FAQ
Summer Hours 10 am to 6 pm M, T, Th, F, Sat & Sun, weather allowing CLOSED WEDNESDAY Spring & Fall Hours vary
Pricing varies based on day, length, and type of ride.
Base rates are $53/rider on weekdays & $60 weekends & holidays.
Pine River Stables allows children 8 years old or older to ride a horse. A child must be able to understand and quickly respond to directional cues to be kept safe on the trail. There is no riding double with your child and there are no exceptions to the minimum age requirement. For children 8 yrs and younger, we do offer hand-led pony rides.
Riding horses can lead to serious injury & death. Insurance companies feel head injuries are the most prevalent. We STRONGLY recommend that everyone wear a Certified by SEI to ASTM helmet with them for their horseback riding experience. However, it is your noggin. Please protect it as you see fit.
We do have a limited number of helmets available to rent. However, keep in mind they are extremely hard to sanitize between riders. Also, each helmet must be custom fitted to a rider. We DO recommend that everyone bring a Certified by SEI to ASTM helmet with them for their horseback riding experience. *NO HELMET AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME DUE TO COVID19 & ADDITIONAL SANITATION STANDARDS. IF YOU CHOOSE TO WEAR A HELMET, PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN. *
No. We have horses that can handle up to 350 lbs, but a rider must have the physical ability be able to mount and dismount without assistance from the ground. We do not provide any steps or mounting blocks. (If you can take steps 3 at a time, you’ll be fine.)
*We are happy to give young kids a boost.
No, a Pine River staff will choose your mount for you. Each horse rider combination is selected based on your perceived riding experience and/or ability.
All of our rides are geared towards a quiet stroll through the woods to enjoy nature. Most rides are walking only. If the outrider deems the whole group demonstrates the required skill set, they have the option to increase the pace. If you are looking to just come and run/go fast, please visit another stable.
Yes, All rides are guided by a Pine River Stables staff member regardless of riding experience. This is required by insurance and allows us to be sure the ride is safe and enjoyable for everyone.
As horseback riding in Michigan can always be interesting. We recommend riders wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Tennis shoes are the minimum. NO SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS! Also, feel free to bring some bug spray and long-sleeved shirts as mesquites are part of the great outdoor experience. Epi pens are encouraged for anyone with bee allergies too.
You are only out for an hour. Leave your cellphones behind and enjoy nature. Your outrider can take pictures and text them to you. No water bottles, purses/backpacks, go-pros/video cameras, selfie sticks or shirts tied around your waist will be allowed on the trail.
We know you like to have pictures. Leave your phone behind and let your outrider take pics for you & text them to you. We no longer allow cellphones on the trail because riders become too focused on selfies and not on steering. We've called too many ambulances over individuals playing on cellphones. Things in back pockets get lost. Leave your wallet & purse in the car, your car keys at the stable office. Pine River Stables is not responsible for any items lost on the trail and they will stay on the trail.
CASH, all major credit cards, venmo, cash app
If the weather looks iffy, please call us at 586-894-2756 for up to the minute weather closing. We also post to facebook all closing for inclement weather.
1200 Stein Rd. St. Clair, MI 48079
We are off of I-94 and the Wadhams Rd exit.
30 minutes from Chesterfield, 45 min from St. Clair Shores
Once on Stein rd (from Wadhams) go to 1st 90-degree bend in the road. Riding stable directly ahead and the parking lot is on the Right hand side.
We do not require reservations, but greatly encourage them. If you walk up, we will work you into the next available ride when possible. Spring Voucher riders must make a reservation 48 hrs in advance via the link provided in email or text. You will not be accepted as walk ups. Your reservation is a tentative departure time as we are still 1st come 1st serve facility.
Yes, we do offer a limited number of private rides. Meaning you will not be combined with any other groups. You are still riding with our staff and it does not mean you get to go fast.
Our ride sizes vary. We love doing small groups, but sometimes the logistics just don’t work. Sometimes we need to combine several small groups. This means there can be 1-15 horses on your ride.
If you are concerned about ride sizes, please schedule a private ride. Then it is just your party on the ride with our outrider.
Pine River Stables does do private parties for large groups. Please contact us directly so that we can create an individual event for your needs.
No, we are seasonal. We ride from when the trails dry in the Spring till the snow flies in the fall.
Tipping isn’t required. Tips are something that you feel the wrangler deserves. Please remember it isn’t easy keeping you and your loved ones safe on horseback and our wranglers work hard to make sure you have an enjoyable time.
Please contact Pine River Stables
Cancellation Policy
Guest must arrive 15 minutes before departure time. Failure to arrive on time is considered a no-show and will forfeit the full amount prepaid for the ride.
All sales are final.
24-hour notice must be given to reschedule the ride.
$10 fee for each client request to reschedule after the 1st.
Any Rides that Pine River must reschedule due to unforeseen circumstances will be done at no charge. However, the group must reschedule within 30 days of the of reservation. Failure to reschedule in a timely manner will result in forfeiting full funds.
Ride Rules
Cellphones, wallets, money, and loose items have a tendency to fall out of back pockets.
There is nothing to purchase on the trails and no space for water bottles. Please leave all extra belongings in the car.
***If you have a medical condition that requires something, please let us know. We can get you a pommel bag.****
This isn't required, but please note it is a long walk home. If you are concerned you might lose your keys, please leave them with us. Also, you don't want them stabbing you in the leg while riding.
No taking jackets/layers on and off. Horses don't like surprises on their back or items flopping in their peripheral vision. Anything dropped on the trails is left there.
Tennis shoes are fine. NO sandals or flip flops allowed. When making your reservation, you agree to wear closed toed shoes. Failure to due so will result in you being turned away without a refund.
Cellphones have become a HUGE safety hazard. Folks try to get the perfect selfie and walk into trees. This has resulted in multiple riders falling off and ambulances called all over selfies. Thus your outrider is happy to take pics with their phone and text them to you. No cellphones allowed on the trails. Anyone caught on their phone may relinquish it to us or walk back to the barn.