Shelby Ranch – Scotsburn, Nova Scotia
Seeking some end of winter fun we decided to try a horseback riding adventure at Shelby Ranch in Scotsburn.
The day started out a little overcast and chilly, but the drive to Scotsburn through West Branch was peaceful and very scenic. Beautiful churches and farmhouses old and new, large and small kept our attention and guided us through to our destination: 753 Durham Rd., Scotsburn.
By the time we arrived at Shelby Ranch for our trail ride it was beginning to warm up and we were greeted by an unusual welcoming party!
Porky came running over for a scratch as we were getting out of the car and he stayed with us until the kids on a March Break ride came in for their snack. I guess we couldn’t compete with the possibility of stray treats.
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Next, out of the barn came a whole herd of goats. Ok, maybe not a whole herd, but at least six or seven – and a rabbit. They were friendly but some seemed more interested in licking salt off our car than us???
The girls were already enjoying themselves and they hadn’t met a horse yet. Oh, and there were many – everywhere. In small paddocks and large open fenced area – soooo many horses – beautiful! We checked in with a few…
…then headed toward the barn.
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Time to go horseback riding!
In the barn we were greeted by more horses and our guide. She outfitted us with helmets, introduced us to each of our horse companions and helped us mount.
After a quick course on safety and how to maneuver we were on our way!
The summer trails meander through the woods and up to a look off, but it was pretty icy and would be too hard going for the horses so we took the winter path, a stroll through the fields and up a dirt road.
We reached our turn around point – about 40 minutes later and Wow! What an incredible view – we could see all of Pictou – the harbour and out the the Northumberland Strait. The pictures don’t do it justice, it was like a 250 degree panorama. Besides, it’s hard to keep the horizon straight when your horse is moving!!
Amazing – I can just image it in the summer and fall – I will need to go back!
All in all, we had a wonderful day. Our guide at Shelby Stables was friendly, helpful and very horse knowledgeable. The animals were great and the scenery spectacular. The cool, brisk wind on the top of the trail was a bit nippy but we weren’t really cold at all.
I can’t wait for warmer weather to do it again!
Try some of these other amazing places in Scotsburn to round out your adventure!
A Walk Through Time Museum – 4119 Scotsburn Rd.
Loch Broom Log Church – Loch Broom
Smith Rock Lodge & Chalets – 310 Fitzpatrick Mountain Road
Deb’s Hidden Cafe – 4149 Scotsburn Rd.
