1. Is there a weight limit for riders?

We have horses for all weights, including large horses for large people!

2. How old do you have to be to ride your own horse

We ask that the children be of school age and able to follow directions.

3. Do you accept credit cards?

We do have credit card facilities for things such as Diamond ‘P’ Ranch T-shirts, souvenirs, professional memento photos, the chuck wagon supper, and rodeo.  The Diamond 'P' Ranch guides are professional, licensed, independent contractor outfitters; the receipts from their rides are figured separately from the items that can be purchased, and they only accept cash or checks for the Half Day Rides.

4. If a group has someone who cannot ride because of age or physical disability, will it be possible for them to attend the Chuck Wagon Supper only?

Yes. We realize that groups, especially family reunions, sometimes have individuals with physical disabilities.  These people will not be allowed to take a vehicle to the KOA pavilion, but they may ride the hay wagon there from the Diamond 'P' Ranch.  This offer is not extended to individuals who”Just don't feel like riding".  This offer is not valid for groups with more non-riders than riders.  Although the price is subject to change without notification, at present it is $20.00 for the meal and wagon ride.

5. What if we have never ridden before?

Before every ride, our wranglers and guides teach a basic horsemanship and safety course.  At this time we try to determine a guest’s level of ability.  Using this determination, we then match our guests with the appropriate horses.

6. What about the weather?

We are located just 2 miles from the Continental Divide; the weather can change very suddenly.  A clear sunny sky can be replaced with a rainstorm in less than 30 minutes--and vice versa.  Because of extreme situations, we do have quite a few "loaner" jackets and we do ride in the rain!  

7. Can we take snacks on the Half Day Rides?

Yes, on the warmer days we encourage you to bring a drink, with a string attached, and tie it to your saddle horn.  However, we ask that you not leave any residue on the forest floor; we "want to leave no tracks"!

8. If a child is old enough to have their own horse, but are afraid to ride by themselves, can they ride with an adult?

Our goal is to provide an enjoyable experience for everyone.  In order for a child to ride with an adult the child must set in front of the adult, in the saddle.  By the same token, the adult must also remain in the saddle! Although the comfort of both riders is reduced, this can be done up until about 50 pounds. (Riding behind a saddle for an extended period of time will hurt a horse's back!) 
 There have been occasions, at the last minute, when a child who planned to ride has become terrified.  Rather than spend a lot of time telling the youngster, "You're not afraid!", or "There is nothing to be afraid of!” our wranglers and guides will simply mount everyone else, ignoring the child with the anxiety.  The guides will also ask the rest of the group to also ignore the child and allow the youngster to think that they surely will be left behind. (they won't be) As the mounted group lines up to leave the corral, the child's saddled horse will be placed right behind the adult that the child is "begging" to ride with. Nearly always, as the group starts to leave, a child's fear switches from "having to ride a horse" to "getting left behind"! At this point, in most cases, the child will reluctantly allow the guide to boost them on their horse; invariably for the rest of the ride they will be in Seventh Heaven! If the fearful child has accepted getting left behind, and after the group has left the corral, one of the wranglers will stop the group and tell them (for the child's benefit) that he has decided to let the child ride with the adult for a ways.  The child will then be placed on the horse with the adult (they will both be uncomfortable) and within a half mile or so the child will decide to go ahead and ride their own horse!  In twenty three years, we have never had a horse leave the corral without a rider and come back without a rider; after a short time on the trail, the child always chooses to ride! Even though they are a lot more bother, you will still only be required to pay the regular fee for the child. NOTE: The adult should never indicate that he or she will not go if the child doesn't! If reservations have been made for the individual who chooses to "back out", they will still be charged for the ride.

9. Can individuals ride double?

No!

10. Can children old enough to ride by themselves, go the ride without an adult?

No, they must be accompanied, and have a release form signed, by someone who is 18 years of age or older.

11. What time should we be there? There are things to look at, old buildings to explore, and even things to do like roping a dummy steer or visiting with others who are here to ride.  Although not required, it won't hurt to be a half hour early!

12. What about gratuities?

Tipping, although much appreciated, is not mandatory but the price of the ride does not include gratuities.  Your guide will strive to give you a great experience.

