Riders under 18 Must wear a safety helmet. If you do not have one, we will supply it. 

Wear loose, comfortable jeans that allow you to bend so you can mount and dismount easily.

Adults over the age of 18 can elect not to wear a helmet by signing a release waiver.

The minimum age for trail riding is 10 yrs old. Exceptions are made based upon adequate skill level.

We do offer lead-line rides in the ring for kids too young for the trail rides.

Riding "double" (on one horse) is not allowed.

Never mount a tied horse. Please wait for your guide to bring your horse to you when it is time to mount up.
    By the same token, when arriving at the barn after a ride, wait for your guide to take the horse. 

Do not attempt to tie horses up yourself especially not using the bridle. You can damage a horse's mouth that way.

Don't let your horse eat or graze on the trail. Just one mouthful leads to many.

As an animal of flight, the horse is startled by sudden movements, loud noises and unfamiliar objects. Don't throw   
    things (hats, cameras, etc.) to or from a horse. Please ask the guide to stop first. Its also best not to carry back
    packs or any bulky loose items that can flop around while riding. 

Stay calm while around your horse, this helps him to feel more comfortable and confident in you.

While on the trail, always try to go about the same pace as the least experienced rider.  

Don't ride past your trail guide. Never run up to or past other riders.

Should someone dismount during the ride, wait for them and be sure the guide is aware right away.

Do not allow your horse to sniff, rub, or get too close to the other horses, one of them may strike out at the other. 

Pay attention to the horse's ears. This is one of the easiest ways to gage his attention and to tell if he is listening, spooking, distracted, etc.

Don't follow the horse ahead of you too closely. A horse finds tailgating about as annoying as you do and he may kick.
    To prevent "tail-gating" a good following distance is at about a horse length apart.

Keep your feet in the stirrups and on the balls of your feet with your heels down, toes up. You never want your foot caught in the stirrup. 

You will mainly be walking on the trail. If you are allowed to trot, but unable to sit correctly while doing so, we
    ask you slow down to a walk so as not to cause discomfort to the horse and may hurt his back.

Note: It is generally recommended that you take a few lessons before going out on a trail ride. Alot of people prefer just to go out without them, this is one of the reasons why we do a mini-lesson in the arena prior to take off. It's also good to get acquainted with the horse you are riding a little bit first.

 

Before you go on the trail:

Rider skills are tested and you will be asked to display competence in the following skills prior to departing on the trail:

1. Do a proper mount an dismount.
2. Bring your horse to a complete stop.
3. Show what an emergency stop looks like with proper hand position.
4. Steer the horse - using the right amount of rein control and pressure, when and how.
5. Shortening or lengthening the reins.
6. Maintain correct spacing – the rider should see the heels of the horse in front of him when looking  between his horse's ears.

 

Just before leaving, we will double check your tack and be sure it is snug, safe, and make any necessary adjustments. 

 

Thanks for reading taking the time and care to read this.  We are confident you will enjoy your ride and have a positive experience riding here.

 

Happy Trails to You...

 

                                                         Reserve your trail ride now

 

Ranch phone: 619-328-3029       Email: ridingcenter@cox.net       Go Back