Policies and Procedures

Sunshine and Daydreams has a very conservative riding policy. This ensures the safety of our riders and the well-being of our horses. We respect the skills of all experienced riders but ask that everyone follow the instruction from our guides as our horses have been trained in a specific manner and deviation from our policy can confuse and stress the horses.

Riding Instruction

Instruction begins as soon as you arrive at the stable. All riders will mount their horses using a mounting block, and are asked to hold the reins in one hand, in front of and below the horn without resting their hand on the saddle or the horse’s neck. The other hand is to be kept on the horn at all times. Riders must sit up tall with their heels down and toes up towards their horse's ears, and their shoulders over the top of their hips. When each rider is in the correct riding position, the guide will instruct the group on asking their horses to move, and lead the group out of the stable. During the ride, your guide will coach each of the riders on maintaining correct equitation to help the riders relax into a comfortable riding position.

What to wear and bring

Horseback riding is a great outdoors experience, and it's important to us that you are dressed comfortably for a safe and relaxing ride. All riders must wear tennis shoes and jeans, no shorts or open-toed shoes. Riding boots are fine, but please do not wear dress boots that have a high heel or restrict the calf muscle. Your ride will be focused on safety, so please leave all belongings (cameras, cell phones, purses, water bottles) in your car as these can be a distraction or liability when riding. During the ride, your trail guide will take photos of your group and text them to you before the end of your ride.

Weather policy

For health and safety reasons, Sunshine and Daydreams will not conduct rides in excessive heat, during rain, or in heavy winds. Rides with all adults will be withheld if the temperature is above 95 and rising, and will resume when the temperature is 101 degrees and dropping. Rides with children under 13 years old will not be held if the temperature is 90 degrees and rising, and they will resume when the temperature is 95 degrees and dropping. Any kind of rainfall is damaging to the equipment and uncomfortable to the horses wearing it. Heavy winds can blow debris and spook the horses as well as make it difficult to balance on the horse and hear the guides’ instructions. In the event of weather difficulties, scheduled groups will be notified via telephone and their ride will be rescheduled for a later date.