FAQs

What to Expect from a MOZO Riding Experience

At MOZO Horse Riding Farm, we offer small, guided riding experiences at our natural farm in Southern Sri Lanka.
The experience is unhurried and hands-on — designed for people who want to spend time with horses, learn how they respond, and ride through open farm landscapes. 

Our sessions are kept intentionally small (a maximum of two riders at a time) so that both riders and horses have space, attention, and time.

What the Riding Is Like

Riding at MOZO is guided by an instructor, but it is not a passive activity. Riders use their balance, focus, and awareness to move forward, steer, and stop.

Beginners are welcome and are guided step by step. Returning riders may work on simple schooling exercises depending on their experience and the conditions on the day. Experienced riders will be given the opportunity to go at a faster gait under instruction. 

Rides take place through coconut groves, open fields, lakeside areas, and forest paths. Along the way, we may pause to let the horses graze and rest, and to enjoy the surroundings.

About the Horses

Our horses live free-range with plenty of grazing. We follow the same horsecare and schooling standards as NZ, Australia, the UK, and Europe (BHS and Pony Club systems). Each horse has a distinct personality, energy level, and way of responding.

The horses are not trained robots; riders are guided to notice how the horse responds to balance, intention, and calm cues. This creates a more meaningful and rewarding experience for both horse and rider.

The Farm Setting

The farm is a living landscape — coconut trees, grass fields, water, forest paths, birds, and changing light throughout the day.

Early mornings and late afternoons are chosen intentionally for cooler temperatures, softer light, and a quieter atmosphere. Wildlife sightings are common, and the environment changes with the seasons.

Ground Time & Horse Care

The experience includes time on the ground before and after riding.

You will meet your horse, groom him, and help prepare the riding equipment. After riding, you’ll assist with untacking, cooling down, and making sure your horse has water and feed.

This time is an important part of the experience and helps build understanding, responsibility, and connection.

Who This Experience Is For

Our riding experiences are suitable for:

  • beginners who are curious and open to learning

  • returning riders who enjoy nature-based riding

  • adults and older teenagers who are comfortable with physical activity

  • guests who appreciate animals, landscapes, and enjoy the outdoors

This experience may not suit those looking for a rushed activity or being led on a 'ponyride'. 

Practical Information

  • Riding time is approximately 45 minutes per rider

  • Maximum 2 riders per session

  • Helmets are provided and mandatory

  • Riders must wear closed-toe footwear

  • Weight limit: 80kg

  • Ages 12+ (younger riders by prior discussion)

Food on the Farm

We currently offer two versions of the riding experience:

  • Morning experience — includes tea or coffee, a light snack, and a simple, nourishing Sri Lankan breakfast

  • Evening experience — includes afternoon tea or coffee and light snack, a relaxed farm-to-table dinner

Vegetarian options are available with prior notice.

Non-rider guests are welcome to accompany riders. Additional meals for non-riders may be arranged in advance.

Weather & Farm Conditions

MOZO is a working farm and a natural outdoor environment. Weather and ground conditions can change, and experiences may be adapted accordingly.

If conditions require adjustments, we will always communicate clearly and work with guests to find the best solution.

Additional Information & Frequently Asked Questions

Drinking Water

Drinking water is available at the starting point.
You’re welcome to bring your own refillable water bottle as well.

Riding Areas

Most of the riding takes place within our own private property.
Occasionally, we may cross quiet rural backroads or tracks, but we almost never ride along main roads.

Parking

Outdoor parking is available on the farm.

What Should I Wear?

We recommend:

  • Long pants

  • Closed-toe shoes (mandatory)

  • Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity

Helmets are provided and mandatory.

Isn’t the Weather Too Hot for Horse Riding?

Sri Lanka is blessed with warm, steady temperatures, averaging around 28°C.

Our rides are always scheduled early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday sun. Much of the ride takes place under large shade trees and near water.

We take regular pauses when needed, seek shade, and make sure both riders and horses stay well hydrated.

Do Your Instructors Speak English?

Yes — absolutely.
We love welcoming visitors and sharing our way of riding and working with horses. All instruction and guidance is available in English.

