Frequently Asked
QuestionsFrequently Asked
QuestionsWhat sets your services apart?What is your typical schedule?What do you need for a reservation?What are the age and weight limits for horseback riding?What if I’ve never been on a horse before?What should we wear and bring with us?Are gratuities appropriate?What can we expect when we arrive?What do you expect of us?What will the weather be like when we arrive?What happens in inclement weather?When exactly do your sleigh and riding seasons begin and end?Do you have gift certificates available?Do you offer temporary horse boarding?Do you have lodging available?How do we get to Leavenworth?Why are your prices so unusual?What sets your services apart?As family owner/operators, and residents at this ranch, we have a direct stake in ensuring that your experience here be the safest and most enjoyable possible. It’s a lifestyle choice! The beautiful setting and trails here speak for themselves. We work hard to keep the horseback rides small (although we can accommodate 14 or so riders together for groups), so usually we only send up to six riders together with each guide. We only use strong, sound horses, and hear many favorable comments about their excellent condition. The skilled guides who work here know how to set horses and people at ease, and are trained to prioritize safety. Their services are a central asset, of course we think they’re the best guides around!top of page What is your typical schedule?Most of the year, we only prepare the horses and have a guide available by reservation, so please do contact us ahead of time. For horseback riding, in summer we can usually schedule the first ride of the day at 10:00 am and the last at 4:30 pm, and in spring and fall we often start at 11:00, with the last ride at 3:00. During sleigh season, rides are often offered on the hour from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, though some days will be more limited.top of page What do you need for a reservation?We have a two person minimum to set up a reservation (although if you would like to come solo, you could add on to a previously scheduled ride). When you’re ready to schedule a ride, we’ll need to know how many adults and kids in your party, and the age of the kids. Additionally, we do ask for a Visa or MasterCard number just to hold the reservation (just give us a call ahead to cancel if your plans change). For horseback riding, it’s also very helpful to know the size of the adults, especially any bigger riders (over 200 #), so we can be sure to have an appropriate horse available. Which brings us to…top of page What are the age and weight limits for horseback riding?Age six is the youngest we can take on a trail ride (our insurance doesn‘t allow double riding, nor do we consider it safe). If you’re over 18, we don’t ask your age! For most riders, our weight limit is 240#, although that should be adjusted down and up according to height/weight proportions. For persons under 5 foot six inches tall, the weight limit is 200#, to accommodate their horse height and saddle size requirements. For those about 6 feet in height or taller, we can sometimes extend the upper limit to 250#. If that still sounds limited, consider the U.S. cavalry used to have a weight limit of 140#!top of page What if I’ve never been on a horse before?No problem. We have very gentle, calm horses and will be happy to demonstrate basic cues for directing your horse once you mount up. Your guide will always be with you on the trail to answer questions and offer extra help. For a young child or nervous rider, the guide can also keep hold of a lead rope to their horse.top of page What should we wear
and bring with us?
Secure, sturdy shoes or
boots are ideal. For horseback riding, you at least need a heel
strap (no thongs or clogs). We also recommend long pants for
riding. We do provide riding helmets, which are required for kids
and optional for adults on horseback rides. Brimmed hats need a
chin tie to be worn on the trail. It’s always a good idea to have
an extra layer available in the car with you in case weather is cooler
than expected. For sleigh rides, we do provide blankets for you
to sit on, and put over your laps, but dress for the snow! We do
have bottled water available here for purchase, but no snacks. |
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Trail Rides Sleigh Rides Map and Directions About Eagle Creek Ranch PicturesFrequently Asked Questions |
from Seattle! Please call or e-mail ahead for reservations 1-800-221-RIDE (7433) or locally at 509-548-7798  ranch@eaglecreek.ws |
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