Frequently Asked Questions         Click here for the Washington Riding Stables brochure & riding rates page

Horseback Trail Riding    http://www.washingtonstables.com/horseback.htm

#1) What is the weight limit for Horseback Trail Riding?
       --weight limit is ~195 lbs. and you must have an average or slim height-to-weight ratio.
       --you must be physically able to mount the horse without assistance.
#2) What is the minimum age, height, and experience level required for Horseback Trail Riding?
       --Age 12 and minimum of 53 inches tall.  We may require a series of riding lessons for youths before considering trail rides.
       --Riding Lessons will be required first especially when there are a number of youths with a group
#3) Are reservations required for "Horseback Trail Riding" or the "Lesson/Trail Ride Package Experience"?
        --Never on Saturday & Sunday, but please call if you have more than 6 people coming to ride.
        --Reservations are required weekdays.   Call 732-545-6220 for the "Couples Private Ride" or email us for "Private Ride" details.
#4) When are Horseback Trail Rides available?    Are you open in all weather conditions?
        --Trail Rides are always available on Saturday & Sunday -- ALL YEAR LONG!
        --Please call 732-249-2471(press option #1) for open/closed status, weather related closings, & specific daily hours.
#5) Are "Private Rides" available?  I'd like to bring my girlfriend / boyfriend / spouse / etc.  for something special
        --Absolutely!  Please email us for "Private Ride" details.  We can also offer a Private Ride that includes a lesson.
#6) Can we ride double?  Can a child ride with me?
        --No double riding!  We do have hand-led pony and horse rides for small children.
#7) Must I take a lesson before going on the trail?   Can I ride even if I'm a beginner with no riding experience?
       --Lessons are not required [for most riders] before trail rides and we have horses for all levels of riding ability.
       --Riding Lessons are required for youth riders before considering them for Trail Rides.
       --You may want to consider our "Lesson & Trail Riding Package"
#8) Are all Trail Rides guided?  What is the pace of the ride?  What if I have riding experience?
       --Trail rides are guided.  Walk & jog pace.   Perhaps a more aggressive ride if you display competent experience.
#9) Should we tip our Trail Guide?
       --Sure, especially if you enjoyed your ride!  Your Trail Guide will gladly accept tips.  Thank you!
#10) Are there waiting lines?  When is the least busiest time?   Can we set up a reservation for a private ride?
        --Waiting lines are common.  Come early to avoid wait times.  Call 732-545-6220 for "Private Ride" reservations.
#11) We plan to come riding with a group of friends.  How do we arrange for our group to ride together?
       --You may want to consider one of our "Private Rides" for your group . Please email us details or call 732-545-6220.
#12) Do you ride with Western or English saddles at the stables?
        --Western Riding exclusively!  The Ole' Cowboy way to ride!
#13) What should we wear to go riding?
        --Jeans, t-shirt and outdoor footwear like work-boots, hiking boots, sneakers.  No shorts or sandals please!
#14) We are coming to ride with a group which includes small children.  What do you suggest?
        --Trail rides are for ages 12+ so bring an extra adult who will stay with the younger children taking Pony Rides or hand-led horse rides.

 Have additional questions on "Horseback Riding"?   Email us at: help@washingtonstables.com
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Riding Lessons    http://www.washingtonstables.com/lessons.htm

#1) What is the minimum age for Riding Lessons?  Minimum height?   Weight limit?
        -- Age 10 thru Adult.  Minimum height: 48 inches. Weight limit: 195 lbs.  Click here for ages 7, 8, & 9
#2) What style/discipline of Horse Riding & Lessons do you teach?
        --We offer Beginner Western Horsemanship training, intermediate, and advanced Western Pleasure lessons.
#3) When can I start taking Riding Lessons?   How do I sign up for Riding Lessons?
        --You can start on any Saturday or Sunday morning by appointment. 
        --Sign up for Riding Lessons with the form found at: http://www.washingtonstables.com/le.htm
        --Sign up for Riding Lessons on-line at: http://www.washingtonstables.com/leo1.htm
#4) Must I schedule a Riding Lesson or can I just show up?    Are Lessons taught all year long?
        --Yes, you must schedule Riding Lessons.    Riding Lessons are available ALL YEAR LONG!  
#5) How do I schedule Riding Lessons?
        --Review the Riding Lessons rules sheet at:  http://www.washingtonstables.com/RLR.htm
#6) I have a Riding Lesson scheduled.  Are lessons being held in today's weather conditions?
        --Please call 732-249-2471(option #1) for open/closed status and weather related closings.
#7) How many students are there with an instructor?
        --Usually from one to three students per instructor.  Advanced classes may have more.
#8) Are there discounted packages available for Riding Lessons?
        --Yes!   Click http://www.washingtonstables.com/lessons.htm to visit the "Riding Lessons" page.
#9) Must I purchase a package of Riding Lessons or can I take a single lesson?
        --You may schedule a single lesson at any time.  Call 732-545-6220 to make an appointment.
#10) What is your policy on expired Riding Lesson & Horseback Riding Instruction Certificates?
        --The Expired Horseback Riding Instruction Certificates Policy is located at: http://www.washingtonstables.com/exprlgc.htm
#11) Is special equipment, clothing, or helmets required for Riding Lessons?
        --Please wear loose-fitting jeans (not baggy), boots (riding, hiking, work) and we suggest wearing a helmet [required for minors].
#12) Should we tip our Riding Instructor if we enjoyed our Riding Lesson?
       --That's very thoughtful of you to ask!  Yes, your Riding Instructor will gladly accept!  Thank you!

