FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

We welcome guests of many ages and experience levels. Trail riders ages 11 and older may ride independently. One child age 7–10 per trail group may participate on their own horse using a lead line attached to the guide. Pony rides are generally available for children age 4 and older, and carriage rides have no minimum age. Riding lessons and camps have their own age requirements. All participants must be able to safely follow staff instructions for the activity.

Trail rides: riders age 11 and older may ride independently. One rider age 7–10 may participate per trail group on a lead line, on their own horse led by the trail guide; please mention this when booking. Riding lessons are available for ages 6 and up. Equine camps are generally for ages 6–12. Pony rides are generally for ages 4 and up. Carriage tours have no minimum age.

The maximum weight for horseback riding is 240 lbs. There is no horseback-rider weight limit for carriage tours. Weight limits are based on the safety and comfort of our horses and riders.

No. Red Gate Farms is beginner-friendly, and riders receive the basic instruction needed for their activity. Guests must still be able to follow staff directions and safely participate. Trail rides are walking-only and are not designed for advanced riding styles.

Horseback riders must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Helmets are required and are provided by Red Gate Farms, so choose a hairstyle that allows the helmet to fit correctly; large buns, clips, or other items may need to be removed. Campers must also wear long pants and closed-toe shoes each day.

Yes. All horseback riders must wear a helmet provided by Red Gate Farms. Hairstyles and accessories must allow the helmet to fit securely.

Yes. Equestrian Center services are by reservation only and are subject to availability. Reservations can be made online for eligible services or by contacting the Equestrian Center. Payment is required for a reservation to be confirmed. The RV Resort/RV Office does not make Equestrian Center reservations.

The Equestrian Center is at 136 Red Gate Farms Trail, Savannah, GA 31405. After turning from Chatham Parkway onto Red Gate Farms Trail, keep right at the fork, follow the white rock driveway past the RV Resort, and take the second left through the white gate just before the goat pens. Park along the fence line facing the horse paddocks. The Equestrian Center is attached to the right side of the RV Office.

Pets are not permitted inside animal enclosures. Because horses and other livestock are present, please keep pets away from restricted animal areas and follow staff direction while on property.

Please contact the Equestrian Center before booking if you have a medical condition, recent surgery or injury, mobility limitation, or another concern that may affect your ability to safely participate. Our team can discuss the activity requirements and whether an appropriate accommodation is possible.

Participation during pregnancy is ultimately the guest’s decision. We recommend discussing horseback riding or other equine activities with your healthcare provider before participating. All equine activities involve inherent risks, and guests participate subject to Red Gate Farms' waiver and safety requirements.

Yes. All Red Gate Farms equestrian services involve live animals, so participants must complete the required waiver before participating. A parent or legal guardian must complete the waiver for anyone under 18.

Yes. Red Gate Farms Equestrian Center gift cards can be purchased online or through our team and can be used toward equestrian services.

No. We do not offer horse boarding, trailer-ins, or activities using horses brought in from off property.

While Red Gate Farms is not a rescue facility, many of our horses came to us to retire from a previous line of work.

Most of our horses are Quarter Horses or Paints. Our herd also includes other breeds and crosses, including an Appaloosa, Belgian Draft crosses, and a miniature Shetland Pony.

Our equine schedule changes seasonally to protect the safety and comfort of our horses. Thirty- and 60-minute trail rides are offered seven days a week: September–February, 9:00 AM–2:30 PM; March–May, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; June–August, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM. Ninety-minute trail rides are scheduled as the final ride of the day. Horse-drawn carriage tours are offered Monday–Friday on the same seasonal schedule. Paint the Pony and pony rides are offered during the same seasonal hours as 30-minute trail rides. Private and small-group lessons generally follow the seasonal trail schedule Monday–Friday, with regular weekend lesson time at 5:00 PM; earlier weekend lessons may sometimes be available by calling ahead. Afterschool lessons are offered during the public school year. All times are weather-dependent and subject to change.

