Reading about our fans’ horsey adventures is great, and getting to know them is even better! Amanda’s sweet husband took her on an adventure to the beautiful Cataloochee Ranch in North Carolina. Read on to hear about Amanda’s horse-crazed teen years, purchasing her first horse, and a romantic trip to Cataloochee Ranch.
I was a horse obsessed child, but only ever took lessons growing up, and nothing very formal; I never went to shows. I learned what “eventing” was just from watching “International Velvet” and “Sylvester” about 100 times each. I rode a little in college on the fledgling equestrian team (IHSA) at Georgia Tech, and knew I had to keep horses in my life somehow. So a couple years after college, I convinced my husband (who was introduced to my horse obsession when we were dating; I dragged him to Foxhall to watch XC day. That was an eye-opener for him!) it was a good idea to let me lease a horse. So I leased a school master appy mare from a great local instructor for about two-and-a-half years, and learned how to ride the *right* way. Then last summer I bought Alfie, an 8 yr old TB, and I just adore his quirky, odd-ball demeanor… Thats right; at the ripe old age of 32, I bought my very first horse after dreaming about it for my entire life. Alfie had a rough time his last couple years on the track, and didnt trust anyone when my instructor got him as a project, but he’s turned a corner and we’re making progress. Its slow going, but its the right thing to do for him. We’re aiming for our first combined test at the end of summer, so fingers crossed! I’d ultimately like to do a Training Level 3 Day, but we’ll see how brave Alfie and I both end up being in the end. 🙂
As a horse-crazed pre-teen, I was invited by my best friend and her family to go on a vacation with them a couple of summers in a row to a guest ranch in Maggie Valley, North Carolina – Cataloochee Ranch. It was an amazing place for a couple of girls obsessed with horses… two long trail rides a day, other kids to play with and beautiful scenery. I always enjoyed those vacations, and even into my adulthood, I remember the ranch, the great family that runs it and the trusty horses that led us on our adventures with fondness.
Last year as a suprise, my husband booked a weekend getaway for just the two of us. Evidently he’s been paying attention all these years, and he booked us a room at Cataloochee. I was so impressed by his gesture… he supports my horse habit without hesitation, but getting him ON a horse? Well… thats a different issue. And going to Cataloochee without going on a trail ride through the Smokey Mountains is just pointless. None the less, we went on a beautiful fall weekend, had a great trail ride up to the top of Hemphill Bald, and enjoyed absolutely AMAZING food prepared by the ranch staff.
A little background on the ranch itself… Tom and Judy Alexander founded the ranch in 1933, and its is still owned and operated by the Alexander family today. The ranch itself is over 1,000 acres and boarders the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Aside from guided trail rides, there is a trout pond, a pool and miles of hiking trails. Guests and rent private cabins (many are were built in the 1800’s!) or a hotel-type room in the main guest house (which was once a barn). The Alexander family provides the most amazing experience, and treats every vistor like a member of their family. Breakfast and dinner are served family-style every day and I promise you, you cannot possibly go hungry! Those biscuits and homemade jams are to die for! On our recent visit, there were musicians providing entertainment as guests gathered at the guest house for dinner (and of course, they ring the dinner bell in proper ranch style!).
I would encourage anyone to visit Cataloochee Ranch; its a fantastic experience for the entire family, including non-horse-riding husbands. 🙂
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