1. Are reservations required? Yes, reservations
are required. Please call 717-235-1647. We do require a credit card to secure your ride time. I cannot tell
you what is available by email - it changes too quickly-please call.
2. What do we have to offer? We offer guided trail rides that can be 1 or more hours long.
Please let us know when you schedule your ride if you would like to ride for more than 1 hour. The rides are out in
the open, thru the woods, up and down hills, crossing creeks, wildlife sightings. Depending on the rider's abilities,
we may trot or even lope. This is up to the your guide, who will do what is necessary to keep everyone safe.
3. How many people usually go out on a ride? We can usually accommodate up
to 4 to 6 Riders per trip. If you would like a private ride, please tell us when you schedule your ride, there
is an extra charge for private rides.
4.
Do you need experience to go horseback riding on our horses? No, you don't need any experience. We have lots
of people who come here to ride for the first time and they come back again and again. We give a short pre-ride
course on how to ride our horses, prior to every ride. Our horses are well trained and responsive.
5. Can anyone go horseback riding? If you have any type of medical condition
that may prevent you from being comfortable or at risk on a horse, you should check with your doctor first. Don't ask
us, we are not doctors. You should be in good physical condition. If you are terrified from a previous experience,
then maybe you should reconsider. We will lead you from the guide's horse if you will be more comfortable and secure
that way. Please keep in mind, that we sell time and the experience. If you book a ride and then you or someone
you have booked a ride for is too afraid to ride, you will still have to pay for this time that you booked. Refunds
are not offered if your decide not to ride at the last minute or cannot comolete the ride due to health issues. It can
be a long walk back to the barn. We enforce our weight limit for the safety and comfort of our horses. We will
need to know your height and weight when you call to schedule, this is so we can have the horses already saddled with saddles
that will fit you comfortably. (I am the only one that sees this information, it will not be posted
anywhere or asked in front of anyone when you arrive, please be honest.)
6. Why do you have an age requirement? SAFETY!! My number one priority is keeping
EVERYONE safe. I do not have many horses to accomodate small children.
7. My child is under the age limit but has prior riding experience-can he/she ride?
Call me and we will discuss this.
8.
Can we ride double or share a horse? NO, NO AND DOUBLE NO. NO, YOUR BABY CANNOT RIDE ON THE HORSE WITH YOU EITHER.
9. What days can we go horseback riding? During the off-season, we are more
flexible with our ride time. Please call and we will try to schedule a ride to suit your schedule.
We are generally open 7-days a week. But, all rides are by appointment. We sometimes take a day off here and there,
to compete in rodeos and barrel races or watch Rodney compete in motorcycle hillclimbs. Or we could be already booked
up. We will do our best accommodate you.
10.
What times do you ride? This depends on what time we start scheduling for that day. If have booked
rides for later in the evening we will start alittle later in the day. If we start early we won't go until dark.
Every day is different. Just call and see what we have available for the day you want to ride.
11. How much does it cost? Please see our page on prices. No, we don't
give a discount for children, we should charge more for children. It takes a lot more staff and very well
trained horses for small children.
12.
What happens if we miss our ride and have to cancel? If you cannot make it to your pre-arranged ride, then we require
that you give us 48 hours notice for groups of less than 6. We must have a 36 hour notice for groups of 6 or more. Your
card will be charged but, We will re-schedule your ride for another day,
IF YOU DO NOT NOTIFY US within the required time and we cannot fill your spot, your credit
card will be charged full price for each rider and you will not be given the opportunity to re-schedule.
13. What time should we arrive at the stables? When you call to make your
reservations, we will tell you what time to arrive. We ask that you arrive about 10 minutes prior to your ride time.
Please do not arrive early---we will be busy tacking the horses. Before the ride, you will sign a release, pay and hear
the guide's pre-ride instructions.
14.
Can we run the horses? This depends on the guide's judgement. Many people tell us they can ride and they cannot.
We stress safety at all times. Our horses' comfort is most important, if the riders are bouncing around on the horses'
backs, we will bring them back to a walk. There are lots of ground hog holes and if the rider's don't have control of
their horses or follow the guide's directions, they will be brought back to a walk for the rest of the ride. We don't
want our riders to break their necks but, we are really concerned for our horses well being and safety.
