Overview

Ages 11 and Up • Helmets Included • Ride up to 4 Hours

Duration: 1
Cancellation Summary: 24hrs notice
Meeting Point: 535 Northfield Dr E, Waterloo
Min Age: 11
Group Size: 8
Description: Immerse Yourself in Nature’s Beauty: Explore Conestogo River’s Enchanting Wilderness on Horseback!

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the enchanting Conestogo River, where hundreds of acres of pristine trails await your exploration. Renowned as Ontario’s finest, our year-round trails offer a picturesque blend of nature’s beauty and equestrian delights. Whether you crave the warmth of summer, or the thrill of riding through snowy landscapes, we have a trail experienced tailored specifically for you.

Before setting off, our expert trail guides will acquaint you with the essentials of horseback riding, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Then, choose your companion from our selection of seasoned trail horses, ready to lead you through a remarkable journey.

Your ride begins amidst the serene ambiance of our pastures, where lush fields stretch towards the horizon. From there, the trail winds through the forest ridge and comes down to the river landscape through the apple trees. Following the beautiful flowing Conestogo River, you will enter our “enchanted forest” – The forest will lead you along the water, where you will be overtaken by the sound of birdsongs and the river flowing beside you.

The magic doesn’t stop there! As you continue your adventure, be sure to keep your eyes peeled through the wilderness! Spot majestic great blue herons, soaring eagles, and deer on our trails. From slow moving turtles to quick foxes, each encounter promises a glimpse into the natural world.
What is Included: instruction on how to ride our horses
helmet can be provided (under 18yr are required to wear a helmet)
*a suitable horse for your riding level
What is not Included: As this is a service industry (similar to a waiter/waitress), if you enjoy your ride and feel that your guide did an excellent job, a 10% tip is encouraged. Guides and attendees keep 100% of tips.
Check in Details: Arrive at least 20 MINUTES prior to your scheduled departure time. This allows time for payment, meeting your guide and horses, checking in, fitting riders with approved safety helmets and an introduction to the basics of trail riding.

CHECK IN: Check in is located at our log office by the parking upon your arrival. Please scan the QR code on the door to start filling out the waiver of liability form. If we are not there, check behind the large white roofed arena where the deck is, as we are most likely preparing the horses. You can print off the (waiver) and bring it with you on the day of your trail if you are not interested in an electronic entry
What to Bring: Long pants to avoid pinching and chafing from the saddle, exposure to the elements, bugs and plants.

Close toed boots or shoes with a small heel of .5″-1″ to prevent slipping (ex. Blundstones, Doc Martens, hiking boots, rubber boots, cow boy boots, etc.).

Sandals are NOT permitted

Phones & Cameras are welcome and encouraged! Feel free to tag our Instagram or post with #CRHBA

We encourage you to bring a sports waterproof case lanyard as the trail may go through the Conestogo river, and we may not be able to retrieve dropped items.

Special Requirements: Speed: Trails are ridden at walk only
Age Requirement: minimum age requirement for trails is 11 years old – riders under 16 must have an adult accompanying on the trail
Weight of Rider: 245lbs maximum
Restrictions: No Go Fee: The full price of your activities will be charged, even if you are too tender-hearted to follow through with the planned adventure. Unfortunately, the horses still have an overhead cost when they are not working. Therefore, even if you are missing out on the adventure, the full fees still apply.
Disclaimers: No Go Fee: The full price of your activities will be charged, even if you are too tender-hearted to follow through with the planned adventure. Unfortunately, the horses still have an overhead cost when they are not working. Therefore, even if you are missing out on the adventure, the full fees still apply.

