Our break down of Horseback
Riding Levels
On average we classify a beginner rider
as having 0-50 hours of experience, intermediate as 50-100 hours, experienced
100-300 hours and advanced over 300 hours of experience. When evaluating
your riding level please do not rely solely on your hours of experience if
they have been uninstructed hours, rather follow the descriptions below.
Help us know your real riding level by telling us your actual experience
and comfort level based on the descriptions below to ensure your safety and
care of the horse.
Important note: years of riding does not translate to an automatic predetermined
level; neither does owning your own horse. If someone has been riding for
the last 10 years but only 4 times a year in comparison to someone who rides
2-3 times per week for the last 10 years there is a huge difference in those
10 years.Help us know your real riding level by telling us your actual
experience and comfort level in the descriptions below. Do not over
mount yourself.
The PRE-BEGINNER rider is someone who
is interested but totally inexperienced with horses and needs to learn about
them from the ground up. They must learn basic rein and leg aids.
You will be given horses who will calmly tolerate riding errors. The
instructors will do their best to guide you through the learning process,
but YOU must be patient, the horses know what they are doing, you may not.
You will be instructed to sit up straight no slouching or rolling the shoulders
forward, stay balanced in the center of your saddle, keep your heels down
and your toes up while in the stirrup( picture yourself standing on the edge
of a step with the ball of your foot now drop your heel down to the lower
step while keeping the ball of your foot on the original step, this is what
you will be doing). We will go over all of this when you are mounted
on your horse.
The BEGINNER is learning to follow the
horse's movements, move with the horse, and not interfere with the horse
by using the reins to balance or sitting off balance. They have knowledge
of the basic rein and leg aids at this point and can control a quiet horse
at a walk. The beginner rider slows down and walks if he/she feels they are
losing their balance at the trot. One will remain a beginner until he/she
has developed the balance and confidence to do a controlled Posting Trot
and be able to stop at any given moment. You will be given horses who will
calmly tolerate some riding errors. With an advanced rider these same
horses are very light to the aids, and astonishingly comfortable, but with
a novice they can only do their best to comply with what may be clumsy and
inconsistent requests. The instructors will do their best to guide
you through the learning process, but YOU must be patient, the horses know
what they are doing, you may not. You will be instructed to sit up straight
no slouching or rolling the shoulders forward, stay balanced in the center
of your saddle, keep your heels down and your toes up while in the stirrup(
picture yourself standing on the edge of a step with the ball of your foot
now drop your heel down to the lower step while keeping the ball of your foot
on the original step, this is what you will be doing). We will go over
all of this when you are mounted on your horse.
The BEGINNER PLUS is balanced with the
horse at the walk and can perform a balanced posting trot as to not bounce
on the horse’s back or interfere with the horse’s mouth all while maintaining
the proper 1-2 rhythm. They have knowledge of the basic rein and leg aids,
possess at least an aware seat, meaning they must be able to post a trot,
sit a trot without bouncing, and ride a short canter. He/she will remain
a beginner plus until one has developed the balance and confidence to lope
or canter the horse in a controlled manner. You will be given horses who
may or may not tolerate riding errors. The instructors will do their
best to guide you through the learning process, but YOU must be patient,
the horses know what they are doing, you may not.
The INTERMEDIATE is learning to put
a trained school-horse through its paces, and can ask correctly for walk,
trot, canter, and halt. They can get from the horse what someone else has
put into it in terms of training and conditioning. They are able
to ask accurately for transitions between gaits and be comfortable in all
3 gaits. The horses at this level are light, willing and sensitive. These
horses will NOT tolerate riding errors. If you are having troubles
with your horse then chances are they are doing their best to comply with
what may be clumsy and inconsistent requests from their rider. The
instructors will do their best to guide you through the learning process,
but YOU must be patient, the horses know what they are doing, you may not.
If you say you are an intermediate you should be able to keep your horse
from stopping to eat. If that is the case you may want to reconsider
your riding level. Intermediate riders are expected to know how to Direct
rein.
The EXPERIENCED Rider is able get from
a horse everything that is in a horse’s ability. The horses at this level
are very light, willing and sensitive. Horses at this level will NOT accept
riding errors. Riders at this level may be offered mounts that are younger
and more spirited as well as other more refined and challenging horses.
If you do not want a horse of this level please be sure to inform our
staff prior to your arrival or drop yourself down a level. For some
however, years of riding, does not translate to an automatic "Experienced"
level. Experienced riders are expected to know how to Direct rein.
The ADVANCED rider usually rides
more than one horse on a regular basis and can ride correctly using their
seat and legs. The horses at this level are very light, willing and sensitive.
