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Rules & Guidelines

Please make sure you have read and understood the rules below before you book your experience:

Waiver

We need a signed copy of the liability waiver for each rider in order to participate. The link to fill out the waiver will be included in your confirmation email once you book. It's recommended you and your party read and sign the waiver before you arrive for your ride.

Safety

  • We strongly recommend all riders wear ASTM/SEI-certified helmets for their safety. We advise you bring your own fitted helmet. If needed, we have certified helmets available in various sizes.

  • We are a drug and alcohol-free establishment.  Riders who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted to ride with no possibility of refunds.  

  • All riders must be able to understand and follow instructions. If a rider is unable to understand and follow instructions, a walker will be assigned for the safety of that rider and our horses.

  • We reserve the right to withdrawal a person who is, in our opinion, likely to endanger themselves or others. 

  • We reserve the right to cancel a ride if we become concerned about the safety of anyone on the ride. 

 

Weight and Height Policy

We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable horseback riding experience for both our guests AND horses. A key component of a comfortable experience is a proper match between rider size, their horse and saddle. All riders can expect to do a weight and height check-in prior to mounting our horses. If a rider refuses the check-in, they will not be permitted to ride.

Why We Do This:

  • Saddle Fit: A properly fitted saddle is essential for both rider comfort and the horse's well-being. Weight and height are important factors that influence saddle fit. The right seat size and stirrup length on a properly fitted saddle help set the rider and horse up for success.

  • Horse Comfort: Horses are strong, but carrying an oversized rider, or an unbalanced rider, can lead to discomfort and potential injury. Protecting our horses is a top priority and our weight-to-height limits are designed to ensure the horses are not carrying an excessive and/or unbalanced load.

  • Weight Distribution: Proper weight distribution helps prevent strain on our horses backs, hips and joints, contributing to their long-term health and well-being. The uneven weight distribution caused by an unbalanced or unfit rider can lead to lameness and other issues as the horse will alter the way they move to compensate for the rider. 

 

While the overall weight limit is 280lbs, there are weight-to-height limits for trail rides. 

    • Riders between 151lbs-200lbs must be 5'0" or taller to ride.

    • Riders between 201lbs-250lbs must be 5'3" or taller to ride.

    • Riders between 251lbs-280lbs must be 5'5" or taller to ride.

Our limits are set to ensure the safety of both the rider and the longevity of our horses. They are non-negotiable. We understand that these limits may seem restrictive, but they are put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both our riders and our horses. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. ☺︎

 

Age Policy

Private Day Rides:

  • Ages 2-3 (walker required) must ride double up with an adult and be led by a walker. Combined weight must be under 250lbs, and both riders must fit in a 17" saddle.

  • Ages 4-6 (walker required) ride on their own horse led by a walker.

  • Ages 7+ ride on their own horse.  You can request a walker if you'd like extra help on the trails. ☺︎

Glow in the Dark Rides:

  • Ages 7 and under are not permitted on glow rides. Please explore our other ride experiences!

  • Ages 8 and up can ride and must be able to steer their own horse as directed on the trails.

 

Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

To cancel or make changes to your reservation, please contact us at 616-422-8200 at least 24 hours before your scheduled ride time. Late cancellations significantly impact our business as we often turn away other customers to hold your spot.

  • Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours of your ride time are not eligible for a refund.

  • You may reschedule your ride up to 24 hours before your scheduled time. Reschedules are not permitted within 24 hours of your ride time.

  • If Rise & Ride Ranch cancels your ride due to severe weather or unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a gift card for the full amount of your ride to reschedule at your convenience.

  • Please note that riders who arrive under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted to ride and will not receive a refund.

Late Policy: 

  • Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to check-in.  When you arrive, please park along the side of the barn on your left when you pull in. There are parking signs on the barn as well!

  • If you are late, it will be taken out of your ride time! Our horses begin working the moment they leave their pasture. Out of respect for their time, we end rides the time the booking is scheduled to end.

 

Weather: 

  • Our rides go out in all safe weather conditions, sprinkle or shine. If a cancellation is made by Rise & Ride Ranch for any safety-related reason, we will diligently work to reschedule you for another ride or provide a gift card for the amount of the ride. Unless communicated, riders should expect to ride.
     

Attire:

  • Pants and closed toe shoes are recommended for your comfort and safety.  We also recommend that our guests wear bug spray during the hotter season.  Please do not wear skirts, dresses, flip  flops, heels over two inches or disposable ponchos. Please refrain from having anything “wrapped or strapped” to you during the duration of your ride.  Please secure all your electronics like GoPros, cameras, cellphones, etc. properly on your person before your ride.  Cell phones should be put in silent during the duration of your ride.

weight policy
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