Topnotch Equestrian

Topnotch Carriage Rides – “Gentle Giants”
A leisurely carriage ride at Topnotch puts a new spin on relaxation. Four gentle giants – Percheron and Belgian Draft horses, the largest weighing 2,200 pounds – pull your choice of three vehicles: a four-passenger white wedding carriage with red velvet seats, a three-passenger surrey with blue velvet seats and convertible top and a six-passenger wagon with spindled wheels. The 30-minute route, scenic and historic, meanders along a brook in the woods, across a classic covered bridge and through a meadow with stunning views of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. Afterwards, passengers are invited to pet and feed the horses and learn about their origin and history.  Carriage rides are available daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call Rochelle at (802) 253-2216 for information and reservations.

Topnotch Trail Rides
Vermont looks especially beautiful from horseback. The Topnotch Equestrian Center offers one-hour, four-mile guided trail rides across a variety of terrains including hills, open meadows and across streams for up to seven riders, age seven and older. Choose from English or Western style tack. Rides are available at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. May through November (dependant on weather) and costs $35 per person. Children age 3-6 will enjoy pony rides in the corral. Call the Nordic Barn at (802) 253-6433 for information and reservations.