Horses - HILL COUNTRY EQUESTRIAN LODGE- A HAVEN FOR RIDERS AND NATURE-LOVERS - August 2001 - Equiworld

HILL COUNTRY EQUESTRIAN LODGE- A HAVEN FOR RIDERS AND NATURE-LOVERS

Nestled in an oak-studded valley, and encircled by the rugged hills west of Bandera, Texas, Hill Country Equestrian Lodge offers a new perspective on the traditional guest ranch. According to owners Dianne Tobin and Peter Lovett, "Everything here is designed to create a very personal experience for each guest. We emphasize privacy, and no one is restricted by a set schedule. Guests can bring their own horses and ride at will, or they can take a private lesson or a guided ride on one of ours. Each of our cabins is carefully placed among the trees to provide a sense of seclusion, and is situated to take advantage of the incredible Hill Country views here."

Built in historic Early Texas architectural style, each cabin has a full kitchen, rear deck, and spacious front porch from which to enjoy sunrises, sunsets, birding, and stargazing. In four of the cabins, a limestone fireplace stretches from the hard-wood floor to the peak of the 21 foot cathedral ceiling.

When guests arrive, their cabin is already stocked with an overflowing basket of fruit, breakfast foods, coffee, tea, and snacks. For lunch and dinner, guests may enjoy one of the many excellent restaurants in nearby Bandera, or Dianne or Peter can pack them a lunch for the trail, or bring hot meals or groceries to their cabin. They can also cater for small groups upon request. "We basically taylor-make your stay to fit you," Dianne remarks.

There is plenty to do, for horseback riders and non-riders alike. The lodge's location adjoining the 5500 acre Hill Country State Natural Area gives its guests walk-in access to its 40+ miles of trails for riding, hiking, cycling, birding, and viewing of the park's abundant wildlife and diverse native plants. Children find the lodge's own fossil-hunting area good for at least a couple of hours' fascination. Tubing, fishing, and kayaking in the Medina River are minutes away, and Sea World, Fiesta Texas, and the Alamo are within an hour's drive.

Still, guests need not feel compelled to do anything in particular. "One of this place's greatest assets is its ability to transport its visitors to a place and state-of-mind far from the stress of their everyday lives", remarks Peter. Dianne adds "From the time they drive up to our 100 year old ranch house, and step out under this big dome of a watercolor-blue sky, our guests know that they are somewhere special." Continuing, she adds, "We want to give our guests the chance to reconnect with nature, or maybe with a part of themselves they've forgotten. We want them to leave rejuvenated, and ready to enjoy life."

. Hill Country Equestrian Lodge is located 10.5 miles West of Bandera. at
1580 Hay Hollar Rd, 1.4 miles off of Ranch Road 1077.
Phone: (830) 796-7950. Fax: (830) 796-7970.
Website: www.hillcountryequestlodge.com. Email: lovettor@aol.com.

Hill Country Equestrian Lodge
Summary of Features

Accommodations: 4 private cabins and 5 luxury suites. 22 beds. Total capacity 44.
Cabins: Living/dining/kitchen area with cathedral ceiling, limestone fireplace.
Fully equipped kitchen with range, microwave, refrigerator w/ freezer, dishwasher, toaster, coffeemaker. Bedroom with queen-size bed, reading alcove, Sunroom with game booth convertible to queen size bed, 2 baths, front porch, and rear deck. Sleeper sofa in living area. Sleeps up to 6.
Rates: $99 per adult for first two adults
$75 per adult for each additional person
$37.50 per child 18 and under, Children 4 and under free
Suites: Bedroom with queen bed, kitchen w/ cook-top, microwave, refrigerator w/ freezer, toaster, and coffee-maker. Sunroom with game booth convertible queen bed, bath, front porch and rear deck. Sleeps up to 4.
Rates: $75 per adult
$37.50 per child 18 and under, Children 4 and under free

Equestrian Facilities: All new 8-stall barn w/ automatic waterers and fly spray system. Stalls are 12' x 12'. New paddocks are 50' x 100', with 12' x 20'shelters. Round training pen, outdoor riding area. 6000 acres on which to ride, with access to 40+ miles of trails in Hill Country State Natural Area.
Boarding for Guests' Horses:
Stalls: $10 per night. Includes bedding.
Paddocks with Shelters: $10 per horse per night.

Horseback Riding and Instruction:
Private Riding Lessons: On one of our beautiful quarter horses, matched to your riding level: $50 per hour.
Guided Trail Rides: Personalized , small groups. $25 per horse per hour.

Group Meeting Space: Northwest Room of 100 year old ranch headquarters seats up to 25, with beautiful views of the surrounding Hill Country.
TV/VCR. Other presentational aids available upon request.

Meals and Catering: Breakfast stocked in your cabin or suite. Other meals, including packed lunches "for the trail", provided upon request for an additional fee. Catering for groups can be arranged. Numerous restaurants in nearby Bandera, Texas.

Golf: Flying L Golf Course, 15 minutes. About $30 with cart.

Fishing, Swimming, Tubing, Kayaking: In Medina River, 15 minutes. Tubing and Kayaking rentals $5-$10 per person.

Distances to Area Points of Interest:
.Bandera. 10.5 miles. Shopping, dining, dancing, nightclubs.
.Fiesta Texas, Sea World. Approx. 55 miles.
.San Antonio: The Alamo, Spanish Missions, River Walk. Approx. 65 miles.
.Kerrville: 35 miles. Cowboy Artists Museum.
.Comfort: 23 miles, Fredericksburg: 65 miles. Antiques, German pioneer
architecture & culture.

Phone: (830)796-7950 Fax: (830)796-7970
Website: www.hillcountryequestlodge.comEmail: lovettor@aol.com