Hoof Print from Glens Falls, New York • 18

18 HOOF PRINT August 1995 Wild West Stables brings a taste of the old West to the Northeast By Ellen Getting Assistant Editor and his trick horse or pony. Future plans call for Hubbell to provide enter tainment on a regular basis. LAKE GEORGE, NY Just off W41d West owner Andy Beadnell, Route 9 in the heart of Lake George, who also owns and operates Ridin' Hy amidst 270 acres of beautiful Adir- Ranch in Warrensburg, is quick to ondack mountain scenery, sets the point out that this is just the beginning, brand-new Wild West Stables. Offer- "We are planning to build an entire ing trail rides on ponies, mules or western town where people can spend a dav in an old-time make the trip to Mendon for their first circuit of the trails, however, Harnish must get final approval from Mayor Wennberg and Public Works Commissioner Warren Conner. "The Mayor remains unconvinced," Harnish said, referring to the question of whether the horses carry the Cryptosporidium parasite.

Harnish pointed to the $6 million federally mandated water-filtration plant currently being built in Rutland as further insurance against possible contaminants, regardless of where they originate. As this article goes to press, nothing has been settled. Area punsters continue to have a field day with the situation. "Whoa, Said Rutland City" and "Unhappy Trails: City Sending Mendon Horses Off Into Sunset" are examples of the lighthearted commen-tarv in print. The Cortina Inn has joined the fun by good-naturedly including horses tongue-in-cheek in their recent advertisements and making references to tiny Mendon as a "no-horse town." To horse owners, however, the situation is not a laughing matter, and one that continues to warrant close scrutiny.

that although he does not live in the watershed, he picks up the manure from his pasture. "For example, 40 horses in a two-acre lot next to a stream would be a danger no matter where it was." He believes that the horse owners inv olved would be willing to take responsibility for disposing of wastes within reasonable guidelines. As of early July, Harnish was hopeful that he will be allowed to offer trail riding to his guests. He has contracted with Letitia and John Sisters, owners of Mountain View Stables in Danby, VT, to bring in seven horses and to organize the program. This compromise brought what Harnish describes as "nods and smiles across the table" from citv officials.

In late June, Rutland City Health Officer Pamela Petrie and Assistant Citv Engineer Alan Shelvey inspected and approved the improved trails that Harnish hopes to use. This review included a spot" where the trail passes over a small tributary on Harnish's land. They also approved two areas where the horses could be tied while resting or awaiting riders. "I think as far as thev are concerned, it's a go," Harnish said. Before the horses can western atmosphere.

We will even have mini cattle drives and old-time, working farm equipment. We really intend for it to be a working ranch," said Beadnell, "and it should be readv for next vear." Other plans for Wild West include a shopping area a snack shop, and maybe even an old-fashioned soda "-r. -v. o5 i 1 Jl i- ''V 3, Ill 1 Todd Beadnell visits with two of Wild West Stables' Belgian horses. The horses are used to take visitors on wagon, hay, sleigh, and stagecoach rides.

fountain. Also in the works is an arena for winter riding and les- Plea deal reached in Jones horse-neglect case This winter, visitors to-Wild sons, horses; hay rides; and scenic rides in a restored 1912 stagecoach, Wild West Stables is an exciting addition to the popular Lake George resort area. Visitors aged four and up can ride here, says manager Dave Letzelter. "We can take the little ones and put them up with a wrangler." Older riders may want to try a longer ride perhaps the one up to the top of French Mountain. "The ride takes two and a half hours.

We have an overlook and a corral at the top, so everyone can get off and enjoy the view." While you wait for your ride, you may want to browse in the gift shop. You may be treated to an exhibition by well-known horse trainer Hub Hubbell West will be able to enjov sleigh rides courtesy of Wild West's team of gentle-giant Belgian draft horses. Wild West Stables already has an old-west flavor. The logs for the buildings and the mile of fence that surround the corrals were cut bv Wild West's own "hand-set saw mill from the turn of the century," said Letzelter. "The owners here are all builders bv trade, and we are doing the whole place on our own." Wild West is open seven davs a week.

For more information, call (518) 668-2121. By Neil Murray Reprinted from The Post-Star LAKE GEORGE, NY A woman charged fifteen months ago with mistreating horses was convicted June 26 of disorderlv conduct. Heather A. Jones, 51, of East Schroon River Road, accepted the conviction as part of a plea bargain that also requires her to allow drop-in veterinary inspec tions of any horses she keeps in Warren County during the next year. Jones was charged in March 1994 with breaking the state cruelty-to-animals law after one horse died at her Twilight Training Center and a veterinarian found thirteen of 31 other horses on the property in poor or fair condition.

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