Widowmaker Trail Rides
Frequently Asked Questions
Gentle,
friendly horses are matched to compliment your abilities. Travel at a gentle
pace while discovering the fun, fitness and friendship that accompany riding one
of these beautiful and amazing creatures. This short scenic jaunt allows you to
experience the great outdoors while travelling along the shores of Lake
Grapevine and enjoying the natural wooded trails. Our Lake Grapevine ride is 2 hours and
costs $80 per person.
Click on the question to see the answers below.
2. Will
I need to sign a waiver?
3. Do
you offer Gift Certificates?
9. Can
I bring a drink or camera?
11. Do
you offer any rides less than 2 hours?
12. What
if it looks like rain?
1.
How
do I schedule a ride? – All rides are by appointment, and can be scheduled any time you
like. Please call us to check availability or ask any questions. When you leave a voicemail, include the date you
want to ride and how many people would be in your group. (solo riders are
welcome) David Alexander 817/528-8069 cell Jeff Cook 214/478-2448 cell Email trailride@campalexander.com (yes,
Cowboys do use email). The ride includes instruction with the goal to increase
your knowledge and skill as a rider. Because our rides are by appointment, most
are private rides! We never ride in large groups. Four to six people max in a
group so that your experience with us will be a more enjoyable one! If you are
a beginner, you will get our full attention. If your party is larger, we can
accommodate up to 10 riders at a time. Any group with more than 6 riders
will have a second trail guide. When making a reservation, we will need
some details about the riding experience of you, and the members of your group
including the number of times each of you has ridden a horse. We will also need
the height and weight of each rider so we can match you
with the right horse, and a saddle that fits you. We also require a visa or mastercard number to book your reservation. Because we do
not "overbook" our rides, and because we frequently turn away rides
when we are booked, you will be charged if you cancel a ride (other than a
weather-related cancellation) and we cannot fill that ride.
2. Will I need to sign a waiver? –
If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign for you. Adults
will read and be advised of Chapter 87 of the Civil Practices and Remedies Code
of Texas that limits the liability of equine professionals for property damages
and damages for personal injury or death if the damage results from the dangers
or conditions that are an inherent risk of an equine activity.
3.
Do you offer Gift Certificates? – Yes. They can be purchased in person with
cash or check, or you can purchase over the phone with visa or mastercard.
4.
How early should I arrive? – Please arrive between 15 and 30 minutes
prior to your ride. If you are going to be outside that time, please call.
5.
Is there an age limit? – For adults, we have taken people as old as 93,
so don’t think you are too old to do this if you are reasonably active. For
kids, we can take them as young as 5, but we may not be able to accommodate
more than 1 or 2 very young kids, so let us know what you have, and we will let
you know what is possible.
6.
What is the weight limit? – A horse can carry 25% of his body weight
under normal conditions for normal riding. (The US Calvary says 20% for what
they do, but we won’t be chasing any banditos) If it is hot, or wet, or the
horses have been working hard, the conditions are not ideal. We have a couple
horses that can carry over 240#, but they are not always available. We also
have some horses that max out at 200#, so please be patient and honest when we
ask how much you weigh and how tall you are. Also, if you are very short and
very heavy, we may not have a saddle that safely fits you.
7.
What should I wear? – Boots are best, but tennis shoes will also
work if they provide full foot protection and have some tread. Avoid large
hiking boots as they are hard to fit in the stirrup. Wear long pants to protect
your ankles from any branches the horse may brush up against. If you have ever
wondered why a Cowboy’s pants look 3 sizes too long, you will understand when
you are in a saddle riding thru some bushes. Other clothing options are up to
you. You will be using your hands, so if it is cold, bring gloves. If it is
hot, put on some sunscreen.
8.
What about helmets? – If you want a helmet, we will provide it.
Adults are not required to wear them, but children 10 and under are required to
wear helmets at all times.
9.
Can I bring a drink or camera? – Yes, drinks must be in a plastic bottle no
larger than 16oz or it won’t fit in our holder. Cameras need to be small so you
can operate with one hand.
10. Do you offer
any lessons? – No, but every
trail ride is like a lesson. If you want to talk about riding horses, we will
talk your ears off for 2 hours.
11. Do you offer
any rides less than 2 hours?
– We have no pricing for shorter rides, but call if you have a special situation.
12. What if it
looks like rain? – If it has rained
and is too muddy, or if it is raining, we will contact you to cancel the ride.
We will bring rain slickers if there is a chance of rain but we will not
cancel. If you have spent any time in Texas, you know the weather changes and
forecasted rain can become a sunny day in a few hours.