Horsin Around

Horsin Around, an establishment located at 13140 Old TX 81 in Troy, Texas, presents a complex and concerning picture for potential customers. While listed as an operational travel agency and point of interest, a deep dive into customer feedback and its online presence raises significant questions about its current status and business practices. The available information suggests that while it may have once provided equestrian activities, the overwhelming majority of experiences shared by past patrons are deeply negative, culminating in a recent report that the location may not be active at all.

The business model appears to have centered on providing family-friendly attractions such as pony rides, a petting zoo, and birthday party hosting. These types of localized tourist services can be a valuable community asset. One positive review, now several years old, does mention that individuals named Brenda and Lee provided a safe environment for children and adults to enjoy horses. This singular piece of positive feedback suggests that at some point, there was a vision for a pleasant recreational facility. However, this positive note is completely overshadowed by a pattern of serious complaints that any prospective visitor should consider.

An Examination of Customer Complaints

The issues reported by customers are not minor grievances; they point to fundamental problems in service delivery, facility management, and ethical conduct. Anyone considering Horsin Around for event planning, such as a child's birthday party, should be aware of past failures. One detailed account from a party attendee described a deeply disappointing experience, citing a severe lack of basic amenities. The report mentioned that for a party of twelve children and several adults, only one table and an insufficient number of chairs were provided under a small pop-up tent that offered minimal shade. Furthermore, the hosts allegedly had to manage their own freezer items for ice cream by traveling back and forth, as no accommodations were made. The advertised music was absent, and staff involvement was reportedly limited to animal care, with no one assigned to assist the party itself. This review also painted a bleak picture of the advertised activities, noting that parents, not staff, were expected to lead the two ponies for the children's rides and that the "petting zoo" consisted of only a few goats and a single miniature pony. Such an experience falls far short of what is typically expected from a paid party venue, indicating a potential for poor customer satisfaction.

Serious Allegations Regarding Business Ethics

Perhaps the most alarming feedback involves a direct accusation of unethical business practices, specifically targeting a military family. A customer reported purchasing a $160 gift certificate as a Christmas present for their son, a soldier who had been deployed seven times and was recovering from injuries sustained in an IED explosion. When the son, who had retired from the military in January, attempted to use the certificate, the business allegedly demanded an additional $50. The justification given was that the certificate had been purchased with a military discount and, since the son was now retired, he no longer qualified for that pricing. This practice, described by the customer as a "bait and switch," is a serious charge. The situation was compounded when the business, after refusing to honor the certificate at its purchased value, allegedly promised to credit the customer's card but failed to do so. This incident raises profound concerns about the integrity of the business and its approach to travel deals and pre-paid services like gift certificates.

Current Operational Status Is Uncertain

While the business is officially listed with operating hours from Tuesday through Sunday, the most recent review, posted just a year ago, starkly contradicts this. The user stated, "There is nothing and nobody there. Close the website!!!" This comment is a major red flag for anyone planning a visit. It suggests that the business may be abandoned or operating on a completely different schedule than advertised, if at all. The discrepancy between the official "OPERATIONAL" status and this first-hand account makes it imperative for potential visitors to perform their own due diligence. Before driving to the location, it is strongly recommended to call the listed phone number, (254) 681-0885, to seek direct tourist information and confirm if they are, in fact, open for business and offering the services advertised. The lack of a professional website or recent social media activity further complicates verification efforts.

Conclusion for Potential Visitors

In summary, Horsin Around in Troy, TX, is an establishment accompanied by significant risk for any potential customer. The history painted by user reviews is one of unfulfilled promises, inadequate facilities, and highly questionable business ethics. While the idea of a place for horseback riding and family fun is appealing, the evidence points to a business that has failed to meet basic customer expectations on multiple occasions. The most critical issue is the uncertainty of its current operational status. Given the severe nature of the complaints and the recent report of the location being deserted, anyone considering their equestrian experiences or party services should proceed with extreme caution. Verifying its status directly and weighing the history of negative feedback is an essential step before committing any time or money to this enterprise.