Things to know
Course Map, Descriptions, & Rules
The map above and the descriptions below gives you an idea of our layout. There are several different terrains to experience.
As this is a training environment, obstacles range from basic to difficult skill levels.
Descriptions
Arena and Warm-Up area: Here we have an outdoor riding arena where you are welcome to warm up your horse so he’ll be ready and safe for your scheduled ride time. There is also a 60′ roundpen for your use.
All visitors are required to warm up their horses either in the round pen or outdoor arena. Working the energy off a horse keeps you safe, and gives you a better chance of success with the obstacles.
Adjacent to the arena is a variety of 25+ basic trail obstacles for practice. Give all of these at least a once-over. They are a useful preview of what’s to come at the other courses.
North Gully: This natural depression offers a pick-your-way rock path, log jam, ditch crossing, and a vine-covered arch to ride under.
Pond area: On all sides of the water are obstacles. The pine forest has a variety of obstacles scattered between the trees. There is a 50′ bridge over a gully as well as five other unique bridges, a water crossing, logs & ditches to be negotiated, fake animals, trails, and trees to work around.
Oh, and there’s a few weird mannequins too …
Hawk Woods: This area offers a short, shady, and relaxing loop trail. In the center of the woods, look up to see the red-tailed hawk’s giant nest. In the fall, this area becomes “The Halloween Trail.”
Big Woods Area: This setting is in an oak forest and you will stay very busy with this collection of trail “play toys.” There is an assortment of bridges and walk-overs, logs, three water obstacles (one is a mister), jumps, hills, rocks, a knee-knocker trail, and many more. The sunlight filters through the trees making it a beautiful and cool place to work your horse.
The Forest Trails: This is a great opportunity to relax and unwind. You’ll have several meandering options to explore; you can make it a quick trip of twenty minutes or wander all the loops in about an hour. There are a few ditch crossings and bridges. You may begin at the open gate into the Christmas trees and end up in our wetland area. A map is provided.
Rules & Information
Required
- Riding boots with heels
- Safety-certified helmets for youths 17 and under
- Properly-fitted and safe tack
- Horses must be ridden in a bridle outfitted with a hackamore, bosal, or a bit. NO bitless bridles.
- Riding with a halter, riding double, or bareback riding is NOT allowed
On The Course
- White flags mark trails and safe gully crossings
- Orange flags: DO NOT ENTER
- If it is a wire fence, assume it is HOT
- Footing may be slippery. Watch for hidden mice or gopher holes. Ride with caution!
- No loping or racing
- Stay 10′ from pond edge
- Ride SAFE & SMART
Miscellaneous
- Carry your cell phone. If you have questions/problems, call Rebecca @ 503-550-4044
- No smoking outdoors – extreme fire danger
- No littering
- No dogs for day riders. Campers may bring their dog, but must keep it ONLY at campsite/ no barking dogs allowed.
- No wet mares (with foals), Stallions allowed ONLY with prior permission
- Horses exhibiting out-of-control behavior are not allowed on courses
- Clean up after your horse in the parking area
Our hills don’t have flying cows and there aren’t any jumping obstacles like this one.
It’s just too hard to find volunteers.
To see pictures of the courses, go to “Our Trail Obstacles” page.
In-Hand Obstacle Work
Yes, to the many who have asked about leading their horses in hand through the courses. However, ponying (leading) from another horse is not allowed here as the obstacles are designed for single use only.
In-hand provides an excellent opportunity to take obstacle training a little slower and calmer.
Just be aware we have hills, and that our courses are spread out. So, wear horse-safe, comfortable footwear, and prepare your walking muscles!
And…let’s have fun out there!
Located At
15900 W. Perrydale Rd.
Sheridan, OR
Call Us
(503) 843-2930
Email Us
ride@perrydaletrails.com
