1.   DARKES FOREST RANCH Cancellation Policy

1.1       INTRODUCTION

Darkes Forest Ranch works on a booking system in which staff and horse allocation is dependant on customer bookings. We are highly dependent on income generated by these bookings to ensure we continue to provide a home for our horses and work for our staff.

1.2       CANCELLATION POLICY

We strongly encourage cancellations 24 hours in advance. We may require payment or deposit upon booking for some sessions including mid-week and large group bookings

• All prepaid and part paid sessions are transferrable but not refundable.
• We can offer another day or time for your ride.
• Saddle Club policy as follows;
  • Absentees- If your child is sick or unable to attend Saddle Club please call the office on-02 4294 3441 to arrange a 1 hour make up lesson at a time that is convenient to you.

This make up lesson will need to be booked at the time of cancelling and used within 14days of the scheduled Saddle Club date you will be absent from.

Failure to advise the office of any absence prior to (or on) the date of your scheduled Saddle Club date will forfeit any make up lessons and without refund.

• Cancellation of enrolment- If you are wanting to cancel your child’s enrolment of saddle club at any point throughout the year, 4 weeks’ notice will need to be given prior to the students next session. Failure to do so may result in the scheduled fee to be taken without refund.

1.3 Rider Restrictions & Reservation of Right to Cancel

Darkes Forest Ranch may cancel a ride at anytime including upon arrival or during a ride if Horses welfare is of concern. This may be due to rider weight, rider failure to follow instruction, weather conditions including heat and horse fatigue 

Is there a weight limit to ride at Darkes Forest Ranch? 

Our weight limit is 100kg. However, this is adjustable to the discretion of the managers. We have limited horses and refusal for our horses safety may occur.

The terrain of our trails include some hills and gullies where both riders and horses welfare are considered.

Please call to discuss any rider over 90kg to ensure rider will be accepted. A rider that doesn't provide a weight unfortunately will be deemed unacceptable.

Minimum age for trail rides? Trail rides are restricted to 7 years and over. 

nb 6 year can ride one on one with an instructor only

What age can ride a pony lead line? Our ponies are for ages 7 and under. Toddlers are considered if they can sit and hold their own weight.