Guided tours on horseback
As already mentioned elsewhere on this site, Cherain and its surroundings are thé place to be to relax, to enjoy and ...to explore. The vastness of the territory in combination with a substantial amount of "green", offers a wide variety of landscapes. In other words, it's the ideal location to explore from the back of a horse.
For any group of 2 to 6 riders, we can organize a tailor-made exploration, adapted to your level of horsemanship and accompanied by experienced guides. Hungry after the ride? No problem, our cookie will take care of your stomach.
We offer this palette of possibilities in old time western style at very affordable rates.
You don't own a horse? No problem; one of our four legged friends will gladly accompany you during your "expedition".
Take a look on our tariff page and find out more about some "standard" packages.
Together with you, we can also, however, assemble other packages (multi day tours, tours with barbecue afterwards, "cowboy tests",...)
SOME GENERAL AGREEMENTS:
- Tours only take place upon preliminary agreement and always start at Willow Springs Way Station.
- We kindly ask the participants to be present at least 30 minutes before the agreed upon time; latecomers shorten the duration of the tour.
- Upon reservation, we kindly ask you to pay a 50% per person advance.
- In case of bad weather, participants have the right, however, to postpone their guided tour to one of the two mutually agreed upon alternative dates. Postponing a guided tour can be done only once; afterwards the agreement with Willow Springs stops and 50% of the advance is kept by Willow Springs to cover their costs.
- The horses, provided by Willow Springs, are well-trained, western-rigged riding horses.
- We limit the maximum weight of the rider to 100 kg.
- Before departure, the guides may interview one or more participants in order to measure the level of horsemanship of the group, so that even the most inexperienced participant is not exposed to any unnecessary dangers. You should bare in mind, however, that any participant of a guided tour should be able to guide his horse in walk, jog and lope; this is an absolute minimum.
- We try to keep all aspects of our concept as closely to the "old time western" spirit as possible. That's why:
- we kindly ask participants to shut their cell phones down and take their watches off.
- we consider any group of participants to be a ranch crew with one boss, the trail boss. The trail boss decides who rides were and is responsible for everyone's security and well being. The trail boss may be assisted by the top hand.
- we use iron cups and plates for drinks and food on picknicks during the ride.
- before and during the guided tour, we stay away from alcohol
- The guide carries a first-aid kit and "spare parts" for the saddles and headstalls.
- If a participant leaves his place in the group without the authorization of the trail boss or the top hand, this could endanger the rest op the group. Therefore, participants should be aware of the fact that such a warning is given only once; the second time, the trail boss immediately calls in the trailer and the tour ends for that particular participant, without any possible refund.
We strongly advise the participants to:
- wear clothing with long sleeves (branches and thorns)
- take along protective clothing should it rain (preferably clothing "below the knee")
- wear a hat or a cap
- Our guided tour are open to participants as off age 12. Should a parent insist, however, to have his/her son/daughter participate below that age, he/she will have to sign a separate agreement stating full responsibility in case of accident.
- The horses provided by Willow Springs are all covered by a third party civil liability insurance. Willow Springs assumes that the participants have a personal accident cover that allows horse riding as a hobby.
- And last but not least have full respect for the treasures of nature; that's why they will never leave the already extensive road network, nor will they harm plants or animals.
Eager to get started? No problem...The Willow Spings crew will gladly introduce you to the "wild west"
Two days on a horseback