity, and I found myself counting down the hours until it was over. Perhaps I'm just a cynic, but Barking Horse Farm's mission to 'share its passion for horse trekking and Natural Horsemanship' felt more like a marketing gimmick than a genuine commitment to providing an exceptional experience. Unless you're a die-hard fan of long, slow rides through the countryside with subpar accommodations, I'd recommend looking elsewhere for your horseback riding adventure in Costa Rica.