You are welcome to share a preference, but horse assignments are made by Red Gate Farms staff based on rider size, experience, horse workload, temperament, and the needs of the day. A specific horse cannot be guaranteed.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled ride time so there is time for check-in, waivers, helmet fitting, and rider preparation. If you arrive earlier, please wait for a trail guide to assist you.

Red Gate Farms spans approximately 160 acres of wooded farmland. Depending on the route, rides may travel through wooded areas, past ponds and campsites, near our event venues, and beneath live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Wildlife sightings are common, and the experience is designed as a relaxing trail ride away from the city.

No. For the safety of our riders and horses, trail rides are walking-only. Red Gate Farms is a beginner-friendly facility and our public trail rides are not designed for advanced riding speeds or styles.

No. Each horse carries one rider. Saddles are fitted for a single rider, and adding another person can affect the horse’s balance and safety.

Yes, but phones must be silenced and may not be used for calls, FaceTime, livestreaming, or other distracting communication while riding. Riders must keep one hand on the reins at all times. Trail guides are happy to help take photos when it is safe to do so.

Disposable or small personal cameras may be permitted, but professional camera equipment is not allowed while mounted on a public trail ride. Riders must keep one hand on the reins at all times. For professional photography, please book an Equine Photography session instead.

Bags that can interfere with balance or riding—including purses, backpacks, crossbody bags, water bags, and loose water bottles—are not permitted while mounted. A secure waist/fanny pack may be allowed. Red Gate Farms is not responsible for personal belongings, so we recommend locking other items in your vehicle or leaving them at home.

Guests may sometimes be invited to feed the horses a treat after their activity and only with staff supervision. Never feed any horse or other animal without staff permission, including treats brought from home. Our horses commonly enjoy approved treats such as carrots, apples, and peppermints.

Riders must wear the provided helmet, follow all trail-guide instructions, demonstrate basic control and understanding, and be able to mount and dismount from a mounting block with little to no assistance. Guests who cannot safely participate, refuse staff instructions, or mistreat the horses may be removed from the activity without a refund.

Trail rides canceled at least 72 hours before the scheduled ride are eligible for a refund, less a 3% cancellation fee per rider. Cancellations within 72 hours are non-refundable. One reschedule may be offered for a $15 fee per rider. No-shows and late arrivals are not refunded. If unsafe weather prevents the ride, we will first try to reschedule; if a new date cannot be arranged, a full refund will be issued.

Red Gate Farms offers Western riding instruction through private lessons, small-group lessons, and scheduled programs such as homeschool and afterschool lessons. View the current lesson page for available formats, schedules, and pricing.

Our lesson program focuses on Western riding.

Yes. Lessons can accommodate beginners and are tailored to the rider’s experience and ability within the structure of the booked lesson.

Flexible private and small-group lessons follow the same general cancellation policy as trail rides: cancel at least 72 hours before the lesson for a refund less the applicable processing fee; late cancellations are non-refundable, and rescheduling may be subject to a fee. Missed or no-show lessons are forfeited.

Afterschool lessons are handled as a reschedule rather than a refund. If you know your child will miss a lesson, communicate with the Equestrian Center in advance so the team can work with you on the available rescheduling option.

Private and small-group lesson packages are valid for six months. If additional time is genuinely needed, contact the Equestrian Center; extensions may be approved when appropriate.

Flexible lesson packages are non-refundable, but they may be transferred to another rider. A missed lesson is forfeited when the cancellation or absence does not meet the applicable policy.

Yes, when space is available. Contact the Equestrian Center so we can confirm availability and determine the best way to join the current session.

A missed session is generally forfeited unless the absence has been communicated to us in advance. Please contact the Equestrian Center as soon as you know you will be unable to attend.

Red Gate Farms Equine Camps are generally designed for children ages 6–12. No prior riding experience is required.

Weekly summer camp drop-off is from 8:30–9:00 AM, camp begins at 9:00 AM, and pick-up is from 2:00–2:30 PM. We allow a 15-minute grace period for drop-off and pick-up. Families should park along the white fence line and walk children in and out for sign-in/sign-out.

