Sugarbush Getaway Ride Vermont USA This is the perfect escape for those who appreciate comfort and fine dining but still want an active and unusual vacation. Horseback ride across flowering meadows, find hidden swimming holes, visit charming villages and enjoy a comfortable couple of days at the picturesque country inn we have selected especially for you. There is no better introduction to the remarkable Icelandic Horse than these 2-day trail rides that take you on a scenic tour of this special region of Vermont. You will be matched to a horse to your level of experience and we'll travel at a pace that suits you so that you can experience the horse's gentle temperament and smooth gaits and come to respect and appreciate the amazing animal that this farm has dedicated themselves to. You won't believe how much action is possible underneath you while you feel the sensation, as native Icelanders describe it, of  "riding in an easy chair."  For over twelve years now there has been a steadily growing herd of Icelandic Horses within the Mad River Valley of central Vermont.  They live content and right at home amidst the majestic mountains, pretty waterfalls, crisp mornings of snowy winters and the luscious greenery of Vermont summers. The Horse Farm, founded in 1988, has shown over 3000 riders charming New England at its best.       You'll return home fit and rested, with the memory of newly found friends and shared adventures. The Icelandic Horse that gave you the overwhelming feeling of floating across the scenic Vermont countryside is likely to keep a special place in your heart forever. Short Getaway Ride with Gaited Horses Center-based ride Meeting: Waitsfield Airport: Burlington International Airport (BTV) Transfer: Burlington airport by taxi Riders: Min 4 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Tax: 6 %    

Transfer and Other Charges:

The inn and the farm are 5 miles apart, so best to rent a car and drive in on own!
Check-in after 3:00pm on Day 1. Check-out around 4:00pm on last day.

Vermont Getaway Rides- subject to changes
Optional extra overnights can be arranged at an additional cost - please inquire!

3-day Sample Itinerary: Friday to Sunday

Day 1: Friday
Arrive late afternoon around 4:00pm at the B&B which is a lovely 1860's Victorian country inn with cozy guest rooms, all with private baths. The inn boasts a swimming hole within walking distance, a recreation path, views of surrounding farmland, a BYOB bar in the family room with a pool table, and an outdoor jacuzzi tub. With as many as 30 restaurants in the valley we can be sure you will find one to suit your tastes for dinner tonight. Your innkeeper Luc can help you with your selection and send you in the right direction!

Day 2: Saturday
After a three-course gourmet breakfast on our lovely back porch overlooking the gazebo you will be introduced to your horses and have a quick orientation. Then off to a day of riding. A picnic lunch will be served along the trail, with ample time for relaxing and enjoying the fresh Vermont air, before remounting for a fun afternoon of riding. Late afternoon is a great time for a swim, shopping, sightseeing, maybe a Jacuzzi, or if you wish a massage. We offer an on-call massage therapist who will arrive at the Inn to take care of any sore places. Dinner will be prepared and served by your hosts, who will join you for a relaxing meal. By this time you will appreciate the Inn's marvelous feather beds.

Day 3:  Sunday
After another fabulous breakfast, we are off to another full day of riding, more beautiful scenery, and another great picnic lunch. The ride will end at 4:00pm.

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3-day Sample Itinerary: Wednesday to Friday

Day 1: Wednesday
Arrive late afternoon around 4:00pm at the B&B which is a lovely 1860's Victorian country inn with cozy guest rooms, all with private baths. The inn boasts a swimming hole within walking distance, a recreation path, views of surrounding farmland, a BYOB bar in the family room with a pool table, and an outdoor jacuzzi tub. With as many as 30 restaurants in the valley we can be sure you will find one to suit your tastes for dinner tonight. Your innkeeper Luc can help you with your selection and send you in the right direction!

Day 2: Thursday
This morning starts out from the farm. 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.

Day 3: 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! Departure in the afternoon

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4-day Sample Itinerary: Sunday to Wednesday

Day 1: Sunday
Arrive late afternoon around 4:00pm at the B&B which is a lovely 1860's Victorian country inn with cozy guest rooms, all with private baths. The inn boasts a swimming hole within walking distance, a recreation path, views of surrounding farmland, a BYOB bar in the family room with a pool table, and an outdoor Jacuzzi tub. With as many as 30 restaurants in the valley we can be sure you will find one to suit your tastes for dinner tonight. Your innkeeper Luc can help you with your selection and send you in the right direction! 

