When Jona Ryan moved to Richmond, 福利姬视频 from Texas in 1991, she brought with her years of experience in the rodeo industry and a passion for the Bluegrass state鈥檚 favorite animal. She witnessed central 福利姬视频鈥檚 thriving thoroughbred industry up close; what she didn鈥檛 see, however, was an opportunity for families to interact with and learn about the horses. That鈥檚 why in 2004, she founded (also called Stepping Stone Ranch).聽
At Deer Run, visitors over the age of 7 can take a one-hour guided trail ride through serene Daniel Boone country, just 7 miles south of the hustle and bustle of Lexington. (For younger visitors, 10-minute, guided pony rides around the corral are available.) In Ryan鈥檚 experience, tourists from all over the world– Ryan reported visitors from countries like Saudi Arabia, Japan, China, and Korea– come to the area for a more authentic horse country experience than may be found elsewhere. With its rustic charm and up-close-and-personal approach, the ranch does not disappoint.聽聽聽
鈥淧eople come to 福利姬视频 to ride horses,鈥� Ryan said. 鈥淭hey want to get up and see what it鈥檚 like to ride on a trail. They want something scenic, to see more nature and wildlife than they would on a horse farm. People all the time tell us they can鈥檛 believe how beautiful 福利姬视频 is.鈥�
It鈥檚 not uncommon, in Ryan鈥檚 experience, for guests to bring some apprehension around interacting with horses to their experience. The large, majestic beauties certainly command a level of respect. But, taking care to alleviate those anxieties is a highlight of the business for Ryan. Before setting off on a ride, Ryan and her experienced guides engage in 鈥渙ne-on-one confidence building鈥� with the riders and horses, most of whom have been hauling guests at Deer Run since its founding.聽
鈥淚 think my favorite part is having people come in, and they鈥檙e afraid of horses, but by the time they leave the trail, they have enjoyed themselves and feel so much more confident,鈥� said Ryan. 鈥淭hey understand that even though the horse can be dangerous, they鈥檙e not something to fear if you know how to be with them in a calm and relaxed manner.鈥�
People from all walks of life, as well as all over the world, have visited Deer Run Stables for pleasure and for personal reasons. Ryan recalls several guests who visited to fulfill items on their 鈥渂ucket list鈥� after terminal diagnoses or before major medical procedures. One man, she recalled, visited shortly before a leg amputation– he wanted to ride a horse while he still had both legs. Another guest wanted to ride a horse before her upcoming double mastectomy. There鈥檚 a reason, in Ryan鈥檚 estimation, that those across the spectrum of experiences are drawn to her favorite animal:
鈥淚 enjoy seeing people appreciate the horses for what they are, they鈥檙e so spiritual and special,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think horses get the credit for the personality, love, and passion they have.鈥澛�
To reserve your trail ride, call Jona Ryan at (615) 268-9960 and visit the stables鈥� website and to learn more.聽