The Vacation Vaquera LLC

31/08/2024

This particular client had booked me in 2023. However, the night prior to our ride, her friend was injured in a horse accident, and they ended up at the Hocking hospital. She asked if she could transfer her deposit for a 2024 date. Of course, I said "yes".
I understand that things happen which are out of our control. I have a number of people who have booked me months ahead of the actual ride. And, as long as you can give me early enough notice, or it's an emergency, such as this, I will allow you to transfer your deposit for another date.
It was wonderful to finally be able to ride with these folks. We had a lovely day!

26/08/2024

This was originally booked as a couples ride. Unfortunately, the second horse, was more of a challenge then the rider was comfortable with. Her "steady eddie" horse, who she had when she booked the weekend, was unable to make the trip. A new horse had been purchased, but they were not a team yet, and felt better staying back at camp. No problem, I just go with the flow!
This gentleman and I had a wonderful day riding. I had ridden with him last fall as well, on the John Boley ride to Ash Cave. It was good reconnecting, and riding together again.

13/08/2024

Have I mentioned how much that I love taking families out? It's so wonderful to see young people on the trails! This particular group hired me for 2 days. One of the daughters' and her children surprised Mom by showing up and camping! I always love to be part of surprise visits like that. We had a great time riding and chatting.

10/08/2024

Just hit bees on the trail up to Fat Man's Squeeze. I couldn't find the nest but threw a marker with an orange ribbon in the general area. I will report to Forrest Manager but not sure if anyone can get to them before Monday.

08/08/2024

My next client has gone from a total stranger, to a friend. She spent the weekend in Hocking with her new mule(s). The weather did not cooperate so we only ended up going out one day. It was a fairly short ride, because they were not in shape for much more. It was also a very hot day. That didn't stop us from having a wonderful time though! She joined me Saturday evening to help The Smoke Rise Ranch gang, rob a train!! We left our mounts at home and helped out where needed. It was so much fun!!

29/07/2024

Athena and I got home from our Mounted Shooting Competition late last night. We won our level both Saturday and Sunday. There were a lot of messages in my in-box and mentions on the Hocking Hills Horse Trails group. I am working to get caught up on all of that today. If I don't contact you, please reach out again. Sometimes when there is a lot to go through, I miss mentions and messages. Thanks!

24/07/2024

If you plan on being at the Ohio State Fair this upcoming weekend, Athena and I will be participating in the Mounted Shooting Competition, in the Colosseum, Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday. The divisions are broken down by skill level and age. Slowest shooters are a level 1, fastest are level 6's. Senior division is anyone over 50 years old. I am a beginner (and old, lol), so I would be in the Senior Ladies 1 level. If you have the time, or you happen to be at the Fair, look us up!! =)

21/07/2024

This next couple spent a good many years in this area, as college students, at Ohio University in Athens. They no longer live in this part of Ohio, but come back frequently for musical events. They love hiking and now bringing their horses here, to experience all the beauty that Hocking has to share with us.
I was encouraged to attend the upcoming Nelsonville Music Festival. I am told that it is an event that shouldn't be missed!

15/07/2024

This group of folks were from Virginia. They run a successful horse operation, which includes trail riding, camping, lessons, wrangler/colt starting competitions, hay rides and many other equine related activities. It is rare that they are able to go away on vacation. Oh, they also have small children!
I was hired for a Tuesday and Thursday. They wanted to do as much as possible while they were here, combining horseback riding and sight seeing with the children. We had such a great time, and never ran out of things to talk about! They told me that if I were ever in the market for another horse, give them a call. They always have something, whether they have bred it or bought it. I will file that away, as important for me to remember!

09/07/2024

Yep, she's back!! And so is her cute pony with his lime green/yellow bonnet. This is our second weekend for this year exploring the trails. We have another one scheduled for this Fall. There is talk of perhaps hauling out to another trail head for that one. We will see.
It's always a fun time with these two!

02/07/2024

My next group of clients were from an organization called "Red Hat's and Purple Chaps"! They took over a campground for the weekend and filled it with food, smiles and laughter! One of the ladies I had ridden with before at Mammoth Cave. One of the other is a fellow Mounted Shooter. It was fun reconnecting, because it had been a few years since I had last seen them.
Over the years I have been hired by a quite a few groups. My first clients ever were from "Hags with Nags". I have taken out Mounted Shooting Groups, Fox Hunting Groups, and multiple OHC chapters. If your group would like to experience Hocking, but don't want the stress of finding your way around, "Hire the Guide and Enjoy the Ride"!

28/06/2024

My next clients, were a couple from Kentucky. They had lived for many years in Pennsylvania, not far from where I used to live! We had great time reminiscing about places and people that we used to ride with. I found it interesting that while we rode many of the same places, our paths never intersected until here at Hocking. She was riding a magnificent Andalusian and he was on a Quarter Horse. Both were lovely animals.

23/06/2024

This next lovely group of ladies, live fairly local. They hauled in for a day ride. One was the daughter in law to one of the ladies. She had never been to Hocking before. The others had, but only when they could find someone they could tag along with that knew the trails. They hired me so that the worry of finding someone during the week, wouldn't happen. Unless already booked- I am available 7 days a week. Week days are actually preferred!
Everyone had a great time and left with smiles on their faces.

