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Horseback Riding at Graves' Mountain |
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We offer one hour-, half-, and full-day
rides and children’s lead line rides every day.
Reservations are required for all rides and require a 24-hour
cancellation. A credit card is required to reserve rides. We expect you
to arrive to the Graves' Mountain Lodge office, located at 205 Graves' Mountain Lane, 30 minutes prior to ride time to receive your horseback ride ticket. Riders will then proceed to the stables where they will be matched to the appropriate
horse and adjust tack. Rides are designed to showcase the natural beauty of Graves' Mountain, the
valley of Syria, the orchards and mountains. You will cross streams,
open fields and woodlands. |
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| Advance reservations
recommended especially for weekends and peak time (October) |
| Stables Open Daily
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| Hour long rides - $40.00 per person |
| Rides Leave Daily At: |
9:30 A.M. |
Minimum age: 8
Minimum Height: 54"
Maximum Weight: 300 lbs |
| 11:00 A.M. |
1:30 P.M. |
| 3:00 P.M. |
5:00 P.M. |
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Half-Day Ride - $115.00 per person, 4-person minimum, 3 hours. Departures from the stables at 9:30 A.M. and 1:30 P.M.
Full-Day Ride - $220.00 per
person, 4 person minimum, 6 hours. Departures from the stable at 9:30
A.M. Lunch on the trail.
For the above rides please call
the lodge for reservations 540-923-4231 or
Email Us |
| Pony Rides and Lead Lines available $5
per child - (scheduled at stables between trail rides) |
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General Rules:
Helmets are required for all
riders
Regardless of experience, all
rides are "walk only"
Each rider must be 8 years old or
older.
Maximum weight limit for riders
is 300 pounds.
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| About the Children and safety- we want
children to have an enjoyable experience. Even though the minimum age is 8
years old and 54 inches tall, every rider must be able to demonstrate the
ability to safely control their horse and follow instruction. If a child
does not follow instruction or the guides are concerned for safety, the
child will be returned to the stable and there will be no refund or
exception. Children under 14 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Western tack is used. |
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| What about the horses? We do not knowingly keep any horse that we feel could cause a riding problem. Under the correct conditions all horses can be dangerous. All horses are properly vaccinated, vetted and cared for. We do not tolerate any abuse to our horses. |
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| Who are our guides? Guides are carefully selected, screened, and trained professionals. They are accomplished equestrians with special talents to assist riders of any level to have a great riding experience. If you enjoy your ride, feel free to tip your guides. |
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| Who is in charge? Graves' Stables are contracted to Stable Master Eddie Birckhead, an accomplished equine rider, trainer, trail guide, movie productions wrangler and former IPRCA Rodeo Circuit rider. Eddie also facilitates clinics on horsemanship and trail riding and has provided therapeutic riding lessons for many years. Eddie's equine enthusiasm is contagious. So it's not hard to understand why horseback riding is a favorite pastime at Graves Mountain. |
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| Where are the Sables Located? The stables are located across the road from
the Lodge on the Graves Mountain farm. Turn left from the Lodge driveway and then turn right on Apple Tree Lane.
Bear right after the large barn with the white silo. |
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What time
should we arrive?
