FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Hand-feeding the horses we care for is limited for training purposes to reward positive responses. We would love it if you would donate a bag of horse treats for us to reinforce positive behavior at appropriate times. The horses would love and benefit from your kindness. ❤️
• At the Ranch, we ensure the horses have nutritious hay available 24/7 when they are not working, which is a sizable amount of time. 🤠 Such a natural environment with so much hay keeps them healthy and content.
• Here is the Ranch PayPal link if it is easier for you to donate toward the care of the horses.
• Use this link to donate horse treats!
  

Service fees help cover processing, administrative fees, and a small portion of the high costs of caring for our many horses and paying staff a living wage. You have the option to include ticket protection, which provides reassurance by covering your reservation in case of an unforeseen circumstance on the way to the Ranch. With a doctor’s note, you can rebook without forfeiting the ride. We do not collect gratuity in advance, but tips are always welcome after your ride as a token of appreciation for your trail guide or driver’s exceptional service.

Consider choosing to include Ticket Protection in your booking. This will allow us to provide you with a voucher for a hassle-free re-booking of your ride if you have to cancel for a last-minute emergency or medical reason with less than 48 hours’ notice. Proof of the emergency, such as a doctor’s note, would be required.

We strive to avoid cancelling rides due to precipitation, as weather forecasts can be unpredictable. However, if we do cancel, you can rebook at no additional charge . You can also cancel and reschedule your ride up to 48 hours before the scheduled time, with a refund of the reservation, less non-refundable service fees if you can’t reschedule. Please note that our service fees are non-refundable in any case.

Usually, trail riding will be canceled if there is a very steady rain with a high probability of rain throughout the day, ice, or heavy snow. There is a good chance we will cancel trail rides if the temperature is below 25 degrees and horse-drawn rides if the temperature is below 15 degrees. We typically will delay if there is a thunderstorm in the area. The threat of rain, lightning, or snow will usually NOT cause us to cancel activities.

If you haven’t been notified of a cancellation, please show up a half-hour before your scheduled trail ride. You will be notified via email if your ride is canceled. Please be sure to provide a number to text in the event email does not work.

Horses are prey animals and may respond negatively to barking and animal behaviors. For safety reasons, Cornerstone Ranch enforces a strict no-dog policy.

For trail riding, weight limits are no more than 230 pounds per person. For horse-drawn rides, we may decide to split the ride up if the weight capacity is over the safe limit specified by industry standards for the vehicle to be pulled by the horses or if we feel the ride is off balance or unsafe.

Your role in this process is crucial. Please send your cancellation request via email. Once your request is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with rebooking instructions. Your proactive approach is appreciated. We value your understanding and cooperation in this matter. By providing  a 48-hour notice for all cancellations, you not only help us open up the space for others but also contribute to the balance of having full rides without overbooking. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.Rides canceled more than 48 hours before the ride day/time may be rebooked at no additional charge, or the ticket price may be refunded. However, please note that our service fees are non-refundable. We want to ensure that you are fully aware of this policy to avoid any misunderstanding or confusion.

Yes, signing a waiver is mandatory to participate in any horse-related activities at Cornerstone Ranch. Once you make a reservation, you will receive a waiver link specific to your reservation. Please read and sign electronically. Completing your waiver ensures the ride is not delayed or canceled due to a technicality. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Yay, no paperwork needed! We use the reservation system to keep track of everything. Enjoy your ride, and be early! Your planning and early/on-time arrival ensure you will go on the ride. Cornerstone Ranch is not responsible for taking you on a ride if you do not arrive on time. Please be sure to be early for your ride so you make it on time.

Anyone whose behavior is disruptive or creates an unsafe riding environment for horses, other riders, or themselves, or who does not respect Cornerstone Ranch’s policies and staff, will be asked to leave the premises. Cornerstone Ranch is not responsible for providing a ride if you do not arrive on time. Please ensure you arrive early for your ride to guarantee that you make it on time.

Age 6 y/o, or older is generally a great age to start taking riding lessons on a regular basis. We love working with all ages and will tailor the riding lesson to be specific for the level of the student.

Riding Lesson may be purchased 10 at a time for a $100 savings.

Pony rides are offered  on weekends, weather permitting. Pony rides are $25 and are structured to be like a short riding lesson. Schedule your pony ride!

To take sleighs, we need frozen ground with enough snow covering to ensure the sleigh runners do not come in contact with any obstructions on the ground. There is no set measurement of snow to determine this because the frozen/unfrozen ground comes into play. Also factoring in is the type of snow: light fluffy or heavy wet snow has its influence.

The safety of the horses, drivers and customers are the determining factor in the vehicles used. We may start out with sleighs, and as the day unfolds need to switch to wheels as conditions change.

Horse drawn rides are a fun way to enjoy time outdoors with friends and family and we love taking people on rides. Please come back each year to visit the Ranch and see your horse friends!

We have a lovely festive red wagon that we use when there is not enough snow to use the sleigh. Don’t worry, the magic of the season is still in the air no matter what is on the bottom of your horse-drawn ride! The rides are beautiful with fun and information along the way, and it gives our horses jobs, so we hope you will join us!

