Friesian Herd Tours, Workshops, Classes and Retreats in the Kettle Moraine area.

Introducing the Friesian Herd Tours Experience

If you’re dreaming of connecting with one of the rarest horse breeds in the world, the Friesian Herd Tours in Wisconsin might just catch your eye. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the idea of meeting these near-mythical creatures has us genuinely intrigued. It’s a chance to see Red Friesians, a breed with fewer than 20 left globally, and get a behind-the-scenes look at their history and personalities.

What we really like about this experience is its intimate setting—being limited to just your group means plenty of one-on-one time with stallions, mares, and adorable foals. Plus, the tour combines a good mix of education and hands-on fun, especially if you’re a horse enthusiast or a curious traveler. That said, an important thing to consider is that the tour involves outdoor walking on rough terrain, so comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must.

This tour is a solid pick for nature lovers, horse fans, and those with a soft spot for rare animals. It’s ideal if you’re after a personalized outdoor experience that offers more than just looking at horses from a distance. But if you’re hoping for a highly structured or long-lasting activity, keep in mind that this is a relatively short 2.5-hour visit.

Key Points

• Limited group size means more personal interaction with the horses.
• Rare breed—only about 13 Red Friesian horses exist in the world.
• Educational focus on the breed’s history, needs, and personalities.
• Outdoor, hands-on activity requiring comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
• Opportunity to feed, pet, and take photos of the horses.
• Booking in advance is recommended, with most reservations made about 44 days ahead.

What to Expect on the Tour

The experience begins at the meeting point on Sugden Road in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. From there, you’ll walk around the ranch grounds, where the real magic happens. The highlight? Meeting some of the rarest Red Friesian horses—stallions, mares, and adorable foals—each with unique personalities that make them fascinating to observe and interact with.

We loved the way the tour balances education with hands-on fun. You’ll learn about these horses’ history—how they’re being saved from near extinction—and their specific needs. The tour guides are passionate and eager to share insights, which makes the experience feel genuine and personalized. Plus, you’re encouraged to feed the horses treats like carrots and apples, which adds a delightful interactive element.

The terrain around the ranch is somewhat rugged, so be prepared for outdoor walking on uneven ground. The tour covers a variety of areas around the ranch, giving you plenty of opportunities for photos and videos—so don’t forget your camera! The two-and-a-half-hour duration flies by as you pet, feed, and learn about these majestic creatures.

The Quality of the Experience and Reviews

Most reviews are positive, highlighting the personalized nature of the tour and the chance to get close to the horses. One reviewer, Bill_W, mentioned that their tour was canceled because the guide was away at a fair, which is an important reminder to check availability before planning. The overall rating is 4.0 out of 5, based on four reviews, reflecting a solid experience with some variability.

Another reviewer appreciated the hands-on nature of the tour, stating, “You will be very hands-on for petting and baby love.” This suggests that if you’re looking for an interactive, memorable encounter with horses, this tour delivers. The chance to meet the stallions and learning their role in saving this rare breed is especially noteworthy.

While the experience is described as a private tour, which is great for personalized attention, it also means availability can vary, and booking well in advance is recommended, usually around 44 days ahead.

Pricing and Value

At $75 per person, this tour is reasonably priced considering the personalized, exclusive nature of the experience. The value lies in the chance to get up close and personal with a critically endangered breed that you won’t find anywhere else. The educational component enhances the value, making it appealing for those interested in history and animal conservation.

However, it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t a long tour, and some travelers might find the price a bit high if they prefer more extensive activities. Still, for horse lovers or those eager to see something truly rare, it’s a worthwhile investment.

Practical Details for the Traveler

• The tour starts and ends at the same meeting point on Sugden Road.
• It’s a private experience, so only your group participates.
• You’ll need to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes suitable for outdoor walking.
• Dress appropriately for the weather—long pants, hats, and gloves if needed.
• Bring your camera—there will be plenty of photo opportunities.
• Treats like carrots and apples are encouraged for feeding the horses.
• Service animals are allowed, which is a nice touch for those traveling with pets.
• Confirmations are received within 48 hours, but booking should be made well in advance due to limited slots.

The Downsides to Keep in Mind

While the experience sounds wonderful, there are some hurdles to consider. The cancellation policy is flexible—full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance—but one reviewer was disappointed when the tour was canceled due to guide absence. This highlights the importance of verifying current availability before booking.

Plus, the outdoor setting means you’ll be exposed to weather conditions, so check the forecast and plan accordingly. The terrain can be rough, so those with mobility issues may find some parts challenging.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for horse enthusiasts, animal lovers, and curious travelers eager to learn about rare breeds. It’s especially appealing for those who enjoy hands-on activities and don’t mind outdoor, rustic settings. If you’re traveling with children, they should be old enough to handle outdoor walking and understand the importance of gentle interaction with animals.

While not explicitly designed for families, the interactive nature of petting and feeding could make it an enjoyable outing for kids with a keen interest in animals, provided they are supervised and the weather is suitable.

Final Thoughts

The Friesian Herd Tours offer a rare peek into the world of a critically endangered horse breed, making it a memorable experience for those interested in animals and conservation. The personal, hands-on approach, combined with the chance to see and pet some of the few Red Friesians left in the world, makes this tour stand out as a unique outdoor adventure.

It’s a straightforward, reasonably priced experience that provides genuine interaction and educational insights. Perfect for horse lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone looking to add a special, off-the-beaten-path activity to their Wisconsin trip. Just remember to book well in advance, check the weather, and come prepared for outdoor fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to see, pet, and learn about the horses.

What is the price per person?
It costs $75.00, which is fair considering the exclusive, personalized nature of the experience.

Is it suitable for children?
While the experience is hands-on and interactive, it’s best suited for older children who can handle outdoor walking and gentle animal interactions.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring your camera to capture the moments, and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for outdoor terrain. Dressing weather-appropriate is also advised.

What should I wear?
Long pants or jeans, hats, and gloves if needed, depending on the weather. The terrain can be rough, so sturdy shoes are important.

Can I feed the horses?
Yes, treats like carrots and apples are allowed and encouraged during the visit.

How do I book this tour?
Booking can be done through the provider’s official channels, ideally well in advance—most reservations are made about 44 days ahead.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

In the end, if you’re after a genuine, close-up encounter with a critically rare horse breed, this tour offers a quiet, personal look at these extraordinary animals. It’s not the flashiest or most extensive tour, but for the right traveler, it can be a meaningful and memorable experience.