Conference noted::equitation

    
    
    
    
    Hi!!!
    I used to have horses when I was back home...[Caribbean]...
    Right now I live in Boston and am very interested in riding.
    Does anyone know of a place where I could rent horses for a couple
    of hours ??
    
    G.

    Outside of Boston, in Acton, there is a stable named Bobby's Ranch
    which offers one-hour trail rides for $10-$15 per hour.  They are
    open Wed.-Sun.  
    
    In this area, I know of no place which will allow you to rent horses
    for unsupervised riding.  This is to prevent careless or deliberate
    abuse to the horses.
    
    If you take lessons regularly, most stables will allow you to take
    "practice rides" in their rings at a cost which is somewhat less than the
    price of a lesson.
                                                                
    Bobby's Ranch phone: 263-7165
    I took a couple of trail rides there last fall.  The horses were
    well-mannered and most were reasonably attractive.  Cantering IS allowed 
    on certain stretches of the trail.
    
    Michelle                                       
    

    gee, I don't want to sound too negative, but...
    
    As far back as I remember, at any and all stables that offer rent-a-
    ride-by-the-hour, it behooves (no pun intended) the customer to
    look carefully at the horses and tack.  In particular, I once took
    my then-11-yr-old neice to Bobby's Ranch, for a birthday ride. 
    A horse from the previous ride came in, minus rider, with the saddle
    slung under the belly.  I may be mistaken, but I think that only
    can happen when the girth was not tight enuf in the first place.
    Yes, I know they hold their breath, but checking for such a problem
    was one of the first things I learned when I learned to ride.  So,
    I made sure to check the tack on both my neice's horse and mine,
    and sure 'nuff, found loose girths; and this was when we had been
    told to go ahead and mount up.
    
    On the lighter side, I had told them that I was a good rider, so
    they gave me what they said was their sparkiest horse -- and he
    was no trouble at all!  Very willing, and very cooperative.  Their
    barn was pretty clean, esp. compared to some rent-a-ride stables
    I've seen, and they had a very cute and healthy-looking foal in
    residence at the time.

    
    
    Silver Ranch in Jaffery N.H. has english horses, teaches lessons
    (although I have no idea of the quality of lesson of type - dressage,
    hunt seat, or saddle seat) and they rent horses.
    
    I haven't been there in quite awhile, but it was one of the better
    places I ever encountered.  I used to ride my horse on their trails.
    :-)
    
    Dani
    

    English in Acton.  The only English I have heard about in the
    area is if you are connected with the military (even the reserves).
    Supposedly the stables at Fort Devons allow people to ride by
    the hour and the horses are ridden both English and western.  I
    have not been as I prefer not to ride alone and have met no one
    else that rides since I have moved to Mass.
    
    Cathy Firth
    

    Does anyone know a place where I can rent in the Worcester area.

    The only stable I know of is Far-Side Stables in Bellingham. There
    aren't many stables left that will rent due to liability.
    The phone # is 966-3266.
    It's off of Rt. 140 by a couple of miles. If you're interested,
    give them a call.
    
    				Cindy
    

    There is a barn on Rt. 140 in Grafton called Ridge Valley. They
    give rides in the Upton state forest.
    
    There also is a place called Bobby's Ranch in Acton or Littleton.
    Grafton would be closer to Worcester though. You might also try
    Eagle Rock in Grafton; they might rent.

    .1 & .2
    
    I have gathered some information about these place because I was
    also interested in renting to ride.
    
    Here is the information I received:
    
    Grafton: Ridge Valley & Eagle Rock do not have trail rides.
    
    Bellingham: Far Side Farm does have trail rides
    
    Westford: Bobby's Ranch does have trail rides @$10 per hour week
    	days and $15.00 per hour weekends. There 2 hour weekend rides are
    	at 9 a.m. on Saturday mornings.
        
    Have a great time on your ride,

    
    	Rocking M Ranch in Charlton (off rt 20) used to do trail rides.
    	They're about 20-25 minutes from Worcester. 
    

    Hello,
    
    I was wondering if any of you know of any horseback riding places
    in the White Mts. of NH?  I'm talking about the rent-a-ride places.
    My girlfriend and I are spending the first weekend in August in
    Jackson, NH.  She has some experience in riding horses; I have
    none.
    
    Any help would be appreciated.  Even a pointer to information will
    help.
    
    Thank you!
    
    dave

    You can try Castle in the Clouds in NH, its around the White Mountains, but
    I don't remember exactly where.  I know that when my fiance and
    I went to visit his parents in Moultonboro area it was in striking
    distance.  It is a wonderful place and quite beautiful.  There are
    other things to do there as well as ride.  That would be the place
    I would recomend.
    
    regards.
    stephanie

    You could try The Riding Place at Mt. Washington Hotel. It's a hike
    from Jackson, but the ride is more than worth it. I would say maybe
    1/2 hour or 40 minutes. The scenery is beyond words.  They're holding
    a few clinics during July/August with some very noted trainers also.
    
