Vermont Country Inn Ride - Sugarbush Vermont USA Welcome to the glorious Green Mountains and Mad River Valley of Vermont. Nestled along the river, the elegant, relaxing inn is your vacation getaway home and the starting point for your riding explorations on the smooth gaited Icelandic horse. You will be venturing into the Mad River Valley resting between the Green Mountains and enjoying country inn hospitality at its finest. From the moment you enter the sunny front room of the Victorian style inn, with its white wicker furniture and pastel floral prints or take in the flower-bedecked back porch veranda overlooking the pretty gazebo and the lush gardens in open fields, you will know you have arrived to the heavenly Vermont countryside. You will be riding through  green meadows, quiet forests, and of course, along Vermont's famous dirt country roads. You will be greeted by the rivers and streams which cut into the mountains and on warm days you are welcome to take a refreshing swim. You'll enjoy very comfortable accommodations and gourmet dining, all with a generous helping of Vermont hospitality. When you awaken, you will be served a delicious three-course gourmet breakfast, and you may be accompanied by a hummingbird or two. During the summer, we serve breakfast outdoors on the covered back porch. Breathe in the landscape, distant red barns, meadows of wild flowers, fields of corn. The warm hospitality and relaxed atmosphere make you feel right at home. For lunch we bring either a delicious picnic to eat at a pretty spot or we stop at a specially selected restaurant. After riding, you will come back to the inn for the daily afternoon tea, the lights go dim and soft classical music fills the air. Choose your favorite tea and cup from the inn's private collection of antique china. Savor your beverage in front of our cozy fireplace. Breathtaking views, unique horses, and a charming inn with wonderful food, make this a very memorable riding experience. The Icelandic horses are extremely hardy and tolerant, but part of what makes them so special is the fact that they control five gaits – making for a very smooth ride. The combination of the horses' smoothness and our Icelandic saddles, designed for many hours of use, ensure a comfortable ride. In Spring, life unfolds here, as the grass turns green and the trees begin to look like a pastel painting. Flowers and blossoms appear at every turn, and nesting and migrating birds fill the air with motion and song. In Summer, refresh yourself in one of our local waterfalls or swimming holes, or try a round of golf at Sugarbush's famous 18-hole course, designed by Robert Trent Jones. Our quiet country roads and trails invite road and mountain cycling. Make a wish as you walk through one of the Valley's covered bridges, and amble through the Saturday Farmers' Market for produce fresh from the field, locally-made crafts, foods, and live music. On Independence Day, follow the crowd to the Warren Fourth of July Parade. In August, the Festival of the Arts offers a wealth of choices for every taste. In Autumn soak in the multitude of the fall colors and enjoy the splendor of nature's magnificent color wheel, go antiquing, soaring, or visit the Inn's own pumpkin patch. Non Riders are welcome to join their friends or spouses - plenty of things to do in the area while they ride! Short Getaway Family Vacation Ride with Gaited Horses Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride Meeting: Waitsfield Airport: Burlington Transfer: Please take a taxi from Burlington or best to rent a car Riders: Min 4 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Tax: $54    

Transfer Option:

Day 1 Sunday: You may arrive at the inn in Waitsfield any time after 3:00 pm. Dinner on this night is not included, but we will be very happy to help you make a restaurant selection. There are many wonderful dining experiences here in the Mad River Valley. There is a hot tub, so don't forget your bathing suit.

Day 2 Monday: Arrive at the horse farm around 9:30 am for an orientation, and an introduction to the Icelandic Horse. Then a brief discussion and assignment of horses. There will be an opportunity to view a video about the history and gaits of the Icelandic Horse. We will then have a short hands on education down at the riding arena and track. We will help you with gait transitions and individual instruction as it pertains to your horse. Then we are off to practice what you have learned. Lunch is at the farm today and in the afternoon you will be able to try a different horse if you wish.

Day 3 Tuesday: Today you will really get into the gaits while enjoying magnificent views along the way. Lunch is at a pretty spot by the river. Then off for more riding through forests and neighboring farm lands. Back at the inn you may choose to relax before dinner, or explore the wonderful walking trails along the river or take a swim... or maybe back in that hot tub!

Day 4 Wednesday: Our journey continues via the "Enchanted Way" through the marvelous terrain used by cross country skiers in the winter. Today will be a short riding day. We will arrive back at the farm. You have time to have lunch in town (not included)  and then go shopping  or to do as you wish. A canoe trip can be arranged or maybe you would enjoy a massage (extra charges apply). Tonight you are on your own for dinner, we suggest a short trip to Stowe, a quaint resort town, with many fine shops and restaurants.

Day 5 Thursday: This morning starts out from the farm. There may be an opportunity to ride a different horse today if you wish. Then we will be off exploring Camel's Hump State Forest in an area the locals call "Baird In The Bush." Lunch is back at the farm . The afternoon ride offers more winding dirt roads and lovely wooded trails that will bring us back around 4 pm.  We will meet back at the inn for dinner together on this night. (options are available to depart on Thursday morning or afternoon)

Day 6 Friday: Today we will ride up through the mountains along scenic stone walls and through old farm lands, even coming across stone foundations dating back about 100 years. Lunch is back at the farm, and for those who wish to ride in the afternoon, we will be off for more tolting!

