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Heartland of Georgia SC Ranch Getaway
Georgia
USA
This guest and horse ranch in the heartland of Georgia is situated on two hundred acres in Historic central Georgia.
You can horseback ride for hours and not leave the ranch. Whether you want to ride lazily through lush wooded trails or lope across beautiful open meadows, S.C.Ranch is big enough to accommodate any of your needs. Horses are carefully matched to suit everyone's individual riding ability. Beginners need not worry; riding lessons are available to anyone who needs them. If you seek more of a challenge and are staying for a week or more, you may arrange a trip to nearby Hard Labor State Park for a 9+ mile ride (additional fee).
After your daily adventures, you can enjoy a relaxing dip in the swimming pool, work on your tan or soak away the exertion of the day in the hot tub. Other pastimes can be enjoyed: throwing horseshoes, playing bocce ball, riding bikes, fishing, hiking, spending time with horses in the pasture, or just reading a good book.
Your hosts are experts at making every minute of your stay as exciting or restful as you may desire. Your package includes 4 hours of horseback riding and 3 meals daily. The plan also includes continuous access to unlimited soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages, fresh-baked cookies, fresh fruits, snacks, and desserts as well as the pool, hot tub, and mountain bikes.
Nearby activities (not included in the rates) offer something for everyone: golfing, fishing, boating, shopping, and even a gun club. The S.C. Ranch is a premier year-around guest ranch and horse farm is home to over 150 quality Paint and Quarter horses. Best known for its exceptional horseback riding program and unguided riding opportunities, this riding estate combines this with delightful accommodations, exceptional cuisine, and personalized service for a complete All-Inclusive vacation experience that will exceed your expectations.
Guest Ranch Short Getaway Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs
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Meeting:
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Madison
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Airport:
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Atlanta
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Transfer:
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Atlanta by taxi or shuttle, pay locally. Pick up at Madison Travel Center.
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
35
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2019
Rates include*:
Accommodations (random assignment), all meals (except in low season), unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, mountain bike use, games room, DVD library, swimming pool access, shuttle from/to Madison, 2 rides (morning and afternoon) per day totalling 4 hours, taxes
A | 2019 | 5 day ranch, AP (high) | 5d / 4n | $1015 |
B | 2019 | 5 day ranch, AP (mid) | 5d / 4n | $910 |
C | 2019 | 5 day ranch, AP (low season, dinners not included) | 5d / 4n | $560 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Tax:
12
%
Rates Note:
Children discounts are based on sharing with 2 parents - otherwise single supplement for single parent.
Additional Adults in same room (3rd or 4th) 20% OFF
Transfer and Other Charges:
2019
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Transfer from Atlanta by shuttle service (per way / per person) ~
- to be paid locally
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$45
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2019
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Room upgrades available, please inquire for cost
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$0
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2019
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Non-rider rate available -- please inquire
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$0
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2019
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Discount for children -- please inquire
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$0
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2019
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3rd or 4th adult in room, 20% discount
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$0
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There is a great shuttle bus service called EZ Ride that transfers from the Atlanta airport to the town of Madison and has 3 or 4 departures a day. The ranch can pick you up in Madison and bring you to the ranch.
Shuttle bus service Atlanta Airport
Tour Dates for 2019
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B |
2019
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01/01
- 01/02
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5d / 4n
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5 day ranch, AP (mid)
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2
/8
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Reserve
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C |
2019
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01/03
- 02/14
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5d / 4n
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5 day ranch, AP (low season,...
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2
/8
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Reserve
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B |
2019
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02/15
- 03/21
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5d / 4n
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5 day ranch, AP (mid)
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2
/8
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Reserve
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A |
2019
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03/22
- 04/21
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5d / 4n
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5 day ranch, AP (high)
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2
/8
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Reserve
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B |
2019
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04/22
- 05/23
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5d / 4n
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5 day ranch, AP (mid)
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2
/8
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Reserve
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A |
2019
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05/24
- 07/06
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5d / 4n
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5 day ranch, AP (high)
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2
/8
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Reserve
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B |
2019
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07/07
- 11/26
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5d / 4n
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5 day ranch, AP (mid)
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2
/8
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Reserve
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A |
2019
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11/27
- 11/30
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5d / 4n
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5 day ranch, AP (high)
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2
/8
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Reserve
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C |
2019
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12/01
- 12/19
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5d / 4n
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5 day ranch, AP (low season,...
