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DESCRIPTION

The WALK TROT CANTER Combines the Flame Azalea and Fern Forest trails for a very Majestic Ride. The variety of terrain will be a memorable experience. This ride is only for more experienced riders.

This wonderful experience starts at the stables at 3800ft of elevation, which will then ascend to 4200ft to the top of Cullowhee Mountain. You are traveling through a hardwood forest and a unique white pine forest to emerge into an open meadow at the top. The 360-degree views that stretch out to 30 miles are simply breathtaking. Finally, return to the stables through an enchanting cool fern forest. Be on the lookout for deer and wild turkeys during your adventure!

The Trotting and Cantering is done primarily in the open meadow at the top and along the Fern Forest Trail. There are some flat areas along the road before you go down below the Fort to the Fern Forest Trail to allow intermittent trotting. You do get an opportunity to try your horse out and practice trotting in the ring before going on the trail. You can change your horse if necessary.

We need to have a minimum of 2 riders for this trail.

Plan at least 2.5+ hours for your total experience. It starts at the beginning of the Safety Program to the end of your Trail Time.

RATES

Adults who are very experienced only - $246.75
Children at least 12 years old and have had multiple lessons and are very experienced - $246.75
IMPORTANT This is not a ride for beginners. If you do not demonstrate adequate riding skills in the ring before leaving, you will not be able to do this trail ride.
Plus, you will still be charged for the Walk-Trot-Canter even if you choose a lesser trail at the scheduled time.
So PLEASE, be HONEST with us (and yourself) regarding your skills.

Maximum weight for the Trot/Canter is 220 lbs. Guests must also be experienced… riding at least once a week, are comfortable at the trot/canter, has at least 50 hours on a horse outside the ring per year, and can get a horse to stop that doesn't want to stop or get a horse to walk that doesn't want to walk on.

Private Guided Trail Ride Additional Fee (Call to Book)
If you get this message when you try to book "Not currently available online, please call us" that particular ride/time may be full. Try another ride. time or day before calling.

DURATION

Varies according to your skills, but usually from 1 1/4 hours to 1 1/2 hours on the trail.

In addition, remember your safety program and personal prepping time for an added 45-60 minutes.

This all starts at the stated trail time, not before.

EXAMPLE for TIME to ARRIVE:

You BOOK a Trail Ride for 11 AM. You ARRIVE at 11 AM.

When you arrive at the stables AT 11 AM, you will

Complete some forms.
Then you will be shown where to get your helmet,
Next, You are presented with our Safety Program (either by video or live demonstration) which covers how the horses are trained, safety tips, and an opportunity to try your horse out in the ring.
Now you are ready to start on your trail ride.

This preparation takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes. So the time that you actually start on your trail ride will be more like 11:45 AM.

The total time that you are at the stables will be at least 45 minutes plus your particular trail length time.

For an 11 AM ride, you DON'T arrive at 10 AM. Everything will start at 11 AM. This is true for each trail time reservation.

ABOUT

Come enjoy an amazing adventure on a 200-acre horse farm.

WHAT TO BRING

Shoes: Please wear closed-toed shoes with as smooth a sole as possible.
No flip-flops, hiking boots, or bare feet. Obviously, riding boots are best but tennis shoes with a smooth soles could work. Smooth sole shoes with a heel are best.
Please do NOT wear hiking boots. Their sole is very rough and may get your foot stuck in the stirrup.
Pants: Long pants are best. Then shorts that come down to your knees. This is so your legs won't rub on the saddle and get sore.
Rain: Trails go rain or shine. We do provide ponchos and raincoats. Bring an extra T-Shirt and towel if it looks like rain.

THINGS THAT GET LOST ON THE TRAIL:

Sunglasses that aren't being worn
Cameras that aren't on a tether around your neck
Cell phones
Wallets
Keys

Please leave these things in your car or at the Stables. Rarely do we find them.

