FAQ

Horses typically don't care about the weather and will depart in light rain, snow, or shine.

If the conditions for a planned ride become hazardous, we may need to cancel or postpone the ride. This can include heavy rainfall or lightning, heavy snowfall or blizzard, cold temperatures (-15°C or lower), hot temperatures (+35°C or higher), high winds (40km/h), slippery trail conditions, and smoke or poor air quality.
All of these can make it dangerous for our horses, our staff and you. 

If Hokkaido Horse Rides cancels the ride, we will try to rebook you or offer you a full refund.

If you cancel the ride, you will be charged the full amount unless we have been notified 24-hour before your ride.

No riding experience is required for a riding excursion!
Simple and brief instructions to help you feel comfortable and safe in directing or being on your horse will be given to you once you are on the horse.

Being safe and enjoying the ride are our priorities; therefore, we go no faster than the horses' walking pace, though the ponies may walk a little faster to keep up with the horses.

For the enjoyment of the ride, we do not allow two riders to ride together on the same horse. Unless the child and adult are under the weight restrictions. It is safer for everyone to be on their own horse.

Children must be at least 4 years old to ride the ponies and 10 years old to ride the horses. Children under under 4 years of age can ride with the parent or guardian as long as the total weight is not over the limit horse weight.

The maximum weight of a person for the Ponies is 90lbs or 40 kgs.

The maximum weight of a person for the Horses is 225lbs or 102kgs.

We recommend not riding if you are pregnant, have had recent surgery, or have lower back/hips/knees, as it may be uncomfortable for you.

If you still want to ride, please feel free to talk to the staff so we can better accommodate you.

Currently, we have a limit of 2 adult riders and 1 child at any time.

If there are more than 3 people in your group, turns will be taken during the ride time you booked.

Dress for the weather forecast.

Helmets are provided for the ride. All participants under 20 are required to wear a helmet, and those over 20 are recommended to do so.

We also have a few raincoats for the rainy weather. If you have one that you prefer than you may chose to bring that along. 

Closed-toe shoes are required. No sandals, flip-flops or high heels. 

Long pants are recommended as the saddle may irritate you; try to avoid white pants.

A sweater or light jacket in the spring-fall months and a winter jacket in the winter. 

Be sure to bring sunglasses and a hat (summer) or ski googles and a beanie/touque (winter).

Bug spray is a must during warm-weather seasons.

We do not allow backpacks or purses on the ride. 

Taking photos or videos at any point during the ride is allowed with your cellphone or camera.
We suggest you secure the device with a wrist or neck strap to reduce the risk of dropping it.

(Hokkaido Horse Rides will not be held responsible for the loss or damage of any personal items during the length of the ride)

Please keep your phone on silent for safety, to avoid frightening the horses.

Our rides are reservation-only, but inquiries may be made up to 12 hours before the ride time; space may still be available.

We accept cash, debit or credit cards (all credit cards at a 4% surcharge).

Gratuities (tips) are welcome and appreciated but not expected. 

The animals on the farm include horses, ponies, dogs, rabbits, goats, chickens, a cat and a bunch of Chickadees who have colonized the barn.

Local wildlife includes deer, tanukis, flying squirrels, foxes, chipmunks, snow rabbits, eagles, owls, ravens, and, very occasionally, bears far off in the distance.