COVID-19
Pursuant to current Florida executive orders regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been permitted to reopen for business with operational changes and additions to our KSR Safety Policy, approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to aid in prevention of the spread of COVID-19. Our ranch gate is currently closed to the general public (no walk-ins), so you MUST call for a reservation (904-491-5166).
While we do not require you to wear masks, we do ask that you please respect CDC social distancing guidelines for the safety of all. Thank you.
PLEASE DO NOT COME TO OUR RANCH IF YOU ARE SICK.
Updated: April 10, 2021
HOURS:
Open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (except Mondays) throughout the year; and yes, we are even open on many HOLIDAYS including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day!
EXPERIENCED RIDERS PLEASE “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” THAT THIS IS A GENTLE, WALK-ONLY TRAIL RIDE ON THE BEACH. We must share our beaches and be respectful of other non-horse people on the beach who may not appreciate, but only tolerate, our existence. This was a well-thought-out business decision that will, hopefully, help to ensure the continuation of beach horseback riding on Amelia Island for everyone. Unfortunately, there are people who live on the island who continuously try to have it, and other activities that do not personally suit them, eliminated.
ONE-HOUR GUIDED BEACH RIDES leave at 10, 12, 2 and 4 o’clock (tide and weather permitting).
• Price $100 per person*
• Adults only (minimum age 13 – no exceptions)
• 230-pound weight restriction
• 4’6” minimum height
• No experience necessary
• Reservations only
*New price effective May 1, 2021 is $125 per person. A non-refundable deposit for the cost of one rider is required to make a reservation. The remaining balance (if any) will be charged the morning of your scheduled ride. No refunds or reschedules for no-shows. Late arrivals are also considered no-shows. STRICT LATE SHOW POLICY. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE NUMBER OF HORSES YOU RESERVE. DO NOT BREACH THE LOCKED GATE IF YOU ARE LATE.
Note: Minors require additional wrangler attention. If your minor is age thirteen to fifteen, we must be informed at the time your reservation is made. For safety, only two children at this age will be scheduled per tour and must be accompanied by an adult rider. Minors at this age must wear helmets supplied or may bring their own. Helmets are optional for adults. Hotel conference groups ages 18+ only. No exceptions.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA for ALL participants:
THIS HORSEBACK TOUR IS A VERY PHYSICAL OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY. ALL RIDERS MUST BE ABLE TO MOUNT AND DISMOUNT WITHOUT ASSISTANCE AND RIDE FOR FIVE MILES. For your safety, we must caution you that horseback riding is not at all similar to golfing or bicycling or any other sport activity. Advancing age, obesity, hip and knee replacements, arthritis, back and neck pain, decreased motor skills and other physical issues can certainly interfere with the rider’s ability to balance, stay seated or even hold the reins. Participants must be able to understand the language of the attending personnel and follow visual or verbal aid. Participants must have the ability to independently remain seated and balanced on a horse in motion while simultaneously directing a horse’s travel and speed for approximately an hour. A participant must also be able to withstand exposure to the outdoors for a period of ninety minutes. All participants must be sober and of sound mind to understand the inherent risks of horseback riding and complete and execute a liability release contract. Please estimate your abilities wisely and/or consult your doctor. You are welcome to contact management with any questions or concerns with regard to the scope, territory and definition of this activity, inclusion and participant responsibilities.
• RESERVATIONS please call 904-491-5166 with your Mastercard, Visa or Discover (no Amex) card information available for a ranch representative. Your reservation is confirmed once your credit card number is taken and deposit charged and our representative has confirmed that your specified number of horses are available. Please make a personal note of your date and time as we do not send email confirmation. Your credit card will be charged the remaining balance the morning of your ride. If your card is declined for the balance due, you will no longer have a reservation and your deposit is non-refundable. Cash tips preferred please.
• CANCELLATION POLICY IS TWENTY-FOUR HOURS and applies to all reservations. No cancellation permitted if your reservation is made within twenty-four hours of your ride. Policy varies by contract with larger groups. Late arrivals, late cancels and no shows will be charged full price and the cost is non-refundable and non-transferable to a reschedule time. This includes last-minute decisions not to ride.
• WAIVERS must be completed ONLINE after your reservation is made and prior to your arrival at the ranch. Waivers are effective for one year.
• ARRIVAL TIME for your ride is THIRTY MINUTES PRIOR to your scheduled reservation time. PLEASE BE ON TIME AND WAIT AT THE GATE. We will be out to open it, and we close it behind you at the appropriate check-in time. We do NOT come back for late arrivals. BREACHING A LOCKED GATE IS TRESPASSING. STRICT POLICY. Please see CANCELLATION POLICY above.
• RAIN POLICY
NO CHARGE if your ride does not leave or is cancelled by the ranch.
NO REFUND if your ride goes out and you get wet.
Sorry, no rainchecks or compensation for travel expenses incurred.
• GIFT CERTIFICATES available by telephone (904-491-5166). Certificate holders/recipients must make reservations as usual by credit card as indicated above and present certificate upon arrival as payment. Cancellation policy applies.
• SPECIAL NEEDS participation needs to be discussed PRIOR TO RESERVATIONS so we may assist in safe inclusion to the best of our ability. Our facility complies with Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for accessibility and inclusion. The Kelly Ranch is a member of the Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), and applies to PATH standards. However, the Kelly Ranch is not and cannot be a fully-accredited therapeutic riding facility pursuant to all PATH standards. Territory and uncontrolled environment limit applying many standards necessary for safety. Please refer to the eligibility requirements above for all participants, and please call management directly 904-491-5166 for more information regarding scope, territory and definition of this activity. Management encourages and welcomes open discussion so as to assist and safely include everyone to the best of our ability. Please talk to us.
• CAMERAS AND CELL PHONES are not permitted on or near our horses, because they have proven to be a distraction hazard. We understand this policy may be unpopular to some, but your safety and the safety of our horses is our priority. We will supply photos you can download from our website for a very minimal fee, and a portion of these proceeds will go toward the care and maintenance of our retired beach horses who have a forever home with us. Thanks for understanding!
• LESSONS
We offer riding instruction at the beginning of your tour, and assist you along the way for a safe, fun ride. We do not, however, offer independent lessons, and our hired staff is not permitted to recruit our customers for such services on or off the premises. If someone who works for us has recruited you in this manner, they are in violation of our contract with the state park. We ask that you please contact the owners, Jim or Kelly, at 904-206-0051.
Your telephone call is important to us. We do our best to answer each and every telephone call as it comes in. However, if we cannot immediately answer your telephone call, please remember that we are a working ranch with many horses to care for and many customers to assist on the beach. Our phone can be very busy! We hope that you’ll be one of those customers, so please be sure to leave us a brief message with your name, cell phone number and/or hotel and we will get back to you as quickly as we can!
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and Chapter 760, Part I, Florida Statutes, the “Florida Civil Rights Act ,” the Kelly Ranch, Inc. is committed to providing accessible facilities, programs and services for all people, including those with disabilities to participate in and enjoy recreational equine opportunities and experiences. To access a complete copy of the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, or if you have any inquiries or complaints, please visit the ranch at 9500 First Coast Highway, Amelia Island, Florida 32034, or call Management (Jim or Kelly) at Kelly Ranch, Inc. at 904-491-5166.
