04/10/2024
Essential Booking Information 2025 🐴
Please see below a list of some frequently asked questions and important booking information. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with additional queries and to book! 🐴
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*SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
We provide boots and helmets for no additional charge.
For those wishing to bring their own equipment, we can only accept helmets of the standard PAS 015 (2011) with a British kitemark or VG1 with a British kitemark. Boots must have a smooth sole and a defined, square heel and must fit into the stirrup with at least 1/2 inch clearance.
*EXPERIENCE LEVEL/WEIGHT LIMIT:
In the interest of horse welfare, we
have a maximum weight limit of 16 stone (102 kg, 225 lbs.)
Please be honest when we ask about your experience level—for your own safety, our horses, and any other riders in your company. We reserve the right to withhold riders from trotting or cantering if we feel they are not at the standard they stated themselves to be.
For any canter work, you will need to have ridden regularly within the last 10 years in the English/classical style
*CANCELLATION POLICY:
Our cancellation policy requires a full 24 hour notice; otherwise full payment will be required. We allocate staff and horses before all sessions, and besides staff time and wages, we have to manage expenses such as feeding, worming, shoeing, veterinary bills, rugs, and other operational costs.
During peak times, we often have to turn people away due to being at full capacity, and so when people fail to turn up or give us proper notice, we cannot fill these spaces. As a small business faced with the rising costs within the equine industry, this is why payments are so important to us and the ponies!
We kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation in adherence to our cancellation policy.
*AGE RESTRICTIONS:
We have a minimum rider age limit of 3. Children under the age of 10 may be taken on the lead rein, unless we feel they can manage on their own.
*METHODS OF PAYMENT:
We ask that you bring cash on the day. We do not have a card machine and cannot accept card payments however we are happy to accept Bank Transfers if necessary.
*MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE:
We have a limited number of horses and can accept groups of up to 8 riders at a time. If you are looking to book with a larger group, please get in touch to discuss options. Please note that we can only allow one rider to each horse; no doubling up!
*ALLOCATING HORSES:
We will pair you with a suitable horse based on your height, weight, previous experience, medical concerns, and any other information you provide us with. For this reason, we regrettably cannot allow riders to choose which horse they ride based on height or colour.
*WEATHER CONDITIONS:
Rides are very rarely cancelled to due the weather, so please come dressed sensibly for the conditions i.e long trousers, waterproofs, gloves, thermals etc.
*WHEN YOU ARRIVE:
Please arrive approximately 10 minutes before your session so we can get you fitted with hats and boots. If you bring a dog, we ask that you leave them in the car until the ride has left the yard.
Smoking and va**ng are strictly not permitted on the premises or throughout the ride.
*FINDING US:
Please come along the B9152 between Aviemore and Kincraig and look out for the yellow ‘Alvie Stables’ sign. Once on the estate, please follow the signs along to the stables. Avoid using a Sat Nav as you may be taken onto the A9, which is now a dual carriageway, and you cannot get off to Alvie anymore.
