Frequently Asked Questions
Are Reservations Required?
We recommend reservations so we are prepared for you as soon as you arrive. Riders with reservations are always given priority but we always try to accommodate walk-in business. Please keep in mind that we need at least 20 minutes to ready your horses depending upon your group size. April thru October is our busiest season so reservations are strongly recommended.
Do We Get to Run The Horses?
None of our rides include galloping or “running”. We allow walking and trotting only and we always ride to the ability of the least experienced rider in the group. Trotting is allowed only on trails going away from the barn, we do not allow any trotting towards the ranch. It is up to our guide’s discretion to determine experience levels no more than 5 minutes total. Only experienced riders are allowed to trot. All group rides are walking only. This is for the safety and enjoyment of both riders and horses.
We recommend reservations so we are prepared for you as soon as you arrive. Riders with reservations are always given priority but we always try to accommodate walk-in business. Please keep in mind that we need at least 20 minutes to ready your horses depending upon your group size. April thru October is our busiest season so reservations are strongly recommended.
Do We Get to Run The Horses?
None of our rides include galloping or “running”. We allow walking and trotting only and we always ride to the ability of the least experienced rider in the group. Trotting is allowed only on trails going away from the barn, we do not allow any trotting towards the ranch. It is up to our guide’s discretion to determine experience levels no more than 5 minutes total. Only experienced riders are allowed to trot. All group rides are walking only. This is for the safety and enjoyment of both riders and horses.
What is the Minimum Age for Riders?
Trail riders must be at least 6 years old. All children 9 and under are put on a lead line for trail rides and for everyone's safety, there is no exception to this rule. Our minimum age for hand led pony rides is 2 years.
What Should we Wear?
Because we are located in a river bed there is always the possibility of mosquitos so we recommend long pants and closed toed shoes, especially for later evening rides. We provide complimentary bug spray but a long sleeve shirt is your best bet.
Are Helmets Required?
Children under 10 years old and under are required to wear a helmet but they are optional otherwise. Parents or guardians are the ones to decide if their children will wear a helmet. We do provide helmets if you would like to wear one.
Trail riders must be at least 6 years old. All children 9 and under are put on a lead line for trail rides and for everyone's safety, there is no exception to this rule. Our minimum age for hand led pony rides is 2 years.
What Should we Wear?
Because we are located in a river bed there is always the possibility of mosquitos so we recommend long pants and closed toed shoes, especially for later evening rides. We provide complimentary bug spray but a long sleeve shirt is your best bet.
Are Helmets Required?
Children under 10 years old and under are required to wear a helmet but they are optional otherwise. Parents or guardians are the ones to decide if their children will wear a helmet. We do provide helmets if you would like to wear one.
Can We Take the Horses Into the Water?
Yes! However, it's important to understand that horses are just like people in that if the water is very cold or the tide is high they are not as likely to get in. Riders must be able to steer their horses into the water. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THE HORSES WILL GO IN THE WATER ON ANY RIDE OTHER THAN OUR SWIM ADVENTURE. Please request horses that go in the water easily if you are a beginner rider scheduling a ride. Typically on our Sea Shore /Beach Ride the horses go in up to their ankles or mid cannon bone. Only our Swim Adventures allow you to take the horse in up to their chest. They are not actually swimming themselves, they always have all four feet able to touch the floor.
Are There Weight Limits?
The weight limit for a regular horse is 220 pounds. We are happy to accommodate heavier riders so if you weigh more than that please contact us to determine if we have the horse for you. If so, we will arrange for a half draft or draft horse for an additional $15 per hour. Please give us a call to let us know in advance so we can be sure to have a great horse ready for you. If you are a rider that is over our 220 pound limit for a regular sized saddle horse please call in to inquire, we have height requirements for riders over that weight. Our maximum weight limit is 265 pounds but we have a sliding scale height requirement.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
A credit card is required to hold your booking with payment due upon arrival by cash or credit card. We charge %100 per of the price if ride is not cancelled 24 hours in advance. Parties of 6 or more require a non-refundable deposit of 1/2 the amount to hold the appointment.
What is the Military Discount?
A military discount is applied the day of your booking. We give 5$ off per rider for everyone with a military ID. This will be credited to you the day of your ride upon arrival. Please feel free to book your reservation online. The discount is applied the day of your ride. For information about our military discounts relative to our other services please inquire through email.
What Are the Hours of Operation?
We are open seven days a week from nine am until 5. Our earliest reservation leaves at 9 am and our latest ride leaves between 4-6 depending upon the season.
Can I Complete the Mandatory Rider Release Form Ahead of Time?
Sure! All riders are required to complete our Rider Release Form. Go to our contact us page and click the link to our online release form at the bottom of the page.
