This is a review of the rodeo at Pond Hill Ranch, held on Saturday nights each week for ten weeks…read morein the summer. It was an enjoyable rodeo with a variety of events, skilled competitors, an announcer who continually explained what was going on, and a friendly crowd of all ages including well-behaved children. On the night we went, the events included bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and a ranching event that I'd never seen elsewhere. In the ranching event, a trailer was driven onto the field, a team of three cowboys on horseback had to single out a tagged cow from the herd and lasso it, the cowboys had to convince the lassoed cow to get into the trailer, then they had to persuade one of their horses to do the same, and after securing the trailer's rear gate they had to pile into the truck and honk the horn to stop the timer. As the announcer explained, this event was designed to replicate real elements of a working ranch, and the competitors were professional cowboys doing ranch work at Pond Hill full-time. The bleachers filled up with about 1000 spectators, so we were glad we arrived early because there was no assigned seating, but even people who arrived after the start of the event found places to sit. There were concession stands with typical fairground food, but we didn't try any because we brought a picnic dinner. There were no picnic tables, so we ate in the grassy parking area before the event, but most people ate in the bleachers. There were several port-a-johns, though for a crowd this size ideally there should have been twice as many, and there was also a shop selling horse tack, cowboy apparel, and similar items. The seating was in open-air bleachers with no protection from rain or sun, so fortunately the weather was ideal when we went. The parking in the grassy fields went smoothly, guided by two cowboys on horseback directing each car where to park, and the departing traffic after the rodeo flowed pretty smoothly as well, helped by the fact that the spectators were a courteous crowd. This was a wholesome, family-friendly event and a wonderful reminder that America's ranching and cowboy heritage is found nationwide, not just out West.

Our four teenagers went on a trail ride and raved about the experience. The views were amazing, the…read morestaff shared a lot of interesting information about the area. The adults regretted not tagging along. In August we also attended the rodeo and everyone had an amazing time. The community was so welcoming and the rodeo was very well organized. We will be back often.

John was awesome! So knowledgeable and took us horse riding rookies through a nice and easy path…read more The horses were so sweet and their extensive training was apparent. Kohn went out of his way to get us some nice pictures as well! Such a fun way to spend an afternoon!

Without a doubt the best riding experience I've had yet! I took my girlfriend (a very experienced…read morerider) and myself (very little experience) on the Advanced Ride as a gift. John was an awesome guide, super cool super nice guy who gave me a lot of great pointers on how to improve my riding and offered lots of encouragement along the way. He helped me work my way up to a canter--my first time ever--and we all had a lot of fun! Even while we were hitching our horses at the end of the ride, my gf and i were already talking about when we were coming back. The nature scenes and mountain views were stunning, and John and his staff were so helpful and welcoming (Ruger the ranch dog was especially welcoming)! I can't recommend this place enough!

We loved our experience at Chipman Stables- it's rare to get a private ride in a beautiful setting…read more Vermont is truly one of the last places where there is recreational land... I hope it stays that way. Our guides were friendly, the horses very responsive (!!) and we just really enjoyed the ride. It was also affordable! Thanks Ashley and Billie!

Went to Vermont on vacation and read about their private tours. Affordable $60 per person for an…read morehour ride. They guide you and your group up through the woods trail. Beautiful views and they offer to stop and take your groups picture to memorialize the event. Such wonderful guides and a perfect VT experience! Thank you!

This was so much fun!! We made a last-minute decision to check out the horseback riding, and…read moresomehow luck was on our side -- they had an opening later in the day! The horses all had their own names and personalities (some clearly knew they were the stars of the show ), and it was so fun watching how they interacted and handled the trail. The ride itself was actually a bit of a challenge in the best way -- beautiful, exciting, and lots of fun! We had such a great time and would highly recommend it!!

Colby & Cowboy Pete are truly the BEST! We brought along two 13-year-olds who had never ridden…read morehorses before, and from the moment we arrived, they made the experience unforgettable. The horses were calm, gentle, and absolutely beautiful. Cowboy Pete was an incredible guide, leading us through trails that were peaceful, scenic, and breathtaking. What stood out most was their patience and kindness -- they immediately put our teens at ease and made them feel comfortable and confident. Thanks to Colby & Cowboy Pete, their very first horseback riding experience became a joyful memory they'll cherish forever. Thank you both so much for such an amazing adventure and for creating a moment they will always remember!

This was by far the most meaningful riding lesson that I have had. Gil was absolutely fantastic and…read moreis a natural instructor. He immediately makes you feel at ease and spends time going over not just safety protocol but also shows you how to connect with the horses, develop an understanding. As a result the ride itself was absolutely fantastic. I learned a lot about technique and even more about the things to improve on. The ride itself was almost therapeutic. You learn how to be just in the moment. The sound of the horse's hooves on the earth is a memory that keeps coming back to me over and over again. If you are in saratoga, and you have an interest in horses, this is the place to be. In the last 15-18 years of annual or biannual trail rides, i have never gotten as much out of an experience as I did here.

Gilly and Diamond have need volunteering for Operation Adopt a Soldier for years as our Headless…read moreHorseman and does a GREAT job. Gilly is a very caring person and respects is horse (Diamond) and ALL his horse. I highly recommend him for all your riding and caring for horses you need.......

My friends and I had an amazing time touring the farm. Katie was so friendly and kind and we loved…read moremeeting all the animals. We got to meet and feed the Alpacas, pet the horses, and hold the baby bunnies. It was such an amazing and unique experience if you have the opportunity when visiting the area definitely worth it. Also the views on her property were breathtaking.

We had the most amazing experience here. Katie, the farm owner, spent a good hour with us showing…read moreus all around the farm, introducing us to all of their animals. My boys adored the alpacas. The friendliest alpacas we've ever met, so sweet and curious! The boys got to pet the pony, hold/cuddle the rabbits, and play with the dogs. We had an incredible adventure and we are so grateful we got to come.

The owner and staff are passionate about what they do! The horses in their care hit the jackpot…read more If I was a horse, I'd choose Open Acres!

Great place for trail rides! Rebecca is amazing, super friendly, and the trails in the mountains…read morewere beautiful! She was also great for the first-time riders among us. So much fun! She also trains a lot of teenagers to help out, and they're very sweet.

Enjoyed the ride in the green mountains of vermont. Horses were awesome, weather was beautiful and…read morethe group was incredible

Melinda (hope I'm spelling her name right) was absolutely the best guide on July 5th! Always trust…read moreyour guide and I did the entire time. She paired me with a horse that relates with my energy and skill level aka how good of a rider I am. Mel was confident in me, which made me confident in myself! I used to ride as a kid but I'm almost 30 years old, it's been a while. The two hour ride was absolutely perfect. The horses are so chill. They are great listeners and follow the pack! You don't have to worry about a horse going in a different direction because they seamlessly follow one another! It's truly such a wonderful experience. I recommend making a reservation over the phone and going asap because there's nothing better than being in nature, w/ friends, and horses on a gorgeous day in Vermont. We met Deb at the end, she was great to meet! Love her home, horses, and appreciate her business so much. We will definitely be back soon. Thank you!

Beautiful spot in the Green Mountains with a great tack shop! I found a rawhide keeper I had…read moresearched everywhere for and found a beautifully carved breast collar for my mare. Fun horse talk with the lovely owner which was welcomed as I was on vacation for three weeks and away from my horse buddies.