Getaways

 Where do you want your next horse adventure to take you? Do you see yourself riding along the beach, exploring mountain trails, camping beneath the pines, or spending a few days at a guest ranch? Chincoteague Pony Swim ✓ Kentucky Derby ✓ NFR in Las Vegas ✓ Traveling can be fun whether you bring your own horse or visit a place where the horses are already waiting for you. 

Before you hit the road with your horse in tow, plan your route and make sure you have the health paperwork required for where you’re headed. Consider bringing more than enough hay, feed and bedding. You’ll want to know ahead of time where to park, whether your horse will overnight in a stall or paddock, and if you’ll have access to water. Once you’re finished unloading and getting your horse settled, you’ll be glad you were so well prepared. What?! Dogs aren't welcome? 

Where are you staying? A guest ranch, cozy cabin, lodge, vacation rental, a night under the stars, or maybe your own living-quarters trailer? Some places are all about the horses, while others simply put you close to the reason you came. A porch with a view, a fireplace, a hot shower, or a good breakfast in the morning can make a pretty nice home away from home. 

How do you hit the trail once you get there? If you reserved one of the ranch's horses, you might want to find out whether the ride is guided, how long it is and what kind of terrain you'll cover. Some destinations offer direct trail access right from the property, while others are a short drive to the trailhead. Check trail access, parking and any permits or passes you may need. Oh, and not all places have great cell coverage. How many bars do you have?

Even horse people who travel like to leave the barn. Maybe there’s a small town worth wandering through, a great place for dinner, local wineries, a museum, or an event happening while you’re there. And sometimes the best plan is no plan at all. Oooh, look, there’s a tack shop! 

Ever go on vacation and start thinking about having a second home? It could be a cottage on the lake or even a beach house. How about a horse-friendly short-term rental? A charming B&B? A few guest cabins? Hey, I know! Let’s get a dude ranch!