Please note that our cancellation policy offers a refund of the reservation fee only with more than 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations received with less than 48 hours’ notice will not be rescheduled and will not receive any refund.

If weather is predicted to be extreme, we may cancel rides. If rides are cancelled, notification will be sent via email to the email address you booked under with instructions for rebooking.

We may still hold the ride if it is raining, especially in the warm weather. Please remember to bring raincoats!

**Cell Phone Policy for Trail Rides**

For safety and enjoyment, cell phones, cameras, GoPros, and any other electronic or recording devices are not allowed to be carried by guests during trail rides. Horseback riding is an engaging activity that requires your full attention at all times.

There is a lock box available at the Ranch where you can securely store your cell phones. You will be able to retrieve them easily after your ride. Our helpful Wranglers will also be glad to take some photos of you before you dismount. We encourage you to share your lovely photos on the Ranch’s FaceBook page!

Appropriate Clothing for Riding at the Ranch –

**Helmets**: Helmets are required for all riders. You can borrow one from our supply, and rest assured that they are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between rides.

– **Footwear**: It is strongly recommended to wear shoes with a small heel. This design helps prevent your shoe from slipping through the stirrup and getting stuck. Ankle boots or work boots are acceptable, as long as they are not large, heavy hiking boots. This might be a great opportunity to shop for new cowboy or cowgirl boots if you have time before your ride.

– **Clothing**: Dress as if you are going hiking, but plan for it to feel about 20 degrees cooler than the temperature indicates. In winter, bundle up as if you are going skiing. It’s wise to bring a thin hat to wear under your helmet and gloves, unless it’s summertime. Stay safe and enjoy your ride!

Trails are paced at a walk to keep our horses and riders as comfortable and safe as possible. Our trail rides are great for all levels of riders and those whom have never ridden before.

We offer riding lessons for riding at a faster pace in an enclosed riding ring. Riding lessons are taught by professional, licensed riding instructors focused on balanced seat and good horsemanship. Cornerstone Ranch has many students committed to being better riders for their horses and we’d love to see you in a lesson.

Yes! Riding in the snow can be fun and beautiful. We are open year round and only cancel due to the cold if the temperatures drop into the 20’s or lower. Please dress warm, lots of layers!

At Cornerstone Ranch, a guide leads all trail rides. While we do have some spaces available for cash-only walk-ins, we strongly recommend making a reservation to avoid disappointment. Please be aware that if you do not arrive on time for your ride, we will not be able to accommodate you. We encourage you to take responsibility for your ride by arriving early.

You may book a trail ride with other riders, usually up to 8 riders, or you may book a private trail ride exclusive to your group of 1-8 riders. Use this link to the options for booking trail rides.

To ensure optimal mounting practices and to prioritize the comfort and safety of our horses, we use a mounting block. We offer two types: one with two steps and another with three steps.

Mounting blocks are utilized to protect our horses’ backs. All riders participating in mounted activities must be able to mount and dismount a horse using a mounting block without any assistance from Cornerstone Ranch staff or other guests.

The age requirement for our trail rides is 10+ years old. We do have some flexibility for children having ridden before.

When booking children, please also book adult family members so the rides have a balance of youngsters and beyond. We prefer not to take large groups of kids on trail rides. Birthday parties at the Ranch are more suitable for groups of kids.

Riding lessons are for ages 7+, and are a great way to start learning more about good horsemanship. Lessons are also perfect for adults who would like to learn how to ride with a balanced seat at a walk-trot-canter.
Pony rides, horse drawn rides, and birthday parties do not have an age requirement.

Helmets are required and we have plenty to go around. No need to run out and buy one unless you plan to ride consistently. We would be happy about that!

Helmets are cleaned and sanitized between rides. In the winter it’s a good idea to wear a light knit hat under the helmet for extra warmth.

The weight limit for riding is 230 pounds maximum weight. There is no maximum weight for the horse drawn rides. If we feel there are any factors which may pose a danger to our horses, staff or other riders we reserve the right to deny someone the opportunity to participate in any activity.

Children must be 10 years old to go on a trail ride. Children who have taken riding lessons may go on a trail ride if they are at least 8 years old and we feel they are able to follow instructions.

Trail rides for either one or two hours include approximately 15 minutes of lead time to assist riders to mount up safely and help riders get acclimated to their horses. During this time, our Wranglers will also provide beneficial instruction prior to riding on the beautiful trails at the Ranch, to help make the trail ride as enjoyable as possible for both horses and riders. This time is a great opportunity to learn about the horse you are riding and to understand the practices the horses at the Ranch are familiar with.

At the end of your ride, we also allow a few minutes to take everyone’s picture with our camera, which automatically emails photos to riders.

We are excited that you’re interested in taking a trail ride! For the safety of everyone—including the horses, staff, and riders—it is essential to understand basic instructions in English. Cornerstone Ranch reserves the right to deny access to horseback riding for riders who cannot understand the directions given prior to the ride. Additionally, if a rider does not comprehend the instructions provided during the ride, the ride may be discontinued for that individual.

If you feel unsure about your English skills and are not comfortable participating in a trail ride, we recommend opting for a horse-drawn ride instead. This allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as you are carried in a sleigh or wagon along the beautiful wooded trails.