Campers must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes every day. Please pack a lunch, plenty of water/drinks, and optional bug spray. Sunscreen should be applied before arrival. Label water bottles, lunch boxes, towels, and other personal belongings with the camper’s name.

Campers should bring their own lunch each day. A popsicle break is provided; please tell us in advance about dietary restrictions or if your child cannot have popsicles. On the final Friday of weekly summer camp, pizza is provided as part of the horse show and pool-party celebration.

Weekly summer camp includes riding and horsemanship activities throughout the week, along with horse care, games, crafts, and other farm activities. The exact schedule may vary for safety, weather, horse needs, or program adjustments.

Camp continues during light rain. During heavy rain or unsafe weather, campers move indoors for crafts and other activities until conditions improve. Activities may be adjusted for the safety of campers, staff, and horses.

Phones and watches are permitted, but tablets and iPads should remain at home. Red Gate Farms is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings.

Weekly summer camp concludes with a Friday horse show at 11:00 AM, and parents, grandparents, and family members are welcome to attend. After the show, campers celebrate with a pizza and pool party from approximately 12:00–2:30 PM.

Send a swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, and optional water shoes or sandals. Children should be able to change independently. A parent or guardian must be present at the pool party for a camper to enter the pool. Campers without a parent/guardian present may stay for the celebration but may not swim.

The $250 camp deposit is non-refundable. Weekly summer camp may be rescheduled one time when the change is communicated by the Friday before the camp week begins. Eligible camp credit may also be used to book available daily, holiday, or spring-break camp dates. Daily camp may likewise be rescheduled to eligible holiday or spring-break camp dates. No-shows and missed camp days are forfeited.

If Red Gate Farms cannot hold the selected camp session—for example, if a required minimum enrollment is not met—we will contact you with options to move to another eligible date or receive the applicable refund.

Pony parties include three hours of party time, one hour of the contracted pony or carriage activity for up to 15 children, tables and chairs for the contracted guest count, and an RGF Equine Host. Available activities and add-ons vary, so view current party options online.

Pony-party rides are generally available for children age 4 and older. Exceptions may be possible for a younger child who can sit upright and remain steady independently; approval is based on staff assessment and safety.

Pony parties may accommodate up to 48 total guests, including children and adults. The standard package includes equine activity for up to 15 children. Additional guests may be added, but riding time remains limited to the contracted ride period unless additional ride time is purchased. If activity supplies are required for more than 15 children, additional supply fees may apply.

The Client may arrive 30 minutes before the contracted event start time for setup. Outdoor access is limited to the contracted event time, and cleanup must be completed according to the party agreement.

Yes, within Red Gate Farms' event rules. Prohibited décor includes confetti, rice, birdseed, party string, sky lanterns, cold sparks, fireworks, and other unapproved items. Only flameless candles are permitted, and silk/fake flowers may not be scattered outdoors. Balloon fragments, scattered trash, or excessive cleanup may result in a cleanup fee. Contact us before bringing any décor you are unsure about.

A non-refundable 50% retainer is required to secure the date, and the remaining balance is due 30 days before the event. If a cancellation is made more than 7 days before the event, amounts paid beyond the non-refundable 50% retainer are refundable. Cancellations within 7 days, no-shows, and day-of cancellations are non-refundable.

If weather or conditions are unsafe, Red Gate Farms will first try to reschedule the event. If rescheduling does not work, the applicable payment will be refunded.

Yes. Every guest who participates in an equine activity—including pony rides, carriage rides, or horse interaction—must complete an individual waiver before participating. A parent or legal guardian must complete the waiver for minors.

Current kids' activities include Pony Rides and Paint the Pony, along with seasonal equine camps and group experiences. Availability varies by date and season, so check the current booking page before planning your visit.

Pony rides are generally available for children age 4 and older. Safety and the child's ability to sit steadily and follow staff direction are always considered.

