Heartland of Georgia SC Ranch 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. No matter if you are a beginner wanting to ride with your guide lazily across beautiful open pastures or a more experienced rider, ready to trot or lope through lush wooded trails; we have something for everyone! 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 or work on your tan. Other pastimes can be enjoyed: throwing horseshoes, playing lawn games, 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 and mountain bikes. Nearby activities (not included in the rates) offer something for everyone:  golfing, fishing, boating, shopping, and even a gun club. The 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 hand on horseback riding program and beautiful setting, 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 Family Vacation Riding with fishing options Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride Meeting: Madison Airport:   Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) Transfer: Atlanta by taxi or shuttle Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

Children discounts are based on sharing with 2 parents - otherwise single supplement for single parent.

Minimum stay is 3 nights

Transfer and Other Charges:

Customizable with minimum of 4 days/ 3 nights from any date.

Riding Program
Your first ride included in your package is at 2:15pm on Day 1.

The ranch is situated on 200 acres of prime Georgia farmland, so 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, one at 9:15am and one at 2:15pm, seven days a week. You will be encouraged to groom and help tack the horses for a true hands-on and bonding experience. 

Please, note that there are no riding activities included on the morning of your departure day!

If you are a beginner, do not worry, riding lessons are available, and horses are personally assigned based on your riding experience and preferences. Guests are encouraged to continue to ride the same horse throughout their stay by requesting them at the beginning of each ride, but no guarantees can be made.
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.
We usually ride in small groups of 3 to 7 riders.

Hard Labor Creek State Park - extra fee
Most riders ride exclusively on the ranch's property. However, some guests staying over longer periods enjoy the change of scenery provided at Hard Labor Creek State Park. Riding at Hard Labor involves transporting the horses and riders by vehicle and providing a guide. The cost is $75/person with a $150 minimum. The trail ride involves a 9+ mile trek through the park's well-established forest and along Lake Rutledge. The terrain is steep at points, and this particular ride is not for beginners. Generally, this trip is only available Monday through Thursday, conditions permitting.



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 enjoy a good book in the shade next to the 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.

                                            Madison area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	54	57	66	74	81	88	90	89	83	74	64	57
Average Low Temperature (°F)	34	36	43	50	58	66	69	69	63	52	41	37
Average High Temperature (°C)	12	14	19	23	27	31	32	32	28	23	18	14
Average Low Temperature (°C)	1	2	6	10	14	19	21	20	17	11	5	3
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	7	7	7	6	6	8	8	7	5	4	5	8

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

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Riding boots + Minichaps

Riding helmet  (recommended for all trips) **we have some you can borrow

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) 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

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

Swimsuit

Bandanna

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra films

Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

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.

Average ratings from 25 tour feedbacks (see details below) (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: Name Date adriana vanmunsteren 12/22/2013 samantha leahy 3/18/2013 darlene johnson 3/7/2013 meredith jones 11/5/2011 peter mehner 10/23/2011 mary phillips 9/1/2009 jose castro 7/30/2009 wendy young 7/19/2009 holly amtsfield 7/8/2009 vanessa clavel 1/20/2009 deborah sparks 10/10/2008 monica miller 5/8/2008 frank lowe 3/3/2008 lisa martin 1/30/2008 wallace 6/12/2007 aubrey little 6/4/2007 sally morris 3/14/2007 sally morris 11/15/2006 helen and emily sheridan 5/1/2006 rose torres 4/28/2006 marvin gottlieb 10/24/2005 karen schultz 3/21/2004 florence roux 5/21/2002 greg pierce 5/21/2002 jane rosten 5/20/2002

Accommodation
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
Delightful accommodations are available in 16 clean, individual guest rooms throughout the 12,000 sq. ft. southern-style mansion. The property also features a common area, where guests can relax while reading a book, playing games, or watching TV. WIFI is available throughout the property. A heated pool (seasonal use) is also available. Laundry facilities are available in the afternoon/evening- please check with the front office for details. Please note:  Smoking is permitted only in designated areas on the ranch.

Room Options
Each room is pleasantly appointed featuring a queen or king-sized bed, A/C, TV, DVD player, phone, Wi-Fi, and private bath. Rooms are available with a rustic, western theme or one of more traditional Southern décor. Our rooms are divided into 5 categories. The package includes accommodation in standard and family king plus rooms. If you want to secure a higher room category a supplemental charge may apply.



