Question 1

Can I gallop?

Accepted Answer

No.
Trail rides are mostly at a walk with some trotting depending on the comfort and experience of the group, as well as the conditions.
Lessons start with walk. Beginners will be able to try trotting . Cantering is reserved for intermediate to advanced riders.

Question 2

What should we wear?

Accepted Answer

Pants! Always! Year round.
For lessons when it’s warm out short sleeves are ok. Remember, the more of your skin you have covered up when riding the better protected you are from the sun, abrasions in a fall or scratches from branches when trail riding. A light long sleeve sun shirt is a good choice for all seasons as a base layer.
Boots with a heel are best. They’re for safety to keep your foot from sliding all the way through the stirrup. Beginners may get started in sneakers or other closed toe shoes, but we recommend if you are going to ride frequently you get either paddock boots or tall boots for English or cowboy boots for western. Boots also protect your toes better when you are working around horses on the ground.

Question 3

How long are lessons?

Accepted Answer

1 hour including time to groom and tack up

Question 4

Do you have discounts or group rates?

Accepted Answer

No not at this time.

Question 5

Are you open to the public? What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

We are open by appointment only. Please reach out to us before stopping by. Lessons and trail rides require advance booking. We can usually arrange a visit for petting or soap pick up on shorter notice but do need a heads up.

Question 6

Do you have to have prior experience?

Accepted Answer

No, but for trail rides children need prior experience. For lessons or trail rides riders need to be able to climb the steps of the mounting block, swing their right leg over the saddle, and keep their body weight balanced.

Question 7

What else do you have?

Accepted Answer

Well- we have farm animals you can visit- goats, chickens, and cows and we have goat milk soap for purchase.

Question 8

Do you offer boarding?

Accepted Answer

No

Question 9

Are helmets required?

Accepted Answer

Yes and we provide them as part of the fee. If you have your own approved equestrian helmet you may wear it. Bicycle helmets are not allowed.

Question 10

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my ride or lesson?

Accepted Answer

Because your ride or lesson is outdoors, we keep an eye on the forecast and will contact you if the weather looks unsafe or uncomfortable. We do not go out in freezing, icy, or slippery conditions, or during lightning or thunder. If you’ve paid a deposit, we’ll apply it to a new date. If you can’t reschedule, we’ll refund your deposit for weather-related cancellations.

Question 11

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Trail rides are $70 per person.
Lessons are $60.

Question 12

Do you lease horses?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on an invitational basis to clients that we have established a relationship with.  If you are interested in leasing please schedule a lesson or trail ride with us as a starting point.

Question 13

Do you offer pony rides?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  We can host a party at our farm and provide pony rides.  We can also transport horses to your event for "pony" rides. Note that a "pony" is a small horse.  The term pony ride usually implies a person having a ride on a horse where another person is leading the horse.  We do often use "horses" for "pony" rides.  Please contact us for a quote based on the number of people, the length of the party, the distance (for off site), etc.  We can also bring a goat or two for petting for off site parties for an additional fee.

We do not typically offer pony rides to visitors stopping by the farm.  If you have a child interested in horseback riding we recommend that you start by scheduling a lesson. We find that minimum age depends on the child (level of interest, if they are brave or afraid, etc,)  We don't mind giving a full hour "pony" ride - but that will be at our full lesson rate of $60.

Question 14

Do you offer programs for boy/girl scouts or other large groups who want a horse experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We love to educate!  Our rate is $50 per participant and includes a ride (the horse may be led on a lead rope depending on ability) and hands on sessions in other horse topics including grooming, tack, health, care, feet, etc.  If a troop is working on a badge we can cater the program to the badge.

Question 15

What can I expect on a trail ride?

Accepted Answer

All trail rides are led by one of our experienced guides. Our school horses are well trained and mostly follow each other, but they each have a mind of their own and require the rider to follow our guide’s instructions regarding steering and stopping.
Our farm borders the state forest where we have access to a network of wooded trails including small streams and bridges and many interesting rock formations.

Question 16

Is there a weight limit for riders?

Accepted Answer

Yes - our standard weight limit is 185 pounds.  We do have one horse who can accommodate riders up to 230 pounds for trail rides, but that means that a group of riders is limited to one rider in excess of 185 pounds.

Question 17

What are the age requirements for children to ride horses at Rock Hill Farm?

Accepted Answer

A: At Rock Hill Farm we do not have an explicit minimum age for riders. However, there are a few important criteria to ensure safety and enjoyment for all participants. A child must be able to wear a helmet, follow instructions, and for a lesson, they need to remain focused and interested for the entire hour. Additionally, riders under the age of 16 must demonstrate that they can control their own horse before heading out on the trail. In some cases, they may be required to take a lesson in the ring to confirm their readiness. Your child’s safety and a positive riding experience are our top priorities.

Question 18

Should I tip my trail ride guide? Should I tip my lesson instructor?

Accepted Answer

Trail Ride Guide: Yes. We like to say, “If you liked your ride, kiss your horse and tip your guide!” Many people do not realize that it is customary to tip your trail ride guide. If you had a great time on your ride, show your appreciation. The standard is 15-20% – similar to what you would tip a waiter or waitress.  If your ride experience was less than fantastic please let us know so we can make improvements. We make every effort to make your experience great.

Lesson Instructor: No - it is not customary to tip for riding lessons, except perhaps a holiday gift if you would like.

Question 19

What is the best time of year for trail riding? Do you go out year round?

Accepted Answer

Spring and Fall are my favorite seasons, but yes, we go out all year.  Read on for more about typical conditions each season:

Spring: Muddy, wet ground, footing may be slick in spots, stream crossing likely to be higher (it's still only 12" but in summer it sometimes dries out).  Not too hot. Not buggy in the woods.

Summer: Hot. Buggy. Not too cold.  Footing is usually very good/dry.  Not so bad if you're comfortable taking a hand off the reins/saddle horn to shoo the bugs away. Usually the lead horse gets the worst of it. Wear your bug spray/essential oils, long sleeves are recommended even though it's warm so you don't get scratched from any branches.

Fall: Leaves are turning, weather is cooling, bugs are going away. Footing is usually still good.  Can't think of any cons about Fall as long as it's not too cold yet.

Winter. COLD.  May be icy or snowy. Usually limited to walk only, no trotting. Did I say COLD?  If the weather is below 40 degrees you will definitely want layers and gloves. Think - skiing or snowmobiling attire but on a horse.  Likely you will want to skip the riding boots and just wear winter boots.  If it is below freezing toe warmers are recommended. How crazy are you about riding?

Frequently asked questions