We visited Splendor farms as a last second get away for a Saturday evening. I called Saturday…read moremorning to see about a vacancy that evening. Kelly, the owner, answered and was polite and prompt about getting back to me about an opening that evening. We heading out, and arrived around 4:15. The farm was easy to find, about 30 minutes from the Covington exit off of I-12. It was quickly evident that the farm was a working farm and that friendly dogs were present. However, although the farm was not super manicured and landscaped, it was laid out very well and clean. There was a kennel close to the house which housed alot of eager to let you know they were there puppies. Kelly quickly showed us around, and let us know to review the welcome packet, as it had important information. She showed us the dining room, with its games, coffee and beautiful table. We were next shown our room, the Ponderosa room, which had a microwave, and mini fridge on its screened in porch. The room was beautiful, exuded warmth and the decor was on theme. After reviewing the rules we explored. There is a saltwater pool (closed for the season), a hot tub (that we unfortunately didn't enjoy, no bathing suits) and a fire pit (which we later heavily enjoyed) all close to the house and the rooms. The farm has a gorgeous white pony, 2 burros (one was pregnant), a few goats, chicken,and 2 super fluffy bunnies. We followed the rules as we explored, ie if you open a gate close it. We were escorted by 2 super old and friendly farm dogs, and encountered multiple super sweet farm cats. The fields were a bit muddy, but it had obviously rained a few days before. We only explored one field with horses, but they were super sweet and the fields were well cared for. We went to the local Hog Heaven for BBQ (highly recommend, 15 minutes away, huge portions, delicious). After dinner we headed back and enjoyed the fire pit. We turned in early, because the bed was soooo comfortable. Unfortunately, the temperature dropped super quickly overnight, but it was on the forecast. Breakfast in the dining room the next morning was delicious, the french toast was perfect and the huervos rancheros was authentic. We decided to opt out of the trail ride the following morning because we hadn't packed for the rain (silly us). Kelly however offered coats and gloves, which was a kind gesture and really appreciated. We will definitely be back in the summer and better prepared. A few things to remember about this place, there is a kennel on site as Kelly is a dog breeder, so there is barking and some smell. However, Kelly provided ear plugs in the rooms for the barking and its outside, so the smell isn't terrible. Another thing to note is as this is a small business. check or cash is preferred, since credit card companies charge that nasty transaction fee to businesses, but Kelly will take credit cards if necessary. Additionally, Kelly teaches lessons, does camp, and trails rides, so she knows her horses. Just like any horse person I've encountered over the years, Kelly has a no nonsense attitude about her place. However, she manages to be clear about her farm and the rules while being warm and friendly. This is obviously what she is born to do and she is amazing at it. We will be visiting again, multiple times and with family!

I contacted Kelly McKinney, owner of Splendor Farms in Bush, LA, in March 2026 to inquire about the…read morepurchase of an adult mini dachshund to enjoy a wonderful life as a companion to my 75-year-old mother. I paid $3650 and flew to Gulfport, MS to pick up this dog, "W." Almost immediately after she was in our possession, our communication with Kelly became contentious and our nightmare began.  It would be impossible to describe what an emotional and physical wreck this almost three-year-old dog was in without sounding like I am exaggerating. She would not eat, would not walk outside on a leash, and was not housebroken. She was frantic, ran, and cringed every time every time we tried to gently approach her. We asked Kelly multiple times what could be going on with W but she either gave us a condescending answer (e.g. "you are apparently scary to her") or didn't respond at all.  These troubles were soon surpassed by much more pressing ones when, weeks later, she W developed a hacking cough and began to completely refuse the little bit of food we had been able to get into her via hand feeding. We sent a video of her coughing to Kelly and begged her to please offer her knowledge to help us figure out what was behind W's rapid decline. She did not respond.  Sedated X-rays ordered by our vet revealed that W's lungs were filled with either a fungal infection or lymphoma. She was immediately transferred to an emergency hospital two hours away for oxygen support and diagnostics, where further testing (urine assay test and bronchoalveolar lavage) solved the case: W had Blastomycosis, an often-fatal fungal disease. Again, we had had W for seven weeks at this point. My final text to Kelly said "if you are at all concerned about the unbelievable suffering [W] - and we - have experienced in the past week, please contact me." She didn't.  W spent 11 days in intensive care, receiving IV meds, constant oxygen, and nutrition through an NG tube. W survived this ordeal, miraculously, but it took someone like my mother who was willing to spend $25,000 on a dog we had only had for two months to save her. She may have permanent lung damage and the treatment for Blasto will be long and expensive. She will be on anti-fungal meds for many months and will need ongoing testing. The total bill for saving her life will likely be in the range of $35,000 but we think she's worth it. Nonetheless, it has been an exhausting, terrifying, expensive nightmare.  Everything above is our own experience and our own opinion. I only wish that, before buying W, we had read reviews available online about adult dogs sold by Splendor Farms, as I now have done and encourage others to do. PLEASE - BUYER BEWARE.

We opted for the one hour ride at the state park. The staff were great with both newer and…read moreexperienced riders. The whole process was easy, reasonably priced, and fun. We will definitely be back!

The horses were very well cared for and the trails were beautiful. The staff was knowledgeable and…read morefriendly.

Cute little ranch located in Folsom, LA. If you are looking for a place to board your fury pal,…read morelook no further. Cathy, the owner is wonderful. She is very acknowledgeable when it comes to the animals. This place almost reminds me of the cartoon "Home on the Range," all the animals get along, she even has a chicken named Gurcher who follows her around like a puppy. The prices are reasonable, and she even offers riding lessons for those interested in learning horses

I have been doing the Horse Help Challenge from Horse Haven Ranch. The Gascon's are very…read moreknowledgeable in regard to horse training and care. I highly recommend anyone who is looking for professional horse training the Gascon's and Horse Haven is the place to be!!!!

