The Setting
Private Land (250-1000 acres)
We are situated at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and we front the French Broad River for 1 mile. Our Blue trail rides along the river basin and is mostly all flat terrain. All of the other trails (green, red, white and gold) climb up the mountain from 200-1000 feet.
Our Riding
Good to know
All regular trail rides are at a walk. We position more experienced riders towards the rear as trotting usually occurs by the nature of a trail ride. We also offer cattle drives where trotting and loping might occur as needed for more experienced riders. Once a week during the summer, we also offer a loping/galloping ride but you must past our Balance Test to go.
Weight limit for riding
Up to 225 lbs
Riding considerations
no riding experience needed, We recommend a good level of physical fitness
Hours in the saddle
Our ranch provides one ride before lunch and one ride after lunch. There are days when water activities are offered, such as on Tuesday when our guests can go tubing because the ride is later and supper can be served on a mountain top.
Why our riding stands out
- Each guest goes through 1.5 hours of horse orientation. During this class, we teach guests how to obtain balance quickly using our Balanced Riding Method. We have had guests that have never ridden when they arrive and yet that are able to pass the galloping riders test.
- We only use the Arabian Horse. This magnificent, time-honored breed is often misaligned by people that don't know what they can do. Once trained using Natural Horsemanship techniques, the Arabian is gentle, durable and above all very intelligent.
- The beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee!
Sample Riding Itinerary
Day 1: Everyone rides in the corral for 15 minutes to get to know their horse, then to a trail ride. After lunch there is another trail ride or cattle drive.
Day 2. Cattle drive back for some while others go out on a trail ride. The ride later is the Supper Ride which meets at 5.30 pm. During the afternoon you can go tubing.
Day 3: 2 rides
Day 4: 2 rides
Day 5: Ride in the morning and cattle drive in the afternoon
Riding Lessons
During a regular stay, we provide knowledge to help guest achieve better riding using balance. We offer more advanced riding lessons during our clinics, which are not ofered on a regular stay.
Details
lessons come with package, basic riding lessons, advanced horsemanship lessons
Given by
ranch owner or manager
Location
in the arena
Cattle work - pasture gathers
We offer all guests a cattle drive during the summer months and during the lower seasons. If guests are here for 3 nights, they also get to do a cattle drive.
When
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Frequency
Weekly
Interaction
Guests participate
Arena Work
Type
outdoor arena
Activities
penning