    -Marianne-
    

    I have been to both the Mt. Washington Hotel and Castle in the Clouds
    within the last year... The Mt. Washington was a little cheaper
    and had some very well schooled horses.  Castle in the Clouds had
    more of the "riding school" type nags... with unhealthy attitudes.
    The folks caring for them didn't seem to take it as seriously as
    the Hotel.  At The Castle you pay to get in to the place & then
    pay to go riding.
    
    Cheryl
    

    I agree with Cheryl on the Castle in the Clouds.  When I went there
    with a friend last summer, the only thing we enjoyed were the lookout
    points where the view was spectacular and this was when we were
    driving up to the top of the mountain where the Castle is.  The horses
    they gave us were like riding "robots"; not much life in them.  My friend
    and I can ride so we expected more than what we got.  I guess they
    have to have very placid animals since most of their clients are 
    inexperienced adults and children.  They must have better trails
    than what we were taken on; mostly rocky (but this is the granite
    state).  ;-)
    
    Pat

    Does any know of any stables (reputable) in the Southern
    N.H. (Merrimack, Londonderry, Manchester, Hudson etc.) or
    MA (Groton, Pepperell etc.) that rent horses for trail 
    rides?  
    
    It seems that most places will not do this anymore because
    of the liability involved (?)
    
    Names and phone numbers are appreciated.....I'm trying to
    get this information for a very inexperienced friend who
    wants to see foliage via Horseback!
    
    Thanks, 
    Sue

    TRY "BOBBY'S RANCH" IN WESTFORD, MA. I DON'T KNOW THE NUMBER,
    JUST THAT A FRIEND BOARDED THERE FOR AWHILE AND THEY DID TRAIL
    RIDES. OR CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS IN MOULTONBORO WOULD BE GREAT
    FOR SEEING THE FOLIAGE ON A HORSE...
    

    I am looking for a horse stable that rent horses and is not more
    than 2 - 2 1/2 hours from Boston. I would be more interested in
    stables that let you take the horses without a guide.
    
     Thanks in advance,
     bruce

    Your best bet is to first convince someone that you have the necessary
    horse care skills and riding experience so that they will feel comfort-
    able about trusting their animals with you.  Finding stables which
    will allow unsupervised rides etc is now a very rare circumstance.
    
    Good luck!

        TRY BOBBY'S RANCH IN ACTON NEAR NAGOG SQUARE. I'M NOT SURE IF
    IT IS STILL IN OPERATION. NOT TOO MANY PLACES RENT HORSES OUT TO
    THE PUBLIC ANY MORE- INSURANCE!
    
    HAPPY TRAILS!

    
    
    I work down the street from Bobby's ranch. They look as if they
    are still in operation and I've seen recent ads in regional
    newpapers.
    
    Linda
    
    

    It depends upon how far you REALLY want to drive. There's a place not
    far from where I live in Phillipston. It's called Stony Acre Farm and
    it's on Schoolhouse Rd. Phillipston. [Phone # 508-249-2582].
    I don't know how much it costs (about $10 - 15/hour) and I've never
    been there so I don't know what the horses are like. 
    
    There aren't alot of places you can rent horses due to the liability
    and the fact that the area in Mass. is getting to be too developed.
    (Another gripe!)
    
    As far as letting you go without a guide - don't hold your breath! 
    The stable I used to keep my horse would let people go out by
    themselves but they were the regulars. All the others would have to
    go out with a guide.
    Remember, alot of people don't know how to ride nor do they know how to
    treat a horse correctly. They'll gallop the horses through a stony
    field and then wonder why the horse is limping!
    
    To get to Phillipston - just take Rt. 2 west past Leominster and then
    past Gardner. Once you get into Phillipston ????? (I think it's just
    north of Rt. 2. You'll have to call.
    
    Good luck - remember deer hunting season is soon upon us. You
    DEFINITELY don't want to go out then! (towards the end of November).
    
    				Cindy
    

	If you prove you are a good rider and use common sense, the 
	chances are good they will let you go without a guide (you would 
	have to go with a guide until they know you well enough)
    
	Bobby's Ranch shut down for the winter last year and reopened in
	the spring.  So you may not get a chance to know them well 
	enough before they close for the season.

	- Linda

    Does anyone have any recommendations as to where to ride Western
    in Mass/NH area (Rt 495 or Mass Pike areas)??
    
    Would prefer lengthier trail rides over a varied terrain.
    
    Regards.
    
