FAQ & Locations

Good stuff to know about Dude's Ranch

Directions to the ranch:

Our ranch is located in Los Angeles County, in the town of Acton. Please call us for directions! We do not post our address for specific reasons.
Every one of our trails are at different locations and are located throughout Southern California. You will need to call ahead for directions to your trail tour atleast 24 hrs in advance. You will almost always be meeting us at a fabulous trail head somewhere in town.
If you are coming to the ranch, you will need to call ahead for the address and an appointment. Since we travel to so many places around S.Cal. we don't post our address. We don't want to confuse our guests to where we will be meeting.
We do not come up correctly with GPS or on online maps.
Also, please don't trust addresses that are listed online. We've tried to make the proper changes but web publishers are very hard to work with and have had no luck with the corrections.

Making a reservation:

~When you make your reservations, make sure that the times/ date work for everyone in your party.
~ There is a weight limit of 205 lbs. Be honest, you can hurt the horse you ride if you really weigh more.
~ If you have a physical ailment or handicap please let us know. We will try to accommodate your needs.

Age requirements:

Our private riding tours are for ages 14 yrs and older.
Lessons- 7 yrs and older.

Program fees and Suggested Donations

Dude's Ranch is a non profit horse rescue, you have the opportunity to specify where you would like to apply your riding donation fee.

Where would you like your donation to be applied to?

*Dude's Ranch Feed Fund
*Dude's Ranch Vet Fund
*Dude's Ranch General Fund
We'll send you an authorization form for your donation choices upon your request and reservation.
*see http://dudesranchequinerescue.org/donate.html for more info.

What to bring

~Make sure you have the right clothing and things you want to bring with you.As a rule, you should layer your clothes. If you are not sure what that is feel free to ask us. We are here to help your ride go as smooth as possible. If we need to bring extra saddlebag for packing stuff you will need to call ahead.

Time management: How long will you be with us?

~Always give yourself extra time (atleast 2 hours extra) in order to get ready for the ride, check in and perhaps give yourself some time to familiarize yourself with your horse. We think it's very important for you to bond with your horse. Everyone grooms, tack and learns about horse and how they communicate so you can apply it to riding our horses. You will be shown how to groom and tack your horse as part of your riding experience with us. Be prepared, you will get dirty so please don't wear your best outfit.

Checking in for your ride:

If you are a parent bringing other minor kids that aren't yours, please be sure to ask us for a ride release for parental consent ahead of time. Parents will need to bring a photo ID in addition to siging a release form. Your ride will be delayed if we have to make those arrangements at the time of your arrival. Everyone needs to sign a release prior to riding.
Our wranglers are with you to help you with your horses and to answer your questions about riding. Please don't be shy. Do not over estimate your riding skills. The horses and the trainers will know your skills once you are the horse.( and that may be too late for us to fix at a remote location) If you are not sure what your level of riding is, just tell us you are a beginner- ahead of time. Ask whatever you like as far as lessons or perhaps what is the proper way ride. It's better to under estimate than to over estimate your skills. The wranglers are there for your safety and assistance.

Our Staff

~Show your wrangler you appreciate them by offering a tip. All of the workers at the ranch are volunteers. They work really hard to give you the best ride possible.
~15-20 % gratuity is customary.

Riding experience and our horses:

We offer the scale of 1-10 theory. All of our riding tours and lesson are rated according to the riders ability. When you are making a reservation, consider this scale below :
- #1 rider has riden - 0-5x ( beginner)
- #2 rider has riden 5-10 (novice)
- #5 rider has a good understanding of steering, stopping and walking. (light intermediate rider)
- #7 Advanced intermediate rider with a good natural seat and is comfortable with walk, trott , canter skills
- #10 Olympian/ Professional rider.
Dude's Ranch Equine Rescue horses are not the typical tail to nose follower horses. In most cases, if you have only ridden rental horses you have experienced this. Rental horses are mostly trained to just follow and you are just the passenger. Horseback riding is an extreme sport. you need muscle, coordination and balance. The 1-10 scale above is a good guide for knowing your ability.
Our horses are more private stock and you will need to ride, guide and lead your horse. Dude's Ranch is a teaching rescue. If you are unsure how to do so, we are here to help.
Due to the nature and difficulty of the trails, if the rider misrepresents his/her riding ability, Dude's Ranch has the right to cancel the ride without credit, refunds or notice. Services for the ride are considered a suggested donation price and no refunds will be given at any time.

Riding at your own risk:

Horseback riding is a really fun sport but as with all sports it can be unpredictable and dangerous. People/ horses...No one is perfect ... Right?? Even with the most highly trained horses there is always room for accidents. Please have your own health insurance and remember to bring it with you when you sign in. You will be riding at your own risk.

Refunds and credits:

Our program/ service fees are actually a suggested donation. When you make a donation it's out of the goodness of your heart. All proceeds, whether it's from a straight donation or from our one of our riding programs, 100% of your money goes straight to helping the horses at the ranch. ie; feed, medical supplies, vet services and operating expenses for our rescue efforts.
Therefore we cannot offer refunds at any time once you make a pledge or a reservation.. We spend almost every dollar we bring in and we thank you for your support.

If the weather is bad- you'll receive a raincheck to reschedule your tour.
~Since are tours are private & are booked according to a mutual schedule, we do not offer refunds. I f you are more than 20 mins late you may forfeit your ride.
A credit or gift certificate may be provided should there be some reason why you did not complete your scheduled ride/ lesson. Ask the reservation desk what are the particulars rules that apply when making your reservation.
I understand all sales / reservations are final. We do not give refunds on any of our services.

Thank you for coming to Dude's Ranch!!

Dude's Ranch ERC is a non profit 501 c 3 charitable organization.

If there is anything else? You have more questions?

Call us 818-826-7604 or email ... info@dudesranch.com

Dude's Ranch Equine Rescue Center, a non profit 501(c)(3) public charity.
This organization is supported by your generous donations and support.
info@dudesranch.com