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We're excited for your visit to Yokum's Stables in Seneca Rocks, West Virginia!
To help plan your visit to our stables, we have put together a few common questions that we think may be helpful when planning your trail ride. Whether you've ridden horses your whole life OR you're getting in the saddle for the very first time, we are prepared to make sure you have a pleasant time with us.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR ON THE TRAIL RIDE?
Many trail riders choose to wear jeans while riding horses, but shorts are OK too. It's truly your preference, but you may find the saddle more comfortable with longer bottoms (especially if you are not used to riding in saddles often). We do recommend that you wear closed-toe shoes, boots, or tennis shoes of the sort. Flip-flops & sandals are strongly discouraged. You want to be able to have good foot control in the stirrups, without shoes sliding off. Riding helmets are available at our stables. If you do not wish to wear a helmet, please be sure to sign the bottom line of our liability waiver forms.
WHAT CAN I BRING WITH ME?
Riders may take cameras (or camera phones), bottled water, bug spray & sunscreen with them on the trail ride. We do have saddle horn bags available to help carry small belongings. Light or small backpacks are okay. We do have a weight limit for our horses, so if you have questions or concerns about personal items, please ask our stables staff.
DO YOU ACCEPT WALK-INS?
If we have availability for more riders at our reserved times, you may be able to join us on the trail. However, we strongly recommend that you make a reservation. 2-3 weeks in advance is typically a good time to reserve your spot.
WHAT ARE THE AGE & WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS TO RIDE?
Ages 6 and up are invited to join us on the trail ride. For the safety and comfort of both horses and riders, our maximum weight limit is 240 lbs.
CAN MY CHILD RIDE ON THE HORSE WITH ME?
Unfortunately, no. We can only take riders age 6 & up. Due to insurance & liability reasons, we may only allow one rider per horse. Typically, young riders are placed closer in line to the front (nearest a trail guide) to be monitored during the trip. We also have children-size, adjustable saddle stirrups for comfort. At any time, the guides can use a lead rope to lead your child on the trail. The horses are trained to follow single-file, but having a lead rope, led by an experienced staff member, often provides ease for children and adults.
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID DURING THE TRAIL RIDE?
Our horses are very tame & well-mannered on the horse trail. However, they are trained to follow single-file at a slow, walking pace. Do not try to encourage your horse to trot/jog, and please try to refrain from passing other horses (instructions will be given how to navigate your horse as needed by our Stables staff). While on the trail, we do not allow smoking, alcoholic beverages, dismounting from your horse (unless instructed to do so), yelling loudly or using inappropriate language. If you have questions/concerns, please speak to a staff member.
CAN I GIVE MY HORSE TREATS & WATER?
Any treats for our horses must be approved by the trail guide or Stables staff member. They especially love carrots & apples. Please ask us before giving a horse a treat. When our horses are on the trail ride, it's extremely important that they are NOT given any water to drink. When horses are completing a strenuous activity, they will sweat from the exercise. Drinking water during this time has the potential to make the horse extremely sick and/or colic, which can lead to a disasterous outcome for the horse. When the horses return to the Stables at the end of the ride, they are rewarded with nutritious grain to replenish their strength. During this meal, they go through a "cool-down" process. After proper cool-off, the horses are allowed water, which will be readily available to them 24/7 during their time at the barn.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?
We realize that weather can be unpredictable, so we understand if you do not want to ride in the rain. As long as there is not a torrential downpour or thunder/lightning, we do allow riders to make the decision if they want to go on the trail ride. Some of the trail ride is sheltered from overhead trees, making a ride in light rain a little more enjoyable if not a clear day. However, you are able to reschedule your reservation for another time in hopes of better weather. Ask our staff for more information.
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