RESERVATION AND MISSED RIDES
Your reservation is important to you and those in your party. Be sure you are selecting a time and place that works well for you and your party.
• All reservations must be PAID FOR IN ADVANCE.
• Cancellations or changes to reservations must be made 48 hours in advance of reservation.
• No refunds will be provided for late cancellations/reschedules or no shows.
• Refunds will be offered If you provide proof of COVID Positive Test results from a physician that states you or someone in your party had COVID at the time of the ride.
• Ride Party must arrive 15 minutes prior to departure and be ready to ride at that time. Ride duration may be reduced if riders are not ready at departure time or are late arriving.
WEATHER
• Our rides depart in all safe weather conditions, rain or shine. If a cancellation is made by D & B Horseback Excursions for any safety-related reason, we will diligently work to reschedule you and your party for another ride OR provide a full refund. Unless communicated, riders should expect to ride.
RIDER
• Each rider must sign a RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK document. The rider will truthfully provide the D & B Horseback Excursions, LLC with the correct rider’s experience level, this way we can pair you to the right horse.
o Novice: (1st time or haven’t been riding in a long time),
o Intermediate: (Have been riding for a little while, can walk, trot and canter)
o Experienced: (Have much experience with riding and horses and can walk, trot, canter and gallop).
• No one is to mount the horse until all parties are present and geared up for the ride.
• Riders are the safest whenever the horse is moving. No stopping or dismounting unless under approval of the guide
• Excursions will be no shorter than 10 minutes shy of purchased time, but may exceed the time at no additional cost to the rider.
• Pets are not allowed on excursions.
• For the safety and well-being of our horses and our Riders, the rider fully clothed weight must not exceed 250 lbs. This limit is non-negotiable.
• We are not a therapeutic riding provider. If you are making reservations for your party and any of them have special needs, please call us to ensure we can properly accommodate everyone in your group.
• All riders must be 18 years and older and be at lease 4 feet tall.
• Riders are asked to wear APPROPRIATE PANTS and CLOSED TOED SHOES. We recommend sun screen.
HORSE SAFETY
• All trail rides local or mountain must include a water source no longer than a distance of 3 hours.
GUIDE
• Guide will catch and prepare horses 1 hour prior to excursion departure time and will be at the trail head approx. 15 minutes prior to departure.
• Guide will provide a short tutorial prior to each ride, to include instructions on Stop, Turn, back up and what to do in case of an emergency (like loose aggressive dog, unexpected deer or other unforeseen circumstances) and other basic trail etiquette. It is imperative, that all riders be present for tutorial.
• Guide will appoint a back up leader who will fall second in line once confidence and experience is determined. The responsibilities of this rider will be to keep the group in a safe place in the event the Guide has to temporarily leave the front of the line. If you are uncomfortable with this role, please express this to the guide.
• Guide, like the captain of a ship, has full authority.
• Any Rider that needs ponied, AKA, Lead, will be completed by the Guide only.
• Guide will maintain and keep current First Aid and CPR Certifications
SAFETY
• Everyone will comply with all rules and policies to ensure safety for all involved.
• Because of the potential for serious injury to people or animals, non-compliance with the Policies and Procedures may result in termination of ride or forfeiture of deposit.
• Horses must be ridden in a safe and controlled manner at all times.
• In case of an accident requiring medical attention, all riders will dismount and follow instructions of the Guide.
• Safety of the riders is the Guides primary responsibility. In order to ensure safety of Riders, it may be necessary to ask a Rider to walk the horse.
Riders agree that they will follow Guides instruction no matter what is asked. In the event of an unruly Rider, the Guide may terminate a ride prior to time expiration and return to the trailhead. Full fees for the excursion will be collected.
• Riders must not carry loose items that may fall or blow away, flap in the wind, bounce or make sharp or loud noises. Carry-on items must be secured to ensure that these items do not make the horse react in an unsafe manner. It is recommended to store purses and loose items in your locked vehicle. Cell phones must be put on SILENT for the duration of the ride. Do not carry your cell phone in your back pocket.
HELMETS
• Riding helmets are available for all riders at no additional cost.
• Helmets are provided for all riders. If an adult declines to wear a helmet, please be advised they do so at their own risk.
PUBLIC CONDUCT
• Riders are expected to behave in a manner that promotes good order and discipline. Behavior that is contrary, to include disorderly conduct, foul or abuse language, cruelty to animals or other will result in termination of excursion and full excursion fees will be collected.
• Smoking is not permitted near horses or during rides.
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages, drugs or Marijuana is prohibited during rides.
• Riding while under the influence of alcohol, drugs (prescription or other) is prohibited.
• Horseplay or other actions that could be disruptive, offensive or unsafe to other is prohibited.