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2
/8
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Reserve
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A |
2019
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12/20
- 12/31
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5d / 4n
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5 day ranch, AP (high)
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2
/8
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Reserve
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Customizable with minimum of 4 days/ 3 nights from any date. Sold Out Dates: Feb 24 to Mar 2 7 Apr 14 to 21
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Rates do not include:
Transfer from Atlanta airport to Madison. Dinners in the low season.
Riding Program:
The ranch is situated on two hundred acres of prime Georgia farmland. You can horseback ride for hours and not leave the ranch. Whether you want to ride lazily through lush wooded trails or lope across beautiful open meadows, the ranch is big enough to accommodate any of your needs.
Horseback rides are scheduled twice daily, seven days a week. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry – riding lessons are available and horses are personally assigned based on your riding experience and preferences. Riders must be 9 years or older to ride on their own on the open trails.
Children under 9 are on "limited/restricted riding". The restriction means that they are only eligible to ride tandem (double) with a parent, or ride solo via lead line in the parents care in one of the arenas. They may also have some riding in a corral using the parent's horse time. So, if a parent rides doubled for 1.5 hours out of a possible 2 hours, they may use the last 30 minutes in a corral for the child under the parent’s supervision ... and or lead line.
Since most children in this restricted age group are not ready for this responsibility, we don't charge them for it. However, at the parents' discretion, one may upgrade a younger child to the older children's rate (ages 9-15) to gain full riding privileges.
The relaxed riding program even allows guests the unique opportunity to ride on their own if they desire, but small guided groups are always available. You’ll be encouraged to groom and help tack the horses for a true hands-on and bonding experience. Whether you want to ride lazily across beautiful open pastures, or trot through lush wooded trails, the ranch can accommodate your needs. And if you feel up to the challenge, they offer an optional 9+ mile trail ride at nearby Hard Labor Creek State Park for an additional fee.
Non Riding Activities: You’ll find many ways to relax and unwind at the ranch. You can enjoy a dip in the swimming pool or a soak in the hot tub. Seasonal flowers and beautiful landscaping adorn the ranch. Enjoy a good book in the shade next the to pool and water fountain. Guests also enjoy playing pool or darts in the game room, riding mountain bikes, throwing horseshoes, shooting basketball, or catching a nap after a meal. Nearby activities (not included in the rates) offer something for everyone: golf, fishing, shopping, and gun club.
--Subject to change--
Meeting:
Madison
Airport:
Atlanta
Transfer:
Atlanta by taxi or shuttle, pay locally. Pick up at Madison Travel Center.
Distance:
70 miles
There is a great shuttle bus service called EZ Ride that transfers from the Atlanta airport to the town of Madison and has 3 or 4 departures a day. The ranch can pick you up in Madison and bring you to the ranch.
Shuttle bus service Atlanta Airport
Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Paint, Quarter, Appaloosa
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Pace:
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Moderate with trots and short canters - riding up to 4 hrs a day. 9:15 & 2:15 (up to two hours each, guided or on your own at wrangler's discretion)
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2
to
4
out of 5) Novice+ - Intermediate for self guided
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Age:
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Min
9 for riding / 3 nr
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Weight:
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Max
250 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
35
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Horses (AQHA & APHA) are assigned based on riders' ability and preferences.
All riding is done in Western tack and saddles for our program. Riders are welcome to bring their own Western or English saddle if the wish, but naturally our bridle and bit must be used.
You'll be encouraged to groom and help tack the horses for a true hands-on and bonding experience. Whether you want to ride lazily across beautiful open pastures or trot through lush wooded trails, Southern Cross Ranch can accommodate your needs.
Morning ride - 9 a.m. Afternoon ride - 2 p.m.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the. more
Madison area
Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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54
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57
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66
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74
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81
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88
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90
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89
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83
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74
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64
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57
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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34
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36
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43
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50
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58
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66
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69
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69
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63
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52
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41
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37
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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12
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14
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19
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23
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27
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31
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32
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32
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28
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23
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18
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14
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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1
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2
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6
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10
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14
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19
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21
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20
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17
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11
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5
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3
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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7
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7
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7
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6
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6
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8
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8
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7
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5
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4
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5
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8
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Georgia’s mild climate allows the ranch to operate as a year-round, full-service guest ranch. This liberty facilitates staffing the ranch with mature, non-temporary, knowledgeable professionals who care about your satisfaction and enjoyment.
It is usually hot and humid in summer, while winter tends to be mild. Spring and autumn are the ideal times to visit.
