We took our 12 year old grandson on holiday to Southern Cross Ranch after we fell upon this place having given up on our search for a suitable ranch holiday. From the moment we arrived until we left we loved every minute of it. None of us had ever been on a horse before and were a bit daunted by the thought. However, we need not have worried everyone was so helpful and the horses were so well trained that we all thoroughly enjoyed the riding. The food was great and loads of it and I can't thank them enough for making a special vegetarian meal each meal time - and I was the only veggie there! We will definitely be going back.

I agree with the other reviews that there were a lot of great aspects of this experience.
However, mainly we were disappointed in the riding. Perhaps my expectations were too high from reading the reviews, and from my past experiences when we owned horses. Our first ride was a 2-hour walk through woods, generally over fairly narrow trails where we rode one behind the other. We definitely would have enjoyed some variety and some scenery. We'd been told that we would ride the first hour with the guide and then could go on our own, but this didn't happen, and we plodded along, walking in line in the woods for two hours. It had rained two days prior so some low areas were muddy; but even so, with over 200 acres, there were plenty of areas that were dry and open, where guests could have done a little trotting or cantering and have some variety, but this was not offered in the first ride. In the afternoon ride, we rode partly on our own and then joined a group that was doing some cantering. We found that neither of our horses had a particularly comfortable gait, so that was also disappointing. I later learned that some of the horses are considered more comfortable than others.
We also got frustrating mixed messages from staff--some of whom were relaxed, and some of whom were controlling. For example, as we were tacking up in the afternoon, the barn manager said it would be fine to canter as long as we were in a dry area. But five minutes later, as we were going out, another staffer gave us a lecture that it was unsafe to canter, and that we could not do it. There were several instances like this when we felt like children being scolded.
The lodging was very comfortable, but there was room for improvement--it was like you were staying in someone's home and they just couldn't get to all the small things needing attention. (I probably wouldn't go into this stuff except for all the 5-star reviews, which to me means there is almost nothing that needs attention.) Some examples: Our spacious bathroom needed tile repair and the toilet wasn’t properly bolted to the floor; there was a pretty two-story foyer but the stairway carpeting showed the heavy traffic from dirty shoes. We loved features like the metal artwork and beautiful furniture and bedding in our room, but the artificial flower arrangements throughout the facility were not to our taste. The driveway to the main building is one part attractive landscaping, one part equipment parking. A large tree centered in front of the main building blocks the view of what would otherwise be a focal point as you drive up. None of this is a serious complaint especially when the lodging staff is so pleasant; we’re just saying that five stars is an overstatement.
We would have preferred that the staff find a place to smoke other than on the porch at the entrance to the dining room; it's a pretty place to sit and wait before mealtime, but it would be much nicer if smoke-free.
Also, our bed had a quality mattress but was seriously too soft for my comfort. I think some rooms may have firmer mattresses, so you may want to ask if you have a preference.

My husband and I were looking for a getaway for my birthday and fell upon this place. Upon arrival we were greeted with warm smiles and an abundance of information to help us make a great decision. We stayed for two nights and loved every minute of it. Both of us are horse lovers and couldn't wait for the rides. The ranch is beautiful. The rooms are amazing and spacious. A real feel of home away from home. Very clean and comfortable. The owner was a charm. You would never know that she is the owner.She was in the kitchen just like the other staff. Her warm spirit made it an easy choice for us to return for our next trip. The horses are easy to handle and very well trained. Looking forward to our next trip in October!!!

Having intially been looking for a riding holiday in Italy or Portugal I went to my travel agent to price flights. The travel consultant said that if I was looking for a riding holiday I should check this place out..........I've just returned from my 3rd visit having already booked my next trip before leaving. I love this place! The people, the horses and the food are wonderful. Relaxation, peace, quiet, great food and great horses - what more could you ask for?