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Sinatra, a rescue horse housed at Ausable Chasm, takes a nap while Equine Center manager Travis deValinger gives a brief introduction on horse riding and handling safety.


Dakota (from left to right), Sinatra, and Dean Martin munch contentedly on hay after a trail ride through the Ausable Chasm Campgrounds.


A hiking trail overlooks the natural beauty of Ausable Chasm.


A steady flow of water cascades down Rainbow Falls at Ausable Chasm. Along with the many attraction the Chasm already has to offer, trail rides by horseback are a new family friendly activity being offered.


Travis deValinger adjusts a hackamore on Willy Nelson, a gelding used for trail rides at the Equine Center at Ausable Chasm.



The center uses hackamore (bitless) bridles, considered much gentler for a horse. Safety tips include not kicking the horse, and speaking softly.

"You'll get more attention by whispering than by yelling," deValinger said.

To stop, you should gently pull back on the reins and say whoa, then slack the rein. You should repeat if necessary.

"It's just like pumping the brakes," he said.

Control should be achieved as gently as possible, deValinger said. The ideal is to have control but also develop a bond with the animal.

"The horses are like children and you are like the substitute teacher," he said. "The more you demonstrate you're in charge, the better it behaves."

The center's staff try to match the horse with the rider's experience level.

"The girls and I go out and ride them to find out how they interact with other people," deValinger said.

Every rider has to wear a helmet, regardless of their riding ability. The center uses one guide for every six riders.

If a rider is nervous or scared, center staff will walk alongside the horse.

"We're all about safety first," he said.

The staff have more than 25 years experience of operating, training and teaching in the equine industry. deValinger most recently was involved with the Emerald Springs Ranch in Saranac Lake.

He and Natalia Fiedler are the guides, and Fiedler helps in all aspects of the operation as needed, including as liaison with their veterinarian.

Lance Falcon is the farrier, and also tends to the horse's nutritional needs.

"He's responsible for keeping our horses ship shape," deValinger said.

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