Tips & Safety Policies
Fort Mountain Stables Policies and Tips
Please call for appointments and ride times
Arrive 30 minutes early to sign in and to get in the saddle
If it is cool dress warm (you are in higher elevations with some shade). Blue jeans are recommended
Boots are best as some shoes do not fit stirrups well (flip-flops and sandals are highly discouraged)
No expensive jewelry
Bring a camera
Wear cheap sunglasses (if at all)
Don’t drink too much before a ride (we only have nature’s wide open spaces on the trail)
Jeans are best – not too tight though you may develop air condition when climbing on the horse
Horses love to eat, but please DON’T let them. When tempted to feel sorry for them, THINK YELLOW JACKETS
When you come to a low lying tree branch – lean forward. A horse seems to find a way to not run its own head into a tree but think nothing of the rider’s face!
Remember:
NEVER dismount from your horse without a guide to assist you. You
will probably experience jell-o legs for a moment or two.
Children 7 and older may ride.
Everyone under 18 years old MUST wear helmets (we provide safety approved helmets)
No double-back riding is permitted
RESERVATION POLICY: All reservations are made with credit cards. Reservations must be cancelled 24 hours prior to riding time. If reservations are not cancelled 24 hours in advance, and there is a no show, your credit card will be charged 100% of the reservation amount.
Tips from the Horses
The nicer you are to us, the more we take advantage
If you want to pet us, pet firmly. Barely touching us tickles, and we have no hands to use to scratch
Please don’t kick us and pull back on the reigns at the same time (it gives mixed signals)
Please do not shake the reigns to make us go…it only makes us mad L To make us move…bring the reigns forward (loosening up on our mouth), give us a good kick and make a kissing noise. It makes us feel loved J
Please keep your weight in the stirrups…it keeps our backs from hurting so badly
Please do not tailgate on the trail…keep space between horses. Otherwise HORSE ROAD RAGE may occur! (You ever been tailgated? J)
We love to eat (but we are not hungry) so you be the boss. We sometimes don’t think about the dangers of YELLOW JACKETS! Give a quick little tug to the reigns to get our attention and a good kick to the belly make those kissing noises (which helps us remember our jobs) and we will move along.
We are not used to loud and piercing noises. Please do not scream. We don’t understand and it hurts our ears.
Tips from the Guides
Gratuity is never expected but ALWAYS appreciated
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, that is what we are here for
Please arrive early for your ride. If you arrive late or right at the ride time, we get behind schedule and the horses do not get a break between the next rides.
Just because you used to gallop back in the good ‘ole day does not mean you should still be doing it.
Please use extreme caution
Remember to keep your weight in your stirrups – not only does it help the horses but you will maintain better balance and less bum discomfort.
Please leave your wallets in the vehicle. Guys have been known to lose them on the trail.
If you want to lock your cars, you can leave your keys in the office. If you drop something on the trail please DO NOT dismount, call for the guide to assist you.
Just remember, horseback riding is an extreme event. The horses are not robots but can think for themselves. You must be able to control your horse at all times.***
Now let’s go have some fun!!!
Giddy Up Ya’ll
