So, I am giving it a 5 star. I agree with others it is hard to find these horses. They are typically NOT on the beach, and if you had your own four wheel drive you could drive around a long time and not see any. There are a LOT of miles of beach from Corolla north. This tour generally knows where the horses are. According to the 12 year old math whiz in our group who was counting :-) , we saw 31 of the total 103. Seemed about right. Not allowed to get closer than 50 feet, but we were definitely close enough to take some good pics. So given this is a hard experience to duplicate, I gave it a 5 star.
Also, if you are wanting a fun, bouncy lift off the ground ride, you will get it. I am sure a lot of folks would enjoy this part of the adventure. And it does add to the experience.....
What they don't tell you..... you are riding almost the full two hours. There was only one stop to get out, and you are not allowed to stop at any homes where the majority of horses are. It is a good long way from the end of NC 12 where you park up to the different areas of the beach. Like the first 15 minutes and last 15 minutes (maybe longer?) are all full "beach speed" riding - 15 mph. Each 4WD (general large pickup trucks outfitted with benches and seat belts on each side of the bed of the truck and a tarp over the top) seats 10-12. And it is bumpy..... you leave your seat many times; saw one lady's camera that was strapped to her neck fly up into her face. Lets just say some in our party got major bruises (seriously). Those with motion sickness issues could be affected. Some were bothered, no one got sick. Open air and a good breeze helped.
Also be warned no bathroom break. Since some of the land you go on is privately owned by the tour company, seems like they could put in a porta-potty somewhere. I would suggest that.