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Frequently Asked Questions
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What's included in the price?The price includes a ride on a fully equipped and trained horse. The use of western saddles. An English speaking guide that will accompany the group and provide you with riding instructions. If you don't have own means of transportation we can pick you up and drop you back off at all the major resorts and cruiseship terminal. Bottle of water and helmets are also included.
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Do I have to sign a waiver?YES! Everyone that will be in direct contact with a horse on the property must fill out a liability release form. If under the age of 18 this must be filled out and signed by a parent or legal guardian. There are absolutely no exceptions to this rule. (Download a copy of our Liability Form.)
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Do I receive a refund when cancelling?All reservations can be cancelled 48 hours before the scheduled tour with a full refund only when cancelled in writing to the following e-mail address: sales@hoofsofhope.org Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance but within 24 hours of the scheduled tour are eligble for a 50% refund only when done in writing to the following e-mail address: sales@hoofsofhope.org We regret not being able to refund cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance or cancellations not made in writing. Being a ranch that only provides small group tours and having a waiting list, it would not be fair to take up place which could have been assigned to another guest.
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What is not included in the price?The following are NOT included: meals; beverages (other than bottled water); gratuities.
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What are your weather policies?Tours may be cancelled due to unfavorable wheather conditions such as (heavy) rain or extremely high temperatures. Cancellation for weather issues will be made on an individual basis.
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Am I allowed to gallop or canter during the tour?Since we are dealing with trained trail horses that follow eachother it is strictly forbidden to gallop or canter during a group tour. Galloping may be allowed only for advanced riders during a private tour ONLY with prior approval from the tour guide.
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I have never been on a horse before. Am I able to join your tour?YES! We welcome all riding levels including novice riders. However, we do not recommend this activity if you are extremely nervous or too anxious as this may influence the quality of the ride for you and your fellow riders. In the rare case that a guest is too nervous to begin or continue a tour, he/she will not be entitled to a (partial) refund and will need to wait for the rest of the group to return before getting dropped back off at the accommodation.
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Is there a weight limit?Yes, we maintain a strict weight limit of 240 lbs per person. Should you weigh in excess of 240 lbs then we will not allow you to join our tour. Neither can we honor any dispute for (partial) refund. Please check your weight before booking a tour!
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How long are the horseback rides?The rides are for a duration of approximately 75 minutes depending on the riding skill of the guests. This includes a 5 to 10 minutes break to take pictures.
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Is there a special dress code?Yes! The dress code is as follows: Long pants and closed toed shoes. For the ladies we also recommend supporting upperwear. Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for adults and for children this would be mandatory.
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How far in advance do I need to book?We recommend booking this tour at least one week in advance. Since we only provide small group and private tours, the spots fill up quickly. We very often attend to a waiting list after blocking dates that are fully booked. Is your date not available online, please contact us directly.
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What is the minimum age for children to join?Children between the ages of 3 and 5 years old are free of extra charge when riding along with a paying adult. Please bear in mind that the total combined weight may not exceed 240 lbs. Children 6 years and older are permitted to ride their own horse. Helmets for children are mandatory.
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Where will I be picked up?We provide complimentary transportation from and to all major resorts and cruiseship terminal. However, in line with all covid-19 restrictions, we strongly advise using your own means of transportation. The pick up will always be OUTSIDE the main lobby or the cruiseship terminal. The exact time and location will be communicated through the confirmation e-mail once you book. Travel Notes: please be on time. The driver is not able to wait more than 5 minutes. If you are not at the instructed place on time we cannot issue any refund.
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What is the best way to stay in contact with you regarding bookings?The best way to contact us is to have WhatsApp on your mobile phones and share that number with us. We will use it strictly for information and updates regarding your tour and will delete the number one week after.
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Is there a local number on which we can reach the ranch?Yes, our emergency phone number is (+297) 7432333. For other contact please use WhatsApp at (+1) 213 510 0822.
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Why am I not able to confirm our reservation through the conciergedesk at our hotel?Most hotels in Aruba rent out their activities to third party vendors such as De Palm Tours. Excursion companies that are not affiliated on a commission basis with these companies are not recognized by their staff either. The concierge staff is only allowed to mention and recommend the affiliated companies.
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Do you have a local telephone number?YES! We have a local number for emergencies only (like change in pick-up location, last minute cancellation etc.) The number is 7432333. For all booking related issues please use our international number. WhatsApp messages on the international line is also possible.
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I want to support your efforts of hippotherapy and rescue horses. How do I do that?If you want to donate directly please make a contribution of your choosing to our PayPal account by clicking on the Donate button below. Indirectly you can show support by booking with us and by being kind and show appreciation to our valued staffmembers as they are the ones (very often voluntarily) doing all the heavy work. We regularly seek volunteers to lend a hand at the stables or just show some hippo love to our 4-legged friends. Just contact us!
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Will we actually go into the water with the horse?No, it is not allowed by local laws to swim with horses in the water.
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