Lighthorse Adventures
Safety, Terms & Conditions
Kia ora – Welcome to Lighthorse Adventures. Please read through the following in relation to your ride.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Our horse treks carry a degree of risk; you need to be aware that we cannot absolutely guarantee your safety.
Lighthorse Adventures operates in a wilderness environment and works closely with animals, these both present hazards, including, but not limited to:
– Falling from a horse
– Injuries resulting directly from horses and other animals
– Heavy rainfall
– Cold exposure
– Height
– Flooding
– Uneven terrain
– Slip, trips and falls
– Tree fall
– Sun exposure
The risk of falling from a horse is affected by lots of factors including weather conditions, natural animal behaviour, ground conditions and rider behaviour/ability. It is important that you understand the risks of participating in this activity. Please let our staff know of any concerns you may have.
General Safety Requirements
Please be alert around the horses; only approach horses from the front or the sides – never from behind.
Please advise your guide of any medical conditions you have and/or any medication you are taking – some conditions may prevent you from participating. Please ensure that you are carrying any important medication with you. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a safety hazard. Please tell us of any prescribed medicines you are taking which may affect your balance.
The helmets provided must be worn at all times. If your guide deems your footwear unsuitable you must wear a pair of our riding boots. Small cameras may be carried while riding, but larger bulkier items (backpacks, large cameras, etc) are not allowed – please adhere to the advice of your guide.
Safety Restrictions
For safety reasons:
If you are pregnant you are not permitted to ride.
If you have back issues that may be triggered by riding, you are not permitted to ride.
For your safety you are required to pay careful attention, listen to and follow instructions of your guides at all times.
Guides reserve the right to shorten, change or cancel trips for customers whose fitness or ability is not appropriate to the trip on which they are booked. If you are unable to complete the trek once the trip has departed, you will not be entitled to a refund.
We accept no responsibility for any personal belongings that are taken on treks or left at our office.
RIDER WEIGHT LIMIT POLICY
Standard Weight Limit
For the health and wellbeing of our horses, we have a strict rider weight limit of 105kg.
Horse riding is an athletic activity that places physical demands on both rider and horse. Our weight limit ensures:
– The welfare and safety of our horses
– You can mount and dismount safely without risk of injury
– A quality experience for all participants
Before You Book
If you are at or near the weight limit, please contact us before booking.
Please provide accurate weight information when making your booking. We have different sized horses for different riders. Discussing your requirements in advance allows us to:
– Confirm suitability
– Arrange the appropriate horse for you
– Ensure a safe and enjoyable experience
Contact us: Phone +64 21 766 437 or email bookings@lighthorseadventures.com
Weight Check on the Day
We reserve the right to weigh all customers on the day of the ride.
If you exceed the 105kg weight limit, you will not be permitted to ride
A full charge will apply regardless of participation
No refund will be issued
Custom Arrangements
For riders outside the 105kg weight limit, custom arrangements may be available (e.g., for experienced riders or shorter rides).
These arrangements must be:
Approved in writing before booking
Verified on the day of your ride
Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
ARRIVAL TIME & CHECK-IN POLICY
Check-In Time is Mandatory
Check-in is mandatory 30 minutes before your scheduled ride departure time.
For example:
If your ride departs at 10:30 AM, check-in is at 10:00 AM
If your ride departs at 2:00 PM, check-in is at 1:30 PM
The Mandatory Safety Briefing
All riders must complete a mandatory 30 minute safety briefing. This briefing is a legal requirement and covers:
Emergency procedures
Horse behaviour and communication
Trail hazards and safety protocols
Hand signals and group riding procedures
What to do if separated from the group
This briefing cannot be abbreviated, skipped, or completed while other riders wait.
Late Arrival Consequence:
– You will not be permitted to participate in the scheduled ride
– We cannot hold back riders already on horses waiting for additional participants
– No refund will be issued – operational costs (guides, horses, facilities) remain the same regardless of participation
Plan your journey:
Allow extra time for traffic, parking, and finding our location
We are in a remote location – GPS estimates may not account for unsealed roads or unfamiliar terrain
Notify us if running late:
Call immediately: +64 21 766 437
Email notifications received after check-in time cannot change the outcome, as the briefing will have commenced
For schedule changes or concerns, contact us the day before your ride
Ask questions:
If you’re unsure about travel time or location, contact us before your ride date
BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Weather
While we do run in all weather conditions including rain, wind and snow, all bookings are subject to weather and safety calls. We may deem the weather unsuitable for a certain type of ride, or we may deem it unsuitable for all rides. If the weather is unsuitable for a certain type of ride, we may be able to offer you a type of ride that would be more suitable.
This call will be made by the team. If you have any concerns about the forecast for the day please feel welcome to contact the team by phone: +64 21 766 437, or email: bookings@lighthorseadventures.com
If we can run the trek and you choose not to ride, there will be no refund
If we cancel the ride and cannot provide an alternative, we will issue a refund
Weather Call Times:
River Wild morning departures: 7:00–7:30 AM on the day of the ride
All other ride departures: Throughout the day, either as the forecast develops or 2 hours before your ride’s departure time
Important: Please ensure you have provided our team with a working phone number for New Zealand. If you have an international number and change to a NZ sim upon arrival, please inform us by email.
Cancellation Policy
For The Pony Express, The Easy Rider, The River Wild and Private Lessons
30+ days prior: Cancellations with no fee
30 to 48 hours prior: 10% cancellation fee
48 to 24 hours prior: 50% cancellation fee
Within 24 hours: Non-refundable
For The Graze & Glory, The Ride of The Kings & Private/Custom Rides
48+ hours notice required to qualify for rescheduling or refund
30 to 48 hours prior: 10% cancellation fee
Within 48 hours: Non-refundable
For Overnight and Multi-Day Rides
30+ days prior: No fee
30 to 10 days prior: 10% cancellation fee
10 to 7 days prior: 50% cancellation fee
Within 7 days: Non-refundable
For Clinics
30+ days prior: Full refund
14 to 30 days prior: Lose deposit, refund 50%
Less than 14 days: Non-refundable
Credit Card Surcharges
Credit card surcharges cannot be refunded as they are a service which is consumed by the act of using a card online to make a booking. This applies regardless of cancellation date.
MEDIA RELEASE
Our team captures photos of all riders, preserving the magic of your experience for media purchases upon completion of your experience and advertising.
We respect the privacy of all riders. If you prefer not to have your images featured in any advertisements (such as print or social media placement), simply let our friendly staff know on the day, and we’ll ensure your request is honoured.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions regarding any of our policies, please contact our friendly reception staff:
Email: bookings@lighthorseadventures.com
Phone: +64 21 766 437
Lighthorse Adventures | 2 Swamp Road, Glenorchy, Otago, 9372, New Zealand