This post contains affiliate links. We may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Hawaii was a lot of firsts for us.
It was the first time Pete and the girls had been there and it was also the first time Pete ever rode a horse. The girls and I have gone riding many times and taken lessons, but never in such a beautiful place… and the scenery really does make a difference! This was by far our favorite ride ever!
Since Emmy is still little, we wanted to ride at a place that had programs for both adults/teens and little ones too. I know that we are among great company of other families that have all aged children so it’s great to find activities that for the whole family and activities that cater to families and multi generational travelers.
Gunstock Ranch was the perfect fit for us.
While Pete, Maddie, and Ashley went on an hour and a half ride, Emmy and I accompanied them for a half hour of it and then we headed back. Emmy was also the lead the whole time which worked out really well. She also talked non stop to her horse and guide. Surprisingly both were okay with it. Emmy asked our guide about practically every horse on the property and was ready to apply for a job when she is old enough.
Our horses were so calm and relaxing to ride.
I was on a horse I called “boss lady”. Not her real name, but oh my, she was in charge and everyone knew it. She was the head of the herd, and I can only imagine that she did a great job at it.
We were on a leisurely ride, and since I was riding behind Emmy, I didn’t want my horse to get too close to hers. “Boss Lady” kept her cool even when she wanted to be leading the group. I was barely pulling on her reigns at all and she would immediately respond. I think I was a little too eager with the slow down requests, especially since she was already going slow. At one point, she completely turned her head around and looked at me as if to say “really? are you serious? How much slower can I go?”. It was awesome. She was the best riding horse I’ve ever been on and I know Emmy’s was equally awesome. I felt 100% comfortable on her and having my family on the horses they rode.
So let’s talk about Pete.
I was actually a bit worried if he would really like it. Having never been on a horse during his entire life, it really could have gone either way. I could tell by the look on his face as soon as he was on the horse that it was going to be a good time for all. He was smiling from ear to ear. I’m also the meanest wife ever and I warned him that horses can sense fear and I think I might have worried him… I also told him that riding a horse is really hard. Of course, I knew both of those to be completely untrue… but it was fun to tease him.
After he was back on the ground he asked when we were going again. He was sold on horseback riding. We all agreed it was a great way to spend time together and to see a new place.
Pete and the girls were on the sunset ride while Emmy and I were on the pony ride. Gunstock Ranch also has other rides in addition to the ones we did. There are scenic ones during the day, moonlight rides, and even advanced trail rides… among others. There is definitely something for everyone and every level from first time rider to longtime rider.
Here is a video of our Hawaiian horseback riding adventure:
Have you ever been horseback riding?
That sounds like so much fun! I haven’t been horseback riding since I was a kid.
What a wonderful experience. My kids have never really been horseback riding, I mean, other than at the petting zoo.. ha! I would love to do something like this
What could be more perfect than horseback riding in Hawaii? Sounds like heaven to me!
Gunstock Ranch sounds like so much fun. I’ve been horseback riding a few times, and I loved it. I can’t imagine how much fun it would be to see Hawaii by horseback.
That would be a blast to see Hawaii by horseback!! I know my kids would love to ride horseback like this, amazing experience!
This has me wanting to try riding a horse. There are some stables at the park across the street so I might take a chance at it. Looks like fun!
Oh how fun! There’s just something special about being around horses. They are truly beautiful, warm animals. I would love to do this with my family.
You all are an awesome family I would love to travel as much as you all so! It is such a great experience for the kids! We travel, not as much as you all! I love all the places you take us!
I would love to go horseback riding. It is so relaxing to go on a trail. It looks like you had a fantastic time.
What a great adventure! I love being able to do those firsts together as a family. Sounds like horseback riding was a hit, even if the horses could sense fear.
That looks like a lot of fun. I would love to do this as a family. I’m not much of a horse person, but I know my girls would enjoy it. I’d do this just so they could have some fun too!
Horseback riding, and in Hawaii? Knock two things off the bucket list there! I love how well Gunstock handled the different ages of riders, and skill levels! This is something we’d definitely book on vacation!
My kids love horses! This would be a great activity for them!
It has been a long time since I was on the back of a horse! It looks like you all had a lot of fun!
I’ve been several times, but it has been a while. I’m so glad the whole family had fun!
That’s a pretty great experience, especially as a family. What a nice way to bond and get to know each other more. I love that the ranch has a lot more to offer! And it’s nice to know that the whole family had a grand time.
I used to ride all the time when I was a kid, but I haven’t in years. This looks like so much fun, and my son would love this!
What a great experience, I would love to try horseback riding and I bet this is so fun.
This looks like so much fun! I love that you could take your whole family.
I love horseback riding when we are in Tagaytay and this is a fun experience
I’m so scared doing horseback riding but this is my unforgettable moments
This looks so much fun!!! I would love to experience this in many places. I swear horse back riding is fun!
Looks you have a great time and adventure. I want to try that horse riding. Thanks for sharing!
Looks you have a great time and adventure. I want to try that horse riding. Thanks for sharing!
I love horses! I had a few growing up as a kid. This looks like an awesome ranch to visit!
So glad to see that your whole family had fun! I love horseback riding! And I think horses are so beautiful!
I don’t think I’ve ever been on a horse. What better place to try one than Oahu!
It looks like your family had an awesome time! I know I always love horseback riding and getting out in nature like that.
What a fun trip, it looks like you guys had an awesome time too!
I love riding and that looks so enjoyable.. Not that my big black baby (His name is Biggens) likes when we go for a ride, but I still love it!