Gateway Stables

Location: Gateway Stables

Website: http://www.gatewaystables.com/

Address: 949 Merrybell Lane, Kennett Square, PA 19348-2732

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I have always dreamed of riding a horse.  And Living Social gave my friend, my sis and I, a chance to fulfill this dream.  First off, I like to say, we're all complete novices when it comes horses and knowledge about them as well.  (My only information about horses either came from romance novels and my reference books I use for drawing.)  The instructors give quick guides that are easy to follow and you ride pretty easy going horses.  So, if you have zilch experience, you will get on and off the horse with no problems.

We went on June 18, 2011 for the 11:00 trail ride.  The trail ride is one-hour long, where you and a group of people on horses, followed an expert rider through a pretty simple route.  There isn't much to see.  You will ride through a forest, where you might catch sight of deer.  However, it did not diminish the experience.  (But if this was our second time around, it might be a little dull.  Maybe if one goes in different season, it might be interesting.)  The guide keeps up a running commentary that I like.  She'll comment on the area or the quirkiness of each horse.  It's nice.  They'll quickly teach how to hold the reins and how to sit erect on the saddle.

It was pretty simple to get there as long as you follow google maps.  I found that my GPS kept giving me different routes.  The roads are pretty much one lane when you arrive on the property.  So, it's recommended to drive slow in case another cars comes up the other way.  My main problem is the parking.  There aren't any and we just parked along another car on the grassy incline.  I don't know.  It freaks me out when my car is not horizontal.  But it was fine.  You have to leave your car keys at the front desk. No cameras, cell phones and anything on your person.  This way you don't distract the horse.  Plus, you need all your concentration on keeping your seat and making your horse go the way you want it to go.  Believe me.

Everyone was given a horse.  I got one of the bigger horses, Romeo.  He is the white one below.

 

He is smarter than your average horse.  If we had to go in a circle, he likes to cut across.  Why waste time, right?  LOL  My friend got Poncho.  He was the comic relief and I felt bad for my friend.  Poncho liked to do his own thing.  He went at his own speed and ate grass whenever he felt like it.  What a sweetie.  So, if anyone reading this blog do visits, ask for Poncho.  XD 

So, all in all, it was fun.  We went when it was hot but tolerable.  But if you can go in cooler weather, that would definitely be best.  For the price, $35 as of right now, it's a great deal and gives you an opportunity to actually ride a horse without taking care of the tack and cleaning up after them.  They do offer riding lessons, parties and boarding.  I'm not going that far.  However, if you are interested, check it out.  The 1-hour trail ride is definitely worth the price.