I booked a 2-hour sunset tour with Lucky Horse Ranch directly through email although my hotel offered a combo package (hot air balloon, ATV etc) with a free airport transfer. I had gone through earlier reviews about this particular company and I liked what I read, so i specifically wanted to visit this ranch. Irfan was so thoughtful in the email - suggesting us to ride on a day where he had no other guests so my husband and myself could have a private tour with him on our honeymoon.
Glad I took up his suggestion - we had a leisurely afternoon with Irfan (who picked us up in a classic car dressed in cowboy gear) starting from meeting the residents of the ranch (the most lovable tiny kitten, 4 horses and 2 friendly dogs). We were introduced to our friendly horses and briefed on how to manage them. The horses were calm (no biting or kicking unlike the ones we had at a Johannesburg safari) and responsive.. Irfan trains them gently and truly loves them!
We started off the ride through wide plains and after getting warmed up, headed into the winding valleys, through caves and ascended the hills on rocky slopes! Irfan even brought us by an unassuming patch of bushes and plucked us bunches of grapes (so sweet like syrup that I choked). Then we stopped by a juice stand at a vista for a chat and to catch the setting sun. Another group of riders joined us and we overhead them complaining that their guide was harsh and impatient with them - with Irfan, he truly felt like a friend although he got concerned when I let my horse stray off the path in search of grass growing on the cliffside.
As we made our way back to the ranch, it got pitch dark but we trusted the horses to lead us back safely. Invited Irfan back to town for dinner with us and made him recommend his favourite restaurant (Organic Cave Kitchen). We had one of our best meals (proper thick slabs of lamb, fresh crisp salad and decent portion sizes) over a lovely chat with him... for someone in his early 30s to devote his life to his passion, I hope he gets more support and appreciation as it's not an easy life being a one-man-act overseeing a ranch.
Book Irfan directly - no regrets for the best Cappadocian experience. Would love to return if we get the chance... also, Wishing Irfan a HAPPY BIRTHDAY on 1 November (he may be taking a Georgian holiday so do check when he returns) :)