Frequently Asked Questions at Happy Trails Walking Horses

What time are your rides?

This will vary depending on the seasons through the year. You can see our available slots and book your ride right here on our website.

Please click on Book Now to see our current ride schedule and book your next adventure with us!

Can we canter or gallop?

Unfortunately, no. All of our horses are required to wear “poop bags.” When a horse canters or gallops, they launch with all four legs. When they do this, the poop bag will swing and then swat them behind their hind legs. The horses do not like that and will kick at it. For a rider, this will feel like bucking, which is why we don’t allow either of these gaits.

Do you have a weight limit?

We can not allow riders in excess of 240 pounds as this can cause injuries to our horses. If you over that limit, please do not sign up as you will be denied a ride and will not be entitled to a refund.

What if we have to cancel?

We have a 48-hour refund policy. All you have to do is email us with the last name you are booked under along with the date and time of your ride.

You can also reschedule/rebook your ride instead of refund, as long as it’s 48 hours before booked ride. If you do not give us 48 hours’ notice, we will not have enough time to fill the spot we had saved for you and will not be eligible for a refund or rescheduling.

Can we take pictures?

Yes! Feel free to take as many pictures as you’d like. However, we cannot stop too many times to take pictures unless you are the only group on that ride. Most people will take pictures as we ride.

What else should I know?

You cannot be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when you arrive. This does not happen often, but if you do this, we will deny you a ride and we will not refund you.

How old do you have to be?

All riders must be at least 10 years old, at least 4ft tall, and children of any age cannot double ride (tandem) with anyone. Children 15 years old and under must be accompanied by their guardian on the ride. 16 years old and older may ride unattended by their guardian.

Can we trot?

We are the only riding service on Amelia Island with all gaited Tennessee Walking Horses. These horses do not trot. Their gaits progress from a flat walk to a running walk. While other horses have to trot to keep pace, ours do not. They’re often called the “Cadillac” of horses because of their smooth gaits.

What if it rains (or other inclement weather)?

In the event of bad weather, and we deem it to be hazardous to ride, we will contact you and give you the option to reschedule/rebook your ride or receive a refund.

What if we arrive late?

We require that all riders arrive 15 minutes early to sign waivers and prepare for the ride. If you show up late and the ride has already left with those who were on time, you will not receive a refund. It takes five hours of work for us to put on a one-hour ride. Please plan ahead and arrive early! If you are running late, you may call us to see if we can rebook or if we are able to wait (most times we cannot wait).

How long is the ride?

You will be on the horse for an hour, which will include a brief, but power-packed safety and ridding lesson.

What should I wear?

Wear a happy face and close-toed shoes.

Happy Trails also recommends:
– wearing long pants
– wearing secure and tight bra or sports bra for ladies
– wearing briefs or an athletic supporter for men
– wearing sunscreen and bug spray
– wearing hair style suitable for a helmet as to not interfere with safety (you may also wear a bandana to protect hair under helmet)
– wearing sunglasses
– wearing a phone case that can be connected to the body in the event phone slips from hand
– wearing a securable close to the body pouch to keep keys and wallets in (i.e.: fanny pack)
– wearing attire appropriate for the weather (i.e.: if its cold outside, it may be colder on the beach)

Don’t say we didn’t warn you! 🙂