Welcome to CCT!
What to Expect on Your First Trail Ride at Central Coast Trailrides!
So you’ve booked your first trail ride with us (yay!) and now you’re wondering what you should wear, what time to show up, and maybe you’re already down a Google rabbit hole on how to ride a horse. If you’re feeling a mix of anticipation and nerves, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The good news is that this experience is designed to be relaxing, scenic, and completely beginner friendly.
For your first time riding with us, we recommend wearing jeans and boots if ya got ‘em. But really any long pants and close-toed shoes work- if you don’t mind getting them a little dirty. Full length pants and long sleeves are always a safe bet around horses, no matter the weather. Feel free to bring a secure hat for the sunshine, just know we may ask you to leave it behind if it could fly off during the ride and scare the horses.
Another tip is to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your reservation time. You’ll meet us at the ‘cabin’ which you can spot easily from the main road. We’ll have a waiver ready for you, as well as helmets in all different sizes, sunscreen, some merchandise for purchase, and 2 CLEAN, real bathrooms for your use before and after the ride. You'll then follow us over to meet the horses and get a thorough orientation about mounting and riding your horse, and general tips for a fun and safe ride! We will go over how to sit comfortably in the saddle, hold the reins, and communicate calmly and effectively with your horse. A wrangler or wranglers depending on your group size, will be there every step of the way to answer questions and ensure everyone’s safety. It’s important to remember our horses are very experienced, well trained and chosen specifically for your weight and experience and comfort level. Even if you’ve never been on a horse before, you’ll feel supported and confident before the ride begins, and during the ride itself.
Once on one of our trails, the pace of the ride is geared towards your groups overall comfort level. This will allow you to be able to uniquely enjoy the central coast’s beautiful scenery from the back of a magnificent animal. You will enjoy single track trails through trees and creek vegetation also traveling through large open spaces with panoramic views of the ranch and vineyards, seasonal water crossings, and plentiful wildlife and cattle sightings along the routes. Our experienced guides lead the ride and offer fun and historical facts about the area while assuring your safety and enjoyment along with snapping some memorable photos to be shared with you after the ride!
At Central Coast Trailrides, we always strive to accommodate riders of any experience level, be make each ride fun for the nervous rider as well as the ex show jumper. We want to make sure our guests leave feeling more comfortable, confident and fulfilled in their abilities and with a new appreciation for exploring the outdoors on horseback. You never know what trying something new can do till you give it a chance. We can’t wait to welcome you!
