My stay at Hunter’s Rest was a wonderful reconnection with riding, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone considering an equestrian holiday through Equiscapes.
Betsy is a lifelong horsewoman with an extraordinary depth of knowledge, both in and out of the saddle. She is direct, observant, and generous with her experience. Safety and the welfare of her horses come first, and she has clear expectations for her riders. I respond well to that approach, and I came away with greater confidence and a real enthusiasm to keep learning.
Just as importantly, I always felt comfortable asking questions. Guests are expected to tack up their mounts and untack and care for them afterward. More than once, I asked Betsy to double-check my work, making sure I was doing things correctly and as she preferred. She never lost patience or made me feel foolish for asking. That combination of high standards and patient guidance meant a great deal to me.
The riding was the reason I booked, and my time in the hunting field was an experience I will treasure. On my final hunt, I rode Jay, a wonderful Irish Sport Horse who was steady, responsive, and had a canter like a rocking horse. I also felt warmly welcomed by the people I met, which made stepping into an unfamiliar hunting community so much easier.
The hospitality deserves just as much praise. Betsy and her charming husband, Tom, welcomed me into a home full of warmth, conversation, and life. Her cooking is exceptional: dinners made from scratch, homegrown vegetables, homemade sourdough, and pork from pigs raised on the property. The sourdough waffles and homemade venison sausages alone will have me reminiscing for quite some time. My only complaint was that I couldn’t eat more!
Hunter’s Rest is a working farm, and being part of its daily rhythm was one of the pleasures of my stay. I chose to lend a hand wherever I could and take every opportunity to learn. There was also time to sit in a rocking chair overlooking the lower barn and turnout pastures and simply enjoy being there.
For anyone who enjoys an involved riding holiday, values knowledgeable instruction, and appreciates generous hospitality, Hunter’s Rest has so much to offer. I left feeling welcomed, challenged, supported, and excited about my future with horses.
Thank you to Betsy, Tom, and Equiscapes for such a memorable experience. I would love to return.