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?            
Your guides always appreciate a tip in recognition of skilled, attentive private service.  Most of our guides work off of tips. We suggest 15-20%

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?
Yes we do, however we do not like to post it because it changes based on what horses are available at that time. 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 larger substitutes available. To avoid possible embarrassment, delay or reducing the length of  your ride please be honest!  Larger riders must ride the larger and taller horses. Our horses do not carry more than 20% of their body weight and that includes their tack. We require honest and accurate weights to properly pick your mount. If you provide inaccurate weights, we may not have a substitute horse available, in which case you are still financially responsible whether you ride or not.

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 specifically for you.  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. 

Must read 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.  Larger/heavier riders will stick to a walking pace.  The trail we use for larger riders is geared for the horses comfort and safety, it may not be the usual trail ride. Horses that are used for the larger riders are not built for fast riding. If we do not offer to trot or 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.

 

---

• Reservations are required. Groups of 10 or more need a 7-14 day notice, a 50% deposit and must fill out and send in the group contract.
  
• Under 10 riders:
  
• 1-2 day notice for non holiday weekdays is ideal.
  
• 2-3 day notice for weekends and holidays.
• Same day reservations are accepted on first call, first serve basis but may be charged an extra $5/ rider.
• No Age & No Reasonable Weight Restrictions. (We reserve the right to use our scale if needed.)
  
• However, we must be notified of this at the time your reservation is scheduled.
• All business and visitation is by appointment only please.
  
• We are open 7 days a week, weather permitting, 365 days a year. Holiday rates apply for Easter, Christmas and Thanksgiving add 20% to regular rates.
  
• We are open for riding from 10 AM until 2 hours prior to dark by reservation only.
• All reservations are scheduled and depart on the hour, a 15 to 20 minute early arrival is required. Late arrivals will not get their full amount of riding time. However, you are financially responsible for what was scheduled.
  
• Payments are CASH ONLY
• If paying prior to the day of your ride, you can pay via venmo or PAY PAL
  
• If using paypal (add 3% for credit card), send payment as "gift" to sheeder4w@gmail.com
• Prices do not include gratuity for your guide(s)
• Please add 15-20% for your guide(s)
• You are FINANCIALLY responsible for the number of riders, the length of ride and type of ride you reserved.
  
• We ask that you call to cancel or change any part of your ride at least 3 hours in advance for groups less than six riders.
• For groups of more than 6 riders please provide 12 hours notice for any changes to your reservations.
  
• Helmets are provided here at the farm. 
  
• Anyone under 18 years of age will be required to wear a properly fitted helmet.
  
• Adults are encouraged to wear them, please speak up and get help getting fitted if needed.