Equestrian Ride SOLD OUT

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 golden grasses 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.

COVID-19 exposure and illness prevention

We believe time spent outdoors is essential for people’s health and well-being. With careful planning and visitor cooperation, we can mitigate risks to still allow a small number of visitors to access Deer Creek Hills for this ride. All participants MUST pre-register, pre-pay the $10 non-refundable registration fee and bring COMPLETED liability forms with them. Registration closes 6:00pm the evening prior. No day of registration and no walk-ins. These changes are to reduce the exchange of money and sharing of pens at check-in. These changes are for the safety of our guests as well as staff/volunteers working in the corral. Anyone visiting Deer Creek Hills without pre-registration, liability forms, pre-payment will be asked to register for a future trip. NO exceptions. Thank you for understanding.

During your visit, please follow the 6-foot social buffer and do not convene in groups around the picnic tables.  We suggest that if visitors choose to take rests, they do so just off of the trail on the most durable surfaces. Use portlets with caution. Units are serviced every Friday, however these can be a high-use areas. Come prepared with your own hand sanitizer.

If you have any symptoms, think you have been exposed to someone with the virus or aren’t sure, please stay home. Visit when you are well. The preserve has been protected in perpetuity (FOREVER) and will be here for you to explore when you’re healthy.

IMPORTANT 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
• Deer Creek Hills Preserve COVID 19 Safety Protocols

CANCELLATION POLICY

Rain or flooding on Latrobe Road will close Deer Creek Hills. Registered riders will be notified via email and given the option to transfer registration to any future ride that has not hit the 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 a ride, 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