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TWO TOWNS JOINED VIA HOOF BEATS WITH THE ADDITION OF NEW TRAILS

a person standing in front of a horse

Opportunity created for many to see the forest for the trees from beautiful new trails

PRINCETON, MA, UNITED STATES, October 13, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — According to Massachusetts Audubon, “over 40 acres of open space (forests and field) are lost to development every day” (MassWoods.org). With beautiful woodland property spanning into the towns of Rutland and Princeton, Cornerstone Ranch has taken steps to be a good steward of the land, preserving its beauty and well-being for future generations.

two people standing in front of a horse

Julia Connell, barn manager and licensed instructor with Susan Connell, mom and founder and Dudley a horse at the Ranch

Improvements have been made to the grounds over the 20 years since the Ranch began the transformation from a plot of wild forestland to a working horse ranch. The most recent, substantial update involves a new trail system on land purchased for preservation in 2017. The additional trails have quadrupled the scope of the trail system at the Ranch. Trails wind through areas dense with trees native to New England, where wild blueberry bushes and mountain laurel are plentiful. A high vista opens to Mellon Hill, part of the Ranch’s Rutland property where the Boston skyline appears once riders travel up a trail through the woods. The mature forest is home to many species including songbirds, turkey, and deer accustomed to seeing horses traveling through the woods. There are few places on earth where people can experience such a lovely wildlife habitat from a horse drawn sleigh or on a trail ride.

“Having nice trails to create happy memories for visitors is very rewarding. We love our horses, and feel they deserve great trails. I think the horses are happier now too!ā€
-Susan Connell, founder

With the recent creation of a new trail system, Cornerstone Ranch remains excited and committed to positively engaging horse lovers young and old with such activities as trail rides, riding lessons, all-day riding workshops, horse-themed birthday parties, live music, pony rides, horse drawn wagons rides, and the much loved and anticipated winter sleigh rides! The Ranch welcomes visitors traveling from nearby towns as well as from Boston, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and points beyond.

a person riding a horse on the side of a road

Recent trip via horse-drawn wagon down a path at the Ranch

About Cornerstone Ranch
Cornerstone Ranch is family owned and operated. The Ranch employs 10 people year ā€˜round, and has several volunteers and riding instructors-in training. Social distancing is a natural occurrence while on horseback, and thereā€™s lots of space on the Ranchā€™s charming grounds for socializing before and after riding. The Ranchā€™s own Wild Child Express Trolley serves up delicious healthy options on weekends. In cooler weather, the big fun fire pit is a great place to indulge in hot chocolate and sā€™mores while enjoying the great ranch & horse vibe.

Group, Private & Semi-Private Riding Lessons From $55.00

Sign on for super-fun, safe lessons, structured for you to learn at the best pace possible for your comfort level. Lessons guided by MA licensed riding instructors who truly care about our horses, your experience and find ways to reach your goals! Classes are year ’round inside the riding arena or outside.

Horseback Riding Birthday Parties From $285.00

Have the ultimate birthday party for your child and join us at Cornerstone Ranch for horseback riding, pony rides and wagon rides! Beautiful, comfortable covered area with tables & chairs provided; Camp fire, hot chocolate & marshmallows for toasting at the camp fire in the cooler weather. Stay as long as you like — no overnights šŸ™‚

Private & Family Horse-Drawn Rides From $150.00

Enjoy a fun sleigh or carriage ride! Take in the beautiful scenery through the trails at Cornerstone Ranch and then enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores around theĀ  campfire! A fun and uplifting activity for groups anywhere from 2 people to 6 people. If you have more than 6 please book two rides at the same time, or back-to-back rides and we will take you all together if conditions allow.