Horseback Riding

[TygerHawks]

My daughter wants to ride a horse. She is too tall for the pony rides, and turns 9 during our trip to the parks. Debating on doing the horseback riding at Tri-Circle Ranch. With no cameras allowed, there isn't much on YouTube so I was wondering if anyone has done it and can tell me what to expect. I know its a 45 minute ride, and neither one of us has been on a horse. Just wondering what type of experience it is for a 9 year old. Is it easy for kids to get bored? And to the extreme parenting fear, what are the chances she might fall off?

 

[tsme]

It's a lot of fun. Your horse basically follows the one in front of him. All of the horses were docile. My DD had never been on a horse before & did become scared once she was on it. One of the ladies went check on her & she was fine after that. You should definitely do it.

 

[mmcl123]

I am a rider and did this as a kid around your daughter's age. I was actually really bored, but that was only because I was riding all the time! It is a very slow walking trail ride with the horses pretty much nose to tail. If she really wants to ride a horse and get an experience other than a pony ride, this would be a great opportunity for her. But careful...she may come home and want riding lessons! The horses know their job, and there is practically no chance that your daughter will fall off.

 

[lroger01]

The horses are extremely well chosen and trained. I went to turnaround to pick up a rain poncho that fell out of my back pocket and the both trail guides yelled "NOOOO". Evidently the horses are taught to only go forward down the trail. They didn't want mine to think turning around was even an option. The area where you ride is open only to the trail horses. You'll see some wildlife (hopefully) but no people or cars. I'd highly recommend this trail ride to anyone riding for the very first time!

 

[Deb & Bill]

We did this for our son's 9th birthday trip. His horse kept stopping to eat along the way and had a hard time getting it moving again. It was enjoyable, but not free riding. You are on a trail, following several other horses with a guide at the front and at the back to keep everyone going in the same direction.

 

[TygerHawks]

Thanks everyone, that eases my mind quite a bit!

But careful...she may come home and want riding lessons!

We have a college that does a week long summer camp where they pair the kid with a horse and go through the whole process of taking care of them. I accidentally let her know about that, and she begs me every year

 

[mmcl123]

Thanks everyone, that eases my mind quite a bit!



We have a college that does a week long summer camp where they pair the kid with a horse and go through the whole process of taking care of them. I accidentally let her know about that, and she begs me every year

Oh yes...and unfortunately that bug doesn't go away! I started riding at 5. I am now 32 with my own horse and I still love it!!

 

[spiceycat]

We did this for our son's 9th birthday trip. His horse kept stopping to eat along the way and had a hard time getting it moving again. It was enjoyable, but not free riding. You are on a trail, following several other horses with a guide at the front and at the back to keep everyone going in the same direction.

you are lucky - one man (not a kid) did this so often that one of guides came behind him and hit the horse - talk about taken off - they can run if motivated.

done it several times - it is pretty tame just makes sure your daughter knows to keep the horse under control - don't let him eat or even bring his head to far down. that is why the kids must be 9 years old - younger and they don't have the muscle control to control the horse.

they use to allow you to take pictures - but you still had to control your horse. you can and probably will see deer, raccoon, squirrels, etc.