Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Part 2.

See my first post for more details.

I was up late last night writing things down, I'll be typing them out soon enough, trying to give everyone more ideas as to what I'm up to.

But first I had to promote the blog, so I've posted it in a few places to get some traffic to it. I sure hope I get the traffic I need and then the funding I need.

Read on my friends.


Picture this for a moment:

You're driving in the area, and you see a sign for my farm. You think that you want to check it out, considering the sign says to drop in.

You turn onto the long, winding drive up to the farm. Set far back from the main road, this is the quietest farm you've ever been to. After driving through the trees, suddenly it opens up and you see people, animals and a beautiful farm house around you.

Here there are guests bringing their own horses for a weekend trip, they'll be staying overnight in the guest cabins, built with people and horses in mind.

You park in the car parking lot and get out.

You pick up a small guest map to give you a better idea of what you're seeing.

To your left is the farm house. It's a charming raised bungalow with 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an office and a great view of the farm.

Beside the house is a 14 stall barn, attached is an arena that is well lit, insulated with a safe viewing area.

To the right, down the dirt road, are cabins with small fenced pasture areas. These are the guest cabins. The horse(s) brought can stay in the pasture outside the cabin at night.

There are 7 cabins in a semi circle. Cabins can sleep up to 4 people, 2 single beds and 1 set of bunk beds. There is also a pull-out couch in each, just in case someone doesn't want to sleep on the top bunk. Hot water is solar heated, in fact, all electricity provided to the cabins is solar.

The information on the reverse side of the map indicates our offerings year round and the cost of each. It also details our cabins, and our aim to run completely on green energy in the coming years.

Our greeter comes by to talk to you, he answers any questions you have about the property or any of the services we offer.

You go for a trail ride and are extremely happy. You plan on telling all your friends about the farm, and plan on coming back again yourself.



Sound good? Well of course that's just what I'm thinking, I don't know exactly how it will work out.

But as you can tell, I have ideas. Plenty of ideas. Hopes and dreams for this business.


In my previous posting, I mentioned the offerings of the farm. Now I will explain them in detail, and put a cost to them.


* Trail rides- 1 hour/2 hour/half day rides.
-> 1 hour trail rides are a great way to learn how to ride if you've never done so before. These rides meander through the flat trails of our farm, good for new riders, but still provide amazing scenery as well. Included in the cost are pre-ride basics for those who need to learn, a mandatory helmet rental(unless you bring your own), and an amazing ride that may go over an hour. Cost $35

-> 2 hour trail rides are an in-between for riders who want more than an hour, but aren't ready for a longer ride. We continue on flat trails, but also move on to slight elevation changes, for a bit of a challenge. Cost includes same as above, but also includes a small snack. $65

-> Half day rides are up to 5 hours in length, depending on where we go. We could go off property, or spend the ride on our own trails. For those ready for the challenge, we will be going at a faster pace. These half day rides are provided on weekends only, 2 rides go out per day, so booking in advance is preferred as space is limited. Price includes all of the above, and also includes a packed lunch for riders and food for the horses. $125

* Overnight trail trips.

-> Overnight trail trips are something to remember for a long time. Bring your tent and sleeping bag for the experience of a lifetime. This trip starts with you checking in upon your arrival. You will be matched with a horse suited to your needs before you head out. All gear will be loaded up on our pack horses, and we will provide you instructions before heading out to our campsite for the night. Upon reaching our site, you will be instructed on how to tie your horse for the night. We will feed the horses then set up our tents. Our dinner will be basic, burgers and dogs on the open fire. A roaring campfire before turning in, then getting a good night's rest before heading out in the morning.
Breakfast will consist of toast, eggs and bacon. We'll relax for a bit after breakfast before heading out on the trails again. Once saddled up, we will hit the trails for faster paced riding, for those who want this.
We will stop for lunch prior to heading back to the farm. Once back at the farm, you collect your gear from the guide, and can discuss the trip. After that, you're free to do what you want.
Cost of overnight trip includes horse for the day/night, dinner, breakfast and lunch on the trails, helmet rental. Riders must have ridden at our farm before to be allowed to go on this trip. $175

* Weekend trail trips.
-> Weekend trail trips consist of the same as above, but with an extra day added. We will be exploring more of our forest, and adding some nature walks through the area, so dress accordingly. The weekend trips are limited to 6 riders, as space is limited, this trip must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance. 10% must be paid at time of booking. $250

* English/Western lessons.

