Riding horses can be lots of fun. However, as with any physical activity, you must be cautious and not have any limiting factors that are not suited for horseback riding .
HERE ARE A FEW RIDING TIPS and RULES WHEN YOU ARE AROUND HORSES:
Never walk to the back of the horse! Horses can and may kick. (they can’t see you and can be frightened if you go behind them) Parents please watch your small children at all times and do not let them walk near the horses.
Always mount and dismount on the left side of the horse.
Hold your reins in one hand, preferably the dominant hand. Never jerk on the reins or shake the reins. You can hurt the horse’s mouth. Never let go of your reins at any time. This is how you control your horse.
Pull your reins to the side, in the direction you want to go. For example, pull to the right to go right and left to go left.
Pull back slightly toward your stomach, to stop or slow down your horse. Once you pull back release. Never keep pulling back on the reins. Pulling too hard, can cause them to backup or rear up.
Put the ball of your foot in the stirrup, not your whole foot. Balance your body with equal pressure in your feet, keeping your heels down and toes up. Balance is very important when riding a horse. You don’t have a seat belt on, so this is how you stay on your horse along with balancing. If you have any issues with lightheadedness or balance issues, then you must notify the staff before you leave for the trail.
Hold your horn for balance if you need to.
While riding your horse, pay attention at all times. Make sure you do not ride too close to the horse in front of you. (the horse in front of you may kick)
Do not pass the horse in front of you. Always keep a space about a horse length apart. Sometimes the horse in front of you may stop, so just wait and do not pass.
Never let go of your reins. We show you how to hold your reins, so please pay attention when we give you instructions. You don’t want your reins too tight or too loose.
Always stay alert and follow the instructions given. Sometimes there are deer on the trail, that may dart through the forest and can startle your horse, so please pay attention for sudden movements.
If the horse puts his head down or turns his head toward your foot, he is not going to bite you, he is just trying to get a fly off.
It’s best to wear long pants and shoes with a heel or sneaker. Sandals and flip-flops aren’t very good for riding.
If you have any physical or mental disabilities, this ride may not be for you. You must be alert, follow instructions and pay attention for the entire ride. You must also have a good balance to ride a horse.
Please no screaming or shouting while riding a horse.
Do not take your cell phone with you while riding. You need to stay ALERT at all times while riding a horse. Any unusual noise out in the quiet trail can frighten a horse. Also by trying to use your phone for pictures, etc, means taking your hand off your reins and making movements that could frighten your horse as well. We are happy to use your phone to take pictures of you and group-shots of your family/group when you finish your ride. If you have someone that stays back, they can take your picture from the stables area.
No crossbody bags, water bottles, cameras, or backpacks are allowed on the horse. A waist bag (fanny pack) is fine. No loose objects that might fall off and scare your horse. Leave your sunglasses as well. We usually have a collection of lost, damaged, or broken sunglasses.
We have riding helmets available to wear at no charge. (Under age 18, must wear helmets) NEVER REMOVE YOUR HELMET WHILE ON A HORSE!
Please watch your children at all times around horses and ponies. NEVER RUN NEAR THE HORSES OR PONIES OR BEHIND THEM!
