First off I want to talk about the local Horseback Riding Stables in our area. Of the many farms offering horseback riding in the Ocala area few offer a true trail riding experience. Most horseback riding patrons are looking for a real experience in the outdoors. The trail riding experience should offer different settings along the ride. Trees, fields,brush,prairies, creeks and hills are what most patrons are actually looking for. I ask every rider what they expected on their trail ride. The results are almost always the same. Customers are looking for an experience that is not boring and repetative. Riding in the same group of trees or fields can get boring real fast. When shopping for a trail ride company ask about the terrain and setting. Remember lots of trees is a cooler ride!
The heat can quickly turn a great ride into a miserable one. Ride early or late- If possible boook your ride as early in the morning as possible for the coolest ride. Not possible to tide in the a.m? Ride late in the afternoon. Your ride will start out warm but every degree of cooling is a relief. The middle of the day in summer and fall months can be miserable for all involved. Though we will ride anytime we prefer early or late.
Horseback riding is generally safe as most professionals will assess the group of riders, via personality, experience and size of both rider and horse. In a brief few minutes of introduction the wrangler can usually do a good job of matching up horse and rider. Good clean gear and tac will make the experience safer and more worry free. Even though Florida has equine laws in place that protect riding facilities. It is in every ones best interrest that the facility carry Trail Riding Insurance- Due to possible dangers of unknowns on the trail (trees falling or thunder) horses can spook and insurance companies have increased the insurance rates usually betwenn $4500 and $6000 per year. This is usually a deterrant from potential small time trail riders operating as a trail ride service. Demand that the trail ride service you book hold proper service to protect all involved.
It is very important that you ride with a company that rides nearly every day. A horse that is on the same trails every day are aware of whats usually around every turn and remains calmer on the ride. Vs. the horse that rides once a week will be feisty and anxious.
Online reviews- Horseback Riding Services rely on the internet, local hotels and restaurants to get the word out. A good review is only as good as its author. What I mean by this is that you may get an accurate depiction of what the ride is really like and you may get a trumped up story in order to detour business one way or the other. Most reviews have an email link back to the author. If the review you have read is in any questionable, try and contact the author to find out more. the most effective way to get the review authors real feelings is to talk to them on the phone if possible. Take all reviews with a grain of salt and use your gut feeling when deciding which trail riding service to go with.
We will talk more about where to go horseback riding in Ocala. Our service Wild West Horse Tours is a great service but check out others and decide which one fits your desires the most!
Up next!
Where to take your own horse in and around Ocala.
Good luck and Happy Trails for now.
Florida Horseback is a place for us to share our experiences and interract with consumers that use trail ride services,horse trainers,riding instructors in Florida. Our Company "Wild West Horse Tours" located in Ocala providing adventurous,fun,safe horseback riding for Orlando,Ocala, Tampa and various communities in Florida.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
A Blurb From Our Website (WildWestHorseTours.com)
Our gentle, steady horses make the ride pleasant and enjoyable for an experienced cowpoke or first-time greenhorn. Our Professional Wranglers will keep you safe and entertained during your entire Wild West Experience.
There is no better way to experience Central Florida in all her natural glory; trails meandering through wildflower-strewn meadows, by Grand Daddy Oaks, amidst Majestic Lofty Pines. The panoramic views are breathtaking and wildlife abounds. Our horses are gentle and steady, making the ride a pure pleasure for the experienced cowpoke or first time greenhorn. Horseback riding for children and adults of all levels. Just sit back in the saddle and let us pamper you Western style!
Yee Haw!
There is no better way to experience Central Florida in all her natural glory; trails meandering through wildflower-strewn meadows, by Grand Daddy Oaks, amidst Majestic Lofty Pines. The panoramic views are breathtaking and wildlife abounds. Our horses are gentle and steady, making the ride a pure pleasure for the experienced cowpoke or first time greenhorn. Horseback riding for children and adults of all levels. Just sit back in the saddle and let us pamper you Western style!
Yee Haw!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)