Bundle Up and Ride and Let it Snow

Winter provides unique opportunities for the horseman (or wannabe) and is one of the finest times to ride. The most important equipment are good gloves and a warm pair of socks (with toe warmers!). Once those needs are met, you’ll be ready to enjoy the farm from the back of one of our well trained horses.

There will be no insects to swat, no leaves to block the views of wildlife and our beautiful mountain scenery. We’ll explore the nooks and crannies of Blackberry Farm in the companionship of competent equines and the world will belong to us! Quoting Helen Thomson: “In riding a horse we borrow freedom.” Ahhh….

All the horses are like fuzzy bears right now, warmly attired in their winter coats. Some Blackberry standouts are Harlan and Cheez, both dressed in fluffy red. Van Winkle is in red and white, and Abbott is clothed in warm golden palomino fleece. Their shoes each have a few spots of borium applied. This metal gives added grip on slippery surfaces. So, the horses are “winterized” and ready to go!

Winter snow flurries add to the romance of the season’s trail riding. There is a soft, peaceful quiet about the farm as snow muffles background sounds and we are caught up in the moment. The simple joy of being part of the horse and rider relationship makes for memories with meaning.

Winter riding is exhilarating and invigorating. It is the best time of year for one of our favorite equine sports—riding to hounds! Warmed by a sip of port at our stirrup cup toast, get ready to kick on as hounds’ voices fill the air! Following the hunt, all participants and friends will gather around the fire to relive the day at a traditional hunt breakfast prepared by Blackberry’s chefs. Life for the equestrian doesn’t get much better than this!

I’ll leave you with one more mental image, my personal favorite of the winter equine experience. Imagine yourself bundled up in the seat of a shiny horse drawn surrey, with mounds of blankets and steaming hot chocolate. Blackberry will be decked in its winter finery, pine boughs with red bows, smoke rising from every chimney. Your driver will share the stories of our mountains and valleys as you wander through the perfect winter snow globe. As you pause to gaze over our winter wonderland, silence is broken only by the clip clop of horse’s hooves and the crisp bright clang of winter’s brass sleigh bells. Snuggle up and take it in. This is Blackberry in the winter….


Contact Carla Hawkinson, Equestrian Program Manager, for details of the Blackberry equestrian experience
865-273-8545 Stables
chawkinson@blackberryfarm.com

Winter provides unique opportunities for the horseman (or wannabe) and is one of the finest times to ride. The most important equipment are good gloves and a warm pair of socks (with toe warmers!). Once those needs are met, you’ll be ready to enjoy the farm from the back of one of our well trained horses.

There will be no insects to swat, no leaves to block the views of wildlife and our beautiful mountain scenery. We’ll explore the nooks and crannies of Blackberry Farm in the companionship of competent equines and the world will belong to us! Quoting Helen Thomson: “In riding a horse we borrow freedom.” Ahhh….

All the horses are like fuzzy bears right now, warmly attired in their winter coats. Some Blackberry standouts are Harlan and Cheez, both dressed in fluffy red. Van Winkle is in red and white, and Abbott is clothed in warm golden palomino fleece. Their shoes each have a few spots of borium applied. This metal gives added grip on slippery surfaces. So, the horses are “winterized” and ready to go!

Winter snow flurries add to the romance of the season’s trail riding. There is a soft, peaceful quiet about the farm as snow muffles background sounds and we are caught up in the moment. The simple joy of being part of the horse and rider relationship makes for memories with meaning.

Winter riding is exhilarating and invigorating. It is the best time of year for one of our favorite equine sports—riding to hounds! Warmed by a sip of port at our stirrup cup toast, get ready to kick on as hounds’ voices fill the air! Following the hunt, all participants and friends will gather around the fire to relive the day at a traditional hunt breakfast prepared by Blackberry’s chefs. Life for the equestrian doesn’t get much better than this!

I’ll leave you with one more mental image, my personal favorite of the winter equine experience. Imagine yourself bundled up in the seat of a shiny horse drawn surrey, with mounds of blankets and steaming hot chocolate. Blackberry will be decked in its winter finery, pine boughs with red bows, smoke rising from every chimney. Your driver will share the stories of our mountains and valleys as you wander through the perfect winter snow globe. As you pause to gaze over our winter wonderland, silence is broken only by the clip clop of horse’s hooves and the crisp bright clang of winter’s brass sleigh bells. Snuggle up and take it in. This is Blackberry in the winter….

Contact Carla Hawkinson, Equestrian Program Manager, for details of the Blackberry equestrian experience
865-273-8545 Stables
chawkinson@blackberryfarm.com

Winter provides unique opportunities for the horseman (or wannabe) and is one of the finest times to ride. The most important equipment are good gloves and a warm pair of socks (with toe warmers!). Once those needs are met, you’ll be ready to enjoy the farm from the back of one of our well trained horses.

There will be no insects to swat, no leaves to block the views of wildlife and our beautiful mountain scenery. We’ll explore the nooks and crannies of Blackberry Farm in the companionship of competent equines and the world will belong to us! Quoting Helen Thomson: “In riding a horse we borrow freedom.” Ahhh….

All the horses are like fuzzy bears right now, warmly attired in their winter coats. Some Blackberry standouts are Harlan and Cheez, both dressed in fluffy red. Van Winkle is in red and white, and Abbott is clothed in warm golden palomino fleece. Their shoes each have a few spots of borium applied. This metal gives added grip on slippery surfaces. So, the horses are “winterized” and ready to go!

Winter snow flurries add to the romance of the season’s trail riding. There is a soft, peaceful quiet about the farm as snow muffles background sounds and we are caught up in the moment. The simple joy of being part of the horse and rider relationship makes for memories with meaning.

Winter riding is exhilarating and invigorating. It is the best time of year for one of our favorite equine sports—riding to hounds! Warmed by a sip of port at our stirrup cup toast, get ready to kick on as hounds’ voices fill the air! Following the hunt, all participants and friends will gather around the fire to relive the day at a traditional hunt breakfast prepared by Blackberry’s chefs. Life for the equestrian doesn’t get much better than this!

I’ll leave you with one more mental image, my personal favorite of the winter equine experience. Imagine yourself bundled up in the seat of a shiny horse drawn surrey, with mounds of blankets and steaming hot chocolate. Blackberry will be decked in its winter finery, pine boughs with red bows, smoke rising from every chimney. Your driver will share the stories of our mountains and valleys as you wander through the perfect winter snow globe. As you pause to gaze over our winter wonderland, silence is broken only by the clip clop of horse’s hooves and the crisp bright clang of winter’s brass sleigh bells. Snuggle up and take it in. This is Blackberry in the winter….


Contact Carla Hawkinson, Equestrian Program Manager, for details of the Blackberry equestrian experience
865-273-8545 Stables
chawkinson@blackberryfarm.com