Tried another dude ranch
jsaranac
for her birthday. Previously I'd tried Ridin' Hy in Warrensburg and loved
it. Rocking Horse was also a lot of fun, just a different way -- they have
TV, phones & clocks in the rooms for one so it's less "getaway" (and more
expense) but there is also a little more to do. Rocking Horse is a big
operation, I guess the largest in the northeast. Over 100 horses. The
horses looked well cared for.
One thing I didn't like as well as Ridin' Hy, is that at Ridin' Hy the
ranglers seemed to know the horses better and know exactly what order any
given horse should go to help avoid issues, i.e. who likes to lead, who
likes to follow, who hates who, etc. When I asked the question about my
horse and my daughter's the rangler said "we have over 100 horses and I
honestly have no clue who's friends with who, so just keep your distance."
Makes sense I guess but it's nicer if they can get to know the horses. But
I guess some of the ranglers who were there longer do know a little more.
How I found this out was we started out with just the walk/beginner ride, it
was muddy as heck, and someone behind me unfortunately got too close and my
horse went to kick so I pulled him out of the line and then one of the
ranglers who came onto the scene late said, "you can't let him get out of
line" and I told her I didn't let him, I made him, and what happened. I
said, "is he a kicker?" and she said, "No, he just doesn't like Rustler..."
The other thing is the rides all had far more stops and starts than at
Ridin' Hy because of horses acting up, eating grass, etc. The horses were
noticeably more disciplined at Ridin' Hy. But then I was told they break
their horses there and they don't do that at Rocking Horse, they get them
elsewhere. That may be part of it too. Anyway, we fortunately had no
mishaps personally (though unlike at Ridin' Hy, we heard about a few of
them, buckoffs and falloffs and one horse on our intermediate ride slipped
in the mud and the rider fell, but she was a good rider apparently and got
back on.) But they say Rocking Horse has a great safety record so maybe it
was just one of those things. But if I had to go with my gut I'd say
breaking and training your own, if you can, is the way to go for that kind
of operation. And split the rides into smaller groups so there is less fits
and starts and people can actually trot or canter for a bit.
Anyway it was fun but by the end of the jaunt we only wanted to get back
home to our own horses. In the near future we're hoping to try our first
hunter pace as well, which should be fun. Hope others had a good weekend
too.
RPM1
There
used to be a great one called Roundup Ranch in Downsville NY. They closed.
The liability insurance was killing them. Rocking Horse was okay, lots of
city
types. Ridin' Hy was better for me because I used to get to ride the
wrangler's
horses and you used to be able to bring your own horses if you wanted to.
There's one near Ellenville called Pine Grove. It's interesting because
they are
heavy into arabians. At least they were when I went.
http://www.pinegrove-ranch.com/
Pat's family farm has very nice SAFE hunter paces on their 240 acres plus
surrounding farms. The land is used for trail rides so it's improved, not
rough like hunt territory. No bushwacking at Borderland unless you're WAY
off course. ;-) If you hilltop you can expect to be out walk/trotting for
and hour
and a half, give or take. There's 1 in Oct and 2 in Nov. December they
sort
of play it by ear with the weather and all. If the weather has been bad
just
prior, and the ground is wet, paces are usually geared back accordingly; not
as long. They have older school horses that they just can't push that hard
so
they are first consideration.
http://www.wolfsbane.com/borderland/
If you go, let us know. We'll stop by and say howdy.
If you do Windy Hollow Hunt paces, Sussex territory tends to be the
roughest ride; steep hills and rock scrambles. There's a tradition of one
of us getting hurt at Sussex. Florida is good. I rode the longest and
fastest drag hunt in history in Florida; nearly killed us all. It did wreck
a whips horse for good. Spent the better part of the evening in surgery
watching them try to put a leg back together. Nasty! Greenville is okay -
big jumps and sort of boring terrain. Sussex is the most scenic.
RCM
Ruth Baltopoulos
> This past weekend I took my daughter to Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland, NY
> for her birthday. Previously I'd tried Ridin' Hy in Warrensburg and loved
> it. Rocking Horse was also a lot of fun, just a different way -- they have
> TV, phones & clocks in the rooms for one so it's less "getaway" (and more
> expense) but there is also a little more to do. Rocking Horse is a big
> operation, I guess the largest in the northeast. Over 100 horses. The
> horses looked well cared for.
