Worst treatment ever

<p>I had a awful experience and would strongly recommend any rider that is at all competent on a horse to steer clear of this institution .</p> <p>I am an advanced rider that booked a 3 hour riding session on a Sunday. The guide was completely unprofessional and I was treated as an inexperienced child and then threatened. Firstly the website specified that there would be a 30 min stop whilst our stop was 45 min. Secondly the guide was a young blond male that was incredibly rude and inappropriate. He smoked during the beginning of the ride so the smoke ended up in our faces. He also yelled at the horse a lot which disturbed the atmosphere and wasn't professional. But the worst of all was when he told me that I am not allowed to properly hold the reins while cantering. The website explains that you will get a horse assigned to you based on your own abilities and that the advanced riders can dismount at a canter leading the clients to believe that there will be proper riding. Meanwhile I was commanded to only hold the rein at the very back with one hand so that is not only slack, but hanging completely. I was then threatened that if I tighten my reins at any moment he will stop and let me dismount. It is so unacceptable to be insulted and threatened in front of the entire group. It is not only ridiculous but also very dangerous. I heard them speak of my horse bolting when he is frightened which is normal and must be taken into account whilst riding. If the horse steps out of line, bolts, bucks, is bitten, bites, kicks or scares during the ride it is essential for the rider to have full control of the situation within milliseconds. I then did what the guide said and let the horse have full control, he overtook the entire line and the guide then tried to hit the horse's head to force it backwards. This is unacceptable, dangerous, inappropriate and wrong. It also proves that a horse needs to be controlled and the rider needs to be alert at all times and expect anything. To make matters even worse he yelled at his horse, very loudly, all the more to try and prove that it listened to him without the use of his reins and the guide constantly flailed is arms in the air to demonstrate the so called discipline while screaming different sounds, making a complete fool of himself and further trying to humiliate me.</p> <p>I am an excellent rider just looking for a break away from the city by simply having a good ride. I have ridden at many institutes and have never been treated so horrifically. I emailed and complained about the treatment and was ignored. I strongly advise against riding at Bon Accord.</p>