Posted 2012-03-18 8:12 AM (#142232) Subject: Fiddlers Green Ranch, Fl
Regular
Posts: 91
Location: Waverly,Oh
We are thinking about a trip to the Fiddlers Green Ranch in Altoona , Flordia and was wondering if anyone has been there that would share their experience.
Posted 2012-03-20 10:39 AM (#142322 - in reply to #142232) Subject: RE: Fiddlers Green Ranch, Fl
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648
Location: Coconut Creek, FL
Camped there this past Oct. They have about 5 electric/water campsites w/ some shade, decent bathhouse (1 shower & toilet), several dirt paddocks, and some stalls. To access the trails in the Ocala National forest, you need to ride about 20 minutes along Demko Rd. The trails to the west are sandy (not deep), thick cover of oak trees, but not well marked. If you head more north, the trails are more open and prettier. I have 2 friends that you pass by their houses to reach the trails, so they were our guides which was really nice.
One day, we rode for about 4 hours in the morning and around 4 pm, we saddled back up (horses were not happy with us) and rode the 10 mintues to her place. Unsaddled and turned them loose in her lush pastures. We got a tour of the 2 houses, barns, and then had margaritas and appetizers in her barn overlooking a pond, lush pastures, horses, wildlife, etc It was quite nice.... We were all a little tipsy on the ride back, but the horses knew the way!
If you do go, pm me and I can give them your number and maybe they can guide you as well. The one couple is retired, the other goes up about once a month to stay there.
The town is small, but cute and near to Mt Dora which is a really neat town - lots of cute shops, great restaurants, etc worth a visit on a rest day for the horses.
Another option right there is Rockin' Horse Stables - they have cottages, electric/water campsites, bathhouse, paddocks or stalls for horses. Their riding is on the east side of 19 in the forest and you can also cross 19 and ride the Demko Rd trails. I have only visited Rockin Horse, so I'm not sure what kind of shape the cottages, bathhouse, etc is in. You have better access to trails from Fiddler's.
Posted 2012-03-22 8:46 AM (#142372 - in reply to #142232) Subject: RE: Fiddlers Green Ranch, Fl
Member
Posts: 14
Location: Milan, PA
We stayed there many years ago and really liked it. Not the kind of terrain we are use to but it was typical FL with flat and sandy. The camp was nice and we really enjoyed staying there. Hope to go back sometime when we actually retire for some winter camping. We have friends that winter in that area so we will have others to ride with too.
Posted 2012-03-23 7:14 AM (#142407 - in reply to #142232) Subject: RE: Fiddlers Green Ranch, Fl
Regular
Posts: 91
Location: Waverly,Oh
thanks for the information. As all of you have experienced, it isn't always as advertised. Fiddlers sounds like a nice place but we will look the other place mentioned also.