Trail Ride FAQs

  • Do you have walk-in spaces for trail rides?
    • Due to our scheduling requirements we are unable to accept walk-ins or same day bookings – please call in advance to make a reservation.
  • How far in advance should I book a trail ride?
    • We require a minimum of 48 hours notice to book a trail ride, and advise longer if you would like a weekend trail ride. During the summer our weekend trails often book up 2-4 weeks in advance.
  • Can I book a trail ride online?
    • We are currently only set up to take bookings over the phone. Please have a credit card ready at time of booking, as we require a Visa or Mastercard number to secure all reservations. 
  • Can I use a VisaDebit to confirm my reservation?
    • While we can take VisaDebit for payment on the day of the ride, we can only accept Visa Credit or Mastercard to hold a reservation. 
  • Do you offer private rides?
    • We are able to offer private rides Monday-Friday. Due to the volume of demand, we do not offer private rides on the weekends. For details on pricing please call the office.
  • I have never ridden before, can I still go on a trail ride?
    • Our trails are friendly for all skill levels, from seasoned riders to first-timers, and the rides do not go faster than a walk. Our guides give group instructions before every ride, so you can head out on the trail with confidence.
  • Which rides go through the river?
    • All our trail lengths will criss-cross through the Conestogo River at least once, with the exception being cold weather. From November – April the water becomes too cold and unsafe for the horses. During those months we will ride beside the river, but not cross.
  • Can we trot/canter/gallop/go really fast on the trails?
    • For the safety of all our riders as well as any hikers and cyclists that we may encounter, all our trails are ridden at a walk only. 
  • Can I bring my child on a trail ride?
    • We have an age minimum of 11 for our off-property trails. Riders between the ages of 11 and 18 require an adult joining them on the trail.
  • Can I bring my young child/toddler/infant on the horse with me?
    • For safety we only allow one rider per horse. In the event of a fall, serious injury could occur to a small child/infant, so that is not permitted.
  • Do you have a weight limit for horseback riding?
    • We have a maximum weight limit of 245lbs for all our horseback activities.
  • What if I need to cancel my trail?
    • We require 24 hours notice for changes to bookings, and 3 hours notice for weather related cancellations. You must confirm your cancellation with a staff member or by leaving a voicemail. If you fail to show on the day of the ride, cancel with less than 3 hours notice, or do not leave a voicemail, a cancellation fee of $25 per person will be charged. As our email is manned on a part time basis, please do not cancel your ride via email – phone & voicemail only.
  • What time should I arrive for my trail ride?
    • We ask that you arrive 20-30 minutes prior to your booking, so we can process payment and go over instructions as a group. The time you have booked is the time the trail will depart. The guide reserves the right to leave with the trail at the scheduled time and if you are late, a no-show fee may be charged.
  • What happens if it’s raining/snowing?
    • We ride rain or shine! If you would like to cancel or reschedule because of the weather we require a minimum of 3 hours notice. If the forecast is calling for inclement weather (thunderstorms/torrential downpour/hail/freezing rain/blizzard) we will call you with as much advance notice as possible.
  • Do you offer trails in the winter?
    • We offer our trail rides year-round, even in the middle of winter! There may be the rare time of year when weather conditions prevent us from heading out on the trail, but we’re ready to ride anytime. 
  • Can I take pictures during the trail?
    • You are welcome to bring your camera or smartphone to snap some scenic memories, however you assume full responsibility for any belongings you bring along. We encourage you to bring your phone in a waterproof case with a lanyard, and tell the guide if you would like to stop and take pictures. Our guides will do their best to retrieve dropped items if possible, but items dropped in the river cannot be retrieved. 
  • Do I get to pick the horse I ride?
    • Our guides will choose the horse for you, based on riding experience and height. If you have ridden with us in the past we can take note of any preferences, but the decision is ultimately up to the guide.
  • How many people can come on a trail ride?
    • Our trail rides can take between 2 & 8 riders, plus the guides. 
  • What should I bring/wear for a trail ride?
    • Long pants to avoid chafing on the leather saddle and scrapes from bushes, closed toed boots or shoes, ideally with a half to one inch heel (No steel toed boots). For safety, sandals are not permitted. During the warmer weather we encourage wearing sunscreen and bug spray. During the winter we encourage warm gloves, scarves/touques to cover the ears, and it is possible to ride in snow pants. Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18, encouraged for riders of all ages, and are included in the cost of your trail ride. 
  • Do I need to wear a helmet on the trail ride? Are helmets provided?
    • Riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet. For riders over 18, helmets are optional but still recommended. We provide helmets for the trail rides for no additional cost, and if you have a ski/snowboard/hockey helmet that covers the back of the head, you are welcome to bring that instead.