Most definately get the riding hats for the kids. The horses (and horses in general) have a mind of their own! When we rode, a lady was on a horse and it started running through the corral. She wasn't an experienced rider, but somehow got it stopped. Some of the horses don't get along with the ours which can cause problems (like the above situation). The CM we had was so rude! Long story, but my DD almost didn't want to ride after the horse got away from the lady. And, all you do is go around in circles in the woods. Nothing special at all.