Broadleaf Ranch

India Miller-Bidwell

I went on a 1 hour trail ride and it was an incredible experience. From the beginning booking process to being on the horse, the staff were knowledgeable and very friendly. Katelyn was our guide on the trail and she was so friendly and very helpful to those with limited experience on horses. 10/10 experience and I will definitely be going back!

April Keizer

My friends and I are experienced riders. I started planning our trip to Broadleaf Ranch in February after researching several options and being reassured they cater to experienced riders as well as beginners. Every communication I had, I reminded them we were all experienced riders and we expected to be taken where we could w/t/c. Every time I was reassured that yes, on the 4 hour excursion there are places to do all that. The first disappointment came when our 4 hour ride was broken into two, 2 hour rides. I again asked if that would affect our ability to get the experience we were coming for and was again assured it would not, that only experienced riders book the 2 hour rides. 2nd disappointment was when we were signing our form, we were told no cameras would be allowed to be taken with us nor could we take any pictures of ourselves with the horse before getting on. We would have brought go pros if we had a heads up but were never told that and could not find tgat on the website anywhere. We could give one of our phones to the guide who could take pics for us. We got maybe 5 good pictures and she wasnt happy about having to take any we adked for. We were treated like beginner riders right from mounting the horses. There was no giving your horse a bit of love or even seeing their face, just mount up and each horses nose is jammed into the rear-end of the horse ahead of it and moving out of line in any way is considered breaking the rules. We got to trot 4 maybe 5 times on the first 2 hour ride. No cantering but when I heard the guide say she hadn't cantered in a year, we figured we might not get to. We had an hour break between our first and second ride. We get back and are told the 2 women riding with us come every year so we think great, we might get to canter. The guide had clearly assessed us and could tell we were experienced riders so giddy-up. About 5 mins into this ride the guide says, you all want to trot and we agreed but teh 2 girls they sent in our group, in back said, no we're good. Needless to say, when I seen we were headed back towards the barn to go to the flats, I said drop us off at the barn, we are not walking for 2 hours, that's not why we were there. We didn't end up being charged for that 40 min but nothing could compensate our disappointment, our time traveling there from Dartmouth, NS nor the money we spent to stay on the ranch. If you are experienced, avoid this barn. They will tell you they can accomadate you but do not even try! Nothing even close to the experience we wanted! Hope this helps someone else rom experiencing the disappointment we did! Highly recommend Spirit Reins in Parrsboro!!! They have tailored beach rides for us and do not treat experienced riders like 12 year old beginners! The horses at Broadleaf are all saddled first thing in the morning and just stand tied up all day! No wonder they all looked so sad! Spirit reins treat their horses like family! Worst barn I've ever been to is hands down Broadleaf Ranch!

Brad James

For the last few years, I've had what I assume is the ghost of a cowboy haunting me with the thought of 'riding a horse'. Why? I have no idea. Last week, I decided to finally act upon this primitive urge, and called Broadleaf ranch on a Saturday morning, just to see what their daily itinerary looked like. In one simple phone call, I was booked for 4PM that same day for an hour long horseback riding experience. Coming from Moncton and being a regular visitor to Alma/Fundy, broadleaf ranch was easy to find, and the drive there was calm, scenic, and peaceful. Upon my arrival, I was kindly greeted by a kind young lady with a charming Australian accent. After a paying, signing some forms and a safety debriefing (helmets optional), I was introduced to my horse, Ben. I had never ridden a horse prior to this day, let alone approached one so closely. At first, it's a terrifying and harrowing experience, being atop of this giant creature who could buck at any moment. The instructors did an excellent job at assessing individual anxiety and stress levels to make sure everyone was paired with a suitable horse. With time and confidence, the discomfort and fear go away, granted that you can maintain control of your steed. The hour long ride takes place in the vast marsh area behind the stables. We slowly trotted along the trails, gazing at the beauty of the landscape, the wildlife, the free flowing bodies of water and soaking in the experience of doing all of this, while sitting on the back of a horse. I want to thank Broadleaf for providing me with the opportunity to temporarily and vicariously experience life as a cowboy, if only for an hour. Bonding with my horse Ben, was truly a majestic and serene experience, and I look forward to taking a longer ride in fall once the leaves start to change colors.

David Fletcher

We stopped for supper after doing the Hopewell Rocks. Most things were closed by the time we climbed up from the sea floor, but this place was open 'till 8! Yes! Also they had fine service (we were almost the only ones there) and excellent food! I got the chicken burger and it was Deee-licious with a spicy maple mayo!

GracieO'Bunny

I just got home from a 3 night stay! It was exactly what my heart needed. Fantastic experience. I did an Equine Wellness session- powerful. And a 2 hour horse ride, just me and Alissa. A fun time chatting away. All Staff were amazing. Stayed in a glamping cabin, Chuckwagon. The meals were the best I’ve had in years. The chef should be on Master Chef. I will definitely go back. Miss the peaceful surroundings already.