frequently asked questions
DO I HAVE TO BOOK?
Yes, it is always preferable to book a trek to avoid disappointment. Obviously, the more time you book in advance the more chance you have securing the particular day/time you prefer. Please note cancellations must be made at least 72 hours before the day of the trek. Bookings can be made by email or over the phone.
Please have the riders weight, height and riding experience to hand when making a booking.
WHAT TIME IS MY RIDE?
Beach Ride – 9:00, 10:00 or 13:00, 14:00 (May & June – 18:30)
Forest Ride – 10:00 or 13:00, 14:00 (May & June – 18:00)
Old Harry Ride – 10:00 or 13:00, 14:00 (May & June – 18:00 – July & August 10:00)
Heathland Ride – 10:00, 11:30 or 13:00, 14:00 (May & June – 14:00 or 15:30)
Day Ride – 9:00 or 10:00
PLEASE ARRIVE AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE YOU ARE DUE TO RIDE.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE TO RIDE?
The minimum age for riding is 3 years of age on our HEATHLAND rides.
The minimum age for riding is 12 years of age on our FOREST and BEACH rides.
The minimum age for riding is 14 years of age on our OLD HARRY ROCKS ride and DAY RIDE.
DO YOU HAVE A TOILET?
Yes, we do.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO WEAR?
A riding hat is essential. Anyone wishing to use their own helmet can do so provided it complies with the current health and safety requirements, if it doesn’t, then you will need to wear one of our helmets. We can provide you with a riding helmet which complies with the latest health and safety requirements free of charge.
We would always advise riders to ensure they wear full-length trousers; boots with a low block heel on, Suitable clothing depending on weather conditions, e.g. warm clothing for winter and waterproofs in case of rain.
For our gentlemen riders it is advisable to wear tight fitting underwear.
HOW CAN I PURCHASE A GIFT VOUCHER?
Gift vouchers are available to buy through the ‘Gift Voucher‘ page, or over the phone. We will email them to an address of your choosing.
DO CHILDREN UNDER 18 HAVE TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT?
We will need an adult to sign the rider registration form prior to them riding. We ask children under 10 years old to be accompanied by a responsible adult on Beginner rides – either ridden or on foot.
I’VE NEVER RIDDEN BEFORE WHAT CAN I DO?
We can only offer the Heathland ride to beginners, there is no roadwork on this ride so it is perfect as a first step. Staff are also able to walk along side for added safety. We can also take up to 2 beginner riders down on the beach on a private/semi-private walk only ride, minimum age is 12 years old.
HOW DO I PAY?
We take full payment on booking via our PAY page or by credit / debit card over the phone. Please only pay for the ride if you have a booking with us and we asked you to pay. You don’t need to have a booking to purchase a voucher/gift card.
DO YOU DO DISCOUNTS?
Any discounts or promotions will be sent out in a newsletter or published on our social media, subscribe to stay up-to-date! We do discounts for our regular riders riding with us weekly or fortnightly.
IS THERE A WEIGHT LIMIT FOR YOUR RIDERS?
Yes, our weight limit is 14 stone / 89kg / 196lbs.
Please note we ask customers to be very honest about their weight for the welfare of our horses and safety. If we suspect that you exceed the weight limit, we reserve the right to ask you to be weighed on our scales on site, and this could result in you being refused to ride. No refund will be issued.
DO YOU HAVE A MOUNTING BLOCK?
Yes, we have a solid brick mounting block and a larger one we can move to help with dismounting also.
I’VE RIDDEN ON HOLIDAY, SO CAN I GO ON A MORE ADVANCED TREK?
If that is all the riding that you have done, then we would advise you to have a few lessons first, so that we can see that you can manage the horse and are able to sit and trot safely and correctly. A good option is to have a private ride with us, one of our lead riders taking you out will be able to assess you and advise on suitable rides available with your safety and comfort in mind. Although our ponies and horses are well behaved, the treks are across open fields, so we need to know that you will be safe. We would discuss this with you, so that you are clear about what is expected from you on a trek. You may decide that a heathland trek is more appropriate for you, depending upon your experience.
I’M AN EXPERIENCED RIDER BUT MY FRIEND HASN’T RIDDEN MUCH, CAN WE BOOK A RIDE?
Yes, you can, but please be aware that you will ride at the pace of the slowest and least experienced rider, so that the group stays together and to ensure your safety. Your friend will need to be able to trot confidently in order to come on the walk and trot trek.
IS HORSE RIDING DANGEROUS?
It can be. A horse’s behaviour can be unpredictable, and even the most highly trained can sometimes react in an unexpected way.
IF I MISS OR DON’T WANT TO RIDE CAN I HAVE A REFUND?
We take pre-payment to reserve a horse/pony for you to ride as well as a lead rider to take you out, and if you don’t go, we have lost out on that booking, for this reason we are not able to refund. You can, however, give your ride to another member of your family/group, so they can enjoy the ride, providing there is a horse or pony to fit.
BENEFITS OF HORSE RIDING?
Horse riding can offer many benefits to your physical and mental health. It is a moderate exercise that can help you build strength, burn calories and improve your balance, coordination and motor function, all of that with being outside in the fresh air and bonding with beautiful animals. Riding a horse at a walk can also help with digestion and liver function. Those who tried it know that it can significantly improve your mood and reduce stress. And you get the best views from up there, too!