On our annual fall trek to the mountains we decided to try something different at the request of Mini Me – Horseback Riding. I was a bit nervous. The last time I rode a horse…I fell off. Granted that was bareback, and I was OK, but you know, it was out there.
It was with a with bit of anxiety that I went into this Horseback Riding Adventure. I was nervous for myself AND for Mini Me.
Through google, we found Blanche Manor Stables in Copperhill Tennessee a short distance from the Cabin we would be renting in Blue Ridge Georgia. They offered trail rides for children as young as six and we felt our princess was going to be able to sit on the horse for an hour and 15 minutes. For riders 5 and under, they offer pony rides in their ring while other family members are off on the trail.
I called and made reservations for the Beginner Trail Ride for our party of 7 – at a very reasonable rate of $30 per person. I was asked if any of our riders were over 220, so they could ensure the right horse was chosen. I was also informed that Mini Me would be alone on a very gentle horse and led by a guide. I had to leave a credit card for the reservation. Blanche Manor has a 24 hour cancellation policy – as long as you call to change or cancel your reservation prior to 24 hours of your scheduled time, you will NOT be charged. If you have ANY no shows, then you will be charged. This made me feel good knowing if the weather looked rainy we could cancel with no penalty.
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| Mini Me Saddled Up on Vegas In her Cowgirl Jessie Boots |
We arrived at the stables and were assigned our horses and provided helmets. Mini Me was SO excited to be on Vegas – “what happens on Vegas stays with Vegas”, as being the experienced traveler that she is, she has been to Las Vegas and loved it. I was on Jackson hoping he wouldn’t be too much the Thriller.
After all in the saddle, we received safety instructions and a brief education on how to handle the horses from our Guide Kathy. It had been a while since most of us were on a horse, though I think I was the longest. Two of the three kids had never been on a horse: Mini Me was led by Guide Kathy and the other newbie was old enough to go at it alone. We were assured our horses were all very gentle and familiar with the trail and that little guidance was needed.
The ride meandered through the woods, up and down hills, and through a stream where our horses got a drink. While not in full fall foliage coloring, the trail was so serene – really gorgeous property. We only saw birds and squirrels, Kathy told us they had been seeing a bear during the past couple of weeks and the horses on our ride had all seen a bear, so stay calm if it happened as she would guide us to safety and the horses would not freak out. All the guides are CPR certified in case of emergency! Good to know.
I found myself nervous the first big hill we went up – that is when I fell off the last ride long ago, but I calmed about half way as Jackson was a very sweet and gentle horse. Everyone did very well in our group so we got to trot through the woods which was fun, though I wish I would have had a sports bra on – that was some bouncing. We all loved the trot – especially Mini Me.
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| The Three State View |
We stopped for a photo shortly before the end of the ride that Kathy took with my camera. In the distance was Georgia and North Carolina – we were in Tennessee so it was a 3 state vista.
We ended up back at the stables and thanked the our guide for a great ride. It was the highlight of our Blue Ridge trip. The folks at Blanche were so friendly, we will be back.
Blanche Manor also offers Wagon Rides, A City Slicker Package, and the opportunity to be a Dude for the Day. They have a large cabin available for stay as well as Yurts for those who want to camp in style.
If you have any questions their website is chock full of good information – checkout the FAQs. The property is gorgeous. The people friendly and the horses as sweet as can be. If you find yourself up in the Northwest corner of Georgia, Southwest corner of North Carolina or Southeastern Tennessee treat yourself to the amazing horseback experiences the fine folks at Blanche Manor can offer. I am now interested in a Dude Ranch vacation! Thanks for getting me back in the saddle again.
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| Our Trail Guide Kathy – she was GREAT! |
Do you like to horseback ride? Would you like to be Dude for a day?
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looks like a lot of fun and is such a great hobby
Looks like fun! The kids wold love this and the scenery looks beautiful
We ride horse all the time. What beautiful photos! Happy Autumn
I need to find out where you guys ride! Highly rec Blanche Manor!
I do not like to ride horses, I think they smell horrible. That said, the pictures are gorgeous and it looks like a great time! I would love to go GLAMPING! Girl’s trip!
It was so fun! I do think the GLAMPING would be a blast with some girl friends. It really was a peaceful and beautiful piece of land the Blanche Manor folks have!
That looks beautiful! We might have to make a road trip to the other corner of the state!
Beautiful trail! I bet with the leaves changing now its just spectacular. Worth the trip Kristen
I had a scary horse experience like yours (not hurt but shaken up) when I was a kid and have been skittish about horses since then. We do love the Tennessese/NC mountains, so I’ll keep this place in mind for our next trip! Thanks for sharing it looks like you had a great time and that vista was gorgeous!
April these horses were SO gentle and sweet. Mine wanted to meander down the stream so the only real work I did was making him walk backwards to get back on track. Really a great experience and I was not concerned about Mini Me at all once we got started.
Looks like you had a great time. I wish we could go horseback riding too. 🙂
Mary-andering Creatively
Mary-andering Among the Pages
Well…it was a blast! I love the fall!
Some of my fondest memories of my childhood are horseback riding with my dad. I also took a class in college! Love it!
I went to camp one year as a teen and we rode 6 days a week – its when I learned to ride. I really enjoyed our whole family out there, was so much fun!
So beautiful! I miss having a fall like that. What a lot of fun Julie!
Its only going to get prettier – if it were not for soccer games, we would head back this weekend!
Be very, very careful exposing Mini Me to horses. Just ask my parents. A couple of lessons led to a riding addiction that I still have today. 😉
I had to comment because I actually ride 5 days a week and I was that horse crazy girl growing up!
Yeah she wants lessons LOL…#NotACheapHobby. I did love seeing her huge smile though. lots of fun!
How fun! Thing 2 fell in love with horseback riding at summer camp so I’m sure we’ll check it out if we are in that area!
They were GREAT! Super nice people and really pretty trail ride. It was one of the few places we found to let a 6 year old ride and all the online reviews were good.