AGE TO RIDE, WEIGHT, ETC INFO

AGE TO RIDE: On the Walk-Trot-Canter children must be at least 12 years old.
What we look for are:

Does the child have good balance on the horse?
Does he or she have a basic understanding of how to get the horse to walk (start) and whoa (stop)?
Is he or she afraid of horses?

The oldest rider we've had was 92 years young. She was a Grandmother who wanted to go riding with her grandchildren. She was a great sport and it was easy to see why her "kids" wanted her along!

DOUBLE RIDING:
We are sorry but "Double Riding" is not permitted. It's been proven to be less safe than if each person/child were on their own horse.

WEIGHT LIMIT:
Weight limit for the Walk-Trot-Canter trail is 220lb. The weight needs to be proper for your height. For example, a person who is 5 feet tall weighing 220lbs would not be able to go riding.
I'm sorry but they simply wouldn't be able to properly hold on with their short little legs. It is primarily your legs that keep you securely "fastened" to your horse. Your proper balance is also important.

To help you understand the weight restrictions…
A horse can comfortably carry 20% of his body weight. So to carry someone who weighs 220 lbs, you need a horse that weighs at least 1250 lbs. That is a huge horse and the top of his back is usually at or near 5 feet 6 inches or more. If you are a short person who needs a large horse to ride, that's a long way to fall if you can't gripe well with your legs. Plus, if you needed to get back on in the forest, if would be almost impossible.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING ALLERGIES

Allergy Information

If you suspect you or someone in your group has allergy problems and still want to reserve a horse for them, PLEASE do not expect to get a refund when, in fact, an allergic reaction occurs and you or the person(s) in your group are unable to ride their horse(s).

I'm sorry but we have to turn away too many people who are not allergic to be able to refund for an allergic incident that may or may not occur. Please Be Aware.

INCLUSIONS:

Safety Orientation
Horseback Ride (based on the option selected)
Use of all equipment (horse, tack, and helmet)
Use of helmet mandatory for under 18 years old
Ponchos or Raincoats are provided for inclement weather
Majestic Trails with a variety in terrain from 4200 feet elevation at the top down to 3400 feet in the valley
A Guide for safety and direction as well as to provide some local history and color.
Plus, Great Horses! Trail length times are approximate. The rate is based on the trail and not time. Please understand, it's hard to "push button" a horse to be exact.

EXCLUSIONS:

Gratuities (recommended). Guides do work for tips. They strive to provide you and your family a great time and a safe time. People generally tip like in a restaurant, 20%.
Transportation to/from attractions
DVD (available to purchase). Safety Demonstration DVD covers about 6 hours of private lessons

DISCOUNTS:
We value and appreciate our Military and our Public Safety Officers (Policemen). Present your Military/Police ID UPON ARRIVAL and receive a 10% discount for you and your immediate family. If you pay online, present your ID when you arrive to receive your refund. Check the Discount page for more information on Discounts.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

You will receive an email letting you know that confirmation is subject to circumstances, such as weather and demonstrated riding skills
Plan an extra 50-60 minutes, in addition to your trail time, for the safety and training program
Your Safety Program consists of a video or live demonstration covering the horse's training, safety, and horse personality.
You are given a chance to demonstrate your Trotting Skills in the ring. If the Guide believes your skills are not up for doing the Trot-Canter program, you will NOT be allowed to do it. This is for your SAFETY.
All passenger ages MUST be advised at the time of booking
Closed-toe, smooth-soled shoes are required
Long pants recommended
Children must be very experienced and at least 12 years old to do the Trot and Canter. Plus, they must be accompanied by an adult
Not allowed for pregnant women
For Safety, we DO NOT do any Trotting-Cantering if the ground is too wet. The horse's feet could slip out from under him and you both fall. Please understand.

SOME RIDING TIPS:

Horses don't know they are big. That's why we can control them with the bit in their mouth.
Horses think like little children and expect you to protect them.
You NEED to know this. Whoever is most stubborn (PERSISTENT) wins. You NEED to be more stubborn (PERSISTENT) than the horse.

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Walk-Trot-Canter