    Paula Hunter
    

    The Rocking M Ranch in Charlton Mass off of route 20 gives a very
    enjoyable trail ride.  The price is about $10.00 per hour.
    
    
    Lynne

    My young niece is driving me nuts!  Can anyone refer me to a stables in 
    the Worcester area that offers pony rides?  I realize I might have to
    travel a bit (...hopefully not TOO far though!)
    
    Thanks for any suggestions...
    
    Chris
    
    P.S.  I tried the Yellow Pages in the phone book, but didn't get very
          far...

    Try calling some of the riding stables listed in the 
    Worcester area.  They know who offers what in their
    area.  This "word of mouth" works well, and also is
    good if your looking for a horse, a stall, equipment,
    etc.
    
    L-

    Does anyone know of someone in the Derry N.H. area that travels
    to childrens birtday parties with ponies for rent?
    
    Dennis

    Phil Bordonaro, I believe does this. He is also a blacksmith and
    teeth-floater. His home # is 603-434-1089. 
    
    Linda
     
    
    
    

    Thanks for the replies. I got in touch with Phil who will take care
    of our needs. My litte girl will be ecstatic, the problem will be
    when the pony has to go home...%^(
    
    						Thanks again,
    						Dennis

    Help does anyone know of any place at all like this, we called
    and it seems these people are no longer in business, looking
    for a place for a bunch of people to go horseback and an
    overnighter.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Julie-lynn
    
      <<< CNOTES::DISK$NOTES:[NOTES$LIBRARY]NEW_HAMPSHIRE.NOTE;2 >>>
                                 -< The Granite State >-
    ================================================================================
    Note 415.2               Horseback riding in White Mnts?                 
    2 of 3
    RAINBO::STETSON                                      40 lines  
    4-AUG-1988 10:23
                           -< -< For the serious riders >- >-
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        I recommend the following place.  Here's their business card.
    
        +----------------------------------------------------------------+
        |              FOR THE BEST IN WESTERN TRAIL RIDES               |
        |                                                                |
        | Scenic Falls Ride         $ 8 .5 Hr           "SPECIAL"        |
        | Smith River Ride          $10 1 Hr      Overnight Campout Ride |
        | Comb. of above            $15 1.5 Hr    with FREE cookout and  |
        | Pemigewasset River Xing   $20 2 Hr          breakfast $35      |
        | Mt or Old Hill Vil.       $30 3 Hr        About 5 Hrs Riding   |
        |                                                                |
        |     Leon and Gloria King                          Call         |
        |   Route 3A by Profile Falls                   603/934-5740     |
        |        Hill, N.H. 03243                     For Appointment    |
        +----------------------------------------------------------------+
    
        It's best to go in the fall durring folliage.
    
        For the past 2 years I've gone on the overnight.  It's great.  You
        need to bring camping gear.  It's taken to the campsight by pickup.
        They cook steak, baked potato, and corn on the cob for dinner.
        Scrambled eggs, ham and english for breakfast.  All cooked on the
        camp fire.  Bring a cooler with your favorite beverage.  Also a
        bathing suit for swimming at the falls.  We rode 4 hours, both
        days.
    
        You can get real mellow horses or frisky/skidish ones.  I prefer
        the
        later of the two, but I've been riding since I was 4.  I've seen
        people get bucked off and nocked silly.   Had some close calls
        myself.  So don't exagerate when asked about your riding
        experience.
        You'll get your feet wet on the river Xing.
    
        If you want to have fun, and some thrills, this is the place.  It's
        not for the light hearted.  That group should go to "Castle in the
        Clouds".
    
        Enjoy,
    
        Bill
        PS: The first question they ask is:  "Do you have an appointment?"
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

	Sometime this week or next, horseback riding will start at
	Bear Brook State Park in New Hampshire. It's just off 93,
	between Manchester and Concord. You'd have to look on a map,
	I don't know the directions myself. But I think there'll be
	a string of about a dozen or so horses, you can ride English
	or Western, helmets available, etc.

	The woman who'll be running it is Debbie Rose. Tell her Julie
	says 'Hi'! I think it was scheduled to open May 9. However,
	there is no phone, so you can't make arrangements ahead of
	time.

	-julie

    CAll Kristina Calabrese of the VErmont Icelandic Horse Farm.
    
    She has several different types of overniters...I'll send a brochure
    if you're interested.
    
    	The address is :  RR 376-1
    			  Waitsfield VT 05673
    
    			  (802)496-7141
    
    
    	I've ridden several times up there, and love it!  It is a perfect
    	weekend get away!
    
    	Tell her Michele and Dave reffered you.

    
    Anyone know of a place to rent a saddle horse in or fairly near the
    Ipswich/Rowley area?  A good friend (who would truck her own horse)
    and I would like to ride together, but I no longer have horses.
    
