Heartland SC Ranch

Introduction
Georgia USA
This guest and horse ranch in the heartland of Georgia is situated on two hundred acres in Historic central Georgia.

You can horseback ride for hours and not leave the ranch. No matter if you are a beginner wanting to ride with your guide lazily across beautiful open pastures or a more experienced rider, ready to trot or lope through lush wooded trails; we have something for everyone! Horses are carefully matched to suit everyone's individual riding ability. Beginners need not worry; riding lessons are available to anyone who needs them. If you seek more of a challenge and are staying for a week or more, you may arrange a trip to nearby Hard Labor State Park for a 9+ mile ride (additional fee).

After your daily adventures, you can enjoy a relaxing dip in the swimming pool or work on your tan. Other pastimes can be enjoyed: throwing horseshoes, playing lawn games, riding bikes, fishing, hiking, spending time with horses in the pasture, or just reading a good book.

Your hosts are experts at making every minute of your stay as exciting or restful as you may desire. Your package includes 4 hours of horseback riding and 3 meals daily.  The plan also includes continuous access to unlimited soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages, fresh-baked cookies, fresh fruits, snacks, and desserts as well as the pool and mountain bikes.

Nearby activities (not included in the rates) offer something for everyone:  golfing, fishing, boating, shopping, and even a gun club. The Ranch is a premier year-around guest ranch and horse farm is home to over 150 quality Paint and Quarter horses. Best known for its hands on horseback riding program and beautiful setting, this riding estate combines this with delightful accommodations, exceptional cuisine, and personalized service for a complete All-Inclusive vacation experience that will exceed your expectations.

Accomodation


Accommodation
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
Delightful accommodations are available in 16 clean, individual guest rooms throughout the 12,000 sq. ft. southern-style mansion. The property also features a common area, where guests can relax while reading a book, playing games, or watching TV. WIFI is available throughout the property. A heated pool (seasonal use) is also available. Laundry facilities are available in the afternoon/evening- please check with the front office for details. Please note:  Smoking is permitted only in designated areas on the ranch.

Room Options
Each room is pleasantly appointed featuring a queen or king-sized bed, A/C, TV, DVD player, phone, Wi-Fi, and private bath. Rooms are available with a rustic, western theme or one of more traditional Southern décor. Our rooms are divided into 5 categories. The package includes accommodation in standard and family king plus rooms. If you want to secure a higher room category a supplemental charge may apply.



Standard (max 2 pax) - included
These rooms include a King bed, TV & private bath. Rooms may have partially obstructed view.



Family Plus (max 4 pax) - included
Rooms in this category feature a King bed “plus” either a Queen, Twin or Sofa bed for a second bed as well as TV & private bath.



Superior (max 3 pax) - upgrade
Upscale, spacious rooms with King bed, good views, TV & private bath. Can sleep 3rd person on roll-away or sleeper sofa.



Superior Luxe (max 2 pax) - upgrade
These luxurious rooms come with a King bed, fireplace, large TV, & spacious deluxe bathroom with whirlpool bath, walk-in shower & double vanity.



Woodland Family Suite (max 6 pax) - upgrade
The family suite features a 33’ living room with large flat screen TV, DVD & DirecTV, dining table, un-stocked bar, mini-fridge and microwave. There is also a very large private outside deck with ample seating. The bedrooms consist of two separate rooms, one with a king bed and queen bed, and the second with a queen bed. There is a modern bathroom equipped with shower, dual vanity, washing machine and dryer.

Room Occupancy
The single supplement fee applies if we are unable to find another rider to share.
Triple and quadruple rooms are available based on availability.



Meals
All meals are included except during low season (dinner not included at that time of the year).
There are many local restaurants that are accessible by rental car. Additionally, we offer a guest refrigerator and microwave and we can provide transportation to town to acquire provisions (if desired). Snacks, baked goods, fruits, and beverages continue to be available 24 hours per day.

Lunch is included either on your arrival day or departure day. 

Guests rave about the food which is prepared fresh daily by our chef. Our meals feature a delightful mix of international cuisine as well as American favorites.

The all-you-can-eat full country breakfast buffet served at 8:00am will satisfy the heartiest of appetites.
Lunch at 1:00pm is served daily as our featured meal where guests are treated to an enormous spread, and of course there's dinner later at 6:00pm. 

Friday night buffet is Surf & Turf (Steak & Seafood)
Saturday night buffet is BBQ…. Ribs, chicken – and the best macaroni & cheese ever created!
Sunday night buffet is burger night.

All the rest of the meals are chef’s choice.  Some meals feature an Italian buffet or Mexican cuisine.  There is always one or two meat selections, one starch, 3-4 vegetable selections, full salad bar and dessert bar, plus breads & rolls, and beverages. All food is prepared by our magnificent chef & his team.


