horses can have their own spa day with a bath and massage .”
Thousands of resort guests visit the equestrian center every year for a trail ride , riding lesson , horsemanship program , pony ride or to stable their horses , according to Farrell .
One of the center ’ s cherished residents is Cupcake , an 11-year-old miniature horse who appears in the resort ’ s lobby and living room every weekend . “ She gets braided and dolled up to visit with our guests from 4 p . m . to 4:30 p . m . every Friday and Saturday afternoon ,” says Farrell . “ Guests love cuddling with her and taking pictures . She ’ s quite a ham and loves the attention . Cupcake is also available to attend weddings , private dinners and corporate events .”
The equestrian center offers private riding lessons , walking trail rides and a variety of horsemanship and children ’ s programs , with reservations required . The facility is open year-round 9 a . m . to 3 p . m . daily , but activities are limited in January and February to trail rides and horsemanship programs Friday through Sunday .
THE HUNT BREAKFAST
Hunt breakfasts are an American tradition . Often close to midday , participants return to the farm where the hunt originated , take care of their horses , and gather in the home of their hosts for sustenance and a rehash of the day .
Bacon and eggs are never part of the hunt breakfast . Virginia ham biscuits often are , but the menu is entirely up to the hosts . For instance , Bryce Lingo offers Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey to several hundred guests at his Orange Hill Farm before the hunt . Back at his home afterward , riders are served “ Barn Chiller Punch ,” a mix of orange juice , lemon juice and tequila with mint . The main course is Julia Child ’ s recipe for beef bourguignon , served with salad and roasted fall vegetables . To add to the convivial atmosphere , Lingo says : “ I always have a piano player .”
ERIC STEIN
SALAMANDER 2023 I 53