Welcome to Lost Trail Ranch

Safety Information for our Horseback Riding Program

Ranch Trail Etiquette and Safety Information, Requirements and Conditions

Riding is a sport, just like tennis or skiing.  It is a high adventure activity; not a spectator sport!  You are a participant, not a passenger, so when you ride, be riding all the time.  Be aware of your horse and what you are doing.  Your horse has a  mind; it will use it.  Learn to guide it safely.

As an animal of flight, the horse is startled by sudden movements, loud noises and unfamiliar objects.  Don’t throw things (hats, camera, etc.) to or from a horse.  Please ask our guide to stop to put a jacket or slicker on; dismount for this process.  If you would like to take pictures, ask our guide to stop.

Don’t let your horse eat or graze on the trail when riding.  Just one mouthful leads to many more.  During breaks, eating is permitted.  During water crossings, allowing the horse to drink is permitted, and often times, encouraged.

Following the instructions of your guide is essential for the safety of each and every rider in the entire group, as well as for the safety and well being of our horses.  All participants will be expected to follow the guides instructions from before approaching the horse, until after safely dismounting.  Safety is our first concern.

Likewise, don’t pass your guide.  There is a reason he or she is guiding, and by your choosing to participate, you agree to accept his or her guidance.

If your horse fails to keep up with others, has tricks you don’t like, or is lazy, before you blame him, figure out how much you really know about riding.  Riding is a lifelong study, and a good rider always looks to himself first.

Keep a safe distance between your horse and the horse in front of you – approximately one full horse length.  A horse finds tailgating about as annoying as you do – and horses have been known to kick and bite when annoyed.

A nice pleasant walk is not only suitable, but required for riding here at Lost Trail Ranch.  This is due to the high elevation and the difficult nature of our terrain, and is based upon our concern for the safety of our horses, not to mention our riders.

No smoking is allowed around the barn area or during a trail ride.

Sorry, guests dogs may not join us on the trail ride.  Our guides, our horses and our trail dogs are not familiar with them, and leaving your dog “home” is the easiest way to prevent any possible related problems!

These facts, requirements and conditions are written with your safety in mind.

All riders are expected to safely mount, dismount unassisted if need be.

All riders must be able to safely control their horse both on the ground and in the saddle.

A brief riding review/lesson may be provided before each ride.  If you feel you need a riding lesson or refresher session before embarking on a trail ride, lessons and instructions may be scheduled accordingly. Although you may know horses, you probably don't know our horses.  We care a great deal about our horses, and will take the time to help you get to know the horse you will be partnered up with for your ride.

A riding evaluation may be necessary to ensure the ability of the rider before leaving the barn/corral area.  This is essential not only for the safety and enjoyment of that rider, but for the safety and enjoyment of ALL participants in the ride.  Any person(s) unable to safely complete the evaluation may not be allowed to participate at that time.  If one is unable to safely and comfortably work with their horse in the corral area, do not assume that one will be any safer or better off out on these high mountain trails. Please be aware of our No Refund Policy as well as our saddling fee/minimum service fee.  Lessons may be arranged here at Lost Trail Ranch.  Please feel free to speak with us about them.

Please ask questions before leaving if you have any doubt about reining and controlling your horse.  And do speak up during the ride if you have any questions!  We would like to do all we can to make your trail ride a safe, knowledgeable, and fun experience!

Remember, horses are not machines.  They will look to you for guidance and leadership.  Be sure you communicate clearly, calmly and well to your horse with your balance, your positioning, your reining, and your voice.

Remember too that there are hidden dangers on the trail.  The rider needs to be alert at all times and in control of his/her horse. We hope you enjoy your ride, and that you have many pleasant memories on horseback!  

Release of Liability

The following Release of Liability is required to be signed by all participants of our horseback riding program.  When you are here at the Ranch, we will provide a copy for you to sign before your ride, however you may want to take a moment to look it over, as per below, ahead of time.  Do feel free to contact us with any comments or questions. 

Due to high altitude and mountainous terrain, our horseback riding program requires a certain degree of physical ability.  At Trail Skills, Inc. d.b.a. Lost Trail Ranch, we reserve the right to refuse participation in the riding program to any client, at the discretion of our staff, in consideration of safety of the rider(s) and the horse(s).  All participants are required to be physically capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, and to be able to safely control their assigned horse both on the ground and in the saddle.

The undersigned, having agreed to participate in an equine activity, and/or having procured from Robert Getz and/or Virginia Getz, Lost Trail Ranch, a saddle horse or horses for riding purposes, understands that such horse or horses may run, jump, turn, shy or otherwise move rapidly or unexpectedly for some causes over which Robert and/or Virginia Getz have no control, including trail, weather and mountain conditions, because of the inherent nature of horses and the mountainous terrain; and that the undersigned hereby waived and release the said Robert and/or Virginia Getz, and Lost Trail Ranch, of and from any liability, and agrees to forego any claim or demand of every kind and nature arising out of any accident from any cause occurring during the time the undersigned is riding or in the proximity of any horse provided for him or her or the accompanying group members, by said Robert Getz and/or Virginia Getz.  This release shall extend to any minor children or members of the family of the undersigned.

Furthermore, the undersigned has read the Ranch Trail Etiquette and Safety Information, Requirements and Conditions and is in agreement and understanding.

Date(s):          

Name: 

Signature:  

Street Address, City, State, Zip Code, Phone number:

Planned destination:    

Number of riders:

Price:

Warning

Under Colorado Law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to Section 13-21-119, Colorado Revised Statutes.

THANK  YOU!

Bob, Gin & Forrest, your hosts at Lost Trail Ranch

Trail Skills, Inc.

Colorado Outfitters License #1566

Outfitting Services, including day rides, pack trips and drop camps, are available for our Guests and Visitors. 

Please inquire with us at Lost Trail Ranch for further information.

We hope you enjoy your ride with us at Lost Trail Ranch.