Horsing Around in Ontario County

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Take a sunrise drive through the hills surrounding Honeoye on a crisp autumn morning and you may glimpse riders on horseback among the teasels and sumac. The foxhounds are cast and the hunt field follows anticipating a good run. To the east in Gorham, round a turn and you may find yourself at a leisurely "trot" behind an Amish buggy. Ontario County has horses in abundance, but one needn't belong to the horsy set to enjoy these wonderful creatures. www.stuarthorsetrials.org  More..... Since 1989, late July has brought the Stuart Horse Trials to the countryside south of Victor. This three-phase, multi-day event combines dressage, cross-country and show jumping in a display of skill, bravery and endurance for both horse and rider. Equestrians from across North America and the world join our homegrown Ontario County riders to make this a truly international event. The first day of competition centers on the "Dressage" phase. This test is judged on a variety of factors based on the horse's suppleness, precision and quiet obedience. Imagine a horse ballet, and dressage is it. The heart of the Trials occurs on "Cross Country" day, during which horses gallop up to two miles, negotiating obstacles built to fit naturally into the terrain. Conditioning is the name of this game on a top-level course that includes banks, ditches, drops and a stunning water complex. Spectators are encouraged to hike alongside the course for the best vantage points and a great workout as well. Remember: heads up, stay alert and enjoy a fabulous day in the country. "Show Jumping" occurs on the third and final day of competition. Find a cool spot under the willow trees from which the entire course can be seen, and keep your eyes open for scarlet dress coats – an indication that the rider has represented his/her country in international events. Each rider navigates the course individually, achieving a clean round when his horse finishes with no dropped rails, run-outs or refusals and within the time allowed. The leaders in each division are the last to ride so the winner is rarely known until the final round is complete. Even the awards ceremonies are a thrill as the champions lead the top finishers in a victory gallop accompanied by the soaring notes of a bagpipe.

If you prefer the pounding hooves of thoroughbreds racing on the flat, Finger Lakes Gaming &Race Track, www.FingerLakesRaceTrack.com, is the destination for you. Before entering the cavernous Racino and grandstand, stop at the paddock area for a close range look at these track stars of the equine world. No bob-tail nags here! Grooms lead restless horses to be saddled as an electronic clock counts down the minutes to the next race. Jockeys in their colorful silks appear from the track tunnel and mount up. Have fun taking mental notes of each horse as you choose your favorite to win; and if you're a betting person, the windows are just inside the Racino. While outriders escort the field from the paddock to the track, it's time to head for the grandstand. Excitement builds as the horses parade to the far side of the track for loading into the start gate. And they're off! Jostling for position, one has to admire the jockeys perched over their mounts at speeds upwards of 35 miles per hour. Out of the final turn, this race is shaping up to be a nail biter. The crowd stands up as the horses thunder down the home stretch to cross the finish line. For racing fans, there's nothing like the rush of a photo finish and Finger Lakes Gaming & Race Track is the place to get your fix.

For a quieter outing, enjoy the charm of Ontario County's rich history with a carriage ride through residential Canandaigua. The Carriage Museum at the Granger Homestead, www.GrangerHomestead.org, boasts a collection of 19th century vehicles, and a horse drawn tour is the highlight of any visit there. During the summer and fall, you'll be transported to the past as your driver recounts fascinating stories of old Canandaigua, its people and architecture. Winding your way through Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park, www.Sonnenberg.org, to the clip-clop cadence of hoof beats on pavement is a delight not to be missed. And should you find yourself visiting Canandaigua during the winter, these same faithful horses will treat you to a sleigh ride through the Homestead grounds; warm blankets and cocoa provided of course.

For those who want to get up close and personal, a call to Copper Creek Farm is in order. Located near Shortsville, Copper Creek offers the novice rider a rare opportunity to enjoy nature on horseback. Greg and Dana Atwood own this working farm which specializes in hay and beef; however, by prior arrangement they'll introduce you to one of their reliable horses, provide a short lesson and accompany you on a guided trail ride through their scenic woods and open country. The Atwoods stress horsemanship, safety and understanding as their guests spend time getting to know these fascinating animals. Stay alert and you may spot a young doe through the trees or wild turkeys foraging for nuts and seeds. There's nothing like a quiet hack to rest the spirit and put things into perspective. Before you say goodbye, ask about Copper Creek's maple syrup, produced right at their sugar house. A few months later, that warm syrup over pancakes on a snowy morning will remind you of the peaceful time spent on the trail with your new found equine friend.

Whether your heart races to the thrill of competition or you prefer a quiet afternoon jaunt, Ontario County offers a world of activities sure to please any horse lover. So pull on some comfortable shoes, pack a few snacks and head out for a day of adventure whatever the season!

Stuart Horse Trials 2006
July 20-23
Murray Rd., Victor, NY
Admission is free; parking $6 per car per day or $15 per car all four days
Absolutely no dogs, leashed or unleashed
Food and beverages available for purchase on grounds
www.stuarthorsetrials.org

Finger Lakes Gaming & Race Track
Rt. 96, Farmington, NY
Live racing April 14 – November 28
(Check schedule for days and times)
Free admission, free parking
www.fingerlakesracetrack.com

Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum
295 North Main St., Canandaigua, NY
Carriage rides: Thursday., Friday.& Sunday. June-Oct.; $20 adults, $10 children 4-12, under 4 free
Reservations required call (585)394-1472
Sleigh rides: Sunday.1-3, January - March, weather permitting:$5 adults, $3 children, under 4 free
No reservations required but call ahead to check conditions
www.grangerhomestead.org

Copper Creek Farm
5041 Shortsville Rd, Shortsville, NY
Guided trail rides, wagon and sleigh rides for small groups
(585)289-4441
Reservations required; call two weeks ahead if possible