Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the age ranges for the riders?
A: Riders 7 & UP. Insurance requires 7, 8 and 9 year old riders be "ponied" (rider's horse is led from a guide's horse); there are a maximum of two 7/8/9 year old riders per ride. Under 7 can take part in Pony Pals, as well as people of all ages who want horse time without riding! Phone our Booking Office 780-818-0123 to plan a time for Pony Pals.
Q: I never rode before; are the rides okay for someone without any experience?
A: YES. This a great way for you to have your first experience riding. When you're booking you'll be asked your experience level and we'll match the right horse for you.
Q: What is the cost?
A: There are 1 hour rides ($68) and 1 1/2 hour rides ($88). 1 hour rides are recommended for guests who have never ridden before. Pony Pals is $28 for 40 minutes of grooming and snuggling with a pony or miniature horse.
Q: What happens when I arrive for the ride?
A: You'll sign a waiver and be fitted with a helmet. A guide will bring your saddled horse outside the barn and introduce you to your horse, and then help you get in your saddle. The guide will adjust your stirrups to suit your leg length while giving you instructions on how to ride.
Q: What if the weather isn't good enough to go riding?
A: Thunder Ridge's Booking Office keeps a close eye on weather forecasts; if a forecast is not looking promising, you'll be contacted to go over possible options.
Q: Can we use our cell phones, text or take photos on the ride?
A: Distracted Riding is not allowed: as well as the safety aspect, another reason is people kept dropping and losing their phones and cameras while out on the trail. These are beautiful, remote trails with no road access and riding takes place in tall grass and bush; trying to find a phone out there is not something anyone would enjoy doing. It's recommended you leave your cell phone at the sign-in table or in your vehicle. Our guides will take photos along the trail during the ride and/or at the staging area after the ride.
Q: What should I/we wear?
A: FOOTWEAR: No flip-flops or open-toed shoes. Riding boots with a flat sole and 1/2" heel that's not too bulky to fit in the stirrups (work boots tend to be too bulky) are best.
CLOTHING: No dresses, shorts or skirts. Sleeveless tops can be worn but there are treed trails that can scratch arms. Comfortable, but not overly loose, clothing are best. Dress in layers for hot and cold extremes of the season.
HAIR/HEAD: Helmets are mandatory for insurance purposes; nothing should be worn on the head that will interfere with proper fitting of the helmet, for example: no pony tails or other bulky hairstyles on top of the head, no hats, no bulky barrettes. Exceptions are made for religious head coverings.
NO BACKPACKS/PURSES/BAGS: They tend to flop around, sometimes throw riders off balance, sometimes bouncing and hitting the horse, and straps can get caught on the saddle or trees. If you need to bring along medications, a fanny pack attached to your waste is okay, or if you call our Booking Office, they can arrange to have horn bag put on your saddle..
WEAR SUNSCREEN AND FLY REPELLENT
Q: How fast do the horses go?
A: The rides are set up for inexperienced riders, and are about the quiet country-side on beautiful horses: all rides are mostly walking with maybe a little trotting at the guide's discretion; there is no loping/cantering/galloping.
Q: Can I make a private booking for 1 or 2 of us, or for a private group?
A: Yes there are options available from small private groups to large birthday parties and family gatherings. Call our booking agent to see what we can do for you 780-818-0123.
Q: Do I have to wear a helmet?
A: Yes. Certified ASTM or SEI riding helmets must be worn by all riders. Helmets are provided free of charge, but if you have a certified helmet of your own, please bring it.
Q: Can I request a specific horse?
A: Yes & No: If you've ridden with us before, let us know at the time of booking which horse you're hoping to ride and we'll do our best to accommodate you. You cannot pick out a horse when you arrive because horses and tack are assigned to riders ahead of time.
Q: Can I ride out alone, without a guide?
A: No, sorry. All rides are guided.
Q: Is there a weight limit for a rider?
A: There is a 220lb rider weight limit, but it's not set in stone: we've had many riders over 220lb that did very well and we have some horses that can easily handle it. However, it's around the 220lb weight range and up, that some riders aren't able to balance themselves on top of a horse and have difficulty getting back on if they happen to get off while out on the trail. If over 220lb, please consider your level of fitness when booking.
Q: Can two of us ride on one horse (double)?
A: No, sorry, one rider per horse. No exceptions.
Q: If my ride is cut short, will I get a refund?
A: If a guide decides to cut your ride short because you can't or won't follow instructions, if you get off your horse and can't get back on, or if decide not to ride the full session, there will not be a refund.
Q: Are you open all year?
A: Thunder Ridge closes for the winter. Each year, rides are available from May long weekend until the 2nd weekend in October.
Q: Can I haul my horse to Thunder Ridge Trails Ranch and go on a ride?
A: No, sorry. We don't allow outside horses for bio-security reasons as well as for the safety of our guests.
Q: What if I don't see the question(s) I have?
A: We would love to hear your question(s) and maybe even ad them to our FAQ page. Please call us at 780-818-0123.
