Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions before you visit? We've gathered the most common ones to help you plan your time at Sixteen Fourteen Ranch with confidence and ease.

Can I bring…

General Information

Where is Sixteen Fourteen Ranch located?

-Sixteen Fourteen Ranch is located at 3621 County Rd 245 S, Kilgore, TX 75662 — approximately 26 minutes from Tyler and 27 minutes from Longview.From Hwy 31, turn south onto County Road 245 S before the cemetery and continue to the very end of the road until you reach our gate. Google Maps will guide you directly to the ranch.

What are the operating hours of the ranch?

– Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

– Sunday & Monday: Closed

Is there an age requirement for visiting the ranch?

– While all children are welcome, we only offer activities for children 5 and above. Minors (below 16 years of age) must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Are there restroom facilities on-site?

– Yes, we have a restroom available on-site.

Can I bring my own food and drinks to the ranch?

– Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed.

Can I bring my own animals to the ranch?

-No, we do not allow outside animals. Contact us if you will be accompanied by a service animal.

Are there nearby accommodations for visitors staying overnight?

– There closest accommodation will be in Kilgore (15 minutes) or Longview and Tyler area (30 minutes).

Trail Rides

How long is the duration of a trail ride?

– Reservations are for an 1 hour time slot. Arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled ride will ensure guests can maximize their reservation time. Trail rides will depart on time and without guests who are excessively tardy.

What is the level of difficulty for the trail rides? Can beginners participate?

– Trails cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced riders. Our horseback riding guides will teach the basics of how to direct your horse and provide guidance depending on your level. Your guide will be available throughout the ride to help you feel confident on your horse.

Is there a weight limit for riders?

-Horses can safely carry 20% of their body weight including riding gear. Therefore, the weight limit for riders is 275 pounds (125 Kg). Anyone above this weight is welcome to enjoy the trails with a chauffeured cart ride experience.

Are there any age restrictions for trail rides?

– Riders must be at least 8 years old. Riding double (two individuals per horse) is not allowed. We suggest booking a lead line experience for guests aged 5 to 7. All minors (below 16 years of age) at the ranch must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Do you provide riding helmets or other necessary equipment?

– Yes, we provide riding helmets and all necessary equipments. Lockers/cubbies are available to secure other small personal belongings.

Can I bring personal belongings on the trail ride?

– Keep belongings minimal. Riders assume all risk of damage to any belongings carried on horseback. It is best to avoid valuable or fragile items. We have a few lockers/cubbies available if necessary. Please leave all extras in your vehicle.

Do you offer private or group trail rides?

– We offer both private and group trail rides. If you want to ensure your party’s ride is private, an exclusivity fee may apply.

Is it possible to request a specific horse for the trail ride?

– While not guaranteed, we consider your preferences when assigning horses. If you have a favorite horse from a previous visit, let us know when booking and we can try to accommodate.

Can I join a trail ride without a reservation?

– No, we only prepare horses for prior reservations. Walk-ins are not accepted. If you have a desire to join a ride that starts within 24 hours, call us to inquire if there is availability.

What should I wear for the trail ride?

– Closed-toe shoes are required. We recommend bringing a hat and wearing long pants and comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities. Looking at the forecast for the time of your scheduled ride and dressing accordingly will ensure personal comfort.

Are medical personnel or first aid kits available on the trail?

– Our guides are trained in basic first aid and equipped with simple first aid kits for emergencies. All staff have undergone emergency protocol training. For specific concerns, please talk to one of our staff.

For those not interested in riding, are places available to watch the horseback riders?

-Yes, friends/family of trail riders are able to walk and/or drive to several observation points. They are also welcome to relax in the barnyard or on the porch until riders return. For those wanting to be included on the entire ride but adverse to riding themselves, the chauffeured cart experience is perfect.

Booking and Reservations

How can I make a reservation for an activity?

– Reservations can be made through our website or by contacting us directly. If you are interested in a group event or specialized service, contact us through email.

What is your cancellation policy?

– Notify us 48 hours in advance for a full refund and 24 hours in advance for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours or no shows with no contact may result in the forfeit of all payment.

– In case of inclement weather (rain, excessive heat/humidity, etc.), we will reschedule or cancel your ride. We will contact you for your preference. All canceled rides due to weather will be fully refunded.

Can I modify my reservation after it has been made?

– Contact us at least 48 hours ahead for modifications, subject to availability.

Are there special considerations for riders with varying abilities?

– Inform us during the reservation process for necessary arrangements. We would love to tailor an experience to specific abilities or needs. For safety reasons, all trail ride participants must demonstrate the ability to follow verbal instruction and physically get on the horse with minimal assistance. This does not apply for corral lead line rides for children under 8 years of age.

Chauffeured cart rides are suitable for everyone.

How can I tip my guide?

– Tips are not expected but appreciated. We offer multiple ways for tipping for your convinience.

Horse Care and Welfare

How do you ensure the well-being of your horses?

– All of our horses are carefully monitored with their specific health baseline in mind. We provide a comfortable living environment, balanced diet, rest days, and regular health check-ups (veterinary, dental, and farrier). During the rides, guides monitor the horses and if needed will tailor the ride to protect the health of the horse. In the case of extreme weather, horses will not be ridden.

How are the horses trained for trail rides?

Most our horses are trained and ridden in the western style (one hand neck reining or direct reining). Our equine program has an established intake process where new horses are assessed over a period of time to ensure their suitability for guests.

Can visitors interact with the horses outside of trail rides?

– Yes, visitors can interact with horses under staff supervision, including grooming experiences if booked in advance. Visitors are not allowed to interact with horses when staff is not present or when they have not been given permission.

Activities

What other activities are available at the ranch besides trail rides?

– Activities available for reservation includes cattle drives, photoshoots, birthday parties, and group events. Please call or email to book a bundle of activities.

Are these activities suitable for families with children?

– Yes, our activities are family-friendly, with age-appropriate options for children. We recommend lead line rides for riders under the age of 8, trail riding for riders age 8 and up, and cattle drive for riders age 12 and up. As a location, the ranch is suitable for hosting birthday parties and photoshoots for all ages.

Can we book a combination of activities?

– Yes, create a personalized experience by combining activities based on your preferences. Contact us for details.

Group and Private Events

Can we host an event at your ranch?

We welcome groups for various events and celebrations, including team-building retreats, anniversary celebrations, and more. Whether it’s a corporate outing, family reunion, or birthday party, our ranch provides a fantastic setting for a memorable gathering. Contact us for more information.

Can you arrange customized activities for our group event?

-Absolutely! We pride ourselves on creating personalized experiences. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll tailor the activities and itinerary to suit the interests and needs of your group.

Are catering services available for group events?

-No, we don’t offer food catering.

Can we book the entire ranch for a private event?

-Yes, we offer the option to book the entire ranch for private events. This exclusivity allows your group to fully enjoy the ranch’s amenities and activities in a private and serene environment.

Can you arrange transportation for our group to the ranch?

-No, please arrange necessary transportation.

Is there on-site accommodations available for guests?

-No, we only offer day activities.

How do we go about booking a group or private event at the ranch?

-Booking a group or private event is easy! Simply reach out and we can discuss if we are a good fit for your event.