Unless delayed for safety
reasons, the rides go out as scheduled. Therefore, please arrive at
the Graves Mountain Lodge office 30 minutes before your ride. There are no refunds if you
miss your ride. For a full refund give at least a 24-hour cancellation
notice. |
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| What about the Weather?- We reserve the right to cancel
any ride and issue a refund due to unsafe weather conditions including hot
weather. Please keep in mind, even though the sun may be shining,
previous rains may have created muddy trails or high water. Safety is always
our primary concern. If conditions are safe, we may still ride in
light rain. Check with the lodge or stables to make sure your ride is
still scheduled or has been canceled. |
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| What should I wear?- Long pants and closed toe shoe
with a heel are standard. During hot weather, light cotton shirts and pants
are encouraged. Cool weather, always bring a jacket. The weather can be
quite changeable |
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| What if I am inexperienced or nervous? We suggest you come early to meet the guides and discuss your concerns with them. This will also give you a chance to get to know your horse. |
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| Where will the ride take me? With over 100 miles of scenic trails to pick and choose in the Shenandoah National Park and on private land, riders are sure to find excitement on the trail, as well as breathtaking vistas along the way. Our rides are designed to showcase Graves Mountain, and of course the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. You will ride beside or cross through natural trout streams, ride graded mountain trails, open fields and woodlands. |
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| Can I take pictures on the ride? You are welcome to take pictures during your ride. Your guide can tell you where some of the prettiest spots for picture taking will be. |
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| What if I have to cancel? We have a 24 hour minimum cancellation policy in place. We ask that you secure your ride by credit card in advance. No refunds - if less than 24 hours notice is given. |
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| Release and Liability-
it is mandatory that all riders understand and sign a complete liability
release. Per the code of Virginia 3.1-796.132 and 3.1-796.133, Horse
professionals are exempt from suit and riders ride at their own risk. Copies
of the code are available in the stable office. |
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| Western Horsemanship Camp - 3 days and 2 nights of fun filled activities for boys and girls (9 - 15 years old). Outdoor experiential learning consist of nutrition and feeding, grooming and caring for hooves, identifying and using tack correctly, horse safety and trail safety. Ride everyday, swim, hike and go fishing. Enjoy hay rides and evening activities around the campfire. All campers receive a wall plaque for their participation. |
Camp : July 13 - 15, 2009 |
Arrive Monday 3 PM |
Depart Wednesday 2 PM |
Fee $475 per child |
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Overnight ride to Old Rag Mountain: Supervised endurance ride to Old Rag Mountain. Lead off early afternoon, spend the night in Kate's Cabin. Enjoy breakfast. Get back in the saddle again. Halfway there you'll stop, hitch your horse and enjoy a bagged lunch and spectacular view of the cascading waters of one of White Oak Canyon's waterfalls. Four meals included.
$300 per person. Graves Mountain Lodge houseguest on meal plan $225 (4 person minimum) |
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| Birthday Party Pony Rides: Planning a birthday party at Graves Mountain Lodge? Rent a lead line pony for your child's next birthday party. (10 children, 1 pony, 1 hour, $100, 11 - 20 children, 2 ponies, 2 hours, $200) Call Graves Mountain Lodge to make arrangements. 540-923-4231 |
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Private Riding Lessons (western style): 30 minutes/ $25 per person. 1 hour/ $45 per person
The personal one to one (instructor/ student) attention is a plus for any rider with concerns. It's sure to help calm anxious nerves. |
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| Special Horse-Related
Activities- |
Privately owned horses may be brought to the
stables. We offer stalls for rent and overnight rough trailer camping.
There are no hookups for trailers or RV’s. Charges are as follows:
$10 a day per Horse and Rider
$5 per person, per day for non-riders
$5 per person for non-riders for overnight camping
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| Private Guide for Privately Owned Horses- $40.00 per hour or $150.00 for full day, 6-hour maximum |
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| Stall Rentals |
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| Main Barn - $15.00 per night for small size |
| Main Barn - $20.00 per night for large size |
Apple Barn - $20.00 per night for 10 x 12 stall |
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Apple Barns has new stalls |
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| Paddock Rentals - $30.00 per night (holds up to 6 horses) |
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Call 540-923-4092 (home) or 540-923-4093 (fax) to make stall reservations. The stables can be reached by email. If you do not need a stall, reservations are not required. |
2009 GRAVES' MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL OF MUSIC
STABLE INFORMATION
*The Main Camping Field will be closed for the Graves' Mountain Festival of Music from Tuesday, May 19 through Tuesday, June 2.
*Apple Barn Field will be open Tuesday, May 19 until Monday, May 25 at 12:00 p.m., noon.
*After 12:00 p.m., noon on Monday, May 25, all horses must be a stall rental at the stables. The Apple Barn and Field will be closed and locked.
*Anybody field camping after 12:00 p.m., noon on Monday, May 25, must have a 3-day ticket for the Bluegrass Festival.
*Absolutely no horses are allowed in Bluegrass Camping Field at any time.
*All stable rentals must have a 3-day ticket from Monday, May 25 through Sunday, May 31.
*Some trails will be closed due to the Bluegrass Festival.
*All horseback riders who want to ride on Graves' property must have a 3-day ticket. This requirement is for the dates starting on Monday, May 25 until Sunday, May 31, 2009.
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