    I'm not terribly fussy, but don't want to ride anything if I have to
    feel guilty about it (because it's too tired, rundown, etc.).  Also,
    if there is more than one place, we'd like to ride some pretty
    country!
    
    Thanks,
    Diana
    

    
    
    		Ponies for Parties - cart rides also available. Tall
    	Pine Stable, Frank Schneider, Tyngsboro MA. (508) 957-2159 home,
    	(508) 957-0783 barn. The business cards says he goes to `any
    	location'.
    

i hope someone out there can help me.
we work in hudson mass.. and are looking
to take a day off and go horseback riding
we dont really want to travel more than
an hour and need reasonable rates since we
are paying for this ourselves. none of us
are experienced at horseback riding and there 
are 9 in the group , so we need a place that
can accomodate all of us at once.. we also
would like to go on  a trail/in a more woodsy
or scenic atmosphere and not in a city like or
stable like area.. 
can anyone suggest some places we might call??
i have no idea where to look..
please can someone help and soon.. we have to 
plan this trip for sometime within the next 2 weeks.

thanks
lori

    Ridge Valley Stables in Grafton is doing trail rides again, by
    appointment.  839-3038.  Ask for Terry, and tell him Michele
    recommended him.
    
    Terry has many trails marked out, and he can do a breakfast,lunch, or
    dinner ride where you eat at a restraunt along the trail.
    
    Michele

    Bobby's Ranch in Acton, MA used to do trail rides.
    

    As far as pleasure riding and lessons go ...
    
    for Western riding and instruction, you can try Bobby's Ranch
    in Acton.  I've just started as a volunteer there after being
    a customer for 6 months.
    
    If you want to call for rates/info, the number is 263-7165.
    Their days/hours of operation in the winter are Wednesday - 
    Sunday, 9:00 - 4:00.
    
    
    Jen

I just finished up a wonderful relaxing vacation in P-Town.

While I was there, I went on a one-hour trail ride. I highly
recommend Nelson's Riding Stable in P-Town. It was $20 for an
hour guided ride. They also have a 2 hour sunset on the beach ride
for advanced riders.

I am an intermediate rider who hasn't ridden for years and my partner
is a complete novice. I was very, very impressed with the quality,
care, hygenie and conscientiousness of the stable. There was very
little odor, the horses were in excellent health and well-mannered. The
equipment was in good order and clean.

For the advanced rider, the one hour ride would be too tame. For me
and my partner, it was perfect. We left the stable accompanied by two
guides - one at the head and one at the end. I rode a horse named Murphy,
a Quarter Horse who was a show jumper at one point in his career. 
Murphy had a wonderfully unexpected soft mouth and sensitive sides. My
partner rode Maurice, a former harness racer, who followed Murphy's lead.

We rode in single file through some scrub pine woods to a trail through the
dunes of the National Seashore. We didn't go to the ocean but wandered 
through the dunes. The entire ride was at a walk. Just walking through the
sand gives the horses an excellent workout. Every horse was well-muscled
and in great shape from this type of exercise. 

The guides were quick to stop the ride anytime there seemed to be a problem
(which was only a couple of times). Both at the beginning and end of the
ride, the guides and the stable help kept people and horses in order so that
could get hurt.

The stable has a long release form to read and sign. They also provide
helmets (though we were the only ones to ride with them!). 

Nelson's also has a mule which they use for complete novices. The mule,
according to the guide, is an excellent "babysitter". They plan on getting
more mules to add to their herd.

In summary, I highly recommend anyone looking for a trail ride on the Cape
to try Nelson's. If you have a mixture of skill levels, this is a good place
to go.

Vicky

    
    
    	I'll stay in Naples, Florida for a few weeks in March
    	and I wonder if there's a chance to rent a horse 
    	a few times.
    
    						-helmut

    Helmut -
    
    When you get to Naples, immediately check out the Yellow Pages
    Phonebook directory.  Look under the following categories:
    	HORSES, RIDING ACADEMIES, STABLES
    
    If there's anything available, you'll find them listed there.
    
    Gita
    

    Ponies for hire for Brithday parties.....
    
    Shelia Lafrenia
    Chestnut Hill Rd
    Southboro, Mass 01772
    
    Do not know her phone number.
    
    

    I'm looking for information on rental horses/trail rides in the
    Portland, Maine area for a friend.  Does anyone have any info on 
    stables that rent by the hour?  It is okay if the ride is guided, they
    are real beginners.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Tina D.

    
    
    Looking for a friend.. a plce to ride in maui (hawaii).  
    
    Any suggestions.. Please write to me at zeke::fultz
    
    Thanks.. 
    
    Donna