20/06/2024

On June 8th, 2024, a heart-wrenching barn fire claimed the lives of over 70 cherished horses, leaving devastation in its wake. Among those profoundly affected are Brandon & Cathy Brant, his dedicated team, Eric Priest and his team.
They are having an on-line auction as a fund raiser. If you would like to help, please visit the catalog and bid on any of the over 800 items offered!
#478 is a gift certificate for my services.

17/06/2024

This gal is a favorite client of mine. She has booked me this year for 3 different weekends. She rides, hubby doesn't. They both enjoy cabin life. She and I go riding, while hubby gets to relax. Sometimes she invites friends to ride with us. We always have a wonderful time!

13/06/2024

Here is a fun event to attend if you happen to be in Hocking this weekend!
https://www.facebook.com/washboardfest

Arts & Music Festival Celebrating a unique piece of American History: the Washboard!

12/06/2024

This particular group of ladies lived fairly local, and hauled in for the day to ride at Hocking. We had a fantastic time and met a lot of people out on the trails that day.
You don't have to be at a camp ground in order to hire me as your guide. Haul in's are a great way to ride at Hocking. There are 4 different places to day park and ride out. Plus, if it rains on your chosen date, it is easier to pick another day to ride!

02/06/2024

If you will be in Hocking June 8, this is a fun event, which needs volunteers! You can't ride your horse unless you attend the practices- Thursday-Friday (evenings) and Saturday morning. However, you can help at the robbery on Saturday night by holding horses, or entering the train and giving out candy. Please contact Smoke Rise Ranch for the details!! I myself, with Athena, help out when I can. Robberies happen multiple times over the course of the summer! The kids love it!

29/05/2024

I haven't posted in a little bit, but it's not because I haven't had clients. I've just been busy!
This group of 4 hired me for the day, specifically asking for no flat slippery rocks. They all rodeo and it is the start of their season. They wanted to play it safe with their horses.
I created the ride, based on their requests and we had a wonderful day!
If you have any concerns, and that is what keeps you from riding at Hocking, have no fear. I can take all of that away for you!

15/05/2024

I have assurances that nothing will change as far as my business. Those of you who have placed deposits for upcoming guide service from Pine Creek, need not worry. Things will proceed as usual.

Book your vacation for you and your horse in our new Hocking Hills cabins at Pine Creek Horseman's Camp. Access to Hocking Hills Bridal Trails. Don't have a horse, book a stay for yourself!

15/05/2024

This group of 4 ladies hired me for 2 days of guiding. The first day, their ponies were a little bit spicy, so we opted for a wider trail route for them to get their yay yays out! The second day was much calmer and we tackled the more challenging trails. We all had such a great time together!
They ended up being here for the week and when they got turned around, would text me. I was riding in Illinois, at Shawnee National Forest, and if I had cell service, would help them out.
When you hire me, I am available for the entire duration of your stay here in Hocking. I can't always be beside you riding every day, but as along as I have cell service, I am just a phone call or text message away to help you out.

09/05/2024

I had a wonderful 3 days guiding these ladies at Hocking. They had rented a cabin and were very mobile, which enabled us to start each day at a different trail head. This makes is so much easier for me to plan a ride in various locations without having to ride the same trail in and out of camp each day.
And yes, the big bay is Gwen. She was the horse in the engagement shoot. I thought that was terribly generous of her owner! Gwen was a great model.

07/05/2024

I had a client needing to cancel due to an unexpected death in the family, for this upcoming weekend, May 10-14. I thought that I had someone who requested me to keep them in mind, just in case. I can't find that request.
Please contact me if it were you, as I am now available!!
Thanks!

28/04/2024

Sometimes really cool things happen when you are on the trails.
I was riding with a client yesterday when we came across an Engagement photo shoot. The bride-to-be was so enthralled by the horses, especially my clients big beauty. She asked to pet the horse. Then she and my client started talking and discovered that they didn't live far from each other in Columbus. The bride-to-be asked if she could have a photo of her and the horse. My client hands her the reins and says "Sure, go right ahead"....
I know that of all the photos in this engagement shoot, the ones with Gwen (the horse) will be her favorite!

14/04/2024

This particular client, I have taken out many times. We have even ridden together at places other than Hocking. This was her first time ever coming in the spring. Over the past 4 years, it has always been fall. She was amazed at how different things looked. Especially all the rock formations, which are normally covered up by leaves on the trees. She was super thrilled to see waterfalls as well. There really is no "bad" time to come to Hocking. Each season has it's own unique beauty.

08/04/2024

Finally!! Made it out on the trails with this duo yesterday. We noticed a variety of wild flowers and even seen a handful of butterflies! It was a beautiful day!

01/04/2024

For those who want to come to Hocking and do more than just ride, here is an excellent website to view other things that Hocking has to offer!

The Hocking Hills Region is Ohio’s premier outdoor adventure destination. Explore today! Don't miss out on the adventure!

30/03/2024

I applied for and received a special permit to ride some of the trails at Hocking this past Thursday.
Guess what?? Both waterfalls are going strong at Twin Falls!! The tree has been cut away from the entrance to 21 Horse Cave, thank goodness!! However, the orange trail coming down the hill from the service road, is washed out worse then ever. Be careful coming down over all those rocks. The orange trail from the Repelling Parking lot area that cuts off a large part of Big Pine Road, is pretty good, until the end, where you can see the road. That part is still mucky.
Monday, April 1 is opening day... I am so excited!!

22/03/2024

The Hocking State Forest Bridle trails will soon be OPEN!!
April 1st baby!
My ponies and I are so excited!