This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)
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Riding boots + Minichaps
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) **we have some you can borrow
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Riding gloves
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Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
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Rain coat/Wax jacket
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Shorts
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Underwear and socks
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Pyjama
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Bag for dirty clothes
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Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
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Swimsuit
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Bandanna
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for the emergency)
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Sewing kit
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Handkerchiefs
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Adapter for electric appliances
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Camera and enough extra films
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Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)
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Sun glasses with strap
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm
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Lightweight cotton clothes and rainwear. Warm clothing for evenings in the spring and autumn, during the winter season and in mountain areas.
The common dress is casual; no dress code is in effect for any of the activities. It is recommended you wear jeans or riding pants for horseback riding and boots are recommended over sneakers. Don’t forget your swim suit, a hat with a brim, and sunscreen.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Delightful accommodations are available in 14 clean, individual guest rooms throughout the 12,000 sq. ft southern-style mansion. Our rooms are divided into 5 categories; 1-5 with 5 being the highest. The package is designed for you to receive the best available room category available at the time of checking in. If you want to secure a high category - a supplemental charge may apply.
- CAT 1 - King or Queen Bed, TV, DVD player, limited or no view.
- CAT 2 - King Bed (some with additional queen or twins), TV, DVD player, larger floor plan, good/better views
- CAT 3 - Same as category 2, larger floor plan, plus DiretcTV, semi-private deck or patio
- CAT 4 - Same as category 2, larger floor plan, plus DirectTV, plus large Jacuzzi bath
- CAT 5 - Same as category 4, plus fireplace (seasonal use), vaulted ceilings, larger Jacuzzi and bathroom
Rooms without DirecTV receive about 40 standard broadcast stations (i.e. CBS, NBC, etc.)
Meals:
Guests rave about the food. Prepared fresh daily by our private cook. The all-you-can-eat full country breakfast buffet will satisfy the heartiest of appetites. Lunch is served daily as our featured meal where guests are treated to an enormous spread, and of course there's dinner later. Our meals feature a delightful mix of international cuisine as well as American favorites. After dinner enjoy a night of fun and games. Guests have been known to dance, play cards in the game room, relax on one of the outside decks under the stars, or chat with other guests in our unique western saloon type setting. You can also use the ranch's central location as a "home base" to visit some of Georgia's many attractions.
Breakfast - 8 a.m. Lunch - 1 p.m. Dinner - 6 p.m.
Unlimited soft drinks as well as tea, coffee, fresh lemonade, snacks, fruit and fresh baked desserts are available 24 hrs a day!
Special dietary meals and requirements are also available by request. Please note: Smoking is permitted only on outdoors and /or on outdoor decks and patios.
Our newest amenity is an aqua massage bed. This is a very unique and highly specialized machine. A spray bar traveling shoulder to toe shoots heated, pulsating water from your centerline around to your sides. Rest assured - you remain clothed and dry for your privacy and comfort. Our aqua massages are a perfect way to ease those sore muscles from time spent in the saddle or the trip here. It is reported that 10-15 minutes on the aqua bed is therapeutically equivalent to a 60-minute personal massage. Aqua massages are not included in our packages, but are quite reasonable on an a la carte basis.
Other Amenities:
- Free wifi internet service
- Complimentary internet terminal
- Pool & hot tub
- Fire pit
- Game room
- TV room
- Sunroom/Reading room
- DVD library
- Hiking trails
- Courtesy refrigerator (centrally located)
- Fax service
- Laundry facilities
(subject to changes)
Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Paint, Quarter, Appaloosa
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Pace:
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Moderate with trots and short canters - riding up to 4 hrs a day. 9:15 & 2:15 (up to two hours each, guided or on your own at wrangler's discretion)
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2
to
4
out of 5) Novice+ - Intermediate for self guided
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Age:
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Min
9 for riding / 3 nr
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Weight:
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Max
250 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
35
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Horses (AQHA & APHA) are assigned based on riders' ability and preferences.
All riding is done in Western tack and saddles for our program. Riders are welcome to bring their own Western or English saddle if the wish, but naturally our bridle and bit must be used.
You'll be encouraged to groom and help tack the horses for a true hands-on and bonding experience. Whether you want to ride lazily across beautiful open pastures or trot through lush wooded trails, Southern Cross Ranch can accommodate your needs.
Morning ride - 9 a.m. Afternoon ride - 2 p.m.
Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).
The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.
New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.
For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.
Passport Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
N/A |
Other EU |
Yes |
Visa Required? |
British |
No/2 |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
N/A |
Other EU |
1 |
Return Ticket Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
N/A |
Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Heartland of Georgia SC Ranch Getaway
Tour Code:
GRGA01-4
5 days /
4 nights
~$1,015.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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