I have friends that swear by Rocking Horse, but we have been
going to Rydin' Hy, and loving it, for so long now that we
really haven't felt an interest in checking out another
ranch. I guess when you go the same week every year, it
becomes as much about seeing all your friends that do the
same as it is about the place. We have thought about going
out west and trying something different, but will probably
stick with them as our local place....
> One thing I didn't like as well as Ridin' Hy, is that at Ridin' Hy the
> ranglers seemed to know the horses better and know exactly what order any
> given horse should go to help avoid issues, i.e. who likes to lead, who
> likes to follow, who hates who, etc. When I asked the question about my
> horse and my daughter's the rangler said "we have over 100 horses and I
> honestly have no clue who's friends with who, so just keep your distance."
> Makes sense I guess but it's nicer if they can get to know the horses. But
> I guess some of the ranglers who were there longer do know a little more.
I think this would be the case if the wranglers have a big
turnover. It used to be, and still is to a certain extent,
that Rydin' Hy would have quite a few locals that worked
year round, as well as a group of cowboys that came up every
year for the summer season from Montana, Georgia, etc. Even
there, it seems to be that you see more new faces each year,
and less consistency within the staff.
> How I found this out was we started out with just the walk/beginner ride, it
> was muddy as heck, and someone behind me unfortunately got too close and my
> horse went to kick so I pulled him out of the line and then one of the
> ranglers who came onto the scene late said, "you can't let him get out of
> line" and I told her I didn't let him, I made him, and what happened. I
> said, "is he a kicker?" and she said, "No, he just doesn't like Rustler..."
> The other thing is the rides all had far more stops and starts than at
> Ridin' Hy because of horses acting up, eating grass, etc. The horses were
> noticeably more disciplined at Ridin' Hy. But then I was told they break
> their horses there and they don't do that at Rocking Horse, they get them
> elsewhere.
Andy and Susan, the owners of Rydin' Hy, took over the
business from Susan's parents, so it has been a family run
operation for many, many years now. They own farms around
the area, do their own haying, raise longhorns, and are very
hardworking and focused on safety. All of their three sons
and their families work somewhere within the businesses; and
they do breed, raise and train many of their own horses --
others are bought at various locales and trained there.
They have quite a few nice, sturdy, sound minded horses in
the string which are a result of the crossing of both a
Percheron mare and a Halflinger mare to a smallish paint
stud. (He was such a little wild thing, that I couldn't
believe it when I saw him being ridden in the string this
past year after he had been gelded). Andy is also breeding
and selling some lovely TBs these days on another local site.
Andy and one of his sons compete in the rodeos (roping) held
on the property, as does Mike Rounds, the head cowboy (steer
wrestling), and some of the other wranglers. Several of the
guys travel around to local rodeos, and Mike and his
brother, Gregg, are doing really well again this year and
should be headed to the finals.
> That may be part of it too. Anyway, we fortunately had no
> mishaps personally (though unlike at Ridin' Hy, we heard about a few of
> them, buckoffs and falloffs and one horse on our intermediate ride slipped
> in the mud and the rider fell, but she was a good rider apparently and got
> back on.) But they say Rocking Horse has a great safety record so maybe it
> was just one of those things. But if I had to go with my gut I'd say
> breaking and training your own, if you can, is the way to go for that kind
> of operation. And split the rides into smaller groups so there is less fits
> and starts and people can actually trot or canter for a bit.
Yeah, they really seem to do well with it at Rydin' Hy.
There is a maximum of 18 to 20 riders on each ride, and they
are scheduled every hour, and designated as Slow,
Intermediate, Youth Fast and Fast. There are age
requirements for each, and three cowboys (at least) to the
ride. The split in the middle, with a cowboy there and one
front and back. There is absolutely no grazing and they are
very focused on addressing those who tailgate and/or move
out of line.
I find that the cowboys really try to match the horse and
rider, as well. If they know your abilities, they will put
you on a more challenging horse, but even so, their horses
are so well trained that the only ones that fall into this
category are the younger ones or the newer ones that have
been used as 'cowboy horses' and are now entering the dude
string.
