Credit card it the only form of payment accepted at Blanche Manor of Activities. Cash may only be used for gratuities to guides.

Without a doubt, regardless of the season – the first ride, the 9:00 AM ride is the best. The groups are smaller, so you get a ride catered to your ability. The horse are also fresh and ready to hit the trails…don’t be intimidated. That doesn’t necessarily mean spunky, that means happy! Just like you are after your first cup of coffee at the office!

We ride rain or shine. Please keep in mind that mountain weather is very unique and can be raining in one area and clear 10 minutes away due to the way the weather patterns move over the mountains and rivers. It takes us several hours of preparation to prepare the horses for your ride, therefore our 24 hour cancellation policy is strictly enforced, so please check the weather before you book.

We ride all day in the coldest of temperatures. As long as you are properly prepared these are probably the most exciting and beautiful tides we have. The horses LOVE the cold weather and are at their peak on the brisk weather. The views that we get from every ridge top and wildlife spotting are amazing because there are no leaves to block the view. Did I mention the snow? If you are lucky enough to get one those rides, that memory lasts a lifetime.

Here are a few of our secrets for staying warm. Layers everywhere - feet and hands included. A hat, fleecy head band, or back of the head ear muffs are a great start. A gator (fleece turtle neck without the shirt part) for around your neck is a must. Hand and foot warmers are our big secret to keeping warm ALL DAY in the winter. These can be found at Wal Mart in the hunting section, any sporting goods store, and sometimes the Dollar Store. Put one in each glove and shoe, and put one in each back pocket. Happy trails!

Because this is such a large part of your adventure in the mountains, you want to do your homework. The main rule is do not shop on price alone! There are stables that are more expensive than us, and stables that are less expensive. When getting on an a strange animal that weighs over 1000 pounds, cost should be toward the bottom of the checklist. Some questions to ask: Find out what the guide to riders ratio is. How long have they been in business under the current management? Are they licensed and insured? Are their guides CPR and first aid certified? Do they offer and require safety gear? What does their trail cover? What is their reputation with the cabin rental agencies or Fannin County Chamber of Commerce?

We have built an outstanding reputation over the past 12 years by introducing the youngest of riders safely to the world of horses. We continue offer opportunities for all ages to interact with our wonderful horses. Our insurance regulations require us to have the guardian acknowledge that the child be 6 years old in order to participate on the trail rides. Our youngest riders will be lead by the guide for added safety and control, but they must be able to sit independently on the horse. Sorry, children may not ride double with a guide or parent. The cost is the same for all riders regardless of age. For the very tiny children unable to ride on the trail, we can offer a pony ride in our riding ring. This service is offered to the children of families enjoying a trail ride on our ranch. The pony rides are offered when available, and by appointment. They last about 5-10 minutes, and cost $10, and is open to children 5 years and younger only. This is not a trail ride, but it does give the littlest riders an opportunity to interact with our four legged friends.

You should arrive 15 mins before your ride time to check in: 9:00 ride please arrive at 8:45 • 11:00 ride please arrive at 10:45 • 2:00 ride please arrive at 1:45. If you follow these guidelines you will leave enough time for trips back and forth to the car, clothing changes, bathroom breaks, paperwork, horse assignments, tack adjustments, and safety instruction. This is quite a bit to do in the time before your ride departure, so please be prompt. If you do not this time frame, the other people in your group who planned properly will have to wait for you, as well as pushing back the next ride time because we are late getting your group on the trail. Please be courteous and give us enough time to properly prepare you for your adventure with us. If you have not checked in by the ride departure time, you will forfeit your ride, and be charged the full price.

Yes, the weight limit for the 1.25 hour ride is 260 pounds and 220 pounds for the 1.25 hour advanced.