Information to come later.

* Boarding- Stall and pasture.
-> Stall and pasture boarding cost vary, pasture boarding is always cheaper, but we are hoping in the future to be able to lower the cost of stall boarding by using green energy.

-> Stall boarding includes daily turnout, feeding and grooming when needed. Stalled horses are put out to different pastures than pasture boarded horses. In bad weather, the stalled horses will be kept inside. If your horse has special needs, the costs will be assessed prior to boarding. $300/month

-> Pasture boarding is provided year round, if you have sheets and blankets, they'll be used when needed. Feeding and grooming is provided daily. $250/month

-> Broodmare boarding is provided if you have studded on our farm. It will be provided at a discounted rate. If your mare is in foal and she didn't stud here, then it will cost you a little more.
- In foal- our stud: $400/month. Post foal- our stud: $450/month.
- In foal: $450/month. Post foal: $500/month.

* Part boarding.

-> Part boarding is a great way to get riding without the added expense of buying your own horse. Riders must pass a riding test before being allowed to ride. Riders will be matched up with 2-3 horses. Riders can ride 3 days per week, up to 2 hours a day. $160/month.
* March Break camps.
* Summer camps for both adults and children.
* Winter rides for those who ride then.
-> Winter trail rides are available to those who still want to ride no matter how cold it is. On a nice day, the trails are inviting. As long as the trails are not being used by snowmobiles, they are open to riders. Cost includes helmet rental. $30/1 hour only.
* Hit the Trails riding club, for die hard riders.

-> For those who want to ride often, but want more than part boarding offers, this riding club is for you. We urge you to pay for a month and decide if it's for you. Then you can decide how long you want to pay for your riding. If you choose a longer package option, it costs you less.

$250/month- $3,000/year
$700/3 months- $2,800/year
$1250/6 months- $2,500/year
$2,400/12 months- best deal
* Therapeutic riding.

-> Riding is great for everyone, but there are people who would benefit even more from riding, and those get these rides feel even better when they leave. Therapeutic ride sessions are held weekly, 3 times a week. Sessions are offered in small groups so it has a more personal feel. 1 on 1 rider/guide sessions offered. $150 per weekly session.

* Low income spots during summer camp programs.

-> 3 low income spots are available for each summer camp session for kids. Cost for camp is half of the full price, can be paid in installments prior to the camp session starting. Proof of income must be provided prior to registration.

* Guest lodgings including meals.

-> Guest lodging is available in one of the cabins on the property. Great package rates are available for a 2 night stay for up to 4 people and 4 horses. Discounted rates are available when booking in advance.

-> 2 nights for up to 4 people and 4 horses- $600
-> 4 half day trail rides- $500 Can be changed to suit your needs.

Book early and save.

-> 3 months in advance- 40% off
-> 2 months in advance- 30% off
-> 1 month in advance- 20% off

10% must be paid at time of booking to ensure your spot.

10% discount for cash payment less than one month in advance.

Bring your own linens, food and cookware for your cabin stay. Lunches provided on the trail ride.
* Training programs.
Details to follow.

* Farrier service.

-> Farrier costs can vary, but average hoof cuts cost $35. Complete shoeings can cost $200+ Our farrier can provide you cost details.

* Snowmobiling in the winter.
* Snowshoeing in the winter.
* Summer and winter trail passes



Details to follow for those items that don't have any information yet. I'm still working on pricing for these offerings.

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