Horses at this level will NOT tolerate riding errors. Often advanced riders
may be offered mounts that are younger and more spirited as well as other
more refined and challenging horses. If you do not want a horse of
this level please be sure to inform our staff prior to your arrival or drop
yourself down a level.Advanced riders are expected to know how to
Direct rein.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What sets your services apart?
As family owner/operators, and residents at this farm, we have a direct stake
in ensuring that your experience here be the safest and most enjoyable possible.
It’s a lifestyle choice! The beautiful setting and trails here speak
for themselves. We work hard to keep the horseback rides small sending
your reservation out with your own private guide. We only use strong,
sound horses, and hear many favorable comments about their excellent condition.
The skilled guides who work here know how to set horses and people at ease,
and are trained to prioritize safety. Their services are a central asset,
of course we think they’re the best guides around!
Are gratuities appropriate?
Although certainly optional, your guides always appreciate a tip in recognition
of skilled, attentive private service.
Do you have gift certificates available?
Yes, we offer gift certificates in any amount, which you are welcome to
pick up here, or simply send a check with a self-addressed envelope and we
can mail one anywhere.
Do you have a weight limit?
No, we haven't yet. However, we must have the truthful weight of each
rider who is above average; if you are in doubt, please err on the side of
overestimation. If upon arrival the riders are of questionable weight, we
have a scale on-site. If a rider is too large for the horse reserved,
they may not be able to ride since there may be no large substitutes available.
To avoid possible embarrassment please be honest! Larger riders
must ride the larger and taller horses.
Do you get a refund if you back out when you
arrive for a ride? We don't want you to ride if you are frightened.
Horseback riding should be fun and enjoyable. However we have reserved your
horse for you,turned away other riders, tacked up your horse for you, etc
therefore we ask that you pay for your ride if you back out or only take
part of the ride.
What about bad weather, do you ride?
We ride rain or shine and are open all year round. If you decide not
to ride please call to cancel at least 3 hours in advance. Please respect
our horses and staff and provide them with enough time for cancellations
don't wait until the last minute and please don't be so ignorant as to not
show without canceling.
Will I get my full ride if I arrive late?
Chances are no! If you arrive late and we allow you to take the full
length ride we will run late for the next party. It is also not fair
for our staff to work after hours because of your late arrival. This
is why we ask that you arrive 20 minutes early to allow us enough time to
do our part and get you on your horses and out for your scheduled ride. Yes,
there are emergencies sometimes and we understand that and can work with
you if we get a phone call no later than 1 hour prior to your scheduled ride.
Again if we receive a phone call in advance of the time you are due
to be here we will do our best to accommodate your full ride.
Important Information:
1. A liability release must be read and signed by all riders
or their legal guardians before the ride.
Arrive 15-20 minutes early to read and sign releases and for minors to be
fitted with a helmet.
2. All riders are recommended to wear long pants and sneakers.
No sandals, open toed shoes, open backed shoes, high heels, hiking or construction
boots. Hiking and construction boots will get caught in the stirrups therefore
are not safe to ride in. Cowboy boots should only be worn if they are not
smooth on the bottom. The stirrup is to be placed on the ball of the foot
not the arch/heel of the foot.
3. All riders must follow the guides' instructions throughout
the ride. Failure to follow instructions can result in immediate termination
of your ride without a refund. These instructions are for your safety and
enjoyment of riding our beloved horses.
4. We will travel at the pace of the least experienced
rider in your reservation. Do not ask if we can “Run” the horses. This will
be an automatic giveaway that you are not a horse person. Safety comes
first so we will work with your riders but will only travel at the pace that
is safe for everyone. We want everyone to be comfortable and enjoy their
ride.
5. We will trot if all riders are balanced in the saddle.
All riders must be able to do a posting trot.
6. We will only canter in small groups that are intermediate
plus levels. All riders must be in full control and balance at all times.
7. Obese riders will trot only if they are balanced in
the saddle. Horses that are used for the larger riders are not built for
fast riding. If we do not offer to canter than Please respect our horses
comfort and safety.
8. People who are very nervous about riding should not
ride until they are comfortable around the horse. We recommend a visit with
the horses, followed by a ride in the ring (which is a flat, closed-in arena),
then a 1/2 hr. trail ride.
9. Parties with young children should consider a riding
lesson in the ring prior to riding on the trails. This will give us the chance
to work with them on proper riding technique. The lesson and trail ride can
be done back-to-back when pre-arranged.
10. Please inform us of riders
that are not average height and weight. If you are uncertain
that someone in your party is average height and weight than you can
find your BMI listed here http://www.consumer.gov/weightloss/bmi.htm#BMI
Please arrive 15-20 minutes
early to sign the liability release and to have minors (under 18 years of
age) be fitted with a helmet.
We look forward to guiding you through scenic trails and providing a safe
and enjoyable ride for all ages and experience levels.