 -itinerary subject to changes!

There are several options for number of nights and riding days – the choice is yours.

May and June's days are warm with temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s, sometimes 80’s. Nights are cooler (50’s).

July and August are usually warm months and occasionally hot (90’s).

In September and October you will find warm days still, while mornings and evenings are cool, sometime as low as 30’s and 40’s.

For convenience these are some things that we recommend to bring along.
- Riding breeches, chaps, or comfortable sports pants. Some people tend do to be sore when riding in jeans. If you do decide to wear jeans; chaps, or half chaps are recommended.
- Paddock boots are most practical on this ride, but feel free to wear what you are most comfortable in. We will be doing some walking to loosen up, so it is very important that your boots are comfortable.

Dress for the season. Attire in the evenings is casual.

In May and June the days are warm with temperatures in the 60's and 70's. Nights are cooler, in the 50's.
July and August are usually warm, and occasionally hot, in the 90's.
In September and October, you will have warm days, with cool evenings and mornings, sometimes in the 30's and 40's.
You may need a sweater, as it does cool down at night.

Bring a bathing suit, sunscreen, and riding gloves.

Riding helmets are required and if you have your own you will be more comfortable; but one can also be borrowed from us. This goes as well for rain gear.
Optional equipment includes; a camera, water bottle, a belt pack for personal belongings, and sunglasses.

If you would like to book the Massage Therapist please contact Hidden Trails for details and confirmation.
 

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Riding boots + Minichaps

Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection

Rain coat/Wax jacket

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjama

Bag for dirty clothes

Light summer jacket

Comfortable shoes/sneakers

Swimsuit

Bandanna

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for an emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and extra batteries

Belt pack

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Average ratings from 31 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date carol fuller 10/29/2011 robin schoen 10/12/2011 ann peay 8/7/2011 henriette glahn 10/24/2010 heidi denecke 9/22/2010 carole bourrelly 8/16/2010 robin dannheisser 10/30/2009 carole kelly 9/14/2009 amy mccarter 9/11/2009 keith and lois worden 11/11/2008 laura posey 10/23/2008 helen turner 10/9/2008 linda florie 9/24/2008 mary vogler 10/24/2007 jamie mcclurg 10/23/2007 brian valente 3/19/2007 kathy glockner 3/15/2007 monte bernhagen 3/14/2007 lorraine jayson 9/21/2004 kristin houser 7/16/2004 grace lapine 9/14/2003 gisele lynch 7/19/2003 janet nelson 7/27/2002 cherie w. wlliamson 7/21/2002 mary vella 7/20/2002 paola albertazzzi 7/18/2002 sally donovan 6/27/2002 carol vetter 11/1/2001 pam bird 10/1/2001 leslie brannon 7/9/2001 d.l. byrnes 6/1/2001

You overnights will be at a lovely country inn in Waitsfield. From the moment you enter the sunny front room or our Inn, with white wicker furniture and pastel floral prints, the flower-bedecked back porch overlooking the gazebo, and lush gardens in open fields, you will know you have arrived in heavenly Vermont. Erected circa 1860, this lovely Victorian Inn was built from the wood of the land and boasts hardwood floors and decorative moldings throughout. Lace-etched 5'x5' picture windows and period antiques adorn the living and dining areas. Each guest room is uniquely decorated and features feather beds and private baths. (Non-feather beds are available, too. Just ask.)

The elegant dining room with Queen Anne furnishings serves afternoon tea daily for our guests. Relax in one of our comfortable couches with a good book. The crackling fire and hot tea will warm you up after a day of skiing. The BYOB lounge has cable TV, DVD, stereo, wood stove, guest refrigerator, and a pool table. In the evening, enjoy our Hot Springs hot tub on the back deck as you gaze upon the sky saturated with stars.
When you awaken, you will be served a delicious three-course gourmet breakfast, and you may be accompanied by a hummingbird or two. During the summer, we serve breakfast outdoors on the covered back porch. Breathe in the landscape, distant red barns, meadows of wild flowers, fields of corn. The warm hospitality and relaxed atmosphere make you feel right at home. Once you have been here, you are sure to return again and again.
All rooms have private bath facilities. Single travelers pay a single room supplement unless we can find a room mate for you.

You are free to arrive at the inn any time after 3 pm on Sunday. Additional overnights can be arranged  if you wish to stay an extra night or two.
There are laundry facilities in Waitsfield if necessary.