13. Do you have memento photos?

We have lots of genuine cowboy hats, chaps, and lariats.  For those who request it, we have the facilities to professionally photograph you, dressed in this genuine cowboy attire, posing or standing beside your horses, and we can develop the photos by the time you get back from your ride.

14. Do we pay before or after the ride?
1. Your certified guide will collect the fees after you get back from the Half Day Rides.  This payment will be by check or cash, no credit cards.
2. For the Evening or Chuck Wagon Ride, we ask that you pay an office employee, with a credit card before the ride. We ask that you be at least 20 minutes early for the evening ride in order to make these credit card transactions
 

15. May we stop and take pictures?

Yes, by all means!  In this day and age of digital cameras, we expect riders to take lots of casual pictures as we travel. Horses do not like to be left out; if they think they are being left behind, they will become very nervous. Therefore, if you are in a situation, or an area in which you would like to stop to take a picture just let your guide know and he will be happy to stop!  In fact, if you wish, he will eagerly take the picture for you, with you in it.  This can be done over and over, don't hesitate to ask. Trying to stop by yourself to take a picture is bad for two reasons; 1) Your horse will "dance and prance" trying to get back with the group and consequently your photo will not be the quality you want. 2) You might get hurt as your horse fights to rejoin the group!

16. Do we need to send our payment ahead of time?
No. Over the years we have found the equestrian public to be very responsible people.  We know things come up at the last minute and plans need to be changed, especially where family groups are concerned.  We ask, as a courtesy, that you notify us as soon as possible if your plans change so we can give your horse to someone else, or find extra horses if you have additional riders.

17. Are we allowed to ride where, or by whom, we wish?
Yes. After leaving the corral area, your guide will stop and allow riders to change their locations.  This can be done as often as you want during the entire ride; you do not have "assigned seats". However, for safety purposes we ask you not to break away from the group, or attempt to pass another horse while traveling.  (Horses have a "pecking order" and might kick at, or run from, another horse who is trying to pass)

18. May we run our horses?
  No!  Our horses are not the sleepy, fat horses that are frequently found in commercial type riding situations.  Most of our horses are either ranch horses, or semi-retired professional horses.  Many of these horses have been previously owned by professional calf ropers, team ropers, bull doggers and barrel racers.  We have found that these horses, after slowing just a little, and no longer winning in professional competition, are still valuable trail horses; these horses are still competitive and far superior to ordinary saddle horses. Although our professional rodeo horses are now working in a slower environment, their speed and agility is still there; they are used in the mountains every day and their physical condition is similar to that of a race horse being used on the track! With these factors in mind, running our horses can be dangerous; not only for the person who is allowing their horse to run, but for the person who is riding another horse that instinctively wants to compete with the running horse!   Our meadows are home to many burrowing animals such as rock chucks and badgers; they burrow in the soil leaving holes that running horses might step in and break legs! If you want to run your horse, go to one of the many businesses that have the fat, sleepy horses; you actually have to work to make them trot!

19. Is there a time that the ranch gates will be locked?

Yes. If you plan to attend the rodeo after the chuck wagon supper you will need to re-park your vehicle near the rodeo arena.  The rodeo location, although still on the ranch, is separate from the historic buildings and barns.

 20. Do we sign release forms?

Yes, release forms need to be signed.  Anyone who pays for someone else, besides themselves, will be asked to sign a release form as the responsible party.  The riders that they are paying for will also sign the release form.

21. What is the appropriate clothing?

b) Some people will wear shorts, which is all right as long as you are prepared to receive a scratch or two as you travel along the narrow forest trails.  c) You probably won't need a hat, we spend more time in the shady forest than we do in the open meadows, but it still wouldn't hurt to rub on some sun-tan lotion. d) If the weather is questionable, a jacket or rain coat would be recommended.

22. How fast a pace will we be traveling?
That is the group's choice.  Ordinarily, our rate of travel is quite brisk; if the group wants to slow down, all they need to do is notify the guide.  This fluctuation in the travel rate can take place at any time while in the mountains, but when on the meadows, we try to proceed at a more casual, constant pace. (we don't want to arouse the cattle or start a horse race)

24. How much time do we spend in the saddle?