    Have additional questions on "Riding Lessons"?   Email us at: help@washingtonstables.com
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Pony Rides   http://www.washingtonstables.com/pony.htm

#1) When are Pony Rides available?  Are reservations required?
        --Saturday & Sunday all year long and reservations are not necessary.
#2) What is the age range for Pony Rides?  Can a child be hand-led on a horse?
       --Ages 2 and up.   Yes, ponies and horses are available for hand-led rides.
#3) Can I walk along with my child on the Pony Ride?  Can I take pictures?
       --Yes, please do walk along and take as many pictures as you like!
#4) Will the Pony Walkers accept tips?
       --That is very thoughtful of you and yes, your Pony Walker will gladly accept tips!  Thank you!

Have additional questions on "Pony Rides"?   Email us at: help@washingtonstables.com
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Ponies for Parties    http://www.washingtonstables.com/ponies.htm

#1) Can you bring the Ponies to my home for a party?  To my school?  To my business?
       --Yes, we can bring our Ponies to homes, schools, parks, churches, businesses, and other places.
#2) Where will you walk the Ponies and give the rides?
       --Back yard, front yard, driveway, sidewalk, parking lot, field, or just about anywhere safe!
#3) Will you clean up after the Ponies?
        --Of course!
#4) Should we tip the Pony Handlers after they have finished giving rides?
       --Thank you for asking and yes, the handlers will gladly accept your generosity!
#5) I have booked a Pony Party and made a deposit.  Do I need to call to confirm arrangements?
        --No!   You will receive a confirmation by postal mail or email after you make the reservation.
#6) How will I know if you received my deposit check?
        --Contact your bank or financial institution to verify that the check has cleared.

Have additional questions on "Ponies for Parties"?   Email us at: help@washingtonstables.com
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Gift Certificates    http://www.washingtonstables.com/gcerts.htm

#1) How can I purchase Gift Certificates?  Are Gift Certificates available for all services?
       --Yes, Gift Certificates are available for all services and may be purchased in 4 ways:
            Purchase on-line at: http://www.washingtonstables.com/gco.htm
            Mail-in/fax-in form located at: http://www.washingtonstables.com/gcm.htm
            Purchase Gift Certificates at the stables on Saturday or Sunday (need directions?)
            Call 732-545-6220 to purchase Gift Certificates over the telephone.
#2) If I purchase Gift Certificates today, when will I receive them?
       --All Gift Certificate orders are processed within 48 hrs. so you should receive them within 3-4 days.
#3) How long are Gift Certificates valid for?  Are the stables open all year?
       --Yes, the stables are open all year and Gift Certificates are valid for one full year from date of purchase.
#4) What is your policy on expired Gift Certificates and Expired Riding Instruction Certificates?
       --The Expired Gift Certificates Policy is located at: http://www.washingtonstables.com/expgc.htm
       --The Expired Horseback Riding Instruction Certificates Policy is located at: http://www.washingtonstables.com/exprlgc.htm

Have additional questions on "Gift Certificates"?   Email us at: help@washingtonstables.com
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Summer Day Camp    http://www.washingtonstables.com/summer.htm

#1) Where do I find information and registration forms for the Summer Day Program?
       --Links for these forms may be found on the Summer Day Camp page: http://www.washingtonstables.com/summer.htm
#2) What is the age range of Summer Day Program participants?
       --Summer program campers range from ages 9 to 16.
#3) My child has no riding experience.  Should we arrange for some Riding Lessons before camp starts?
       --ABSOLUTELY!   Prior riding experience is required. Contact the stables office to set up Riding Lessons in advance.
#4) Are the participants in camp mostly boys or girls?
       --There's a fair mix and there always seems to be more girls on average in each session.
#5) How much riding time is there in camp?
       --Lots of riding time- both ring riding & trail riding. There's also time spent on safety, handling, & horsemanship.
#6) When should we sign up for camp?
       --Early!  We only take a limited number of participants and all the sessions fill up quickly.
#7) What is the ratio of counselors or instructors to campers?
       --The ratio is about 1 to 4.
#8) Will my child have fun in horse camp?  Will she / he learn more and enjoy it?
       --We find the campers who have prior Riding Lessons really enjoy it the most.  Arrange for Riding Lessons before camp starts!
#9) What type of clothing is needed for camp?   Are helmets required?
       --Please wear jeans [not baggy types] and work shoes or hiking boots.  Riding helmets are ABSOLUTELY required!   Safety is key!

Have additional questions on "Summer Day Camp"?   Email us at: help@washingtonstables.com

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