--  Specific rooms cannot be pre-reserved.
The Peachy Ridgeway Room
Puffy sand eyelets on a highback antique mahogany queen size bed. Many special touches and picturesque views from the 5'x5' etched window. Flat screen cable TV, Dimplex fireplace. Private bath adjacent to room.
The Colleen Marie Room
Romantic Victorian roses and a king size white wicker bed. Delicate lace and beautiful mauve accents. Flat screen TV/DVD, air-conditioned, private bath.
The George Martin Room
Navy blue and rosebuds on a king size brass bed or twin beds. Scattered relics from Grandpa's railroad career in the early 1900s. Dimplex fireplace. Air conditioned. Private bath.
The Angelina Mercedes Room
Bird's eye maple antique four poster queen size bed. A bright room with warm provincial blues, yellows, and white accents. Picturesque views of distant barns. Dimplex fireplace, flat screen cable TV. Air-conditioned. Private bath.
The Lucy Alexander Room
An exquisite room with a white wicker queen size bed angled between four windows. Romantic and inviting. Air-conditioned, private bath.
The Hayden Breeze Room
Deep-textured walls with a king size brass bed, lots of windows, and flat screen cable TV/DVD. Warm colors provide a cozy, romantic setting. Air-conditioned, private bath.
The Marguerite Elizabeth Room
A charming room. It has a queen-size brass bed with blue silver satin background featuring an allover elegan gold floral jacquard. There's a large private bath with tub/shower, albeit across the hall.
The Abner Doubleday/ Hector Felix Suite
A small suite offering two separate rooms, each with queen size beds. The Abner Doubleday Room features an ash bed with soft mint pastel prints. Air conditioned.
The Hector Felix Room features an antique bed in a small but precious room with lace shades and swag drapes.
The private bath is located within the Abner Doubleday Room. The Hector Felix Room has cable TV and air conditioning.
This suite is perfect for families or singles traveling together.

--  Specific rooms cannot be pre-reserved.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Icelandic, English
Horses:		Icelandic horses
Pace:		Walt Trot Toelt, 5-6 hrs per day, half day on WE
Level:		(2.5 out of 5)    Low Intermediate
Age:		Min 10	Max 80
Weight:		Max 225 lbs
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 8 riders

Each days ride is approximately 5 to 6 hours. Wednesday is only a morning ride. Children over 10 years with riding experience are welcome if accompanied by a parent or an adult. Groups are kept small, 2-8 riders plus guides.
Pace and distance ridden in one day (there are alternate routes) is decided by the riders. The horses are kept at the riding center most nights - from where you ride out. On some days they will stay stay out in a pasture waiting for you the next morning.

Tack and Equipment...
The horses are ridden in equipment traditionally used in Iceland.
The saddles are quality English saddles made especially for the Icelandic horses and are comfortable for both the horse as well as the rider.
Bridles have snaffle bits with drop nose-bands. Saddlebags and water bottles are available.
Helmets are required and are available for those who do not have their own.

The Horses...
All horses used are imported, purebred, carefully selected Icelandic Horses.  The breed is famous for stamina, gates (horses are 4 or 5 gated), pronounced homing instinct and gentle disposition. These horses are small, but do not have any trouble in carrying an ordinary sized rider up to 225 lbs. long distances. 
Riding Icelandic is certainly a unique experience and one never to be forgotten. Versatility One of the keys to enjoying Icelandic Horses is their well-rounded versatility. They are superb, natural jumpers, enthusiastic driving horses, and competent, talented partners in dressage. Endowed with tremendous stamina, Icelandic Horses stay healthy, fit and mentally well balanced with minimal stress and training Bred to carry adults smoothly and willingly over difficult terrain, Icelandic Horses bring their cheerful outlook and sensible attitude to each ride.
Always willing and energetic, they are forgiving and patient with beginners, yet offer the competition rider a challenging experience. Strong, yet never intimidating, and capable of carrying large adults due to their unique bone density, Icelandic Horses average 13 to 14 hands in height. Icelandic Horses are found in all colors and have beautifully defined heads and abundant manes and tails.
The Only Naturally Five-Gaited Horse
In addition to walk, trot, and canter, Icelandic Horses also tölt, a four-beat running walk that produces fluid, rhythmic, forward movement. The tölt, the most pleasurable gait, is free flowing and effortless, allowing the horse to cover rough terrain swiftly. Many Icelandic Horses also pace, an exhilarating racing gait which can be performed at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
Whichever gait you choose, Icelandic Horses perform naturally and smoothly—no bouncing, no posting!
Why are Icelandics always called horses and never ponies?
The word pony is an English invention, probably from the old French word, poulenet, a diminuative form of poulain, or colt. So it defines small breeds on the British Isles like Shetlands, Welch, Dartmoors, Exmoors, and Connemaras. But pony is often used imprecisely. For example, it's used to describe polo horses and mustangs, which aren't necessarily small. The Pony Express in the 1860's used thoroughbreds and Morgans.
In Iceland, which had its own written language when most of Europe still relied on Latin, they're called only one word, hest, or horse The Icelandic’s that are used are well trained, willing, and “tolt” beautifully. The tolt is a smooth four – beat gait appreciated by long- distance riders. Saddles are English Style with special tolting saddles available. Almost all groups end up doing some walking, mostly tolting and a bit of cantering.

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.