In the twelve years that I have been going, I have only
personally seen one mishap that ended in an injury. There
was one woman, and she still goes there every year but
doesn't ride anymore, who bitched incessantly every single
solitary ride that she was getting a shitty horse. No
matter who she rode, it was a shitty horse. The teenagers
all loved this paint mare named Red Feather, who really
moved out on the canter segments and was cute as a button,
so she was bound and determined she was going to get that
horse. One ride, she practically barreled over one of the
kids charging for the thing when it was brought out. During
the second gallop up the hill along the Schroon River, as
she allowed the horse to hug the river edge of the trail and
ride right up on the ass of the horse in front of her, the
horse took a hop step as it had to stop short and she
plopped right off and landed on her ample arse on the edge
of the trail. Broke a rib, and was damn lucky she didn't
crash down 20 feet of overgrowth into the fast moving water.
Not blamin' the horse for that one, either....
> Anyway it was fun but by the end of the jaunt we only wanted to get back
> home to our own horses. In the near future we're hoping to try our first
> hunter pace as well, which should be fun. Hope others had a good weekend
> too.
No matter how much I am enjoying my vacation, I am always
ready to go home to my own critters.
Great weekend here. Beautiful weather, lots of riding, a
lobster bake and a polo match...
--
Ruth B
"..And if you don't disappear up your own behind running in
such tight circles..." catshark, t.origins
Joyleen Seymour
Ruth Baltopoulos wrote:
>
> Great weekend here. Beautiful weather, lots of riding, a lobster bake
> and a polo match...
> --
> Ruth B
>
> "..And if you don't disappear up your own behind running in such tight
> circles..." catshark, t.origins
Uh, Ruth, we're going to a lobster bake and a polo match this weekend.
In Hamilton. Is that where you're going?
--
"Brutality begins where skill ends." -
E.v.Neindorff
writing: http://home.earthlink.net/%7Ejoyleenseymour/page4.html
horses: http://home.earthlink.net/~4cornersfarm
Pony Club: http://mrpc.ponyclub.org
Ruth Baltopoulos
> Ruth Baltopoulos wrote:
>> Great weekend here. Beautiful weather, lots of riding, a lobster bake
>> and a polo match...
> Uh, Ruth, we're going to a lobster bake and a polo match this weekend.
> In Hamilton. Is that where you're going?
No, my lobster bake and polo match were this past weekend,
and were two separate events. Both fabulous with very
accommodating weather :) I presume you are going to Myopia
for a Sunday afternoon match?
The lobster bake I recently attended was at the Avon Fish
and Game Club, of which I have several friends who are
members, and the Polo Match was at the Medfield Steeplechase
Course and hosted by the Norfolk Hunt Club.
I was in Hamilton at the Horse Show Grounds two weekends ago
for the Fidelity Jumper Classic. Also great weather and an
enjoyable event. I am in the midst of attempting to plan a
tailgate for Sunday Polo at Myopia, but there are only two
weekends left, 9/24 and 10/1, so we'll have to see if
schedules permit....
--
Ruth B
Joyleen Seymour
Ruth Baltopoulos wrote:
> Joyleen Seymour wrote:
>
>> Ruth Baltopoulos wrote:
>
>
>>> Great weekend here. Beautiful weather, lots of riding, a lobster
>>> bake and a polo match...
>
>
>> Uh, Ruth, we're going to a lobster bake and a polo match this weekend.
>> In Hamilton. Is that where you're going?
>
>
> No, my lobster bake and polo match were this past weekend, and were two
> separate events. Both fabulous with very accommodating weather :) I
> presume you are going to Myopia for a Sunday afternoon match?
Yeah, it's actually a work thing for Hubby. We have to dress nice, I
presume? HR actually told him no jeans. I haven't got much other than
jeans and breeches.
>
> The lobster bake I recently attended was at the Avon Fish and Game Club,
> of which I have several friends who are members, and the Polo Match was
> at the Medfield Steeplechase Course and hosted by the Norfolk Hunt Club.
>
I just thought it was quite a coincidence, that you mentioned polo and
lobster, and that's what we'll be doing.
