What: Horseback Riding Field Trip at Oso Ranch in Ojai.  Come experience horses close-up! Each participant will learn about grooming, saddling, and basic riding skills, take a 1-hour horseback ride into the Ojai Land Conservancy’s Ventura River Preserve, and have a tour of the ranch. Participants must be at least 6 years old, but younger students with their parents may take a pony ride around the ranch (ages 3-5) or just enjoy the animals on the ranch.

Kali Brooks in an ACHEV graduate and employee of the ranch.  She will be leading the educational session and tour, along with the help of ACHEV students Maya and Josie Norris.

Who: ACHEV Members ages 6 and up (must be at least 47 in tall).  Pony rides available for ages 3-5.  Siblings under 3 may tag along with parent but will not be able to go on any horse/pony rides. **Please see height and weight restrictions below in “policies”.  Participating parents can ride along with their participating children if they are signed up.  We will keep family groups together if that is your preference.

Drop off is okay for participating (riding) students ages 6 and up.  Parents must be sure to complete a waiver for their students before dropping off.  There will be only one waiver needed per family.

How Much:

• Horseback Riding for ages 6 and up (parents may also sign up) $50 per rider.
• Pony Rides for ages 3-5 $30 per pony ride for ages 3-5.   Pony rides are 30 minutes and may be split between 2 siblings.  Parents will walk alongside or behind with their little ones while they ride the ponies.
• Non-riding parents and siblings – no charge.  Non riding parents and siblings may participate in the tour and watch the grooming session at no charge.  They may also hike along the trail at a distance behind the horses, or simply enjoy the property and animals on the property, bring a blanket or chair and read a book, etc.
• Your payment reserves your spot and must be received by March 27. You must cancel by March 28 to receive a refund. Submit payment via Zelle (matt.savard@sbcglobal.net) or mail/in person (Andie Savard, 7919 Colton St., Ventura, 93004).

**Policies:

• Masks are not required
• Weight limit is 240lbs for anyone over six feet tall and 230lbs for anyone under six feet tall. This is to better protect the rider and the horses. Anyone over these limits will be putting themselves and our horses at risk.
• All Riders MUST be at least 6 years old AND 47 inches tall.
• No dogs.
• If you or someone in your group has special needs, please let Andie know: mrs.a.savard@gmail.com

What to Bring or Wear:

• Closed toed shoes.  Boots with a heel are ideal, but not required.  Riders wearing open toed shoes or sandals will not be accepted.
• Please wear long pants, this will protect your legs from the from the elements.
• A camera & water! Please No selfie sticks or neck straps.
• We supply saddle bags on all of the horses so your belongings can come with you.
• These rides have very little shade, please wear sunscreen and a hat.

Misc. Info:

• Helmets are provided
• Rain alternate date: April 13th
• Oso Ranch (home of the Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company) is a fun place to walk around and see cattle, goats, pigs, miniature horses, peacocks and other birds, and bunnies, not to mention plenty of horses! Families can plan to come early to enjoy the ranch or stay after their ride.
• After the field trip, feel free to take a hike! Great lunch spots on the boulders and hiking trails abound in the adjacent Ventura River Preserve (free). The ranch is closest to the Oso Trailhead. Find more info at https://ovlc.org/preserves/ventura-river-rancho-el-nido/hiking-ventura-river-preserve/

Sign Up: Sign up here after reading all the info above.  If the sign up sheet is full, please add yourself to the wait list.  If we have enough people, we will add a second field trip, but we can’t do that unless we know you are interested by putting yourself on the waitlist.