What Amount is Customary as a Guide Gratuity (Tip)
Our guides work very hard to pair each rider with the right horse, maintain horse and rider safety, answer questions and provide you with a great experience. Customary gratuity (tip) ranges from 15%-20% depending upon your level of satisfaction. We charge a mandatory gratuity of 15% for groups of 6 riders or more.
Do We Have to Ride in a Line?
Yes. Many of our riding areas have narrow, single-track trails so naturally the horses walk in single file. For safety in open areas our horses are trained to walk in a line as this prevents riders from getting kicked. This also allows our guides to maintain the speed of the ride.
What Forms of Payment do You Accept?
Cash and all major credit cards. To cover our costs we must charge a 10% transaction fee on all CREDIT/DEBIT card payment (sorry, there is no exception to this policy). However, you can save that fee by paying with cash OR VENMO, which we prefer. We can also accept credit cards on site with our wireless credit card machine. The process can be very slow as cell service is spotty at our charmingly rural location so we appreciate your patience if we're helping you in person.
Do you Accept Volunteers?
Our volunteers receive priceless learning opportunities with hoof stock and exotic animals as well as riding instruction. We offer discounted services to our volunteers as well as work opportunities depending upon the skill set. We do not offer work for riding volunteer programs. We do occasionally have working student positions that are available depending upon the skill set of the volunteer. Please download and email in your volunteer form at the link below in order to be contacted for possible and current volunteer opportunities.
Yes! However, it's important to understand that horses are just like people in that if the water is very cold or the tide is high they are not as likely to get in. Riders must be able to steer their horses into the water. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THE HORSES WILL GO IN THE WATER ON ANY RIDE OTHER THAN OUR SWIM ADVENTURE. Please request horses that go in the water easily if you are a beginner rider scheduling a ride. Typically on our Sea Shore /Beach Ride the horses go in up to their ankles or mid cannon bone. Only our Swim Adventures allow you to take the horse in up to their chest. They are not actually swimming themselves, they always have all four feet able to touch the floor.
Are There Weight Limits?
The weight limit for a regular horse is 220 pounds. We are happy to accommodate heavier riders so if you weigh more than that please contact us to determine if we have the horse for you. If so, we will arrange for a half draft or draft horse for an additional $15 per hour. Please give us a call to let us know in advance so we can be sure to have a great horse ready for you. If you are a rider that is over our 220 pound limit for a regular sized saddle horse please call in to inquire, we have height requirements for riders over that weight. Our maximum weight limit is 265 pounds but we have a sliding scale height requirement.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
A credit card is required to hold your booking with payment due upon arrival by cash or credit card. We charge %100 per of the price if ride is not cancelled 24 hours in advance. Parties of 6 or more require a non-refundable deposit of 1/2 the amount to hold the appointment.
What is the Military Discount?
A military discount is applied the day of your booking. We give 5$ off per rider for everyone with a military ID. This will be credited to you the day of your ride upon arrival. Please feel free to book your reservation online. The discount is applied the day of your ride. For information about our military discounts relative to our other services please inquire through email.
What Are the Hours of Operation?
We are open seven days a week from nine am until 5. Our earliest reservation leaves at 9 am and our latest ride leaves between 4-6 depending upon the season.
Can I Complete the Mandatory Rider Release Form Ahead of Time?
Sure! All riders are required to complete our Rider Release Form. Go to our contact us page and click the link to our online release form at the bottom of the page.
What Amount is Customary as a Guide Gratuity (Tip)
Our guides work very hard to pair each rider with the right horse, maintain horse and rider safety, answer questions and provide you with a great experience. Customary gratuity (tip) ranges from 15%-20% depending upon your level of satisfaction. We charge a mandatory gratuity of 15% for groups of 6 riders or more.
Do We Have to Ride in a Line?
Yes. Many of our riding areas have narrow, single-track trails so naturally the horses walk in single file. For safety in open areas our horses are trained to walk in a line as this prevents riders from getting kicked. This also allows our guides to maintain the speed of the ride.
What Forms of Payment do You Accept?
Cash and all major credit cards. To cover our costs we must charge a 10% transaction fee on all CREDIT/DEBIT card payment (sorry, there is no exception to this policy). However, you can save that fee by paying with cash OR VENMO, which we prefer. We can also accept credit cards on site with our wireless credit card machine. The process can be very slow as cell service is spotty at our charmingly rural location so we appreciate your patience if we're helping you in person.
Do you Accept Volunteers?
Our volunteers receive priceless learning opportunities with hoof stock and exotic animals as well as riding instruction. We offer discounted services to our volunteers as well as work opportunities depending upon the skill set. We do not offer work for riding volunteer programs. We do occasionally have working student positions that are available depending upon the skill set of the volunteer. Please download and email in your volunteer form at the link below in order to be contacted for possible and current volunteer opportunities.