
Rules & Guidelines
Please make sure you have read and understood the rules below before you book your experience:
Important: Each rider must read and sign a liability waiver to participate. You'll find the link in your confirmation email after booking. Please read and sign the waiver before arriving to expedite your check-in process.
We strongly recommend all riders wear ASTM/SEI-certified helmets for their safety. We advise you to bring your own fitted helmet. If needed, we have certified helmets available in various sizes.
Private Day Rides ☀️
Ages 2-3 (walker required) will ride double up with an adult and be led by a walker. Combined weight should be under 250lbs, and both riders need to fit in a 17" saddle.
Ages 4-6 (walker required) ride on their own horse led by a walker.
Ages 7 and up 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 cannot participate in glow rides. We invite you to explore our other riding experiences!
Ages 8 and up can ride and must be able to steer their own horse as directed on the trails. Walkers and double ups are not permitted on Glow in the Dark Rides.
The overall weight limit for our rides is 280 pounds, with minimum height requirements for certain weight ranges to ensure our horses' well-being. Before riding, we check each rider’s weight and height; riders must agree to this check-in to ride.
Riders 150lbs or less, no height requirements (within reason).
Riders between 151lbs-200lbs must be 5'0" or taller.
Riders between 201lbs-250lbs must be 5'3" or taller.
Riders between 251lbs-280lbs must be 5'5" or taller.
These limits are all about keeping everyone safe and our horses happy and healthy for years to come. We understand these rules might seem strict and uncomfortable, but they're necessary. Thank you for understanding and cooperating with us. ☺︎
Why We Do This:
Saddle Fit 📏: It's important that saddles fit well to keep both riders and horses comfortable. A good fit depends on weight, height, and the size of the seat and stirrups. When everything fits right, the ride is more enjoyable for both the horse and the rider.
Horse Comfort ♥: Our horses are strong, but it's important we respect their limits. Making sure they aren't carrying too much weight helps keeping our horses safe and happy.
Weight Distribution ⚖: Proper weight balance helps keep our horses' backs, hips, and joints healthy. If a rider is unbalanced, it can cause the horse to change the way it moves, which can lead to health problems.
Do Wear ✅
Full-length pants recommended and closed-toe shoes required for safety, and consider bug spray in hot weather.
Do Not Wear ❌
Skirts, dresses, flip-flops, heels above two inches, or disposable ponchos.
Electronics 📱
Please secure all your electronics like GoPros, cameras, cell phones, etc. properly on your person before your ride. Cell phones should be silenced during the duration of your ride.
Riding without stirrups puts extra strain on our horses, leading to discomfort. If a rider can't keep their feet in the stirrups, they will be asked to dismount. We value our horses and their workload, and we ask all riders to do the same.
It's essential that all riders understand and can follow instructions.
Private Horseback Rides (Daytime) 🌞
If a rider is unable to understand and follow instructions, a member of our team will walk with them for the safety of that rider and our horses ($10 fee). If the rider refuses, they will not be permitted to ride for everyone's safety.
Private Glow in the Dark Rides (Nighttime) 🌛
If a rider is unable to understand and follow instructions, they will not be permitted to ride for everyone's safety. We do not permit walkers or double ups during Glow in the Dark Rides.
We reserve the right to remove any rider we believe could endanger themselves or others. We also may cancel rides if we have safety concerns.
We ride in light rain and snow. 🙂 Bring a jacket and your sense of adventure!
Please make sure your contact information is accurate when booking so we can stay in touch in case unsafe riding conditions occur. Unless communicated, riders should expect to ride.
FOR PRIVATE RIDES: We ask all riders to arrive 15 minutes before your ride time to check-in and weigh-in. If you are late, it will cut into your ride time. Our horses begin their work as soon as they leave their pasture. We wrap up rides on time out of respect for them! No shows/no contacts 15 minutes after your ride time will be considered a cancellation and not eligible for a refund or reschedule. FOR PUBLIC RIDES: We ask all riders to arrive 15 minutes before your ride time to check-in and weigh-in. If arrive at your scheduled time, or if you are late, you will miss your ride with no possibility of refunds. 😭
We understand plans can change! 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 small family ranch as we often turn away other customers to stay committed to your PRIVATE appointment.
You may cancel your ride up to 24 hours before your scheduled time 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. Rescheduling is not permitted within 24 hours of your ride time.
Arrive on time. No shows/no contact 15 minutes after your ride time will be considered a cancellation and not eligible for a refund or reschedule.
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 use at your convenience.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with our policy, which is designed to protect our small family ranch, ensure the quality of the private experiences we offer, and support the care of our horses. As a small family business, it's unrealistic for us to accommodate or refund last-minute cancellations/rescheduling, as this would jeopardize our sustainability, unlike the big companies you deal with regularly (e.g. Amazon or Walmart).
We strive to be transparent by including this policy in the rules provided before booking, at checkout, and in all reminder emails. Thank you for your understanding and support!
Our ranch is drug and alcohol-free. Riders under the influence will not be allowed to ride with no possibility of refunds.
During holidays and holiday weekends, an additional $5 per rider is applied. This surcharge helps offset increased demand and the time we miss spending with our families during these special occasions.
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