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High Pocket B&B & BarnCopied with permission from Equine Journal. Written by Susan Bertrand
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After we settled into our room, we settled our horses in a large barn equipped with 4 spacious box stalls. There is also a huge field where you can turn your horses out and if, as in my case, you need to keep your horse off pasture, there is also a round pen available. With the horses secured, we drove down to Shelburne for lunch. Shelburne is only about 10 minutes from High Pocket and offers a street of touristy shops, including one with handmade glass items and a specialty candle shop. If you need to go to town," Greenfield is within 15 minutes and, for more shopping, Wilmington, Vermont is about 25 minutes north of High Pocket. F  or those who would like to stay and aren't horseback riders, there are golf courses nearby, as well as lots of great spots for fishing and hiking. The peace and tranquility of High Pocket's surroundings is enough to sooth anyone who may just want some time to kick back and relax.Breakfast is served at 8am every day. On Saturday, we were treated to a wonderful pastry made on the spot, along with pears sautéed in just the right amount of butter and sugar, a plate of fleshly sliced melon and mango, and poached eggs with sausage and English muffins. On Sunday, we were offered all the blue berry and banana pancakes, bacon and fresh fruit we could eat. Each breakfast also included coffee and juice. Guests are given full use of the kitchen for preparing lunch and dinner or you can find a great selection of restaurants in the towns nearby. 
Before our rides, we were asked what types of trails we wanted to ride on, as there are both easy and more challenging choices. Friday afternoon, Sarah and Mark's sister, Lynne, took us on an hour and a half ride through fields offering splendid views and wooded trails with footing manageable by any horse and rider. On Saturday we rode for about two hours with Mark as our guide. We were again inspired by beautiful wooded trails perfect for trotting and cantering, as well as a few challenges - including a rock bed complete with water trickling down through it. We also enjoyed crossing a refreshing, picturesque river.During our rides we were advised if there was a tricky spot up ahead and asked if we wanted to try it or not before moving on. At one point on the trail, Mark even offered a couple training suggestions for a particular problem I was having with my horse. I thought this was above and beyond the call of duty and did not want to take advantage of his kindness, but he was very patient and his, help was both greatly appreciated and useful. There was also a nice cross-country trail, which began right next to the facility. It includes several easy, fun jumps and takes about 15-1ninutes to complete when traveling at a moderate pace. My horse and I had a some fun with that on Sunday morning before having to get ready to leave. And I wasn't quite ready to leave. I certainly would have been happy to stay a few more days. We had a wonderful weekend surrounded. by nice people and he rich summer shades of green and bright sun. I can easily imagine that the colorful foliage in the fall must also make for a breathtaking scene. Mark, Sarah, and Lynne were great hosts, riding partners, and guides. I can't say enough about how much we enjoyed their company, our accommodations, and the whole High Pocket experience. Thanks to the whole McKusick family for sharing their time, property, and friendship. For more information on High Pocket Bed & Breakfast and Barn, call 413-624-8988 or visit their Web site at www.highpocket.com. |
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A friend of mine and I had the wonderful opportunity to take our horses to High Pocket Bed & Breakfast and Barn for a weekend this June.