> I was in Hamilton at the Horse Show Grounds two weekends ago for the
> Fidelity Jumper Classic. Also great weather and an enjoyable event. I
> am in the midst of attempting to plan a tailgate for Sunday Polo at
> Myopia, but there are only two weekends left, 9/24 and 10/1, so we'll
> have to see if schedules permit....
> --
> Ruth B
>
Well if you make it the 24th, look for us. Family of five, all gangly
and out of place. :-)
Ruth Baltopoulos
> Yeah, it's actually a work thing for Hubby. We have to dress nice, I
> presume? HR actually told him no jeans. I haven't got much other than
> jeans and breeches.
Hmmm, interesting. Lots of people dress very casually, but
there are those that like puttin' on the ritz :) I wore
black capris and a white button down last week and felt
perfectly comfortable, although some people were really
decked. Garb ran the gamut from dressy dressy to shorts and
a tee shirt...
> I just thought it was quite a coincidence, that you mentioned polo and
> lobster, and that's what we'll be doing.
That really is funny! Is the lobster bake at the polo match
or the clubhouse, or is it a separate thing prior?
> Well if you make it the 24th, look for us. Family of five, all gangly
> and out of place. :-)
We are playing it by ear at this point, but may go. We will
be in a dark green Tahoe (aka the Town Ho). I will
definitely look for you! What type of vehicle?
We plan on light fare at the match, and then a pitstop on
the way home at The Black Cow for some of their pissah chili
and delightful drinks.
jsaranac
"RPM1" <rp...@earthlinkdeleteme.net> wrote in message
news:xLQPg.9596$v%4.5...@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> I've been to every dude ranch around NY [it used to be part of my job].
> There
> used to be a great one called Roundup Ranch in Downsville NY. They
> closed.
> The liability insurance was killing them. Rocking Horse was okay, lots of
> city
> types. Ridin' Hy was better for me because I used to get to ride the
> wrangler's
> horses and you used to be able to bring your own horses if you wanted to.
Hi Ruth,
I heard that. The wranglers said they aren't really allowing that much now.
>
> There's one near Ellenville called Pine Grove. It's interesting because
> they are
> heavy into arabians. At least they were when I went.
>
> http://www.pinegrove-ranch.com/
Neat! thank you for this information, I'll check it out.
>
> Pat's family farm has very nice SAFE hunter paces on their 240 acres plus
> surrounding farms. The land is used for trail rides so it's improved, not
> rough like hunt territory. No bushwacking at Borderland unless you're WAY
> off course. ;-) If you hilltop you can expect to be out walk/trotting
> for and hour
> and a half, give or take. There's 1 in Oct and 2 in Nov. December they
> sort
> of play it by ear with the weather and all. If the weather has been bad
> just
> prior, and the ground is wet, paces are usually geared back accordingly;
> not
> as long. They have older school horses that they just can't push that
> hard so
> they are first consideration.
>
> http://www.wolfsbane.com/borderland/
Wow, this looks really great. I think I've heard of Virginia (does she go
by "Ginnie"?) Martin. I will definitely keep it in mind and say howdy if we
go.
>
> If you go, let us know. We'll stop by and say howdy.
>
> If you do Windy Hollow Hunt paces, Sussex territory tends to be the
> roughest ride; steep hills and rock scrambles. There's a tradition of one
> of us getting hurt at Sussex. Florida is good. I rode the longest and
> fastest drag hunt in history in Florida; nearly killed us all. It did
> wreck
> a whips horse for good. Spent the better part of the evening in surgery
> watching them try to put a leg back together. Nasty! Greenville is
> okay -
> big jumps and sort of boring terrain. Sussex is the most scenic.
