Lessons On Horseback

Horses at the Ausable Equine Center get a chance to ride

Story by Amanda DeLosh
Photos courtesy of the Ausable Equine Center

When we are younger and growing up, our parents often teach us the lessons in life. One of these lessons usually involves helping others in need, or listening and learning from your elders. With these messages in mind, children may grow up to care and help other people.

The Ausable Equine Center in Ausable Chasm, N.Y., has taken these lessons to heart, enabling the center to give something back to the local community.

The Ausable Equine Center was once a ranch in Saranac Lake.  After 35 years, however, this farm soon turned into something much bigger.

“We re-started another place with the opportunity that Ausable Chasm was one that’s too good to pass up,” says Travis DeValinger, owner and manager of the Equine Center.

“I think probably what visitors enjoy the most is having the experience with the horse, to love the ride, and being outside.”

The owners of the center rescue horses and provide them with loving care. It is a big part of the Center, and all of the horses are well-trained and will always reside at the center.  “Our horses retire with us," DeValinger says.

At the Equine Center, people enjoy trail rides, sleigh rides, carriages, and even horse-riding lessons. The Equine Center's horses are treated with the kindness and respect a family member should receive.

“We are able to get a lot of novice riders that are able to experience a ride and come away with an enjoying one as well,” DeValinger says. “It's something rewarding.”

The trail rides are for people of all ages. Horses carry riders along trails that weave in and out of Ausable Chasm’s forest. All of the trips are led by DeValinger, who has plenty of knowledge to make the ride as safe and fun as possible.

"We take time to show each and every person how to control the horse with a bitless bridle or a hackamore, how to sit in an Australian or Western saddle, what to expect on the trails when a horse spooks, and how to keep your calm if you get nervous," says barn manager Natalia DeValinger.

"This demo lesson lasts anywhere between 10 to 15 minutes, and if our guests are still uncomfortable, we always walk, instead of ride, for the hour," Natalia says. "It is easier for us to control the horse, if something is getting out of hand, on foot than it would otherwise be, riding a horse."

A connection is important when developing any type of relationship. This applies even when riding a horse. When on the trail ride, it becomes very one-on-one between the rider and the horse. “The summer trail ride is more of a personal contact with the horse,” DeValinger says. “I think a strong point is being able to connect with the animal.”

“I think the best part is bringing awareness to horses.”

“I think probably what visitors enjoy the most is having the experience with the horse, to love the ride, and being outside,” DeValinger says.

Ashley Ashwood, a visitor to the Equine Center, recalls a memorable day along the Ausable trails. “The experience was exciting," she remembers, "and I had a great time with my family.”

The Equine Center also offers an old-fashioned winter experience with a horse-drawn sleigh through Lake Placid Club Golf Course.  “Sleigh rides are more about the whole experience of being outside, going back in time to the life that was simpler,” DeValinger says.

DeValinger says that the magic of the sleigh ride happens to be what visitors enjoy most, even though there isn’t as much contact with the horse. Ashwood says her favorite thing at the Equine Center was the sleigh rides. “I would definitely bring my friends and family back, but I would try a summer visit this time,” she says, intrigued by the idea of experiencing the trails in a different season.

The Equine Center helps out its visitors as well. They educate them in hopes to get a general awareness of what really is happening to unwanted horses. 

“When people come, we ask them to keep an open eye (for horses in their communities that may be a abused or in need of help),” DeValinger says.

"Before we formed the AuSable Equine Center, we were not aware of the 'unwanted horse issue'," Natalia says. "The idea came to light, when I was surfing the Internet and saw slaughter of horses in action. After that, I was never the same again."

Both Travis and Natalia decided to help these animals by taking horses in that were surrendered by their owners, also off the auction kill pen, as well as they have saved from negligent private owners.

"A horse is theraupetical in every way"

"The formation of the Equine Center, made me more aware of animal cruelty, and that it is still happening today, during the 21st century," Natalia says.

At the Equine Center, horses receive no harsh treatments, nor are cruel or unusual techniques used on the animals here. Their motto is: “When the mental and physical well-being of the horse is placed first, they have a way of returning it. Our mission is promoting the gentle and humane treatment of all animals everywhere.”

“I think the best part is bringing awareness to horses,” DeValinger says. “And then being able to reach out to the public and being able to talk about the plight of horses.” Natalia adds, "A horse is theraupetical in every way."

Have you ever visited the Ausable Equine Center?

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