Friday, 5 January 2001

WELCOME TO AVILA BEACH VISTA RIDING

Welcome to the Marré Ranch, 7000 acres of lush grazing land and home to Avila Beach Vista Riding. Founded in the late 1800’s as part of a Spanish land grant, the Marré Ranch is a working cattle ranch nestled in the scenic hills above the community of Avila Beach. It is home to around 1000 head of Harris Ranch Beef cattle and is truly a piece of God’s country. Setting foot on this property is akin to taking a step back in time; high above the rest of the world, only the birds and the wind and the sounds of the sea will accompany you on your journey along the coast. The main ranch house, built in 1929, boasts spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and its beautiful coastline, as well as nearby Avila Beach.

Avila Beach Vista Riding has the privilege of being the only horseback tour group with access to the Marré Ranch. Our goal is simple: give you the opportunity to see California as you never have before. We strive to provide the best, from the snacks you enjoy on your outing to the horses you ride. And of course, avid horsemen are welcome to bring their own mounts. While we are unable to provide overnight accommodation, there is no shortage of housing in the area. Avila Beach boasts several charming locations, and for those who want to spend the night in a more secluded area, the Double L Ranch farmstay outside of Santa Margarita is ideal. California is a state with many beautiful locations, and Avila Beach Vista Riding offers a small look at one of the most unique. So come join us at Avila Beach Vista Riding, where the spirit of the Old West meets the beauty of the sea.

Thursday, 4 January 2001

FIND THE RIDE FOR YOU

There is something incredibly special about riding a horse by the ocean. Life becomes simpler, yet more magical; the pounding of the waves and smell of salty, sea air suddenly becomes more than things you perceive. It all comes together, seamlessly, hinting at a much bigger mystery mankind has yet to discover. High above the Pacific, in the hills of the Marré Ranch, you will enjoy an incredible view that seems to stretch on forever as your guide leads you to some of the most unique, unforgettable locations in California. We have 3 amazing rides to choose from, which are described in detail below. Most rides with Avila Beach Vista Riding will be available 2 times a day (weather permitting); for booking information, preferred dress code, and our conditions, please visit our contact page.

Coastal Splendor: Lasting 2 hours, this ride will introduce you to many stunning views along the coast. You will leisurely wind your way through the hills, among waving grasses and majestic oak trees, then stop to enjoy appetizers at a spot overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is the ideal experience for both the avid horseman and casual rider. Bring your camera and sense of adventure, and we will provide the rest! -Cost: $105/person

Sunset Grandeur: Bundle up to come experience the majesty of the Pacific Ocean at sunset, when the water is gently colored by the setting rays of the sun. As the sun goes down, the lights come on, adorning the coastline with beautiful starlight. Enjoy coffee and hot chocolate on a hill high above the sea, watching sea birds fly low to the water while you listen to the sounds of the waves. It is a breathtaking, magical vista you cannot afford to miss. Lasts 2 hours. -Cost: $120/person

Special Occasion Romance: These 2 hour, special-occasion rides will take you and that special someone to one of the most romantic spots on the Central Coast. Designed with couples in mind, it is the perfect gift. Let the natural magnificence of the ocean be your backdrop for whatever special occasion you have planned - be it a romantic Valentine's date or the day you choose to pop the question - one that will give you memories for a lifetime. -Cost: $120/person

Tuesday, 2 January 2001

CONTACT US AND BOOK YOUR RIDE

Here at Avila Beach Vista Riding, ensuring that you have a safe and enjoyable experience is at the top of our priority list. The weather here in Avila Beach can be a little fickle, so be sure to bring a jacket with you. Also before you book, please take a moment to peruse our guidelines, listed below, and have a look at the waiver you will be required to sign prior to commencement of the ride (below this post).

Please dress appropriately (no flip flops, shorts, or tank tops); it is advisable that you wear jeans, a long-sleeved shirt, and western-style cowboy boots that are made for fitting safely into the stirrups.

Our horses are very rieliable animals, however we ask that unless you are bringing your own mounts, riders must be 15 years of age and over.