What Happens If It’s Raining?

Sri Lankan rain showers are usually short and pass through quickly, often in the late afternoon.

Because our riding window is flexible (2+ hours), we can normally work around rain, even during wetter seasons. Our horses are very comfortable in light rain and often enjoy it. We recommend to bring a change of clean dry clothing to change into in case we catch a shower during the ride. 

If conditions require changes, we’ll always communicate clearly.

Can We Stay and Spend More Time on the Farm?

Yes — you’re very welcome to.

You may:

  • arrive a few hours before your evening ride, or

  • stay on after your morning ride

There are several lovely picnic and resting spots around the farm, and the animals always appreciate extra attention.

If you’d like lunch, we can provide a Sri Lankan rice and curry for LKR 5,000 per person, featuring our forest-raised black pork — a truly special meal you won’t find elsewhere.

We’d Like to Visit the Farm Without Riding

That’s possible too.

Please book our Farm Visit & Lunch Package, which includes:

  • a very special black pork rice and curry (served 12:30–2:00pm)

  • morning and afternoon drinks and snacks

  • time to relax and enjoy the property from 10:00am until sunset

We’ll welcome you on arrival and give a short briefing on how to move comfortably around the animals.

My Boyfriend / Partner / Travel buddy/ Family Member / Photographer / Driver Is Coming but Not Riding

Non-rider guests are welcome to accompany riders.

Meal options for non-riders:

  • Breakfast: LKR 1,000

  • Lunch: LKR 5,000

  • Dinner: LKR 7,500

For SLTDA-licensed tourist guides/drivers with valid certificate, we'll gladly provide complementary meals at no extra charge. 

Do You Have Accommodation Available?

At the moment, we do not offer on-site accommodation.

There are several lovely places to stay nearby, and we’re happy to share recommendations. One option we particularly like is Aji Fruit Farm, located close to us.

In the future, we may offer on-site accommodation, especially for riders interested in multi-day riding holidays.

Are the Horses Available for Photoshoots?

Yes — professional photoshoots are welcome.

Morning and evening sessions offer the most beautiful natural light, and these are also the times when the horses can be ridden. For mounted photography, please book one of our regular morning or evening riding experiences. This allows you to saddle up properly and work with guidance from the instructor, ensuring the session flows naturally and you capture the magic.

Our riding style and equipment are English-style, not cowboy or country and western. Tack is minimal and practical, typically in black or dark brown natural materials.

For mounted photography sessions, riders are still expected to prepare their horse (with our support) and go through the usual introduction and learning routine. This is an important part of establishing communication before riding and photographing.

If you book the Farm Visit & Lunch package for a daytime visit, you may take photos alongside the horses or with them in the background while they move freely around the farm. We ask that horses are not caught, posed, or asked to remain in one place during their non-working hours. 

Do We Need Insurance?

We strongly recommend that guests have their own travel insurance.

MOZO holds public liability insurance and tour operator insurance.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact us as soon as possible.

  • We will always try to rearrange your booking to a new date.

  • Refunds may be possible for cancellations made 48 hours or more in advance, depending on circumstances.

We handle bookings personally and aim to be fair and reasonable wherever possible.

Where a refund is approved, the amount will be returned only to the original payment method used for the booking.

Cancellations & Rescheduling

We understand that plans can change.

  • Please let us know as early as possible if you need to reschedule or cancel.

  • Weather-related or horse-related changes will be communicated directly.

  • We handle bookings personally via WhatsApp or email and aim to be reasonable and flexible wherever possible.

Riding, Responsibility & Insurance

Horse riding is a physical activity and involves animals and outdoor environments.

By participating, guests acknowledge that they are taking part at their own discretion and agree to follow the guidance provided during the experience.

Privacy

Your contact details are used only for communication related to bookings and enquiries.
We do not share personal information with third parties.

Contact Us

📱 WhatsApp: +94742209991
📧 Email: info@mozo.lk
📍 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sK6qiVnJWs82n4sD9 

Please contact us before planning to come, as all visitations are by prior arrangement.