Blue Ridge

Day 1: Arrival & Assessment Lesson

Welcome to Georgia globetrotters, the largest state east of the Mississippi River, where Southern hospitality, rolling countryside and strong equestrian traditions await. Your home for the next five days is a deluxe equestrian property in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the charming town of Chatsworth.

You’ll need to arrive at the barn by 12 midday for a warm welcome, light lunch and refreshments. You’ll meet your host, Melinda, and your coach for the week, Daniel – an accomplished horseman who has represented Ecuador at two Pan American Games, competed in eventing up to Four-Star level and Grand Prix show jumping, and spent decades training, producing and developing horses. Trust us, you’ll leave a better rider than when you arrived.

This afternoon, you’ll enjoy your first private flatwork lesson with Daniel. This initial session allows him to assess your riding, identify areas for improvement and match you with the horses best suited to your goals for the week.

Between lessons, you’ll check into your cosy woodland cabin, just 10 minutes from the barn.

This evening, gather back at the barn for a delicious dinner prepared by Marta, whose Ecuadorian-inspired cooking will quickly become one of the highlights of your stay.

Day 2: Building the Foundations

Wake to the sounds of the forest before heading to the barn for breakfast, followed by a yoga and Pilates session with Melinda to prepare your body for the day ahead.

Your morning private lesson with Daniel focuses entirely on you, your goals and your riding. His personalised coaching often delivers breakthroughs in position, feel and communication with the horse that riders continue to benefit from long after returning home.

When not riding, you’re welcome to observe fellow globetrotters’ lessons or enjoy a PEMF therapy session in the observation room. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and promote natural healing.

After lunch, you’ll head out on your first group hack through rolling hills and enchanting woodlands before emerging beside a spectacular lake overlooking the main house. We challenge you not to swoon and wish you lived here permanently!

Should time allow, private massages are available in the late afternoon (additional cost).

Dinner is served back at the barn before returning to your cabin for the evening.

Day 3: Developing Technique & Control

After breakfast, Melinda leads a strength training session designed to highlight the important connection between fitness and effective riding.

Then the rest of the morning is devoted to another private lesson with Daniel. Working one-on-one allows him to tailor each session to your individual needs, whether that’s improving balance, position, feel, timing or communication. Depending on your experience and goals, lessons may include dressage, show jumping, cross-country schooling or confidence-building exercises. Wherever you’re starting from, Daniel will help you progress.

The exceptional horses play a huge role in this journey. These talented, educated mounts make it possible to feel the subtle nuances of correct riding and experience what true partnership feels like.

After lunch, enjoy another scenic hack exploring a different section of the property.

After a quick shower at your cabin, you’ll drive approximately 30mins to the nearby town of Ellijay for some free time before enjoying dinner at the magnificent The Falls at Blue Ridge (own expense). This place will take your breath away!

Day 4: Refining Your Skills

A morning yoga session sets the tone for another rewarding day.

Today’s private lesson with Daniel focuses on consolidating everything you’ve learned so far. With individual attention throughout, every exercise and conversation is designed to further develop your riding and confidence.

When not in the saddle, you’ll once again have the option of a PEMF therapy session with Melinda.

This afternoon brings your final group hack across the property. Additional private lessons with Daniel can also be arranged at your own expense.

Your final dinner at the barn is a chance to reflect on the week, share stories with your fellow riders and celebrate everything you’ve learned from both Daniel and the remarkable horses you’ve been privileged to ride.

Day 5: Final Lesson & Departure

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy one final private lesson with Daniel, bringing together everything you’ve learned throughout the retreat. It’s the perfect opportunity to cement new skills, build confidence and deepen your understanding of effective horsemanship. You’ll leave not only with unforgettable memories of these extraordinary horses, but with practical tools and insights that will continue to shape your riding for years to come.

Following an early lunch, it’s time to bid farewell and begin your onward journey.

Equestrian Coach: Daniel Sarango

Daniel is a highly accomplished horseman with a lifelong passion for horses and a career spanning competitive sport, horse training and horsemanship. Having represented Ecuador at two Pan American Games and competed internationally in both eventing and Grand Prix show jumping, he brings a wealth of experience to his coaching. Alongside his competitive achievements, Daniel has spent decades breeding, starting, producing and training horses, giving him a deep understanding of horse and rider development at every level.

Lessons on offer

Depending on your experience and goals, lessons may include dressage, show jumping, cross-country schooling or confidence-building exercises. Wherever you’re starting from, Daniel will help you progress.

Please note: Whether or not you enjoy a cross-country jumping lesson during your stay will be decided at Daniel’s discretion, based on where you are at in your riding journey.

If you would like to book additional private riding lessons during your stay, these can be arranged for $100 USD per hour and paid onsite by cash or Venmo.

Additional Activities: Massages

There is the opportunity to indulge in a massage during your stay. The current price is $125 USD for an hour (pricing is subject to change) and this MUST be booked at least one week prior to arrival. Payment can be made via cash or Venmo.

Please email Globetrotting if you wish to book a massage: [email protected]

Local Sightseeing & Activity Options

When you’re not in the saddle, the charming mountain town of Ellijay (approximately 30mins drive) offers plenty of ways to soak up the region’s natural beauty and Southern charm. Spend your free time wandering apple orchards, sipping your way through the local wine trail, or exploring the mountains, waterfalls and rivers that make this corner of Georgia such a favourite with outdoor enthusiasts.

For wine lovers, the North Georgia wine region is right on your doorstep. Enjoy tastings with mountain views at Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery or Buckley Vineyards, where locally grown varietals are paired with sweeping views of the Appalachian foothills.

If fresh air is calling, there are endless opportunities to get outdoors. Hike through the forests and mountain lookouts of Fort Mountain State Park, where more than 25 miles of trails wind through rugged scenery, past a peaceful mountain lake and spectacular viewpoints. Closer to town, the Tumbling Waters Trail leads to a beautiful waterfall overlooking Carters Lake, while the Cartecay River Experience offers kayaking and tubing adventures along one of Georgia’s most scenic rivers.

And of course, no visit to Ellijay would be complete without a stop at one of its famous apple orchards, where you can pick your own fruit, indulge in homemade pies and baked treats, and experience first-hand why this region is known as Georgia’s Apple Capital.