horseback riding at Ft. Wilderness

[ittybittykitty]

I understand there is a trail ride at various times during the day. How many people do they allow on each ride and do they usually fill up quickly? I'm not sure if I'm going to ride, but didn't know how soon I need to reserve a spot if I do.
Thanks.

 

[cobbler]

Probably depends on when you are going. They have about 4 different times a day and a max of about 10 per ride. It wouldn't hurt to make the reservation when you arrive or just a bit before.

 

[nezy]

I was wondering about this also-I think I read that riders had to be 9 or older. DD wil be 8 and she is the reason we would go horsebackriding. How strict are they w/ this rule? Is there a reason for it?
She is big for age, and is the same size as her 9 yr. old brother.

 

[Thinktinknpixiedust]

...and what are the costs.. my son is itching to ride but he has never ridden before, is this a problem?

 

[TuckandStuiesMom]

and it's not a real thrilling ride. The horses and ponies at The Outpost all look gentle and there are a couple fairly small ones -- so I'm guessing some pretty "shrimpy" nine-year-olds actually do ride occasionally. (read whatever you want to into that statement re: rider's age versus size).
I also think I remember seeing TO riders wearing helmets ( as a horse-owner, I want to stress EVEN the gentlest, kindest, best horse in the world can still put a serious hurtin' on you under the wrong circumstances -- ie: something as ridiculous as a stray paper cup or plastic bag can sometimes scare them into bolting).
Assuming helmets ARE provided, I'd give it a shot and see if you can get on a trail ride. If not, there are always the pony rides at the corrals down by Trail's End and Hoopty-Doo -- another highly viable option for kid-equine bonding.
Hope this helps.

 

[becky1960]

We took our son when he was Eight( a very small eight 60lbs?) whos is now 15 (large 5' 9" 185) and he enjoyed it very much, we have some great pictures. My wife who is a very expirenced horseperson said he did great and their horses were bolted by a racoon running across the trail. He did wear a provided helmet and they picked out the gentlest horses for the beginners. I think it was a great expirence and now our 12 year girl keeps asking to go. I guess she'll get to this year.