Equestrian Ride

Buddy up with your horse and take a docent-led equestrian adventure, traveling over the rolling hills, and maneuvering past outcrops of rocks along the trail’s edge. Take in the seemingly endless grassland and tree-studded horizons of this pristine protected landscape. BYO horse and gear, including a muck bucket and water for your horse after the ride.

Groups travel at a walk and are usually from 8-10 in size. Horses and riders should be accustomed to riding in groups and in open fields.

SVC’s goal is a safe and enjoyable outing for all. Helmets are optional though recommended for adult riders, but REQUIRED for riders 16 years old and younger – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Arrive at 10:00am – ride out at 11:00am. Saddle time approximately 2 1/2 hours. Space is limited. Tickets are non-refundable but may be transferred under special circumstances or if rain postpones the ride.

Please Rate your riding ability when registering. Select from one of the following:

BEGINNER
Experience: Rider has limited horse and riding experiences.
You. the rider: Should understand basic horsemanship; tacking up and comfortable balanced seat.
Controlling the Horse: Rider can walk, turn and stop their horse.
Riding Environment: Rider can manage a basic flat trail, with limited obstacles.

NOVICE
Experience: Rider should have more experience than a Beginner rider.
You, the rider: Clearly understand horsemanship practices; tacking up, well-balanced seat, properly mount & dismount, unassisted.
Controlling the Horse: Rider can bring a horse to an emergency stop, bend, able to control horse at a walk, trot, backing a horse and keep a proper distance between riders.
Riding Environment: Rider can manage basic trails with more obstacles, creek crossings, small hill climbing and descending.

INTERMEDIATE
Experience: Rider should have more experience than a Novice rider.
You, the rider: Has a confident balanced seat and has ridden horses with different skill levels and training. Rider should also be able to recognize and resolve horse’s physical signs of pinned ears, aggressive head shaking/bobbing, tail swishing, teeth bearing, jigging, popping up, uncontrolled backing or spinning, etc.
Riding Environment: Rider has the ability to handle more trail obstacles, creek crossings, climbing and descending hills at a quicker pace.
Controlling the Horse: Rider can control the horse in all movements at a walk ,trot, canter, etc.

ADVANCED
Experience: Individual has more experience than an Intermediate rider. Rider has years of technical experience on and around horses as a trainer, horseman competitor, show riding or at event rides.
You, the rider: Can handle many difficult and unexpected situations, with confidence. Possesses a true independent balanced seat. Can mount and dismount on both sides of their horse, if need be. Has the ability to help other riders, if needed.
Controlling the Horse: Rider can control a horse at all times, in any circumstance. Rider knows how to safely navigate, maneuver or position their horse in group rides, if a situation calls for advance horsemanship.
Riding Environment: Rider has ability to handle all trail obstacles, creek crossings, climbing and descending hills at a quick and confident pace.

VISITORS MUST:

1. Pre-register and pay before 6pm on Friday and
2. Complete a liability waiver before arriving

Donations are vital to maintaining the Preserve and offering public outings. Consider donating online or leaving a few bucks in the donation jar at the registration table. If the fee is a burden please request a fee waiver by emailing info@sacramentovalleyconservancy.og.

We have put procedures and policies in place for the safety of the public, volunteers, and staff. We are only able to offer public hikes/rides and activities if all the following protocols are observed. Thank you for your cooperation.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU REGISTER:

• You must register by 6pm the evening prior, pay the $10 per adult fee, and sign a liability waiver. Registration fees are not refundable but can be transferred to a future outing if you contact us ahead of time. If you plan to attend 8 or more outings (rides or hikes) in the next 12 months, consider purchasing a Season Pass for $75. You will still need to register for each individual outing to reserve a spot.
• The road to access Deer Creek Hills is not paved and requires crossing Crevis Creek. 4WD and higher clearance vehicles are recommended, especially in the spring when there is water in Crevis Creek, but are not required. Visitors who do not want to drive through the creek crossing may choose to park along the shoulder of Latrobe Road, cross on foot, and walk/ride the remaining mile to the trailhead at Eagle Camp Corral. All properties before the creek crossing are private property. Please respect our neighbors. Do not cross gates or climb fences.
• All events are subject to weather conditions. Projected rain, high creek levels, or extremely muddy conditions on the Preserve may cancel the outing. We will do our best to notify registered guests the evening prior via email. In the case of inclement weather please check our online calendar for cancellation postings before you travel to the preserve.
• There is no running water on site. Arrive hydrated and bring plenty of drinking water. Porta-potties are available at the trailhead and serviced every Friday. Bring your own hand sanitizer. Leave No Trace Ethics; Pack It In – Pack It Out.

BEFORE YOU ATTEND:

• Review the information on your confirmation email advising you of what to bring and how to prepare. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Wearing layers is recommended, wear sturdy closed-toed shoes, and bring a cell phone, snacks and plenty of water for you and your horse. Pellets are preferred instead of hay, to reduce the introduction of invasive species. Don’t forget the muck bucket.
• If you have had any flu-like symptoms or aren’t feeling physically up for the ride, please stay home.
• Print and fill out this Liability Waiver and bring it with you. It is recommended that your emergency contact not be someone who is attending with you, just in case you are both injured.

WHAT TO LEAVE HOME:

• Mud and Dirt! Please clean boots, hooves, gear and all tires before coming to the preserve. Managing invasive species costs us thousands each year. Clean gear helps keep the preserve open for recreation.
• Animals. No dogs or pets allowed on the preserve, except working service dogs (please let us know when you register online and check in with a staff member upon your arrival), and your horse of course
• Drones or other remote-controlled gadgets
• Hunting and fishing gear
• Shovels or mining gear (unless tools were specifically requested for a volunteer project you signed up for)
• Dirt bikes and ATVs
• Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, lighters and matches. Smoking is strictly prohibited and fire is a major concern on the Preserve.

WHEN YOU CHECK IN:

• Have your completed Liability Waiver Form ready.
• Utilize our Boot Brush station to help prevent the introduction of invasive species.
• While on the trail, maintain at least a 6-foot distance from anyone not in your immediate household. Trails are marked. For your safety and to respect the Preserve, please do not venture off the marked trails or separate from the guided group. Let one of our docents know if you need to stop and rest.

RESOURCES:

• Directions to Deer Creek Hills Preserve
• Adult Release of Liability – please print, complete, and bring with you
• Minor Release of Liability – only required if you are chaperoning minors of which you are NOT a legal guardian
• Visitor FAQ

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Extreme weather, unsafe air quality, rain or flooding on Latrobe Road will close Deer Creek Hills. Registrants will be notified via email and given the option to transfer registration to any future ride or hike that has not hit capacity, or donate fees to stewardship & trail maintenance projects on the Preserve. Registration payments are not refundable. If you have extenuating circumstances or are unable to attend, please contact us as soon as possible for assistance. Ticket transfer requests can be directed to Amy Rodrigues arodrigues@sacramentovalleyconservancy.org

If you have additional questions about outings at Deer Creek Hills, please contact SVC Program Coordinator, Carly Amatisto at (916) 612-3719 or outreach@sacramentovalleyconservancy.org