franklin's horseback riding

Franklin really takes care of his horses and his riders. The views are wonderful and there is a great opportunity to gallop if you are confident enough. If you're not then the horses don't rush off but take their time and you feel really safe. I rode the beautiful Pepper, and although she was one of the older horses there she was in excellent condition and very quick! At the top of the hill the horses get a chance to rest and you take take in the scenery and get to know the others in the group (and Franklin!) a bit better. I would recommend this to everyone!

Amazing views. For a person afraid of horses, franklin could not have been better in helping that fear disappear quickly. Great times!

We are somewhat experienced riders and did not want the "standard" tour with the stop at the hot springs. No problem. We arranged for an afternoon ride with Franklin. Two other couples with varying experience joined us for a 2 to 2-1/2 hr tour. Franklin let us run ahead while spending time with those that needed his help. He gave us 2 horses that liked to gallop and at times they did. These horses were well-trained and knew the routes well. In spite of our differing abilities, we were all able to socialize at the beginning and during a rest stop near the end of the ride. We also got to know Franklin while he drove us back and forth to our hotel. He is a great guy and will take good care of you, no matter what your previous experience may be.

Frank is one of the best guides you can have in Boquete. He take you out on his horses he has some 20-30 and some for almost all experience levels. I had never been on a horse and he was able to gt a horse that would do pretty much what I wanted it to. I would suggest this to any one with a family or a lovely hike up the hills for some great views.

Last fall me and my friend went to Boquete for a vacation. We found Franklin on tripadvisor and chose him. He was so nice and even before we met him we exchanged phonenumbers so we could keep in touch and discuss when on the day to ride because depending on the weather. He picked us up at our hostel and we drove to little Town outside Boquete, approx 30 min one way. He was really friendly and we talked about everything. He asked about our experiences on horse backriding and we got horses suited for our experiences. I had never been horse riding before so we took it easy in the beginning. Then we went on the real trail through rivers and Forests and up on a hill. He Always asked us how it was going and helped us. The view was SO Amazing!!! All and all we rode for like 2-3 hours. Franklin really takes care of his horses and let them rest if they need to. He also speaks really good English and has so many interesting stories to tell. Like I said we found him here on tripadvisor. All hostels offers horseback riding as well but they are more pricy and they don't take care of their horses. This suits everybody, couples, friends, families. If you are in Boquete you must do this!! It was such a great experience.

Such a friendly helpful Panamanian. Spoke good english, very helpful with the horses and provided a very memorable experience!

My husband and I had a great time with Franklin. He picked us up at our hotel and took us on a beautiful ride in the mountains. He was very nice and we had interesting conversations about Boquete and the surrounding area.

What a day! Our family had a great time on those horses. My husband and 9 year old are great riders and they got the right horses for them. My 7 and 10 year olds and myself needed more help and we got the right horse for us. Lovely, lovely ride. My only recommendation: take a bottle of water to enjoy at your break. It is a breathtaking view and a little water (maybe wine?) would have been great! And Franklin is a really nice guy!

Franklin picked us up at our hotel and drove us to the site. He helped us get on the horses, gave us some instructions and we were on our way. His English was great.The first hour he took us on some flat paths through the country side. It was relaxing and pretty. This served as a nice way to get used to riding (neither my wife nor I had significant experience). The second hour we went into a canyon. It was absolutely beautiful. When we hit the plains, the horses started galloping and we held on tight! After the horses slowed down we got off and let them go off on their own a little and took pictures in the canyon. Franklin than went to get the horses and we headed back down. We paid $30 each and I would definitely recommend this for the price.Tips:You will absolutely want your camera - The canyon was amazing and you'll look cool on the horses with the mountains in the background.Wear jeans (or long pants) - it'll be cool enough and easier on your legs.My wife's hat came off (Franklin recovered it) when the horses were galloping so make sure it's on tight enough before the gallop or take it off.

If you are in Boquete and even considering a horseback tour, Franklin is a must. My now fiance and I got engaged during our excursion in November. He was so helpful assisting me plan a week or so before our trip. My fiance loves horses and I've never been on one - it was no problem. Franklin helped every step of the way. We were lucky enough to see a double rainbow right before I proposed. This was obviously the highlight of our trip and would recommend for anyone that loves the outdoors! Thank you Franklin!

We have ridden all over the world and assumed we'd be riding head to tail on nags. Not so. .Franklin owns 26 horses with his family and, having grown up on the ranch, takes good care of them. My husband and I are intermediate riders and he put us on horses that he knew we could control. A family with 3 kids came along and he carefully chose their horses as well, having his niece lead the youngest child who really didn't know how to ride. The whole thing turned into an experience when it started to rain and we pulled out tarps from the back of the horses, riding through the rain without a care. Finally, as the rain let up, we rode up into the hills, crossing a small creek and winding our way up the rocky slope to a vista. We couldn't go all the way because it was too slippery but we spent several hours on horseback for only $35. No galloping or trotting for the same reason, so it would have been fun to try that too.Franklin is well educated and working towards hiring someone to take the rides out so that he can concentrating on writing novels. A pleasant guy to talk with. We booked through Boquete Outdoor Tours but he does book directly.

Franklin came highly recommended as the only person to call in Boquete for a horseback riding tour. I am glad our hosts recommended him. My family has horses and I have been riding for many years. One thing I always worry about when traveling internationally is how the horses are being treated & taken care of. No worry here; Franklin's horses are beautiful, healthy and in great shape! Franklin himself is an excellent guide and host. He is highly educated and at one point, the German couple that was with us began trading notes on their philosophers and yes he knew than they did! So, not only can you get a great ride through both flatlands (which was a great for a gallop) but also into the hills for some of the most amazing views we have ever seen. Book this tour now and you will not be sorry.

Thank you Franklin for a great afternoon riding your horses. We enjoyed every moment, particularly the views of the mountains from such a top spot. What fantastic country! I highly recommend Franklin's riding tours, regardless of your ability. Franklin will look after you. Excellent equipment also.

Me and My friend Went horsebackriding with Franklin in november and it was really great. We got picked up by Franklin in Boquete and then we drove to his Place where the horses are. We both really enjoyd the Beautiful surroundings in the area and the horses were great. We also like to support the people who really cares for the horses, wich it seems like Franklin does :)I would recomend this Place to anyone who wants a nice and fun time horsebackriding!

A very authentic and local experience. Franklin chooses the horses depending on your experience level and set the route pace for what we wanted to see. The whole setting was beautiful, the weather was great and will recommend to anyone wanting an authentic personalized experience beyond the normal "travel package" kind of experience.