We can go rain or shine. If you are not interested in going in the inclement weather, a minimum of 5hrs notice is required by phone.
Faqs: Do you have walk-in spaces for trail rides?
Due to our scheduling requirements, we are unable to accept walk-ins or same day bookings – please call in advance to make a reservation.
How far in advance should I book a trail ride?
We require a minimum of 72 hours notice to book a trail ride, and advise longer if you would like a weekend trail ride. During the summer, our weekend trails often book up 2-4 weeks in advance.
Can I book a trail ride online?
Online bookings are now available! Please see the ‘book now’ link at the top of our website to book online. We also take reservations over the phone, if you’d like to save the online fees. Please have a credit card ready at time of booking, as we require a Visa or Mastercard number to hold all reservations.
Can I use a VisaDebit to confirm my reservation?
While we can take VisaDebit for payment on the day of the ride, we can only accept Visa Credit or Mastercard to hold a reservation.
Do you offer private rides?
We are able to offer private rides Monday-Friday. Due to the volume of demand, we do not offer private rides on the weekends. For details on pricing, please call the office.
I have never ridden before, can I still go on a trail ride?
Our trails are friendly for all skill levels, from seasoned riders to first-timers, and the rides do not go faster than a walk. Our guides give group instructions before every ride, so you can head out on the trail with confidence.
Which rides go through the river?
All our trail lengths will criss-cross through the Conestogo River at least once, with the exception being cold weather. From November – April, the water becomes too cold and unsafe for the horses. During those months, we will ride beside the river, but not cross.
Can we trot/canter/gallop/go really fast on the trails?
For the safety of all our riders as well as any hikers and cyclists that we may encounter, all our trails are ridden at a walk only.
Can my child go on a trail ride?
We have an age minimum of 11 for our off-property trails. Riders between the ages of 11 and 18 require an adult joining them on the trail.
Can I bring my young child/toddler/infant on the horse with me?
For safety reasons, we only allow one rider per horse. In the event of a fall, serious injury could occur to a small child/infant, so that is not permitted.
Do you have a weight limit for horseback riding?
We have a maximum weight limit of 245lbs for all our horseback activities.
What if I need to cancel my trail?
We require 24 hours notice for changes to bookings, and 3 hours notice for weather related cancellations. You must confirm your cancellation with a staff member or by leaving a voicemail. If you fail to show on the day of the ride, cancel with less than 3 hours notice, or do not leave a voicemail, a cancellation fee of $25 per person will be charged. As our email is manned on a part-time basis, please do not cancel your ride via email – phone & voicemail only.
What time should I arrive for my trail ride?
We ask that you arrive 20-30 minutes prior to your booking, so we can process payment and go over instructions as a group. The time you have booked is the time the trail will depart. The guide reserves the right to leave with the trail at the scheduled time and if you are late, a no-show fee may be charged.
What happens if it’s raining/snowing?
We ride rain or shine! If you would like to cancel or reschedule because of the weather, we require a minimum of 3 hours notice. If the forecast is calling for inclement weather (thunderstorms/torrential downpour/hail/freezing rain/blizzard), we will call you with as much advance notice as possible.
Do you offer trails in the winter?
We offer our trail rides year-round, even in the middle of winter! There may be the rare time of year when weather conditions prevent us from heading out on the trail, but we’re ready to ride anytime.
Can I take pictures during the trail?
You are welcome to bring your camera or smartphone to snap some scenic memories, however you assume full responsibility for any belongings you bring along. We encourage you to bring your phone in a waterproof case with a lanyard, and tell the guide if you would like to stop and take pictures. Our guides will do their best to retrieve dropped items if possible, but items dropped in the river cannot be retrieved.
Do I get to pick the horse I ride?
Our guides will choose the horse for you, based on riding experience and height. If you have ridden with us in the past we can take note of any preferences, but the decision is ultimately up to the guide.
How many people can come on a trail ride?
Our trail rides can take between 2 & 8 riders, plus the guides.
What should I bring/wear for a trail ride?
Long pants to avoid chafing on the leather saddle and scrapes from bushes, closed toed boots or shoes, ideally with a half to one inch heel (no steel toed boots). For safety, sandals are not permitted. During the warmer weather, we encourage wearing sunscreen and bug spray. During the winter, we encourage warm gloves, scarves/touques to cover the ears, and it is possible to ride in snow pants. Helmets are mandatory, encouraged for riders of all ages, and are included in the cost of your trail ride.
Do I need to wear a helmet on the trail ride? Are helmets provided?
All Riders are required to wear a helmet. We provide helmets for the trail rides for no additional cost, and if you have your own helmet you are welcome to bring that instead, but it needs to be ASTM standard. Bike helmets do not qualify.