A: Riders 7 & UP. Insurance requires 7, 8 and 9 year old riders be "ponied" (rider's horse is led from a guide's horse); there are a maximum of two 7/8/9 year old riders per ride. Under 7 can take part in Pony Pals, as well as people of all ages who want horse time without riding! Phone our Booking Office 780-818-0123 to plan a time for Pony Pals.
Q: I never rode before; are the rides okay for someone without any experience?
A: YES. This a great way for you to have your first experience riding. When you're booking you'll be asked your experience level and we'll match the right horse for you.
Q: What is the cost?
A: There are 1 hour rides ($68) and 1 1/2 hour rides ($88). 1 hour rides are recommended for guests who have never ridden before. Pony Pals is $28 for 40 minutes of grooming and snuggling with a pony or miniature horse.
Q: What happens when I arrive for the ride?
A: You'll sign a waiver and be fitted with a helmet. A guide will bring your saddled horse outside the barn and introduce you to your horse, and then help you get in your saddle. The guide will adjust your stirrups to suit your leg length while giving you instructions on how to ride.
Q: What if the weather isn't good enough to go riding?
A: Thunder Ridge's Booking Office keeps a close eye on weather forecasts; if a forecast is not looking promising, you'll be contacted to go over possible options.
Q: Can we use our cell phones, text or take photos on the ride?
A: Distracted Riding is not allowed: as well as the safety aspect, another reason is people kept dropping and losing their phones and cameras while out on the trail. These are beautiful, remote trails with no road access and riding takes place in tall grass and bush; trying to find a phone out there is not something anyone would enjoy doing. It's recommended you leave your cell phone at the sign-in table or in your vehicle. Our guides will take photos along the trail during the ride and/or at the staging area after the ride.
Q: What should I/we wear?
A: FOOTWEAR: No flip-flops or open-toed shoes. Riding boots with a flat sole and 1/2" heel that's not too bulky to fit in the stirrups (work boots tend to be too bulky) are best.
CLOTHING: No dresses, shorts or skirts. Sleeveless tops can be worn but there are treed trails that can scratch arms. Comfortable, but not overly loose, clothing are best. Dress in layers for hot and cold extremes of the season.
HAIR/HEAD: Helmets are mandatory for insurance purposes; nothing should be worn on the head that will interfere with proper fitting of the helmet, for example: no pony tails or other bulky hairstyles on top of the head, no hats, no bulky barrettes. Exceptions are made for religious head coverings.
NO BACKPACKS/PURSES/BAGS: They tend to flop around, sometimes throw riders off balance, sometimes bouncing and hitting the horse, and straps can get caught on the saddle or trees. If you need to bring along medications, a fanny pack attached to your waste is okay, or if you call our Booking Office, they can arrange to have horn bag put on your saddle..
WEAR SUNSCREEN AND FLY REPELLENT
Q: How fast do the horses go?
A: The rides are set up for inexperienced riders, and are about the quiet country-side on beautiful horses: all rides are mostly walking with maybe a little trotting at the guide's discretion; there is no loping/cantering/galloping.
Q: Can I make a private booking for 1 or 2 of us, or for a private group?
A: Yes there are options available from small private groups to large birthday parties and family gatherings. Call our booking agent to see what we can do for you 780-818-0123.
Q: Do I have to wear a helmet?
A: Yes. Certified ASTM or SEI riding helmets must be worn by all riders. Helmets are provided free of charge, but if you have a certified helmet of your own, please bring it.
Q: Can I request a specific horse?
A: Yes & No: If you've ridden with us before, let us know at the time of booking which horse you're hoping to ride and we'll do our best to accommodate you. You cannot pick out a horse when you arrive because horses and tack are assigned to riders ahead of time.
Q: Can I ride out alone, without a guide?
A: No, sorry. All rides are guided.
Q: Is there a weight limit for a rider?
A: There is a 220lb rider weight limit, but it's not set in stone: we've had many riders over 220lb that did very well and we have some horses that can easily handle it. However, it's around the 220lb weight range and up, that some riders aren't able to balance themselves on top of a horse and have difficulty getting back on if they happen to get off while out on the trail. If over 220lb, please consider your level of fitness when booking.
Q: Can two of us ride on one horse (double)?
A: No, sorry, one rider per horse. No exceptions.
Q: If my ride is cut short, will I get a refund?
A: If a guide decides to cut your ride short because you can't or won't follow instructions, if you get off your horse and can't get back on, or if decide not to ride the full session, there will not be a refund.
Q: Are you open all year?
A: Thunder Ridge closes for the winter. Each year, rides are available from May long weekend until the 2nd weekend in October.
Q: Can I haul my horse to Thunder Ridge Trails Ranch and go on a ride?
A: No, sorry. We don't allow outside horses for bio-security reasons as well as for the safety of our guests.
Q: What if I don't see the question(s) I have?
A: We would love to hear your question(s) and maybe even ad them to our FAQ page. Please call us at 780-818-0123.