Please no smoking or drinking on the trail.

Riders must be under 250lbs.

In accordance with California state law, helmets must be worn at all times by those under 18 years of age; we do suggest, however, that you wear one anyway.

We request that bookings be made 24-48 hours in advance, as we are a working cattle ranch and need time to prepare for your arrival. If you intend to bring your own mount, minimum notice of 48 hours is required.


GROUP SIZES ARE 2 - 4. CALL AHEAD FOR AVAILABILITY ON: 805-801-3948 or 805-215-2403


Take Highway 101 and look for the exit marked Avila Beach Drive. Follow Avila Beach Drive through the town of Avila on your left, and past the San Luis Bay Inn on your right. The distance is a couple of miles, so don't worry if it takes a while. Once you pass the San Luis Bay Inn, continue around the corner, and look for us. We will be the first driveway on the right; there is a chain-link fence, and our sign will be out front.

Monday, 1 January 2001

PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT, RELEASE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK

In consideration of the services of the Marré Ranch, their agents, owners, officers, volunteers, participants, employees, and all other persons or entities acting in any capacity on their behalf (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Marré Ranch”), I hereby agree to release and discharge Marré Ranch, on behalf of myself, my children, my parents, my heirs, assigns, personal representative and estate as follows:

1. I acknowledge that horseback trail rides entail known and unanticipated risks which could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death, or damage to myself, to property, or to third parties. I understand that such risks simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing to essential qualities of the activity.

The risks include, among other things: loss of control, collisions; horses, irrespective of their previous behavior and characteristics, may act or react unpredictably based upon instinct, fright, or lack of proper control by rider; latent or apparent defects or conditions in equipment, animals or property; acts of other participants in this activity, adverse weather conditions; contact with plants or animals; my own physical condition or my own acts or omissions; the condition of remote roads, trails waterways, or terrain, and accidents connected with their use; first-aid, emergency treatment or other services rendered; consumption of food and drink.


Furthermore, Marré Ranch guides have difficult jobs to perform. They seek safety, but they are not infallible. They might be unaware of a participant’s fitness or abilities. They might misjudge the weather, the elements, or the terrain. They may give inadequate warnings or instructions, and the equipment being used might malfunction.

2. I expressly agree and promise to accept and assume all of the risks existing in this activity. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, and I elect to participate in spite of the risks.

3. I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Marré Ranch from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action, which are in any way connected with my participation in this activity or my use of Marré Ranch’s equipment or facilities, including any such Claims which allege negligent acts or omissions of Marré Ranch.

4. Should Marré Ranch or anyone acting on their behalf, be required to incur attorney’s fees and costs to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs.

5. I certify that I have adequate insurance to cover any injury or damage I may cause or suffer while participating, or else I agree to bear the costs of such injury or damage myself. I further certify that I have no medical or physical conditions which could interfere with my safety in this activity, or else I am willing to assume – and bear the costs of – all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by any such condition.

6. In the event that I file a lawsuit against Marré Ranch, I agree to do so solely in the state of California, and I further agree that the substantive law of that state shall apply in that action without regard to the conflict of law rules of that state.

By signing this document, I acknowledge that if anyone is hurt or property is damaged during my participation in this activity, I may be found by a court of law to have waived my right to maintain a lawsuit against Marré Ranch on the basis of any claim from which I have released them herein.


I have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document. I have read and understood it, and I agree to be bound by its terms.


Signature of Participant: ________________________ Print Name: _________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ____________________________ Date: _________________________


PARENT’S OR GUARDIAN’S ADDITIONAL INDEMNIFICATION (Must be completed for participants under the age of 18)


In consideration of ______________________________________ (print minor’s name) (“Minor”) being permitted by Marré Ranch to participate in its activities and to use its equipment and facilities, I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Marré Ranch from any and all Claims which are brought by, or on behalf of Minor, and which are in any way connected with such use or participation by Minor.


Parent or Guardian: ________________ Print Name: ________________ Date: ________________