Horseback Riding Trails & Stables

Riding Tips

The most important thing in improving your riding is to RELAX. Every horse is different. Learn something from each one you ride. Don’t expect to become an expert rider in a very short time. Ride and have fun, and learn as you ride.

Clothing

• Leave your wallet, loose change and cell phone in your room or car.
• A heeled boot or shoe is best.  No open-toed shoes or crocs.
• Long pants are always recommended.
• Tight jeans / heavy seams cause chafing and saddle sores.

Ability

• Advanced – requires that you are able to comfortably sit in trot and canter and control your horse under all conditions and gates.
• Intermediate ride – you will walk and trot.
• Beginner rides – you will walk at a leisurely pace.

Feet

• Place the ball of your foot in the stirrup and keep your heels down. Don’t slide your foot in as far as it will go; you won’t lose your stirrups and you’ll have a better seat in the saddle.
• Always keep comfortable pressure on your stirrups.

Hands

• Gently hold both reins with one hand.
• Keep your hands in front of the saddle horn, resting on the horse’s neck.

Stopping the horse

• Pull the reins gently toward your belly button.
• When the horse stops, push your hand forward again to put some slack in the reins.
• Using the word “WHOA” is helpful, too.

Riding the trot

• Western-style trotting means you must keep your hips loose with just enough pressure on the stirrups.
• Keep your seat heavy in the saddle and let your body be a sponge to absorb the bouncing.

Riding the canter

• Relax at the waist and roll with the rhythm of the horse.

Guest Trail Ride Rules

1. There are a limited number of horses available for each ride. If you do not book online, odds are we will not have room for you. Booking online is highly recommended at least 24 hours in advance. (A week ahead if nearing a holiday weekend in peak season.)
2. Walk-ins: Guests may walk up to the barn and see if riding is available. During the summer, walk-ins are difficult to accommodate. Smaller groups or couples are easier to fit in. Call ahead or remember that availability isn’t always there. We will try our best but might be unable to accommodate.
3. Arrive 20-30 minutes prior to ride time. No refunds if you arrive late or miss the ride. You may, however, reschedule. Late also means arriving exactly at the time the ride is scheduled – that is the time the ride is set to start.
4. Must cancel 24 hours in advance to receive a refund (unless previously discussed with management)
5. Children 5-7 years old must provide proof of age. A picture of the child’s birth certificate and the booking # associated with your party can be emailed to: horses@doublejj.com
6. Helmets are required for everyone under the age of 18. (ID may be asked for if needed. Safety is our priority.)
7. No bags, rain ponchos, dresses, skirts, flowy clothing
8. Closed-toe closed-heel shoes or boots only. No crocs.
9. In order to ride without an adult/legal guardian present, a child must be 13+
10. Listen to the Wranglers. Mistreatment of the horses or disobedience will result in walking on foot for the remainder of the ride.
11. No trotting unless everyone wants to. Do not pressure each other. One no means
12. Weight limit of 265lbs. Exceptions can be made if we have appropriate horses available. Double JJ is striving to safely include everyone and keep the horses safe at the same time.
13. Phones are allowed for pictures only. No Facetime, phone calls, etc. If dropped, ride will not stop and guest is not allowed to dismount to retrieve. Guest may walk the trail after the ride to retrieve phone.

 

***Cancellation Policy****

Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather (ie: ice, strong winds 20mph, gusts, freezing rain, thunder, lightening, etc) or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.