What an amazing family, they gladly share all of their tips and knowledge. They truly want every…read morehorse to be happy in every owner to be happy. There's no Horse that Michael cannot help you make into a wonderful lifetime friend.

Mrs. Rita is a great host and our month stay was very pleasant. Super accommodating and gave us a…read morespot for an oversize coach and trailer combo. There is no wifi but AT&T had decent coverage. Hookups are well laid out.

My family and I have had such a wonderful time spending our 4th of July holiday here. Everyone has…read morebeen so incredibly kind, making us feel like family. The activities are perfectly thought out and the kids, as well as the adults, had a great time. We were 4 families traveling together (separate rvs), and we have collectively decided that this is our favorite site!! We will definitely return, and plan to spend the word.

Had a great experience! Loved the owner and the horses. The owner/trainer is very knowledgeable…read moreand willing to share what she knows. Watched a few lessons and a birthday party. The kids seemed to be enjoying themselves. Would recommend this place to anyone looking for a different non commercial experience.

From the owner: We offer: Riding lessons…read more Birthday parties Horse camps Breeding Sales Horse lease

This is a really great place. The horses are rescued and the money that you pay goes towards caring…read morefor them.. They don't give you much time to learn how to "steer" a horse but you really don't need it. These horses know what they're doing and where they're going. Some horses are even like robots and walk themselves, so less to be nervous about haha. KUDOS to our trail guide, who was riding her horse while turned around talking to all of 4 of us while holding her young son in her arms! She made it look as easy as blinking your eyes. BEWARE: there is a GUARD GOOSE that will ATTACK! Did y'all know geese have teeth? I didn't either but I sure do now...

Yeap 5 stars! I was…read moreso excited for this!! My 2nd time riding a horse. It's a long ride from the city but totally worth it. We also saw geese, roosters and couple of other animals. Geese are very territorial, one chased us lol. Found a groupon for 6, which helped a lot. I called ahead of time to make reservations, Lionel was very helpful. We had to make last minute change to our reservation and he did an awesome job finding us another time. It's a family business, all the horses they train were rescued. One of the horses ran races and won. I loved hear kind tenet stories through our amazing trainer Melissa. The ride takes about an hour, the rain made the trail extra muddy which was a good surprise. I am sure the horses liked it mote than us. Our shoes got really muddy by the end lol. Don't forget to tip your trainers! They work really hard to take care of the horses and make the trail ride fun. Highly recommended, I'll definitely return.

As a starter this is the best maintained bike trail I've ever ridden. There virtually no ruts or…read morefrost heaves and the surface is smooth from end to end. I really enjoyed the ride from both ends once I got started. However, the signage to get on the main trail, whether starting in Slidell at the part on the Trailhead Center in Covington was abysmal. We came from Lexington, Kentucky just to ride on the trail and spent over half an hour on both ends getting onto the trail that took us to other end. The small sign upon leaving the park area in Slidell indicated we were "on the trail" but more signage was needed to indicate which way to go and turn to get on the trail to Covington. In Covington there had a great museum but the worker and the museum failed to give any indication that the beginning part of the trail was closed due to bridge repair. We only found out about the "detour" from a bike shop owner who gave good but complex directions about how to navigate the detour. Thirty minutes later after walking and asking for help did we finally get on the trail. There is no way that any agency responsible the trail can claim there isn't any money for signage. When you have a million plus dollar trail of this caliber you certainly have $50 to spend for small signs. Please get this corrected. People using the trail deserve better service.

One of the best things this area has done in the past 20yrs is develop an old rail line into this…read morerunning/biking trail. The scenery is beautiful on this 28-mile long trail. The Trace has so much to offer for trail users of all ages. From the brewery and brew pub in Abita to the numerous playgrounds and parks that line the trail, you won't lack for things to see and do as you make your way from Covington to Slidell. And the trail is almost entirely flat and can even be ridden on a single speed bicycle with no problem. Of course it is also nice for walking, inline skating and jogging. Portions of the trail are also available for horseback riding but horses are not allowed to cross the Bayou Lacombe drawbridge. Many visitors to the Trace will access it from New Orleans. If you get hungry you can find great places to eat in Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Slidell. In between, you will see some beautiful Louisiana countryside and wildlife, especially in the Fontainebleau State Park and two different wildlife refuges. Some other helpful tips: Check out the Kid's Konnection playground. It is a very nice handicap-accessible playground for all the kids. Also no dogs are allowed anywhere on the Trace. Tammany Trace is the premier running/biking trail in the metro area!!

Nice venue with lots of space. Gigantic indoor riding arena that was well lit. The grounds were…read morewell kept, neat, and clean. Plenty of stall space with a full service staff on hand. This was my second horse show here. I love this place. The only reason I'm not giving it all five stars is because the food service is very slow. Only one window, and under staffed considering how huge this show is. The food was pretty good, and a large variety was offered. I.e. hamburgers, hot dogs, smothered cabbage and rice (my personal favorite), smoked chicken, meat ball and spaghetti, and a whole array of wraps. Everything was made to order, and was served hot and delicious. I only wish they had a bar to make the wait more bearable. :)

Go to Pearl River Shelter instead. Anytime there's an offsite event, 100% of the Adoption staff go,…read moreleaving NOBODY at the actual biz to adopt the entire day!?! Twice I took a 5 day weekend using PTO to adopt a dog, and they pulled this crap!

I have trusted the doctors and techs. Front desk folks not always good. Although doctors and…read moretecks appear compassionate and caring the front desk staff at times appear cold and uncaring. That can set the tone for the entire visit.