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Dahana Ranch

on the big island of Hawaii

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You are here: Home / FAQs

FAQs

1.    My child is 2. Can he/she ride?  

No. We’re sorry we wish we could accommodate you.  Please wait until your children are 3, and if they are small for their age, please wait until 4.

2.    Can my child ride with me on the same horse?

No.  Your child is on their own horse, in a child’s saddle and a safety belt and is led by the guide.  It is the parents discretion whether or not you believe your child will enjoy this experience.  Each child’s development is greatly different.   It is very difficult for us to determine this over the phone.

3.    How many people are on the rides?  Can we have a private ride ?

It depends on what season you are riding in , (summer and holidays are busiest). Other factors we consider are the number of kids on the ride, and the number of wranglers working that day to accommodate the kids.  Generally speaking, the average in a busy season is 8-12.

And off season is 4-8.  Private rides are available for a buyout of  10 seats.  The reason behind this is that we are “closing” the ride for you.  This means we have to have another guide that day just to accommodate your privacy.  If you have 6-8 people in your group,  buying the extra seats is not uncommon.  Sometimes its really not necessary since it may be slow season.

4.    What if I am an “advanced” rider but the person I am with is not?

If you are with someone is who is inexperienced and they are athletic and comfortable on a horse, they can accompany you on the Advanced ride.  The horses are not crazy and just take off if one person lopes( canters).  They can go at their own pace.  If your friend is nervous or feeling a bit apprehensive, I would suggest the Ranch ride, or even the Cattle drive.

5.    Can we come back early if we don’t want to stay out for the full 1.5 hours?

Usually, no.  If you don’t think you can last 1.5 hours, it’s probably safe to pass on riding.

6.    I have an artificial hip/limb, physical disability,  can I ride?

This depends greatly on the physical condition and age of the rider.  We have accommodated many children and adults with physical challenges but we cannot guarantee a ride until we actually meet you in person.  The best thing to do is to be up front with us about the situation and then book the ride.   We will determine the safety when you arrive for check in.  If you don’t disclose information to us, it leaves us in a very awkward position.

7.    We want to gallop on the ride. How much running can we do ?

We definitely do not have a “run” ride.   There are no flat areas of the ranch.  The terrain is rolling hills.  We do however allow people to “lope” on the longer rides.   It is of course, based on the guide’s discretion.  Most folks like to rate themselves as “expert” riders.  The more respectful and in control you are, the more freedom we can give you.  If you want to do a lot of loping or galloping, our ranch is not the right fit for you.

8.    What should we wear?

The most important component is your shoes.  Please if you do not have riding boots, wear athletic style shoes.  We do not allow anything open toed,  crocs, tevas, or ballet type slippers.
Long pants a jacket or sweatshirt is also needed on certain days.

9.    What is the cancellation policy?

The standard cancellation policy is 24 hours at 100%. If you cancel your ride within 24 hours, it is extremely difficult for us to book others in your place.  We are reserving those horses just for you and in the meantime, turning others away.

If the weather conditions are dangerous, we will cancel your ride.  If we are going out, you are obligated to go on the ride.  You are welcome to reschedule.  Once you reschedule, it’s a full charge with no cancellation.   We take all  major credit cards but do not charge the card over the phone.

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