** Closed toed shoes ** Clothing per weather (Spring and Summer are very wet, Fall and Winter are chilly) **Signed waiver if not completed online. (Can be done digitally while booking) FYI: All riders MUST have a signed waiver before riding

All of our horses are beginner and first time rider friendly. It is important for you to understand that animals, especially horses, can pick up on nervous or anxious feelings and react in a similar manner. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, please communicate with your trail guide.

Riders MUST be less than 225lbs. FYI: EMRC has the right to refuse potential riders for the health, safety, and best interests of our horses, staff, and other riders.

If your dog is well-mannered + crate-trained, they are welcome to stay at the barn, crated. Please bring your own crate, and no barkers please! We also have barn cats, FYI!!

We can accommodate large groups - please contact us with your party size and desired time.

Your child MUST be 8+ for trail rides and 5+ for private lessons. FYI: All riders under 18 MUST wear a helmet, which we provide.

Due to the trail terrain, and for the health of our horses, we can not allow tandem riders for any reason.

**Update as of 6/1/2024 you can contact us via text at 828-351-4041 or email contact@elkmountainriding.co and inquire about our current lesson schedule. Yes! We offer basic beginner horsemanship lessons in the Western Discipline for ages 5 and up, taught by a certified instructor. Each session is 1 hour long. If you have more than 1 child who would like to do lessons, they may take lessons together. Must still pay current rate per child. No more than one child on a single horse. If you are interested in lessons, you may contact us.

Yes, our horses love Apple and Carrot treats. Please refrain from giving treats to the horses until the instructor allows you to do so. Some horses can be aggressive when it comes to food.

Unfortunately, due to liability, we cannot allow guests on-site who do not have a reservation with us.

We do offer opportunities for more advanced riding during our 2 hour and half day private tours - if the guide is comfortable that it is safe to do so, based on all riders abilities, as well as the condition of the footing on the day you arrive. It is important to note that the ride may be shorter due to covering the trail at a faster pace. When booking, please be sure to make a note that you (and or your group) are experienced riders and would like to experience a faster pace.

Currently, we do not have anything formalized; however, we do hope to have regular activities for younger children in the near future. Please check our Booking page to see if any seasonal activities at the Copper Shed are available. We do not have a set schedule at this time.

Yes and No, it depends. Our private tours are unique and most of the time do not follow the same route. Please be sure to let us know what trail you have ridden before, and we will do our best to change up the route for a new and unique experience. Our community tours follow the same trail year round.

Yes! We sure are! However, our hours vary in the winter/spring months (Nov-May) based on weather and number of bookings. We do our best to accommodate your preferred day and time; however, we ask that you remain as flexible as possible if we need to modify the exact day and time. We will notify you as soon as possible if we need to do so.

All sales are final. In the event of an emergency, please cancel your ride 48 hours in advance for the consideration of a full refund. Cancelations less than 48 hours in advance will be considered for refunds on a case per case basis. No refunds will be issued until you receive a confirmation text or email from either our business line 828-351-4041 or via email stating that a refund is being issued. Our text line (828-351-4041) and email (contact@elkmountainriding.co) is open 24/7.

Mountain Weather can be very unpredictable and very different depending on where you are staying. We ask that you allow us to make the decision to cancel for weather. We will make every attempt to contact you as soon as the decision is made. In the event that we cancel, you will have the option to reschedule at the next available time, OR receive a full refund. If you cancel due to weather, you will not be refunded. All sales are final. We will ride in light, misty rain or snow (our favorite rides!), but not in downpours or lightening if we can avoid it. It is your responsibility to check your email/text for any cancelation notice, prior to your arrival.

All sales are final and no credit or refund will be given if cancellation is made within 24 hours of your scheduled ride.