Carriage tours have no minimum age and no horseback-rider weight limit. They are a good option for guests who prefer not to ride horseback or for groups with mixed ages.

Yes. Red Gate Farms offers bookable horse-drawn carriage tours for the general public in addition to carriage services for private events and weddings. All carriage experiences take place on the Red Gate Farms property.

Public carriage tours are generally offered Monday through Friday and follow the same seasonal daytime schedule as our trail rides. Availability is weather-dependent and may change for horse safety, staffing, or private events.

An Equine Photography session lets you use Red Gate Farms' property and equine partners to create personal or professional photos. Standard options include a session with a horse or with a horse and carriage, and custom sessions are available for larger groups, branding, commercial work, film, or video.

No. The photographer is not included in the standard Equine Photography session. You may bring your own photographer, and our team can provide recommendations if needed.

Standard horse and carriage photo sessions accommodate up to six guests. Larger groups, additional horses, additional time, commercial projects, and other customized sessions can be quoted separately.

Standard Equine Photography sessions are available for any age. Staff instructions and animal-safety requirements still apply, and the exact level of horse interaction will depend on the participant and the horse.

Photography sessions require advance payment and are reservation-only. Payments are non-refundable under the standard photography agreement, and cancellations less than 7 days before the session, no-shows, or day-of withdrawal result in forfeiture of payments. Rescheduling requests are accommodated based on availability. If inclement weather prevents the session, Red Gate Farms will work with you to reschedule.

Educational Experiences are customized group outings that introduce participants to horses, horsemanship, equine care, safety, and outdoor activities. Programs can include horseback riding, carriage tours, nature walks, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, horse care, and other activities tailored to the group's age and interests.

Programs are a good fit for school field trips, Scout troops, church and youth groups, afterschool groups, summer-camp outings, homeschool organizations, and similar groups. Contact us to create an itinerary that matches your group size, ages, goals, and schedule.

Yes. Red Gate Farms can build educational equine experiences for Scout troops, including programs that support horse-related badge or merit-badge goals. Contact us with your troop's requirements so the itinerary can be planned appropriately.

Yes. Group itineraries may include use of a designated picnic area. Details depend on the specific program and schedule, so include meal or picnic needs when planning your group experience.

Adult Equine Parties are customized small-group celebrations built around equestrian activities. They can work well for birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette groups, military family days, team-building outings, or a day with friends.

Adult parties can include a small-group trail ride for up to five riders, a horse-drawn carriage ride for up to six passengers, or a combination for a larger group. Packages may also include up to an hour of picnic-area access for food, drinks, and games.

Adult Party pricing is customized based on the group size, selected equine activities, and access time. Contact the Equestrian Center for a personalized quote.

Red Gate Farms offers on-property equine experiences for weddings and private events, including horse-and-carriage service, pony or horse interactions, goat experiences, and curated combinations. Available services depend on the event, timing, staffing, and animal availability.

No. Red Gate Farms equine services are offered on the Red Gate Farms property.

Specialty equine events are custom quoted based on the services selected, timing, staffing, event logistics, and the overall experience being provided. Contact our team with your event details so we can prepare the appropriate package and quote.

Yes. Guests participating in equine activities or horse interaction must complete the required waiver before participating. A parent or legal guardian must complete the waiver for minors.

Yes. Horse-drawn carriage experiences can be incorporated into non-wedding private events on the Red Gate Farms property, subject to availability and the event plan.

When weather or conditions are unsafe, Red Gate Farms will first try to reschedule the activity. For trail rides and similar flexible activities, if a mutually workable reschedule cannot be arranged, a full refund is issued. Event, camp, and photography bookings may have activity-specific terms, so refer to the applicable service policy.

Late arrivals and no-shows may forfeit the scheduled activity and payment because horses, guides, instructors, and other reservations are scheduled around specific times. Trail-ride late arrivals and no-shows are not refunded. Other services follow their applicable booking agreement.