CANCELED Equestrian Ride

Consistent with the CA Department of Public Health’s recommendation to cancel all non-essential gatherings for the month of March, SVC has made the very difficult decision to cancel all docent guided outings through the end of the month.

We believe that time spent outdoors is an essential for people’s health and welbeing, as such, we have chosen to allow self-guided hiking. If you have any respiratory symptoms (cough, runny nose, fever) please stay home.

Buddy up with your own horse to take a docent-led equestrian adventure, traveling over the lush rolling hills, maneuver outcrops of rocks along the trail’s edge. Take in the green grasses and flowing creeks of this pristine protected landscape. BYO horse and gear, including a muck bucket.

Groups travel at a walk and are usually from 10-15 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.

Gates open at 10:00am – ride out at 11:00am. Saddle time approximately 2 1/2 hours.

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.

Space is limited to 20 attendees total per ride and will reach capacity. $10.00 suggested registration fee allows us to offer these events. Ask about our $50 Season Pass.

We request that you heed the CDC’s guidelines for COVID-19 exposure and illness prevention.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If you have any symptoms, think you have been exposed to someone with the virus or aren’t sure, please stay home.

Please choose to visit when you are well. The preserve has been protected in perpetuity.