Standard (max 2 pax) - included
These rooms include a King bed, TV & private bath. Rooms may have partially obstructed view.



Family Plus (max 4 pax) - included
Rooms in this category feature a King bed “plus” either a Queen, Twin or Sofa bed for a second bed as well as TV & private bath.



Superior (max 3 pax) - upgrade
Upscale, spacious rooms with King bed, good views, TV & private bath. Can sleep 3rd person on roll-away or sleeper sofa.



Superior Luxe (max 2 pax) - upgrade
These luxurious rooms come with a King bed, fireplace, large TV, & spacious deluxe bathroom with whirlpool bath, walk-in shower & double vanity.



Woodland Family Suite (max 6 pax) - upgrade
The family suite features a 33’ living room with large flat screen TV, DVD & DirecTV, dining table, un-stocked bar, mini-fridge and microwave. There is also a very large private outside deck with ample seating. The bedrooms consist of two separate rooms, one with a king bed and queen bed, and the second with a queen bed. There is a modern bathroom equipped with shower, dual vanity, washing machine and dryer.

Room Occupancy
The single supplement fee applies if we are unable to find another rider to share.
Triple and quadruple rooms are available based on availability.



Meals
All meals are included except during low season (dinner not included at that time of the year).
There are many local restaurants that are accessible by rental car. Additionally, we offer a guest refrigerator and microwave and we can provide transportation to town to acquire provisions (if desired). Snacks, baked goods, fruits, and beverages continue to be available 24 hours per day.

Lunch is included either on your arrival day or departure day. 

Guests rave about the food which is prepared fresh daily by our chef. Our meals feature a delightful mix of international cuisine as well as American favorites.

The all-you-can-eat full country breakfast buffet served at 8:00am will satisfy the heartiest of appetites.
Lunch at 1:00pm is served daily as our featured meal where guests are treated to an enormous spread, and of course there's dinner later at 6:00pm. 

Friday night buffet is Surf & Turf (Steak & Seafood)
Saturday night buffet is BBQ…. Ribs, chicken – and the best macaroni & cheese ever created!
Sunday night buffet is burger night.

All the rest of the meals are chef’s choice.  Some meals feature an Italian buffet or Mexican cuisine.  There is always one or two meat selections, one starch, 3-4 vegetable selections, full salad bar and dessert bar, plus breads & rolls, and beverages. All food is prepared by our magnificent chef & his team.


Unlimited soft drinks as well as tea, coffee, fresh lemonade, snacks, fruit and fresh baked desserts are available 24 hours a day! We do not serve alcohol, however guests are welcome to bring their own.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Paint, Quarter, Appaloosa
Pace:		Moderate with trots and short canters - riding up to 4 hrs a day (guided or on your own at wrangler's discretion) | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2 to 4 out of 5)    Novice+ - Intermediate for self guided
Age:		Min 8 for riding / 3 nr
Weight:		Max 250 lbs / 115 kg
Riders:		Min 2	Max 8

Riding Program
Horses are matched for novice and experienced riders alike at the beginning of each ride, and lessons are available. Guests are encouraged to continue to ride the same horse throughout their stay by requesting them at the beginning of each ride, but no guarantees can be made. Two trail rides are arranged per day, one in the morning (9:15 a.m.) and one in the afternoon (2:15 p.m.). Guests on are welcome to ride up to 2 hours per riding session. 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.
Lessons available upon request for an extra fee.
The ranch was names by Travel and Leisure magazine as "One of America's Best Dude Ranches".

Is this a nose-to-tail ride?
Good question and tough to answer. We've yet to figure out how to get the horses to ride tail-to-tail or head-to-head. It's also not a wise idea to attempt to ride abreast in wooded trails. We do ride in small groups of two to seven riders. Smaller groups of this size can be quite versatile on the trails. When appropriate, riders may trot and canter as well. In a literal sense the horses will inevitably ride nose-to-tail, but you'll find our riding program to have more liberties than most.

Age Limit
Riders must be 8 years or older to ride on their own on the open trails.
Children Under 8 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. 

Horses
Our ranch is home to over 150 horses. We specialize in quality breeding stock, young stock, and safe trail horses for every level. The majority of our horses are registered APHA, AQHA, ApHC, or POA. Over 2 dozen foals are born on the ranch each spring. Horses are assigned based on riders' ability and preferences.  Guests are even welcome to bring their own horse if they so desire. 

Tack
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.

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