in cattle ranch in Colorado, my husband and I began
riding at Swancreek Stables. Having grown up in
Michigan in an area where riding stables were more
prevalent, we were thrilled to discover SCS! In addition,
since the stable rides year round in the Oak Openings
Metropark, it was a perfect fit.
From our very first ride it was obvious of the caring
atmosphere in which the stable operates. The owners
are meticulous in selecting the right horse for each rider
and are dedicated to a “positive” riding experience for
each and every person on the ride. Safety is stressed
as well, with excellent instruction on basic riding skills
prior to each ride.
Stables but let me tell you how I got here and what Swancreek
means to me. . . . While I had horses as a child, I only truly began
riding in February when I started taking riding lessons through
BGSU in Bowling Green. I enjoyed my lessons so much that I
began to search for a place to get more time in the saddle. Like
most folks, nowadays, I turned to the Internet. After pages and
pages, I finally found a nearly hidden link to OhioTrailRiding.com,
Swancreek stable's old website. I called up the owners and booked
a ride for a visiting friend and I in March. We had such a fantastic
time on that trip that I've been coming back on a regular basis
ever since.
I knew nothing about Swancreek prior to my first ride with them in
March 2006. And I keep coming back. To me--that says all you
need to know. The horses each have their own personality (as do
the people . . . and dogs . . . and cats . . . and rats . . . and, well
you get the point) and they still have their "get up and go" (but
only if you ask them to)! I've been on lots of trail rides at many
different places recently and let me just say that this one does not
feel like a "mane-to-tail" ride. At Swancreek, the riders are in control
of their horse--you actually feel like your participating rather than
letting the horse do all the work. It's a lot more fun that way.
Riding at Swancreek and learning from Laurilie as I ride and work out here has really strengthened my knowledge of
horsemanship skills. I've learned so much that I just returned from a Cowgirl Camp out West where we rode several
hours a day. We went on cattle drives, barrel raced, pole bended, team penned, and loped to our hearts content.
Without my time spent at Swancreek, I doubt that I would have had the confidence or skill level to keep up on that
trip!
The moral of this story: I went from that single ride in March to helping out with the rides five to six days a week! In
the meantime, the old website was discontinued and I began working on this site, the new (and hopefully improved)
site of Swancreek stables. I have had such a wonderful experience being a part of the Swancreek stables
community that I decided it is only fair that others have an equal opportunity to do so. I hope to see you soon.
Season Ellison
webmaster@swancreekstables.com
25 June 2006
