Horsebacking riding at WDW question

[funatdisney]

Has anyone gone horseback riding at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch? How were the horses? Easy to handle? How was the trial?
We are thinking of going horseback riding this June. We have some experience with horses. Not experts yet, but getting there.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We did it almost six years ago for our son's ninth birthday (you have to be nine to ride). It was leisurely, we rode in a line with CMs at the front and back. My son's horse wanted to stop and eat grass all the time, so the CM would have to come up the horse and give it a swat to start it up. I had never ridden before and had a good time.

 

[AnimalPrincess]

Its fun but it is true you are just riding along in a line. The horses are great, very well behaved

 

[hemispheredancer]

DD did this in October. I believe it is about a 45 ride. She had a blast and really enjoyed seeing all the different wildlife along the trails.

 

[JaxFLBear]

We did this last November. We were walk ups and the others that were supposed to be on the ride were no shows. It was just the two of us and the guides.

We didn't even know they had trail rides until the bus from VWL to Epcot stopped at FW. We saw the sign behind the bus stop and decided to come back after our Segway tour at Epcot.

 

[spiceycat]

it is a very tame ride. plus you have to get on and off the horses from a platform - not the ground.

so if you have ridden horses before this is strange.

the trail is around the woods - so you can see wildlife.

don't let your horse eat - if you do a guide will come up behind your horse and hit it - then you will have a wild ride for a few seconds.

so no feeling sorry for the horses - they get feed - well feed back at the Ranch.

it was designed for beginner riders - just be sure to tell them you are just learning and you will be fine.

 

[funatdisney]

Thanks for the info. Sounds like a great thing to do. My family and I are leasing a horse and have a good trainer. I feel better about the ride for my youngest DD. She really doesn't want to ride much, so I was more concerned about her experience. Thanks for noting the horse's desire to eat a little on the trial. I don't know a horse that wouldn't take advantage of a inexperienced rider.

 

[spiceycat]

since you are used to horses getting on and off is a problem.

it is much easier to do it the normal way.

they did this for beginners who were heavy. so instead of just making them - they made everyone do it.

have some pictures of it somewhere will try to find them

 

[bwvBound]

plus you have to get on and off the horses from a platform - not the ground.

so if you have ridden horses before this is strange.

We ride regularly at our "home resort' (WSR). The ranch strongly encourages the use of a mounting block, tree stump, tall rock or whatever is available any time a rider needs to mount. Their basis: it is easier on both the horse's back and the saddle/equipment.

So ... even as experienced riders we cheerfully use the mounting block when near the stables and look for makeshift helps if needed on the trail. Whatever it takes ...

 

[spiceycat]

We ride regularly at our "home resort' (WSR). The ranch strongly encourages the use of a mounting block, tree stump, tall rock or whatever is available any time a rider needs to mount. Their basis: it is easier on both the horse's back and the saddle/equipment.

their's doesn't work that way you slide onto the saddle - so probably worst on the horse's back. from nothing to heavy.

and you crawl off.