Spirit of the West – Terms & Conditions

Reservations are strongly recommended. Limited same-day availability may be possible and guests are encouraged to call at least four (4) hours before their preferred ride time.

Tours operate Monday through Friday.

By booking a ride with Spirit of the West (“SOTW”), all riders acknowledge and agree to the following Terms & Conditions:

Rider Requirements

• Riders must be at least:
  • 8 years of age for the Beach Ride
  • 14 years of age for the Caribbean Swim Ride
• Parents or legal guardians must complete and sign all required waivers and consent forms for minors prior to participation.
• Children must be comfortable around horses and capable of independently participating in the ride. No refunds will be issued where a child refuses or is unable to ride at the start of, or during, the excursion.
• Riders must weigh less than 225 lbs. Limited flexibility may be permitted at management discretion depending on horse availability and rider experience.
• Riders participating in swim rides must be able to swim competently. Non-swimmers may be denied participation in the swim portion of the excursion and required to remain on the beach while the swim portion is completed. No refunds or partial refunds will be issued in such circumstances.

Payment Terms

• Full payment is required prior to departure.
• A reservation is not considered paid until payment has been successfully received and confirmed by SOTW.
• Customers receiving payment links are responsible for ensuring payment is fully completed before arrival or departure.
• SOTW reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any tour where payment has not been successfully completed and confirmed.

Reservation Changes

• Requests to add riders, modify reservations, or otherwise change booking arrangements are subject to operational availability and management approval.
• SOTW cannot guarantee accommodation of reservation changes requested on the day of the ride.
• Attempts to modify reservations upon arrival may delay or prevent departure and may result in cancellation charges where operational schedules are affected.

Ride Conduct & Safety

• Standard rides are conducted at a walk or slow trot.
• Riders seeking faster-paced or more advanced riding experiences must book a private tour option.
• Riders are expected to follow all instructions given by guides and staff at all times.
• Riders are expected to treat horses, staff, equipment, and other guests with respect and courtesy.
• SOTW reserves the right to refuse, terminate, or discontinue participation without refund where a rider:
  • behaves aggressively, abusively, disrespectfully, or disruptively;
  • fails to follow instructions;
  • compromises the safety of horses, staff, or other riders; or
  • materially delays scheduled operations.
• SOTW does not provide helmets or life vests unless otherwise specifically arranged.

Cancellations, No Shows & Refunds

• Cancellations made at least twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled ride time are eligible for a full refund.
• Cancellations made less than twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled ride time are subject to a 50% cancellation charge.
• No-shows are subject to a 100% charge of the total booking value.
• Riders are considered a no-show if they:
  • fail to arrive at the designated meeting location within fifteen (15) minutes of the scheduled meeting time; or
  • fail to complete payment and check-in requirements within a reasonable operational timeframe; or
  • voluntarily decline or fail to proceed with the ride after arrival.
• Arrival at the meeting point does not constitute commencement or completion of the tour.
• SOTW reserves the right to apply cancellation or no-show charges where a rider’s actions, delays, conduct, booking disputes, payment issues, or refusal to comply with staff instructions prevent the tour from departing as scheduled.
• Customers may reschedule one (1) time to avoid the applicable 50% late cancellation charge, subject to availability and management approval. Failure to attend the rescheduled booking will result in forfeiture of 100% of the booking value.
• Any rescheduled booking is considered final and non-transferable.

Weather Policy

• Weather and ocean conditions are outside of SOTW’s control.
• Where water conditions are unsafe or unsuitable for swim rides, guests may be offered a Beach Ride alternative. Where applicable, the difference in tour cost will be refunded.
• Full refunds are available where SOTW cancels a ride due to severe weather or unsafe conditions prior to departure.
• If guests elect to proceed with a ride after being advised of inclement or uncertain weather conditions, full charges will apply once horses have been prepared and saddled, even if the ride is later shortened or cancelled due to worsening conditions.

Assumption of Risk

• Horseback riding and ocean-based activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to falls, unpredictable animal behavior, ocean conditions, weather changes, and physical injury.
• By participating, riders voluntarily assume all risks associated with horseback riding and related activities.

Guide Authority

• All tours are led by experienced professional guides. Riders are expected to follow guide instructions at all times to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
• SOTW management and guides retain sole discretion regarding rider participation, horse allocation, operational timing, safety determinations, and tour continuation.
• Questions are always welcome and we encourage guests to communicate with our team prior to booking if clarification is required.