Frequently Asked Questions

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Harding Heights Ranch is located 5 minutes from Trail, BC towards Castlegar, BC in lovely Oasis.

Turn left off of the highway to Castlegar from Trail onto Hanna Road, and drive into the small hamlet community of Oasis. Turn up the hill onto Hillcrest Drive, and drive all the way up Hillcrest Drive to the end of the road (stay right at the Y). This brings you to Harding Heights Ranch Ltd at 241 Hillcrest Drive, Trail, BC. 

For riding lessons, children must be ages 5 and up due to insurance requirements. Trail rides are for confident riders ages 10 and up. Some non-riding activities, such as farm tours and birthday parties, are suitable for all ages.

Horse camps require a non-refundable deposit to hold a spot.

For riding lessons, trail rides, birthday parties, and farm tours, no deposit is required. We kindly ask that you notify us as early as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule.

In the event of unsafe weather conditions (such as heavy rain, snow, extreme heat, or poor air quality), activities may be rescheduled at our discretion for safety reasons.

Yes, we offer riding year-round when conditions are safe. In winter, riding is weather-dependent. If road access is unsafe due to snow or ice, or if icy conditions make it unsafe for the horses, riding will not take place. Safety for both horses and riders always comes first.

Safety for both people and horses is our top priority. Due to insurance requirements, all participants must have a signed waiver prior to taking part in any activity.

Helmets are mandatory for all riders, regardless of experience. Helmets can be provided if needed.

We maintain a 200 lb weight limit for riding, as we do not have large draft horses and our terrain includes hills and uneven trails.

We also ask that all guests treat our horses with respect and care. Screaming, yelling, rough handling, or dominating behaviour is not permitted. Our approach is based on partnership, empathy, and calm communication.

Children’s safety always comes first, and we reserve the right to adjust or stop activities if safety guidelines are not being followed.

No. Harding Heights Ranch is a working farm, and all visits are by appointment only. Booking in advance allows us to properly care for the horses, including scheduling rest periods and ensuring each horse’s mental and physical well-being. Safety for both our horses and our guests depends on thoughtful planning and timing.

Yes. We know our horses very well and carefully match each rider with a horse that suits their experience, confidence level, and the activity planned. We have gentle, patient horses that are especially well-suited for children and beginners. Our focus is on building relationship, reading the horse, and pairing each participant with the right horse to create a safe and positive experience.

Yes. Most lessons are private, especially for beginners, as this allows us to focus on safety, confidence, and building a strong connection with the horse. As riders become more confident (typically ages 10+), we may offer small group lessons, as learning alongside peers can enhance the experience.

Guided trail rides are typically private or booked per group. In some cases, riders may be grouped together if there is interest for the same date and time.

All groupings are thoughtfully planned based on experience level, safety, and the well-being of the horses. Please inquire directly to discuss the best option for you or your group.

Parents are welcome to observe riding lessons if they choose. Please note that some lessons may include trail riding off the yard, in which case parents would not be able to accompany the group unless they have booked a parent–child experience.

For horse camps, we typically operate on a drop-off basis. We’ve found that children integrate more easily, build confidence, and connect with the group when parents are not present. That said, we are understanding of individual needs and are happy to discuss concerns ahead of time.

Our camps and lessons are supported by experienced helpers who are excellent with children, and safety is always our top priority.

Riders should dress appropriately for horseback riding and the season. We recommend:

• Closed-toed shoes, preferably with a small heel

• Long pants (jeans or riding pants work well)

• Layered clothing suitable for the weather

Please keep in mind that helmets are worn for all riding, so dress comfortably and warmly, especially in cooler months. It’s always better to wear layers that can be removed rather than being underdressed.

The best way to book is by email at  bookings@HardingHeightsRanch.com

You’re also welcome to call the farmhouse at 250-364-0333. Please note that we are often outside caring for the animals or working with clients, so we may not be able to answer the phone right away. If we miss your call, we will return it as soon as possible — typically in the evening.

Because our activities require advance planning and scheduling for the horses, short-notice bookings often cannot be accommodated. We recommend reaching out at least one week in advance, and longer during peak seasons.

Please allow up to 24 hours for a response, and slightly longer during busy times.