FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS... AND ANSWERS
Horseback Trail Rides FAQ
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Horseback Riding Lessons FAQHow old does my child have to be to start?
Our current minimum age for lessons and camps is 8 years old. What equipment does my child need? Ontario law requires riders to wear a CSA approved riding helmet and boots with a heel. We have helmets to use until you acquire one for your child. We also have some sizes of boots to borrow until you find some. They will also need long pants comfortable to ride in (riding pants, leggings, stretch jeans), appropriate clothing for outside weather, gloves. When should I arrive for the lesson? Lesson times are booked for when lesson should begin. Please be sure to allow time to get your horse from the field, groom and tack up before the lesson time starts (at least 15 mins). This will be taught to students. Where should I park? When you arrive at the farm, please drive to the very end of the driveway and park in front of the old barn. There is a washroom beside the parking area in the small steel building with the ironic ice cream cone. You can check what horse you will be riding on the schedule board beside tack room. Can I come in the barn and help my child get ready? The barn space is small and so only one adult family member per child is allowed to accompany them in the barn to assist them getting ready while that is still needed. Please wear appropriate footwear in barn (no flip flops or open toed sandals). Are lesson spectators allowed? Yes. What if I have to cancel or miss a lesson? Please let us know ASAP if you or your child will not be able to make a lesson. We will do the same. What if it rains? If you are unsure about weather conditions, be sure to text or call us before you come. We ride in everything except extreme cold, icy conditions, heavy rain or thunderstorms. Be sure to contact us before deciding not to ride or if you are unsure of conditions. Refunds or rainchecks provided if we have to cancel due to weather. We do have a covered riding arena so rain is generally not an issue. What kind of riding do you teach? Riding instruction focuses on riding the Gaited Horse on well-mannered Paso Fino Horses. The goal is to improve your riding skills to get the best gait, and maximize good horsemanship, riding enjoyment and safety. This is a quiet and laid-back environment, ideally suited for the recreational rider. This is not a competition-oriented facility. We incorporate obstacles, jumping, basic dressage, games and trail riding all with a focus on gentle, balanced 'Centered Riding' in our program. Our riding lesson times usually alternates between in the riding arena and on our beautiful trails, where great learning happens. Do I have to sign up for a whole package or season? No. There is no long term commitment required and lessons are pay as you go. Where can I find out what is available and cost? See our Riding Options page. We do not always have the capacity to take on new students, but check back periodically as this changes throughout the year. Accommodations FAQWhat accommodations do you currently offer?
At the moment we have 2 campers available to rent here on the farm, on scenic Sunset Hill. "Tutti" is the cozy 16' 1979 Turquoise Rambler, with a sofabed, dinette, kitchenette and private outhouse and outdoor shower. "Lucy" is the newer, roomier 30' glamper with a full washroom, kitchenette and dining area, queen bed, 2 bunks and a sofabed . Both are parked under individual roofs to keep the worst weather at bay. Both have their own covered deck area. Both have firepits and chairs, and both have access to a shared covered gazebo area and BBQ. Both have running water and electricity, fridge, microwave, coffeemakers and coffee/tea. Lucy also has hot water, a shower, propane stove and air conditioning. Consider these campers as on-the-farm glamping! We also have the "Eco Fina Cabin", a newly built "Western" themed log cabin getaway, down by the pond past the barn. It has the most space and privacy, but is rustic in amenities. It has a kitchenette, dining area, Double bed, living area, propane fireplace, mini fridge, Propane mini-stove, outhouse, outdoor shower, firepit, solar generator for minimal plug-in needs, solar lighting, solar furnace and deck to swimming pond. What's the best way to book? You can contact us directly or book thru Airbnb. See Accommodations page for links and details. How many guests per camper? Tutti and the Eco Fina Cabin are best suited for maximum 2 guests. Lucy can accommodate 4 guests. Can I bring my dog? No, sorry. As this is a working horse farm with daily activity and farm guests we ask that you leave your dog at home. We do have 3 very nosy, friendly farm dogs who will want to meet you and visit you often. If you really need to bring them, get in touch. Can I tour the rest of the farm? Yes. Overnight guests are welcome to tour the property, visit the animals, swim and hang out at the pond, use the float deck and paddleboard and hike the many trails. Be aware the white horse fences are electric. Please stay out of paddocks for your safety. What do I need to bring? The campers and cabin are pretty well stocked with kitchen items. Please bring your own bedding for Tutti (and for more than 2 guests in Lucy) and beach towels. Your food and beverages and your license to have good glamping fun. Is there a washroom in Tutti? No, sorry. But there is a private outhouse beside it, running water in the camper, and an outdoor shower. Can I have a fire and is there firewood? Yes. Each camper and cabin has their own firepit and firewood is provided. There are swing-out grills over each firepit if you wish to cook over the fire. Will I see the sunset and a starry sky and hear Amish wagons go by and coyotes howl? Yes, probably. Will there be people staying in the other camper when I am there? Could my family or friends book the other one? Whenever possible we try to block off the other camper from being booked once one of them is booked. For this reason, get in touch if it looks like only one camper is available to be rented at your chosen time. They may possibly both be available if booked well in advance. Where do I park? for the campers: As you go up the driveway, before you get to the house, you will see an old tractor on the right with a Sunset Hill Camping sign on it. Turn right there and drive on grassy lane. You can park near your campers. Lucy campers can park on the left. Tutti campers can park to the right of their camper, just beside the wee cedars. for the cabin: Drive all the way to the end of the lane, then you can drive past the old barn down the lane to right of the barn (watch for horses getting prepped in area behind barn), follow lane down the hill until you see the cabin on your left. park in front of cabin, not blocking the laneway please. Can I book a horseback ride or day spa treatment for during my stay? Yes! To book a treatment at the day spa on site, or message Tanya at 613-827-2418 or [email protected]. There is a 20% discount for all horseback rides for overnight guests. Please be sure to book early as rides are often booked well in advance. message 519-829-6161 to book a ride. |
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