I was looking for stables to do a short horseback ride and had it narrowed down to a couple in Nairobi. I ultimately chose Achis Ranch as it was only a 15 minute drive from where I was staying. My daughter and I have ridden horses (and owned horses), our friends had never been on a horse before.

Achis Ranch is not easy to find-it is located behind the ranger camp-there are no signs. Fortunately, they answered their phone and were able to give our driver directions to get us to the right place. Back in the middle of the forest with nothing around. Upon arrival we saw one horse saddled and ready. There was no one around and no one to explain anything to us. After 10-15 minutes, 3 other horses came from the woods. The guides dismounted and stood there next to the horses, not saying a thing. We all looked at each other not knowing what to do next. We finally asked if they were ready and we received confirming head nods. No explanation to our friends of how to properly get on the horse, how to hold the reins, how to hold your feet in the stirrups, we just started riding.

The horses were very gentle and clearly knew the trail and where they were going. It was fun to ride back through the forest-we got to see some baboons-the horses weren’t even bothered by them. We had only signed up for a 30 minute ride and honestly, that was probably enough. The guides walked beside us; if we tried to ask them something, they mumbled an answer, so we stopped talking to them. At one point, we had locals following along behind us on the trail trying to get home from work. I finally asked if we could stop to let them pass so we didn’t have to hear their utterances the rest of the way.

We came to the end and were led over to a small water trough. Still, unsure of what we were to do, we had to ask if we were done. I wanted a picture and the guides seemed hesitant to even do that.

The forest was beautiful, the ride was mostly peaceful. However, I would choose another stable if I was looking for something fun and a way to learn for our friends.