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.

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!

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!

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.......

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!

What an amazing find for horse back riding and for a get away in the Adirondack mountains. The…read moreowners are so kind and tend to your every need! The horses are sweet and were very gentle with my 3 year old son. He even sat on one of there horses named ranger bareback. He loved it. We also did the wagon ride a couple years back in the fall and they had a pumpkin patch and we got to pick a pumpkin in there cute little pumpkin patch. Can't wait to come back in the fall to do that again! Definitely worth checking it out.Thank you again for everything Adirondack Ranch. Can't wait to see you in the fall!

My family & I have never had such an experience. We trail ride at vacation destinations a few times…read morea year & this experience was pretty bad. One horse, several times, backed into the bushes to scratch his butt taking the rider completely in the trees. Also it's back legs buckled & it dropped down to its knees with rider on & then popped back up! Another horse went so close to trees to scratch itself, that the rider's foot was close to getting stuck on tree as horse moved forward, over & over. Really a nerve racking experience. Did not enjoy it at all. Plus no bathroom!

I called on a Friday, left a message and received a call back about twenty minutes later. I could…read morehave booked rides the same day, but I chose to make our reservations for the following day so we could get there early. I brought my two nieces (7 and 8 years old who had never ridden), but I hadn't told them where we were going and wanted them to have some time to get excited. We were greeted by all staff with smiles and the girls were given brushes to groom the two miniature ponies while we waited. Before our ride, the girls were given a short but thorough safety lesson and then we were off on the trail. Valerie had a lead on the first horse (Goldie) my older niece was riding, while my other niece followed on White Cloud and I was on Serena. Since the girls were a little nervous, we walked around many of the same trails which was perfect for their first ride. We had a wonderful time and were invited back the next day too! I went back with my sister and her three children (11 months, 3, and 4) and my 5 year old nephew. The kids were able to walk the miniatures (Casper and Blue Knight) around and we fed them carrots. We had a great time and will definitely return in the future!

Michelle and Luke are amazing people. When I camp there I always feel catered to and safe…read more The horses have great paddocks and or stalls if you need them. They offer local vendors to bring/sell meals, etc. I have visited Otter Creek from NH many times and I wouldn't stay anywhere else!

From the owner: Otter Creek Stables Vermont Is a small boarding facility located on 25 acres along the beautiful…read moreOtter Creek. We are a multidiscipline barn. Beginner friendly! Beginner thru advanced lessons available. Horse refreshers and training also available. On farm lease options available as well. Facility includes a 75ft by 135ft outdoor arena, round pen and plenty of trails! If you are interested or have any questions please feel free to contact us!

New Moon Ranch (NMR) is a very special place! I came to NMR over a year ago upon the recommendation…read moreof a friend who had been riding and taking instruction from Lotta. It was a life long dream of mine to learn how to horseback ride but for many years it was something that I never thought that I could do. After a conversation with Lotta followed by my first lesson, I began a path on the most rewarding endeavor. Lotta helped me to address any reservations and fears that I had right from the beginning. I appreciate Lotta's instruction because she helps me as the rider understand the horse's perspective and how to build a foundation of trust. Lotta has a gift for teaching. She is emphatic, has a great sense of humor, and also knows when a rider needs to be challenged to break through to the next level. As a beginning adult rider, NMR has offered me a place to examine and grow my self-confidence, communication, and leadership skills through the horse and rider relationship. More than a year later, I am still so excited about this new found passion of horseback riding and always enjoy my time there! I must also mention that NMR is located in the most beautiful setting that offers beautiful trails and a ring situated in a scenic valley alongside the Huntington River. Lotta and the rest of the NMR crew (Hollister and Clara) are always welcoming, kind, and together offer a wealth of knowledge. If you are looking for a down-to-earth and beautiful place to ride, definitely check out New Moon Ranch.

It's a great family ranch. Hollister worked with my newly adopted horse on picking up his feet, not…read morekicking, and will continue to work with him until he is sound/rideable as he bucks/bolts currently.

Amazing time yesterday. This was my second year riding. Last year I rode Griggs and yesterday,…read moreAugust 2nd I rode Flash. I had a great time, the view of Lake George was amazing. I hope this stable is here for the rest of my lifetime.

Great fun! Easy, very well trained horses. Helpful staff. Beautiful mostly shaded woodland trail…read more Would go again!