Thanks for all the information. I've heard a bit about the Windy Hollow
ones and Sussex, I have friends who've done them. I am told the one we are
considering is somewhere a couple of hours away in Jersey, I haven't gotten
details yet, but I'm told it's a short course, only about 4 miles/45 minutes
and so would be an easy beginner one for us. (I was worried my shoeless
horse only recently in condition might not keep up but he can do 45 minutes
at trot and canter easily.) We'll have babysitters the first time I guess
(our trainers want to go) so our horses don't go kaflooey (but I have to
confess, the only time in owning him a year that I've ever seen my horse
going full steam EVER was the other day in the indoor ring; I dropped a loop
on the lunge line when Pal jerked suddenly and then in an instantaneous
motion Pal stepped over it so I had to let go. Well I've never seen this
boy so energetic as when there was some THING he couldn't see snaked between
his legs that he couldn't get away from! Tail straight in the air for about
10 rounds around the indoor, no "HO" or "Halt" or EAsy commands were even
remotely acknowledged, till we got the feed bucket with some grain, at which
point he turned in midair, jumped a crossrail and made a beeline for the
person with the bucket <g>.) Anyway, that was all with no rider on his
back, no bit in his mouth, and I don't imagine him too much a danger to
gallop away when ridden since he is THAT distractable. And I've been taking
him on the property through mud, puddles, water etc. and we've been jumping
crossrails and so far so good.
It's great to know these Hunter Paces are out there. they really sound like
a lot of fun and I'm starting to really enjoy trail riding. And Pal loves
it, I wouldn't call him "ring sour" (he doesn't do enough ring to get sour)
but he just perks right up when going out in the fields.
Thanks again, Ruth!
jsaranac
"Ruth Baltopoulos" <rud...@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:u%SPg.2447$zs6.981@trndny07...
:
>
> I have friends that swear by Rocking Horse, but we have been going to
> Rydin' Hy, and loving it, for so long now that we really haven't felt an
> interest in checking out another ranch. I guess when you go the same week
> every year, it becomes as much about seeing all your friends that do the
> same as it is about the place. We have thought about going out west and
> trying something different, but will probably stick with them as our local
> place....
Yes! We went there with your on list recommendation in mind, and weren't
disappointed. My daughter wants to go back there again soon. Actually we
would have gone there this past weekend but I needed to be close to home as
it turned out for our animals (we have a very old dog who needs extra care)
since my DH ended up in Las Vegas for a "seminar." (Sure <g>.)
>
>> One thing I didn't like as well as Ridin' Hy, is that at Ridin' Hy the
>> ranglers seemed to know the horses better and know exactly what order any
>> given horse should go to help avoid issues, i.e. who likes to lead, who
>> likes to follow, who hates who, etc. When I asked the question about my
>> horse and my daughter's the rangler said "we have over 100 horses and I
>> honestly have no clue who's friends with who, so just keep your
>> distance." Makes sense I guess but it's nicer if they can get to know the
>> horses. But I guess some of the ranglers who were there longer do know a
>> little more.
>
> I think this would be the case if the wranglers have a big turnover. It
> used to be, and still is to a certain extent, that Rydin' Hy would have
> quite a few locals that worked year round, as well as a group of cowboys
> that came up every year for the summer season from Montana, Georgia, etc.
> Even there, it seems to be that you see more new faces each year, and less
> consistency within the staff.
Makes sense.
I met Susan and her sons that weekend and I was really impressed. (We saw
all their homes on the lake too and heard the whole history of the family
business.) Their one son who drives you around with the draft horses is a
cutie and seems to be the one most likely to "inherit" the business, so I
was told (by whom, I don't now recall <g>) as the other boys are into other
things. Anyway that was the gossip. But they all had very nice houses on
the lake <g>.
>
>> That may be part of it too. Anyway, we fortunately had no mishaps
>> personally (though unlike at Ridin' Hy, we heard about a few of them,
>> buckoffs and falloffs and one horse on our intermediate ride slipped in
>> the mud and the rider fell, but she was a good rider apparently and got
>> back on.) But they say Rocking Horse has a great safety record so maybe
>> it was just one of those things. But if I had to go with my gut I'd say
>> breaking and training your own, if you can, is the way to go for that
>> kind of operation. And split the rides into smaller groups so there is
>> less fits and starts and people can actually trot or canter for a bit.
>
> Yeah, they really seem to do well with it at Rydin' Hy. There is a maximum
> of 18 to 20 riders on each ride, and they are scheduled every hour, and
> designated as Slow, Intermediate, Youth Fast and Fast. There are age
> requirements for each, and three cowboys (at least) to the ride. The
> split in the middle, with a cowboy there and one front and back. There is
> absolutely no grazing and they are very focused on addressing those who
> tailgate and/or move out of line.
Yes, there was noticeable difference.
>
> I find that the cowboys really try to match the horse and rider, as well.
