Vermont horse trails

Captcha · Mar 21, 2015

Ahh!

I have a book that was originally set in Ontario, Canada, but has been transplanted to Vermont, USA as per publisher request.

I had the characters using horse trails in Algonquin Park when they were in Ontario, but I'm not sure what to translate that to in Vermont.

I mean, the park would take up about a third of Vermont's total land area, I think, so I'm not looking for an exact replication.

But in the book, my characters are treating the visit to Algonquin as an interesting over-night or maybe daytrip, with horses... what is there in the Vermont area that would be equivalent? Doesn't have to be a park, just something that would be an equine adventure without a huge time commitment.

Thanks for any ideas.

King Neptune · Mar 22, 2015

You might start with this. I'm not familiar with the place, but for a daytrip it should work. Daytrip from where?
http://vtstateparks.com/htm/other_detail.htm

I don't know what the rules for horses in National Forests is. If they are allowed, then Green Mountain National Forest is another possibility.

bombergirl69 · Mar 22, 2015

Or the Merck forest (http://www.merckforest.org/) lots of people trailer in, great riding.

And probably a whole novel in turning around anything bigger than a 2H BP. There are cabins to rent there as well for overnights. A day ride up Mt. Antone...

Captcha · Mar 22, 2015

Cool, bombergirl! Neptune, I was looking at those as well, but was hoping for some first-hand experience.

Thanks, guys!

bombergirl69 · Mar 22, 2015

riding in MF is great but lots of uuuuuuphill for sure! And you have to dodge hikers. The country is rolling farmland, lovely in all seasons, and it's a working farm (sheep, "heavy" horses, the whole deal), great wool also if you're a knitter!

But the trailering thing can be epic!

King Neptune · Mar 22, 2015

Captcha said:
Cool, bombergirl! Neptune, I was looking at those as well, but was hoping for some first-hand experience.

Thanks, guys!

I can't tell you. I've seen riders while I was on foot, but that's all. What do you need for the novel?

Captcha · Mar 22, 2015

It's just a passing reference - they're just talking about things they could do, and this was one of the ones mentioned.

King Neptune · Mar 22, 2015

Captcha said:
It's just a passing reference - they're just talking about things they could do, and this was one of the ones mentioned.

Then any of the places mentioned would work, especially if they don't go into detail.

Bolero · Mar 22, 2015

Curious about why the publishers wanted the change, if it is OK to ask in public?

Captcha · Mar 22, 2015

Just marketing, I guess. Apparently Canada isn't different enough to qualify as an interesting, exotic locale, but it's too different to fit the expectations of someone who's looking for a down home country read.

This is for a small town romance book - I don't think it's something that would apply across the board to all stories.

jeseymour · Mar 24, 2015

The Woodstock area has a lot of trails and trail riding. GMHA has a 100 mile ride every fall. http://www.gmhainc.org/