Riding Rules & Requirements

Horseback riding at the Flying U is a very special experience. In order to maintain our riding, we have a strict set of rules that must be taken seriously and apply to all guests at the ranch.

For the health and safety of our horses, we can only accommodate riders up to 250lbs. We have a limited number of horses that can accommodate heavier riders (230-250lbs) so they must be booked in advance.

To make sure that we have the best fit for the size of the rider, all riders will have their weights privately verified with a staff member upon check in. Unfortunately if you are over our limit at check in, you will not be assigned a horse for your stay.

The earliest you may ride on your arrival day is after the 1pm orientation. All guests are required to attend an orientation before they are able to ride. The orientation covers important safety and riding rules.

Riding is available for guests 5 years of age and older. Kids under 10 years are required to be ponied by a wrangler or experienced rider. We may ask for proof of age upon check in.

When booking your stay, please be honest about your riding experience. If you have over estimated your riding ability when booking we will be unable to guarantee that there will be a suitable horse for you to ride during your stay.

To book the platinum package, all riders must have or be able to do the following:

Demonstrate that they are able to dismount/mount their horses without assistance.

Demonstrate that they can tie up their horse with a safety release knot.

Show the wranglers that they have the google maps tracking set up on their phone and that it is running (required by at least 1 rider per group).

The following set of rules are in place to keep both our riders and the horses safe. If any of these rules are broken during your stay, then you will not be able to ride under the platinum package and will be switched to the platinum plus package for the remainder of the stay. Warnings will not be given.

Flying U Horseback Riding Rules

Ride at your own risk
Helmets are mandatory for all riders, regardless of age and experience level
Riders under the age of 19 must be accompanied by an adult
Cowboy boots or heeled boots must be worn
No dismounting at the mounting block
Check cinch before mounting
Never let go of the reins
Warm up your horse before galloping
NO RUNNING (trotting/cantering/galloping) within sight of the barn
NEVER tie a horse up by the reins
No racing on the trail
No alcohol prior to or during riding
No smoking on the trails
Walk sweated horses until dry
DO NOT trade horses
Close all gates
Be considerate of other riders (no erratic passing/ ride at the level of your least experienced partner)
All riders MUST be back at the barn and off of their horses NO LATER than 4pm.