> If they know your abilities, they will put you on a more challenging
> horse, but even so, their horses are so well trained that the only ones
> that fall into this category are the younger ones or the newer ones that
> have been used as 'cowboy horses' and are now entering the dude string.
>
> In the twelve years that I have been going, I have only personally seen
> one mishap that ended in an injury. There was one woman, and she still
> goes there every year but doesn't ride anymore, who bitched incessantly
> every single solitary ride that she was getting a shitty horse. No matter
> who she rode, it was a shitty horse. The teenagers all loved this paint
> mare named Red Feather, who really moved out on the canter segments and
> was cute as a button, so she was bound and determined she was going to get
> that horse. One ride, she practically barreled over one of the kids
> charging for the thing when it was brought out. During the second gallop
> up the hill along the Schroon River, as she allowed the horse to hug the
> river edge of the trail and ride right up on the ass of the horse in front
> of her, the horse took a hop step as it had to stop short and she plopped
> right off and landed on her ample arse on the edge of the trail. Broke a
> rib, and was damn lucky she didn't crash down 20 feet of overgrowth into
> the fast moving water.
Ahhh!!! I know exactly where you mean!!! When we were going by that part of
the trail (in the pouring rain) I kept saying to myself, please Oh Creator,
don't let our horses slip....
> Not blamin' the horse for that one, either....
>
> No matter how much I am enjoying my vacation, I am always ready to go home
> to my own critters.
You got that right.
>
> Great weekend here. Beautiful weather, lots of riding, a lobster bake and
> a polo match...
>
I'm so glad for you. Polo!!! That is something I'm going to get my nerve up
to try some day.
Thanks Ruth!
Joyleen Seymour
Ruth Baltopoulos wrote:
> Joyleen Seymour wrote:
>
>> Yeah, it's actually a work thing for Hubby. We have to dress nice, I
>> presume? HR actually told him no jeans. I haven't got much other
>> than jeans and breeches.
>
>
> Hmmm, interesting. Lots of people dress very casually, but there are
> those that like puttin' on the ritz :) I wore black capris and a white
> button down last week and felt perfectly comfortable, although some
> people were really decked. Garb ran the gamut from dressy dressy to
> shorts and a tee shirt...
>
>> I just thought it was quite a coincidence, that you mentioned polo and
>> lobster, and that's what we'll be doing.
>
>
> That really is funny! Is the lobster bake at the polo match or the
> clubhouse, or is it a separate thing prior?
I think the lobster bake is at the clubhouse, but I'm not positive.
>
>> Well if you make it the 24th, look for us. Family of five, all gangly
>> and out of place. :-)
>
>
> We are playing it by ear at this point, but may go. We will be in a
> dark green Tahoe (aka the Town Ho). I will definitely look for you!
> What type of vehicle?
>
Tan Suburban with signs on the side that say Four Corners Farm. Can't
miss it. :-)
> We plan on light fare at the match, and then a pitstop on the way home
> at The Black Cow for some of their pissah chili and delightful drinks.
> --
> Ruth B
>
Hope we see you!
> "..And if you don't disappear up your own behind running in such tight
> circles..." catshark, t.origins
--
RPM1
> Wow, this looks really great. I think I've heard of Virginia (does she go
> by "Ginnie"?) Martin.
That's her!
RCM
Susan Macksey
wranglers and horses (local cowboys, Montana cowboys; local horses, Montana
horses in for the season) - my daughter loved it. We went the same time in
late September for at least 10 years. Like Riin Hy, it's family run, 2nd
generation. I hacked around the golf course with my golf league; she rode 3
or 4 times each day. No tv except in the bar. Line dancing, live music,
family style meals, etc. They always treated us well and Casey loved the
rides - through the woods, into the Hudson, up the mountains - she was
always conniving to take at least one horse home each year.
This time of the year, there's a hunter pace each weekend in Chatham NY - 11
miles, varying difficulties. Casey went last weekend and was just glowing
when she got home and stiff for the next few days <grin>. She said she &
Katie jumped the biggest fallen tree she'd ever seen.
Susan
"RPM1" <rp...@earthlinkdeleteme.net> wrote in message
news:xLQPg.9596$v%4.5...@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...