Frequently Asked Questions
Barn & Horseback Riding
Questions
- What are the Barn’s hours of operation?
- Do I need to sign-up for riding?
- What time should I arrive for my ride?
- What is the minimum age for children to go on a trail ride?
- Can my child ride in front of me on the same horse?
- Can I lope (canter) or sign-up for an advanced ride?
- How can I improve my horseback riding skills during my stay?
- What types of shoes should be worn while riding?
- May I bring personal items on the ride?
- May I ride without a wrangler?
- What types of rides do you offer? What is the cost of each ride?
Answers
What are the Barn’s hours of operation?
Summer, holidays and spring break: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Off-season: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
If there is no afternoon ride, the Barn may close as early as 2:30 p.m.Do I need to sign-up for riding?
Sign-ups are handled at the Barn or you may call the Barn at x-7630 from any house phone when on property. You must sign up at least one hour before the scheduled ride. Breakfast ride sign-ups are taken the prior evening in the dining room. It is advisable during the summer, holidays and other busy times that you sign-up as early as possible.
Sign-ups may not be made prior to the day of your arrival.
For more information contact the Alisal Barn:
Phone: 805-686-7630 | Contact Form - Horseback RidingWhat time should I arrive for my ride?
To maximize your trail time and as a courtesy to your fellow riders, please arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your scheduled ride.
For breakfast rides, you should arrive by 7:30 am for the beginner ride, 7:45am for the intermediate ride, and at 8:00am for the advanced ride. If you arrive after the last rider has been mounted, you may be excluded from the ride. For more information see the horseback riding page.
What is the minimum age for children to go on a trail ride?
Children must be at least seven years of age because, in our experience, they are best able to handle the attention-span requirements and physical demands of riding a horse at that age. Children younger than seven are welcome to ride our lead-around horses in the corral, assuming they are accompanied by an adult. The lead-around horse is available at no charge and without a need for prior sign-up from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Can my child ride in front of me on the same horse?
We do not feel this is a safe practice for our guests and therefore do not allow it.
Can I lope (canter) or sign-up for an advanced ride?
We want to provide you a pleasurable riding experience that is safe for you, other guests, our wranglers and our horses. Loping or cantering (a slow, controlled gallop) is a privilege. It is the responsibility of the wranglers to evaluate the safeness of an individual joining an advanced ride.
How can I improve my horseback riding skills during my stay?
We offer hour-long, one-on-one private riding lessons daily at 12:30 p.m. Availability is limited. During these lessons, we take the rider out on the trails and help them expand their riding skills.
The lesson fee is $55.00 per person for one hour.
What types of shoes should be worn while riding?
We recommend riding boots or smooth-soled shoes with a moderate heel for the safest and most comfortable ride. However, many guests wear athletic or tennis shoes. We discourage hiking boots because their deeper tread can bind in a stirrup. Open-toed or backless shoes are not allowed.
May I bring personal items on the ride?
We offer a limited number of “boot bags” which hang on the saddle horn in which to carry a bottle of water or a camera. We discourage the wearing of bulky backpacks while riding as they pose a safety hazard.
May I ride without a wrangler?
No, all of our rides are guided.
What types of rides do you offer? What is the cost of each ride?
For ride details and pricing, please visit our Horseback Riding page.
(Note: some packages include horseback riding.)Alisal Barn ~ Phone 805-686-7630 | Contact Form - Horseback Riding