8 years old so that they are comfortable in the saddle alone and/ or with someone walking beside them. This is so that the adults can ride and control their own horses without having to also manage a child.

Yes, we host educational workshops to teach about horsemanship and equine activities. These may include riding periods for participants depending on age and type of group activity. Please reach out for more information and to schedule.

We do not host pony parties or go to birthday parties for pony rides. We occasionally participate in local fairs or events where pony rides are a feature. Please see the calendar for the dates and times of these local events.

We are open to doing photoshoots for special events, either here on the farm or at a location where permission is given. We do not provide the photographer or additional services except for the horse and necessary tack (saddle and bridle). Please reach out for more information or with any questions you may have.

I do not teach ongoing riding lessons to adults or children; a brief lesson is given to all riders before starting every trail ride.

I do not host summer camp.

Yes, every rider, regardless of age or ability, is required to wear a helmet. This is to make sure that everyone is safe. While we pride ourselves on the safety of our horses, a horse is an animal with its own brain and isn't always the best judge of what is scary and what is a plastic bag blowing in the wind. To ensure the best experience for everyone involved, if you are riding a horse, you are wearing a helmet.

Any trail ride can be cancelled or rescheduled up to 48hrs before the scheduled ride. Cancelling within 24hrs will result in a loss of your deposit.

Dark Spring Stables may need to cancel or reschedule your ride due to bad weather. We will attempt to notify you 2 hours before your ride if rescheduling is needed, but may have to notify you within 45 minutes for severe weather warnings.