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Trail Riding and Booking - Helpful Information

What do we need to bring?

Helmets are provided and we use safety stirrups, therefore closed shoes ie trainers, solid sandals are required. Camera/phone for pics, water bottle for the longer rides, and plenty of sunblock! small towel/ swimwear/ snacks for swimming option (summer only), and longer rides. Lunch provided for the full day and 2 day rides.



What time do we need to arrive, and what are the season schedules?

Ride schedule in the summer season is 9.00am & 11am *all subject to availbility booking in advance advised. All longer rides at 9am, 11am beginner 1hr ride when 9am is full. Summer season 26th October (Labour weekend) - 2nd May (school term 2 starts) Trail rides run most days, 48hr prior booking advised. Winter season 2nd May - 25th October Trails rides are available on prior booking basis only/ conditions will apply, will not always be open for trail rides through this period, horses will take a break through July/August. Please arrive 10minutes prior, there is approx half hour required for logistics and mounting.



What happens if I am late?

If you are greater than 20mins late from your arrival time you may have to re-book (no-refunds) plus a 25% cancellation fee. Final decision is at the discretion of your guide.



CANCELLATION POLICY/How far out from our booking date can we make changes?

A guide and horse is ready for you and we have turned away other people in your place. We are sure you understand why we adhere to following booking policy: FOR TRAIL RIDES 80% REFUND OVER 2 WEEKS OUT FROM YOUR BOOKING DATE 50% REFUND 1-2 WEEKS OUT FROM YOUR BOOKING DATE 0% REFUND LESS THAN 48HRS FROM YOUR BOOKING DATE FOR 2 DAY PACKAGE 35% DEPOSIT REQUIRED FULL AMOUNT PAID 20 DAYS OUT FROM TOUR DATE DEPOSIT REFUNDABLE 40 DAYS OUT FROM BOOKING DATE FULL REFUND IF CANCELLED DUE TOO BAD WEATHER OR RESCHEDULED/NO FURTHER COSTS CAN BE CLAIMED FROM SANDY BAY HORSES DUE TO A CANCELLATION MADE BY US.



If one or more people from our group are missing on the day what will happen?

All confirmed bookings are paid in advance through our website, if one or more people are missing they will not recieve refunds & responsibility is taken by the person who made the booking.



What happens if it is raining?

BAD= HEAVY RAIN/over 30 Knots wind we cancel (at our discretion) or reschedule, I will contact you on your EMAIL/PHONE one night prior. All trails go ahead in light showers/rain. We do not go in very bad weather.



Is my credit card charged when I make the booking?

You will recieve an email in response to your booking request and if your date is available you will be asked to follow the payment link. The booking terms and conditions will be on another link. If you fail to adhere to the booking terms, ie do not show up and all the horses are prepared, (as it takes a few hours to prepare and finish up a trail ride either side, and other people could have taken the booking) you must follow the cancellation policy, the cancellation policy is explained in your booking email link and in FAQs. For our packages 35% deposit is taken and the remainder paid 20 days before your booking date.



Is there a Weight Limit?

Yes 95kgs. Horses are not ok to take more than 20% of their body weight (average horse 450-500kgs) so it is important to be honest and adhere to the generous side if you are not sure. We can cater to a little heavier with one of our horses (enquire on booking). If you are over the weight restriction unless arranged we will NOT take you and you will still be charged so please be honest.



Can I ride on Sandy Bay Beach?

Limited in January or busy summer periods. Winter advanced trail rides go on sandy bay beach. Includes the summer months on the advanced trails. As sandy bay is a very busy surf beach it is not a place for beginner riders and busy for horses in summer months. Top ride trail and 2 day package ride on sandy bay beach.



Can we swim the horses?

Yes this is an option on the full day trail ride (summer only). Plenty of time in advance for booking this is required during peak time, this is not always available and a 2pp minimum. Experienced/intermediates only.



Can I double with my child/What is the age limit?

No we do NOT double for H & S reasons. 1 rider per horse. 8yr olds and up only on beginner ride. 10yrs for intermediate rides and 12yrs for advanced rides.



How big are the groups and can I book as a single?

We can take up to *5 people for a ride (conditions apply/* group dynamics). Minimum 2 people If you are by yourself, you can join/ fit in with another booking if available. Or if you wish, we can take *private rides at a higher rate *(conditions apply) please enquire.



Can we go fast?

Our horses have to deal with quite steep northland terrain and most of our rides are walking paced with fantastic views. There is options for experienced riders to canter on the beach for the more advnaced trails. (during the middle summer months it is too hot for the horses to go fast paced). Other times of the year we can increase the pace for experienced riders on the advanced trails only. We work with what is fair on the horses welbeing.



What to expect riding in the summer heat?

Due to fairness for the horses in the summer heat we take it easy or cancel/postpone when over 30 degrees celsius.



How much time is needed to pre- book?

48hrs is advised so we can provide a Quality Boutique experince for both you and the horses and offer better availability for you.



Is there Accomodation at Sandy Bay Horses?

We have a farmstay cabin (max 3 pax) available Our 2 days Idyllic Getaway package includes one nights accomodation at our cabin



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Tutukaka Coast - Northland
NEW ZEALAND
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