Experiences with horseback riding at FW

[mittelst]

Hi - I'm looking for some info on the horseback riding at Fort Wilderness.

I know the minimum age for horseback rides is 9 for kids. Our trip is for 4/17-4/23. At that time, my daughter will be about 1 month shy of her 9th birthday. She is much too big (and too old, IMHO) for the pony ride.

I'm not trying to cheat the system, but if I make a reservation for 1 adult and 1 9yo, will I (or she) be asked at the stables about her age? She's 54" tall, and weighs about 85 lbs, so she cetainly looks old enough. I just want to avoid an ebarrassing situation.

Thanks!

 

[goofy4tink]

I wouldn't think it's a going to be a problem. You so sign some sort of a waiver type thing and you are supposed to wear a helmet. We did the ride a year ago. My dd was 10 at the time. Man, she got on that horse and her face was priceless.....a very tall horse. His name was Zeus and it fit him. She was the last one in line too. Up to this point she had only been on pony rides. But, the trail ride was run very well. I was really impressed with the folks that ran it. We did get caught in a thunderstorm and torrential rain when we went. It got to the point that it was really quite funny. Even the seat of my pants was soaked. It is a very gentle ride, just walking along a trail. You'll have fun.

 

[Evil Queen]

Great topic, I was thinking about this one for myself. DS will be 9 than, so he'll be old enough.

What is the cost?

I have to see if DS will do this though. I grew up owning horses, but haven't been on one in about 20 years. He has sat on one, only because his cousin has several in Tenn., matter of fact she has been shows often, so at 8 she's an old pro at this. But he seems frightened of them. I wouldn't push the issue with him though.

If he chickens out is there any sort of at least a partial refund (meaning he gets on, we start to go and he decides no way)?

 

[mittelst]

For info, here's the Disney-based info:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/moreMagic/otherRecDetail?id=OtherRecStablesDetailPage

...although they don't mention times or cost. Here's another site with more info:
http://disdad.com/beyond/horseback_riding.htm

Hope this helps!

 

[goofy4tink]

I think it was in the $30-35 range. That was for around an hour or so ride.

 

[Evil Queen]

Thanks so much for the info.

DS 8 is "thinking" about it. Like I said I won't push it.