Come horse around at Echo Farm in South
Salem on this Road Trip: Close to Home.
The farm offers
lesson for beginner riders up to experienced
ones. “We have approximately 28 horses at any given time, that fluctuates a
little bit. We have about 30 acres, lots of turn
out for the horse,” says Echo Farm owner Callie Kuntz.
You can book a 30 minute, one-on-one lesson, and learn to ride like a pro. No
matter the level, getting to know the horse you’re about ride is vital. That’s why they encourage you to come a little
earlier and get acquainted with your new partner.
It’s a partnership in which there has to be
certain trust and respect.
Then, you’ll learn to saddle up. Getting on a horse can be complicated,
but Kuntz walks you through the process so
you’ll be trotting in no time! “For a lot of people, horses are
therapeutic to begin with so just being out and spending time with an animal is
very relaxing and can help everybody regroup in these crazy times,” says Kuntz.
You'll also learn the importance of grooming
and caring for your horse. “It will protect them from like the tack, which
is the saddle and bridals we put on them, but it’s also a great
opportunity to form a bond with your horse,” says rider Amanda Ferrara.
And right across the street, we found the perfect
restaurant that truly fits today's theme. The Horse and Hound has a long
history dating back to the 1700s. This restaurant serves anything from pub fare
to fine dining, and their meals are made
with herbs grown right from the restaurant’s garden!