ABOUT THE BUSINESS

• How long have you been in business?
• Can you provide references?
• Do you offer a written satisfaction guarantee?
• Do you have a state license and, if applicable, a permit for riding through private and/or public land?
• Do you have any age restrictions?
• What are your equine-health requirements?
• Have horses at the stable had any recent bouts of illness that could be contagious?

ABOUT RATES & DATES

• What are your deposit, refund, cancellation, and payment policies, including the types of payments accepted?
• What are your rates, and what do they include?
• What extras are available, and what do they cost?
• Do you offer discounts for seniors, children, groups, non-riders, off-season dates, etc.?
• Which dates have enough open spaces to accommodate me and my travel companions?
• Do you have a minimum-stay requirement?
• How far in advance should I make reservations?

ABOUT ACCOMMODATIONS & SERVICES

• What type of lodging do you offer?
• What’s your meal plan?
• How close is emergency medical assistance?
• How close are veterinary and farrier services?
• What are the horse accommodations like?
• Is feed available on the premises?
• Are feed, stabling, and stall-cleaning extra or included in the rate?
• What non-riding activities do you offer?
• Do you offer childcare?

ABOUT THE RIDE

• What’s the usual ride itinerary?
• How many hours per day will we ride?
• What’s the terrain like?
• What’s the ride pace?
• What are the challenge level and skill requirements?
• What’s the weather like?
• What equipment do I need to bring for my horse and myself, and what will you provide?
• Are riding trails on the property? If not, can I easily ride to them or do I need to trailer to them?

This article first appeared in the March, 2002 issue of Horse & Rider magazine.