15. What are the rules for riding at Buffalo Springs Horse Farm? My rules
are based on safety for you and our horses. Your guide will go over the rules for keeping everyone safe and in the saddle.
Please listen to your guide and follow directions, If you don't do as asked, you will have to walk back to the barn.
No REFUNDS will be given.
16. How long does
the ride last? Our rides are an hour long from the time we leave the barn until we get back. * If you want
to ride longer, that has to be scheduled in advance.
17.
What should we wear? It is recommended that you wear long pants and boots or shoes with a heel so your foot won't
slide thruough the stirrups. Long sleeve shirts and/or bug spray are aslo recommended to keep the bugs away from you.
We do spray the horses with bug repellant.
18.
Do I have to wear a helmet? We have helmets available for every rider. If you are 18 years of age or older,
you may decide if you want to wear a helmet or not. All 17 years and under must wear a helmet.
19. Do you offer discounts? No, we don't offer any discounts for any reason.
Feeding and maintaining the horses throughout the year is a major expense. (Farrier (blacksmith), vet, equine dentist,
insurance, upkeep of the farm, etc.) We don't get any discounts. We have not raised our rates even though the
cost of doing business continues to increase every year.
20.
Are gratutities appropriate for the guide? Our Trail Guides never expect tips but they are always appreicated.
Gratutities are at our guests decretion. While you are enjoying your ride, your guide is busy answering questions, adjusting
tack, taking pictures, picking up dropped items, giving riding instructions and watching out for hazards on the trail.
If your guide has gone out of their way - or just made your ride wonderful - you are welcome to show appreciation with a tip.
21. The last time I rode a horse, I had a bad experience,(run away with/fell off/ got
stepped on, etc.) Should I come horseback riding? Please consider a private lesson to build up your confidence.
A private lesson can also be a trail ride. But, then the guilde's full attention is on
you and making you feel at ease on your horse. We will pick a horse for you that is going to make your ride the very
best.
22. What happens if it is raining
on the day of our ride? If we have to cancel due to rain, we will call you as soon as possible to cancel and re-schedule
for another day. Please plan on riding unless you hear otherwise from us. It could be raining where you are
and sunny and clear at our farm. Cancellation due to foul weather is at the guide's discretion. We will
ride if it is just sprinkling and not thundering and lightning.
23. What if I get scared at the last minute and don't want to ride OR I get scared out on the trail
and don't want ot ride anymore? We don't want you to ride if you are frightened. Horseback riding should be
fun and enjoyable. However, we have reserved horses for you, turned away other riders, groomed and tacked your horse,
etc. Therefore, we ask that you pay for your ride, even if you back out or only take part of the ride.
24. Do you offer refunds if I fall off? Or if it rains?
No, WE DO NOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR ANY REASON. IF THE WEATHER IS THREATENING BEFORE WE GO OUT WE WILL GIVE YOU THE
OPTION TO RE-SCHEDULE, BUT IF YOU DECIDE TO CHANCE IT, THEN THERE IS NO RE-SCHEDULING.
25. Do you have a child's rate? NO, children require additional attention
and supervision, but we still charge the same as adults. Please do not bring more than 2 small
children on a ride.
26. Do we offer
OFF-SEASON RATES? Check our web-site for special rates.
27. *** If you schedule a ride, please be sure you will be able to keep your
appointment with us. We sell time and if you do not give us time to be able to re-book this time you will be charged
for that time. We must have 2 weeks prior notice if you are going to cancel your ride, you will be charged 20% of your
total booking fee. If you cancel your ride within the 2 weeks prior and we can not re-book that ride time, you will
be charged the total amount of the initial ride you booked. If you booked 4 Riders and only 3 show, you will be charged
for the 4 Riders.
Our horses have to be fed 2 times a day, every day,
horse shoeing bills, vet care, hay, grain, sawdust for bedding, equipment for use on the farm, diesel and gas, electric, insurance
and daily maintenience are just of a few of the things we must pay for all year long. This is not a get
rich business, that is why there is very few trail ride businesses and horse farms that are open to the public these
days. Vacations, over-time, health insurance, hourly wage, we don't even know what those things are.
All the above is Subject to change without prior notice.