Unlimited soft drinks as well as tea, coffee, fresh lemonade, snacks, fruit and fresh baked desserts are available 24 hours a day! We do not serve alcohol, however guests are welcome to bring their own.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Program
Horses are matched for novice and experienced riders alike at the beginning of each ride, and lessons are available. Guests are encouraged to continue to ride the same horse throughout their stay by requesting them at the beginning of each ride, but no guarantees can be made. Two trail rides are arranged per day, one in the morning (9:15 a.m.) and one in the afternoon (2:15 p.m.). Guests on are welcome to ride up to 2 hours per riding session. You'll be encouraged to groom and help tack the horses for a true hands-on and bonding experience. Whether you want to ride lazily across beautiful open pastures or trot through lush wooded trails, the Ranch can accommodate your needs.
Lessons available upon request for an extra fee.
The ranch was names by Travel and Leisure magazine as "One of America's Best Dude Ranches".

Is this a nose-to-tail ride?
Good question and tough to answer. We've yet to figure out how to get the horses to ride tail-to-tail or head-to-head. It's also not a wise idea to attempt to ride abreast in wooded trails. We do ride in small groups of two to seven riders. Smaller groups of this size can be quite versatile on the trails. When appropriate, riders may trot and canter as well. In a literal sense the horses will inevitably ride nose-to-tail, but you'll find our riding program to have more liberties than most.

Age Limit
Riders must be 8 years or older to ride on their own on the open trails.
Children Under 8 are on "limited/restricted riding".  The restriction means that they are only eligible to ride tandem (double) with a parent, or ride solo via lead line in the parents care in one of the arenas. They may also have some riding in a corral using the parent's horse time. So, if a parent rides doubled for 1.5 hours out of a possible 2 hours, they may use the last 30 minutes in a corral for the child under the parent’s supervision ... and or lead line.
Since most children in this restricted age group are not ready for this responsibility, we don't charge them for it.  However, at the parents' discretion, one may upgrade a younger child to the older children's rate (ages 9-15) to gain full riding privileges. 

Horses
Our ranch is home to over 150 horses. We specialize in quality breeding stock, young stock, and safe trail horses for every level. The majority of our horses are registered APHA, AQHA, ApHC, or POA. Over 2 dozen foals are born on the ranch each spring. Horses are assigned based on riders' ability and preferences.  Guests are even welcome to bring their own horse if they so desire. 

Tack
All riding is done in Western tack and saddles for our program.  Riders are welcome to bring their own Western or English saddle if the wish, but naturally our bridle and bit must be used.

Itinerary


Riding Program
Your first ride included in your package is at 2:15pm on Day 1.

The ranch is situated on 200 acres of prime Georgia farmland, so you can horseback ride for hours and not leave the ranch. Whether you want to ride lazily through lush, wooded trails or lope across beautiful open meadows, the ranch is big enough to accommodate any of your needs.
Horseback rides are scheduled twice daily, one at 9:15am and one at 2:15pm, seven days a week. You will be encouraged to groom and help tack the horses for a true hands-on and bonding experience. 

Please, note that there are no riding activities included on the morning of your departure day!

If you are a beginner, do not worry, riding lessons are available, and horses are personally assigned based on your riding experience and preferences. Guests are encouraged to continue to ride the same horse throughout their stay by requesting them at the beginning of each ride, but no guarantees can be made.
The relaxed riding program even allows guests the unique opportunity to ride on their own if they desire, but small guided groups are always available.
We usually ride in small groups of 3 to 7 riders.

Hard Labor Creek State Park - extra fee
Most riders ride exclusively on the ranch's property. However, some guests staying over longer periods enjoy the change of scenery provided at Hard Labor Creek State Park. Riding at Hard Labor involves transporting the horses and riders by vehicle and providing a guide. The cost is $75/person with a $150 minimum. The trail ride involves a 9+ mile trek through the park's well-established forest and along Lake Rutledge. The terrain is steep at points, and this particular ride is not for beginners. Generally, this trip is only available Monday through Thursday, conditions permitting.



Non Riding Activities
You’ll find many ways to relax and unwind at the ranch. You can enjoy a dip in the swimming pool or enjoy a good book in the shade next to the pool and water fountain. Guests also enjoy playing pool or darts in the game room, riding mountain bikes, throwing horseshoes, shooting basketball, or catching a nap after a meal. Nearby activities (not included in the rates) offer something for everyone: golf, fishing, shopping, and gun club.

Rates and Dates for Heartland SC Ranch

Dates Note: Arrival any day of the week throughout the year.

Other Info
Meeting: Madison
Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Transfer: Atlanta by taxi or shuttle

Climate:
                                            Madison area