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 
A 2-hour ride in the morning after breakfast at 10:00am.

                                                Fayston area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	23	27	37	51	63	71	74	73	65	52	42	30
Average Low Temperature (°F)	4	6	15	28	39	48	53	51	43	32	25	12
Average High Temperature (°C)	-5	-3	3	11	17	22	23	23	18	11	6	-1
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-16	-15	-10	-2	4	9	11	10	6	0	-4	-11
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	8	6	7	9	11	13	9	9	8	11	10	9

Source: NOAA


Seasons
May and June's days are warm with temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s F, sometimes 80’s F. However, nights are cooler (50’s F).
July and August are usually warm months and can occasionally get hot (90’s F).
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 F.


Special note – Fall foliage
The Fall Foliage Season usually begins around mid-September and lasts until mid-October, with peak colors appearing around the first week in October. Of course this varies depending on the weather. The leaves start to turn in the northern part of the state first and gradually work their way south. Also, in general, higher elevations start changing before the lower elevations.

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 42 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 brenda ruedy 11/2/2018 linda brown 6/29/2018 glenys ambe 11/4/2017 robin rilette 10/21/2017 carol vigorito 7/8/2016 jill zajkowski 12/2/2012 tracy winkler 2/15/2012 ann milanese 10/31/2010 diane hatcher 10/11/2010 beth terranova 9/21/2010 karen jetton 8/29/2010 vicki gerber 7/26/2010 jamey evans 6/21/2010 gayle gassner 10/13/2009 barbara thomson 8/23/2009 tandy schollcraft 11/27/2008 brian brzek 10/20/2008 robyn shahda 10/20/2008 valerie palluzzi 10/13/2008 vicki zabel 8/20/2008 susan montague 7/20/2008 robyn edell 6/2/2008 audrey witt 11/4/2007 rebecca pacewicz 10/30/2007 pilar bauta 10/29/2007 anne norton 7/9/2007 dawn wicks 6/12/2007 linda mallon 6/4/2007 heather traversi 3/15/2007 susan peck 3/14/2007 anne-marie kennedy 3/14/2007 kate cronkite 3/14/2007 leslie obermeyer 3/14/2007 penny gordon 10/8/2004 kara noble 7/18/2004 robin ralicki 7/15/2004 mary jane o'neill 7/15/2004 bob bear 7/14/2004 anne t 8/6/2002 susan finkelsten 7/1/2002 jean brady 8/28/2001 ann filler 6/28/2001

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

Description
You nights 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. 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 riding. 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. Wi-Fi is available at the Inn. There are laundry facilities in Waitsfield if necessary.
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.

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.



Each guest room is uniquely decorated and features feather beds and private baths. (Non-feather beds are available, too. Just ask).

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.



Meals
Most meals are included except dinner on Day 1.
Breakfast and dinner are at the inn. Lunch is at the farm.

As much as possible we serve locally grown food (farm to table).
When you awaken, you will be served a delicious three-course gourmet breakfast, and you may be accompanied by a hummingbird or two. Breakfast is served from 8:00am – 9:00am, but fresh brewed coffee is available by 7:00am to take to your room or in any common room including our sun room. During the summer, we serve breakfast outdoors on the covered back porch.

A nice variety of teas are available 24 hrs a day from our tea table. Alcoholic drinks are not included in this trip but you are welcome to bring your own at dinnertime only.

Dietary Restrictions
If you have special dietary requests, please let us know in advance, and we will make every effort to accommodate you.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Icelandic, English
Horses:		Icelandic horses
Pace:		Walt Trot Toelt, 2-6 hrs per day | Walk | Trot |
Level:		(2 to 3 out of 5)    Good Novice
Age:		Min 10
Weight:		Max 200 lbs
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 8 riders

Pace
Pace and distance ridden day to day are decided by the riders based on experience and preference. Almost all groups end up doing some walking, mostly tolting, and a bit of cantering. 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. 

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. 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.
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.

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.

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.