A look into the equestrian experience in the Walton County area

Learning to ride

Allison Richards teaches hunt seat at Gulfside. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

It is easy to notice that local equestrian Allison Richards loves horses. She speaks the language of horsemanship with confidence as I watched her guide two young riders during a recent lesson.

With the years of knowledge under her belt, it is easy to understand why. Riding since she was 10, Richards started riding in a pony club. She quickly progressed, and began teaching the sport at age 14. Her diverse background has included the equestrian program at Sweet Briar College outside of Lynchberg, Va., and fox hunting in Cincinnati and Virginia.

Richards works with students on a contract basis. Along with riding skills, Richards teaches good horsemanship, which includes stable management – grooming, basic veterinary horse care, stall cleaning and proper nutrition.

Isabelle Meadows and Savannah Burden, both 10, have each been riding horses for more than five years, and are currently two students training hunt seat style with Richards in Santa Rosa Beach.

Currently, Richards is working on USHA Training Program Certification, which establishes and promotes standards, good horsemanship and credibility to the horse training environment.

Allison Richards is teaching at Gulfside Trail Rides at 613 CR. 393 in Santa Rosa Beachcan be reached at 561.635.9696 or via email at: aridinginstructor@gmail.com

Watch video below of Isabelle and Savannah during one of their lessons with Richards. The girls are riding Buddy, affectionately nicknamed “Air Bud.”

Allison Richards teaches hunt seat to locals Isabelle Meadows and Savannah Burden.

The Paso Fino experience at the Seabreeze Farm

Ceely Barfield on her Paso Fino, and her mom Cissy in the background.

The Paso Fino is a natural-born gaited horse, and one of smoothest breeds to ride. The Paso is a stocky breed that reaches 14 hands.

Cissy Barfield and her daughter Ceely have been riding Paso Finos for several years, with Cissy more than 24 years experience. At the Seabreeze farm, they offer guided trail ride learning on McClellan saddle, a cross between Western and English.

“Pasos are gentle, and easy for beginners – their smooth gate is perfect for anyone from the age of 4 to 74,” Barfield explains.

Cissy, Ceely, and their Pasos have earned several National Championships in Paso Western Pleasure. One of their winners Concierta, “Consy” is a two-time National Champion.

The Seabreeze Farm offers 27 acres of trail riding along with instruction structured to the rider’s pace.

I took a short ride on a Paso while visiting the Seabreeze Farm and felt as though I was riding on the Cadillac of horses. Such as smooth ride, I barely had to hold on to the reigns as the gentle movement left or right directed the horse with ease.

Barfield can be reached at 850.830.3146
Seabreeze Farm
4233 Bob Sikes Road
DeFuniak Springs

Watch video below of Cissy and Ceely on their Paso Finos.

Gulfside Trail Rides

Gulfside Trail Rides at 613 CR. 393 in Santa Rosa Beach offers trail rides in the Point Washington State Forest. One or two hour guided trail rides for up to 6 riders are offered. Call to inquire about birthday parties and weddings.

For more hours and more information, call 850-208-3114 or visit their website at gulfsidetrailrides.com

Rocky Bayou Stables

Rocky Bayou Stables offers a Trot-N-Tots class for children ages 3-8. Other programs included are a beginners class from 8-10, birthday parties, camps, Boy/Girl Scout merit badge program, a home schooling program and private or group lessons.
There is 3 arenas and 42 stables on 15 acres. Contact the stables for more information regarding instructor availability.
rockybayoustables.com
767 Forest Road
Niceville
850.729.8821

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Locals and horses enjoy the Gulf of Mexico. Photo courtesy Lanna Williams

Local horsewoman recalls trail rides on South Walton beaches

Folks that have lived in South Walton for more than eight years, will probably remember the Brand “N Iron Corral on U.S. Hwy 98 in Santa Rosa Beach.

One would often spot horsewoman, Lanna Williams, along with her young riders sauntering along the beaches and trails in the area.

Williams remembers when a trail ride to the beach was a refreshing treat for both the riders and the horses.

“The horses loved getting in the water,” Williams recalled.

Locals Heather Marse and Jimmy Ferguson in front of the Brand ‘N Iron Western Store. Circa 1968

Since the 60s, Williams and her family ran the 8-acre Brand ‘N Iron Corral, offering pony rides, riding instruction, boarding and a western store.

“We were the only place on U.S. Hwy 98 for miles,” Williams said.

A popular place to come learn to ride, Williams noted her students enjoyed the sport so well, many continue to ride as adults.

In 2002, Williams sold the property in South Walton moved the Brand ‘N Iron to its current location. It is now located on 80 acres, off of U.S. Hwy 331, just north of Rock Hill Road in DeFuniak Springs.

Williams is actively involved in team penning competition. Team penning is a western equestrian sport that evolved from the common ranch work of separating cattle into pens for branding, doctoring, or transport.

Lanna Williams in team penning competition.

It is a fast-paced sport that involves teamwork with three riders working in harmony to cut out numbered cattle and drive them to a pen while keeping the wrong numbered cattle back. Williams competes in the Dixie Region Team Penning (DRTPA).

Williams continues to offer youth lessons and boarding on her ranch, along with her llama, goat, kitty, pups, guinea pigs, bunnies and 30 horses.

For more information about the Brand ‘N Iron Corral, you can contact Lanna Williams at: 850.225.1241.

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Good old horsing around at Pleasant Ridge Arena

A youngster enjoys a ride at Pleasant Ridge Arena. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Kids of all ages enjoy horse back riding at Pleasant Ridge Arena

Pleasant Ridge Arena in DeFuniak Springs held a Neigh and Bray Fun Show on Feb. 19. Hosted by owners Diana and Red Brannon, young children enjoyed stick races, horse back and carriage rides. The more seasoned riders competed in pole bending and barrel racing.

Pleasant Ridge Arena is located at 1917 Pleasant Ridge Road in DeFuniak Springs. The facility hosts a variety of events throughout the year. To find out more, go to their website at http://www.pleasantridgearena.com. Phone: (850) 892-5398