Reservation Form | waterloo

Horseback Ride Reservation Terms of Service

Note: Your reservation is not complete until this form is received, correctly & completely, and we have received your deposit.

We will call you to collect your deposit by phone.

(all parties of 7 or more will be charged a 15% gratuity)

Prices and Fees

Due to inflation, Vets, Farriers, Grain & Hay cost - we were forced to raise our prices a bit this year to keep our equines healthy and happy.
1-hour rides are $50/person.
90-minute rides are $70.
The total cost of the ride will not be reduced if fewer riders attend. Because equines must be saddled and rested prior to each ride, the stables are unable to recover the cost of a reserved equine if a rider fails to attend. For example, if a ride is reserved for four people, and only three arrive, the total cost of the ride will remain $200 (for a 1-hour ride).
Credit and debit cards are charged a 4% processing fee.

Weight, Age, Attire Restrictions, etc.

Riders must weigh no more than 240 pounds. You will be weighed. (This restriction is lower than in previous years to ensure the safety of the equines.) Note that current and accurate weights are extremely important. Our maximum weight limit is 240 pounds, however, not ALL of our equines can accommodate a 240 pound person. They too have their own individual weight limitations, therefore YOUR CURRENT ACCURATE WEIGHT IS IMPERATIVE.
For example: if a reservation is made for a 170-pound rider, we will schedule an equine that can accommodate 170 pounds. However, if upon arrival, the actual weight is over 170 pounds, we may not have an equine available. For the safety of the equine, we will NOT exceed each equine's weight limits, therefore, if a rider's actual weight is more than stated when the ride was scheduled, the ride will be forfeited with no refund.
Riders must be at least 42" tall.
Riders must be at least 6 years of age.
Riders must wear closed toe shoes, preferably with a heel.
Only one rider on a horse. No Exceptions!

Timeliness

All riders must be present 20 minutes prior to the start of the ride; 30 minutes for groups larger than 7 riders.
In order to maintain our schedule and provide a full hour ride with a (before ride) safety lesson, failure to arrive on time for any reason will result in cancellation of the ride with no refund.
It is the responsibility of the rider to confirm the location of the ride at either the Pinckney or Waterloo location. Visit our locations page for the most accurate address and GPS directions.
Traffic or construction delays resulting in a late arrival will result in cancellation of the ride with no refund. Click this MDOT website link for current traffic information.

Required Safety Lesson

All riders must complete the mandatory safety lesson prior to the ride. We will show you the basic skills used to maneuver and stay on your horse. Pay attention - this lesson will be video taped. We will always be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
The lesson is currently delivered in English only. Non-English speakers or others unable to see and hear the lesson are required to provide a translator.
Riding equines is unlike a mechanized ride and the safety of our riders and equines can only be guaranteed by strict adherence to all safety procedures and wrangler instruction. We will always adhere to the Michigan Equine Liability Act. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to read, understand and adhere to the Michigan Equine Liability Act posted at the entrance, signup and mounting areas. It is also YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to listen closely to the instructions given to you before, during and after your ride to keep everyone safe.

Code of Conduct

All riders and guests must conduct themselves in a safe, orderly and non-combative manner at all times. Instructions from wranglers or staff must be followed.
No smoking or vaping.
In order to maintain the safety of equines and riders, intoxicated riders will forfeit the ride with no refund.

Photo Policy

Cell phones must be safely stowed in a pocket or left in the car. Both hands must remain on the reins at ALL TIMES during the ride.
At the conclusion of your ride, your wrangler will take individual and group photos using your phone.

Refund/Cancellation Policy

24 hours notice is required for any reservation changes or cancellations. Rides will never be held up for late arrivals. No Refunds
Weather is always a factor considered for refunds. We cannot operate in thunder and lightning.
Any rescheduled ride must be used in the same year it was received.
Parties of 7 or more will be charged a 15% gratuity.

By electronically signing and dating this form, you are accepting and agreeing to the terms and policies of your reservation. Our rides leave the barn ON TIME. We will NOT hold up a ride for late arrivals as this would not be fair to our On-Time guests! You MUST arrive a minimum of 20 minutes BEFORE your ride time (at least 30 minutes for groups of 7 or more). There is No Refund for no-shows or late arrivals! A PDF version of this form is also available for downloading.