CHECK-IN: 3:00pm
CHECK-OUT: 11:00am
LATE CHECK-OUT POLICY:
VEHICLE POLICY:
OCCUPANCY GUIDELINES:
PET POLICY:
SECURITY:
CODE OF CONDUCT:
SITE AMENITIES:
NATURE:
FIREWORKS AND THE OPEN DISPLAY of FIREARMS are PROHIBITED
How do I reserve a horseback ride on the beach?
All reservations must be made in person or by phone at 252-650-8050. We offer 4 to 5 rides a day 6 days a week by appointment only. Ride times vary throughout the season. We don’t ride Mondays as it is a day of rest for the horses. We typically take rides in the mornings and evenings because those are the coolest parts of the day.
Riders with any physical, mental, or emotional concerns should let us know prior to booking a ride so the issues can be addressed and accommodations can be made.
Is there a weight limit to ride?
Our weight limit for riders is 240 pounds. This limit is strictly enforced for the safety of our horses. We do have a scale and you will be weighed if the guide is concerned your weight is over the limit. If you book a ride and are over the weight limit, you will not be permitted to ride and will be charged the full amount of your ride. No Refunds for violation of this rule.
Is there an Age Limit?
Yes.
Can I do a private ride so we can canter or have a special occasion?
If you would like to schedule a private ride or a special event, you can. Private rides are offered year-round by appointment for an additional fee. Call 252-650-8050 for further details.
Can you bring your own horse to ride the beaches?
Yes, we now offer the ability to ride on your own throughout the beaches, crossing large channels of water separating the islands and searching for the wild Spanish horses. Short term outdoor boarding at the barn where your horses can stay overnight is also available. Paddocks are 12×12 and separate from our horses. As a guest staying in the campground, we will make every effort to place you at a site located near your horses, subject to availability. Rates vary for different times of year. Rooms are also available on site for those who want to stay and play. For a detailed explanation of the program please email [email protected]. For reservations, please call 252-650-8050.
Reservation Policies
We hold reservation spots with a credit card and require payment in full. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. We recommend making your reservations several days in advance to secure a spot before it is fully booked. Same-day bookings occasionally may be available, but the earlier you book, the better the availability will be.
How do I check in for my ride?
We ask that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your ride. The Stables are located at 120 Driftwood Drive, Cedar Island, NC 28520. You will enter through the gates of the Cedar Island Ranch RV Park and drive straight to the back of the property where you will see the Big Red Barn. Please park in front of the barn & walk to the left side where you will see a small opening in the fence. We will be saddling your horses in that area. Wait at the opening until your guide comes to greet you. There is a waiver form that all guests must sign before the ride.
What do we need to wear?
We require that you wear closed toed shoes on your ride. You can wear shorts, jeans or whatever you are comfortable in, but keep in mind you may get wet on our 60-minute rides when crossing the water. Sunscreen is strongly recommended & you may want to apply bug spray ahead of time as well. If you plan to stay for the day & rent kayaks or enjoy the beach you may want to bring a change of clothes as well.
Are there restrooms at the barn?
Porta Potty is located at the riding stables.
End of Ride:
Tipping your Guide: If you had a great experience and your guide went the extra mile for you, it is your option to tip them.
Is the ride actually on the beach?
Yes you will travel over 3 miles through the all-natural Cedar Island Beach. On our 60-minute rides you will also cross an approximately 1,000 foot inlet from Cedar Island to Ship Shoal Island twice. The water is typically no deeper than 3 feet, your feet (shoes) & pants can & usually do get wet from the splashing of the horses. Ship Shoal Island is all natural with no development & is only accessible by water crossing.
Know that you may get dirty on the ride. A change of shoes or clothes is recommended for your comfort.
How do cancellations work?
CANCELLATIONS
For cancellations made more than 14 Days in advance, a $35 cancellation fee is charged. For cancellations made 14 Days or less before the ride, no refunds provided.
What do we do if it looks like rain?
WEATHER – If we have to cancel your ride due to weather and we have not completed more than 75% of your ride, we will work with you to reschedule your ride. If you are not from the area, we will refund you up to 50% of the cost of the ride.
ONLY THE GUIDES CAN MAKE THE CALL OF CANCELING THE RIDE. If you as the guest cancel the ride, you forfeit 100% of the cost of the ride. No refunds.
Please call before your ride if you need a weather update at 252-650-8050. It often does not rain on Cedar Island when it is raining elsewhere due to the large bodies of water on both sides. If it is a mild rain or sprinkling, we will ride. WE DO NOT RIDE IF IT IS THUNDERING OR LIGHTNING.
No Shows:
The rides will leave promptly at the time scheduled. If you are a no show, you forfeit 100% of the cost of the ride.
Late Shows:
In the event you are late and the ride has already left the Stables, please come to the office and we will work to reschedule your ride for an additional fee of $30.00 per Rider. If there are no openings available to accommodate you, no refunds will be given.
Bringing you own horse to short term board:
We do allow you to bring your own horse(s) to ride the beaches unaccompanied. All paperwork including Coggins documentation must be submitted in advance. In the unlikely event the animal brought to the ranch does not match the Coggins report, No Refunds will be given for the stay.
Liability:
Owners are responsible for their animals. Any and all care for the animals is the owner’s responsibility. You will be required to sign a release of liability indemnifying Cedar Island Ranch. Please do not allow your horses to come into direct contact with our horses or the wild horses. Water troughs located on Ship Shoal Island are restricted for the wild horse use only – please do not allow personal owned horses to drink from this location.
Guest/Rider Behavior:
If a guest chooses to return early, not cross the water, mistreats an animal, uses foul language or impedes the ride in any way; no refunds shall be provided. We empower our guides to terminate the ride if a guest is misbehaving with no refund. Your guide will have final say in all matters. They are responsible for not only your experience and safety, but the experience and safety of the other guests and the animals. WE HAVE A ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY FOR ANY MISTREATMENT OF OUR ANIMALS.
Barn Rules:
SAFETY FIRST – Safe, considerate, and courteous behavior of everyone is required. Your safety, the safety of others, and the safety of the horses is our primary goal. If you see actions occurring that are not safe, report it immediately to barn management. UNSAFE BEHAVIOR WILL NOT BE TOLERATED & MAY CAUSE YOUR REMOVAL FROM THE RIDE WITH NO REFUND).
All guests are asked to use caution when approaching horses. They are animals and can be unpredictable. Under no circumstances may you or anyone in your party enter a barn stall.
CHILDREN – At all times, children under the age of 18 must be under the direct supervision of a responsible adult. Children cannot be running, screaming, and climbing on gates around the barn.
NO DOGS – No dogs are allowed on stable property unless they’re restrained on a leash. Do not leave a dog unattended anywhere on stable property.
NO SMOKING – Smoking is NOT allowed in any part of the barn, stall areas, tack room, or any other enclosed or under roof area. We ask that you not smoke while on the property, but if you must, keep it to the front parking lot. Please dispose of cigarettes in a trash container when done.
NO ALCOHOL OR ILLEGAL DRUG USE – Use or under the influence of any substances while at the stable is grounds for immediate dismissal without a refund.
NO FEEDING THE HORSES – Do not feed the horses. Our horses are on a strict diet. Outside food is not permitted.
Notify Us of Any Accidents, Injuries, or Damages – Please inform stable management if anyone or any horse is injured. Please report any damage to stable property or equipment.
ALWAYS BE SAFE AND ALWAYS HAVE FUN!
Please enjoy your stay at Cedar Island Ranch! If you have any questions or would like recommendations for things to do and see, please visit us at the Front Desk.