Here's an invitation to join us for a fun weekend with our horses. There has been a group of hardy riders who have taken our Icelandic horse to Woodside Ranch for an annual weekend stay in the autumn season. Woodside Ranch is a very quaint dude-ranch type vacation destiny in Mauston, Wisconsin, just a bit north of Wisconsin Dells. See more at http://www.woodsideranch.com It has been such a wonderful group outing for those of us here at Winterhorse Park and we've looked forward to this outing every fall. They have 1400 acres of private wooded land that we are allowed to use. Not necessary to worry about hunting but we have seen a number of deer on our rides. The highlight of each day is riding out for breakfast cooked on an open fire and served on picnic tables while our horses rest in a large paddock.
After dinner we socialize in the Trading post that offers full bar service, game room and music activities. Since we choose the first weekend in November, it's considered off-season and we are allowed to bring our own horses. This year we plan to check in on Friday, Oct. 30th and check out on Sunday, Nov. 1st. We arrive around lunch time before check-in on Friday and plan a picnic lunch in the yard while our horses settle in to their paddocks. There are two large sand lot paddocks with automatic waterers. We keep the mares in one and the geldings in the other to avoid any studly behavior. It seems to work and there is more then enough space for timid horses to get away from the bossy ones.
There is one small paddock and a round pen that we have used in the past along with a few open air stalls that are under a roof if you would prefer. We bring our own hay and grain if needed along with a water proof turn-out sheet in case it get cold in the evening. Chances are you will have sweaty horses that may need blanketing if the temps drop. Woodside does not charge us for board.
For those in your group/family that do not ride or do not have an Icelandic to ride, the big horses are always available for guided trail rides along with a horse drawn carriage. The price includes all your meals and fun actives planned for the weekend. If you know of any other Icelandic Horse owners who might want to join us this year, please forward this e-mail to them. It's truly an enjoyable time with friends. No cooking, just eating and riding. . . well, and maybe a few cocktails in the evening along with some fun optional activities.
To reserve your accommodations, please call 1-800-626-4275 and place a $60 deposit for your reservation. Please drop me an e-mail so I can be sure to keep you updated on the plans for the weekend. Thanks!
Barb Riva
Winterhorse Park Icelandics
Eagle, WI
262-594-5152
