Living Jackson Magazine

Galloping off into the sunset...

The rural appeal of Jackson County is a big draw for equine enthusiasts

By Gail Ellen Daly

Photography by Joshua T. Barnett

During the week, Beth Davis teaches kindergarten at Commerce Primary School. On weekends and school vacations she can be found either grooming horses or giving lessons at Shirley Ruth Johnson’s Foxwood Farm in Jefferson.

“I’m a kindergarten teacher by profession, and a rider by passion,” Beth said, as she expertly brushed the winter coat from a young mare named Melody.

Davis is far from alone in her passion for horses. Countless people of all ages either currently ride, or believe they would enjoy the sport.

“I even have an 83-year-old man taking lessons,” Beth said. Her youngest student is only 3.

The mystique of owning a horse and galloping off into the sunset is a romantic idea perpetuated by books and movies.

“There are legends about horses,” said Lisa Wytiaz. “There are no legends about cows, chickens and pigs.”

A certified instructor and trainer, Lisa believes horses inspire people.

“Think about all the advertising that uses horses,” she said.

With that romantic notion in mind, countless would-be riders and horse owners seek both the perfect animal and a qualified instructor.

Shirley Ruth, who has been operating Foxwood on Jackson Trail Road for 27 years, believes that learning to ride teaches more than how to handle a horse while riding and taking care of the animal when the ride is over.

She pointed out that ownership creates a sense of responsibility and self-discipline, in addition to patience and determination.
Kathy Johnson (no relation to Shirley Ruth) who teaches riding at Steadfast Farm in Hoschton agreed.

They (horse owners) learn life lessons,” she said, “including compassion and respect for the animal.”

Going a step further, Kathy called riding and caring for your horse a great stress reliever for adults and often a help for children with emotional issues.

“I was horse crazy as a kid, began with lessons at 11 and even took lessons when I was in high school,” Kathy said. She has a degree in animal science from the University of Georgia, but had always wanted to teach.

“I still continue my education both as a teacher and a rider,” Kathy said.

Economic Impact
Even if one does not own horses, ride horses or enjoy horse-related events, there is surprising information regarding the equine industry in Georgia and particularly in Jackson County, which ranks fifth in the state for number of pleasure horses.

According to Ali Merk, office manager at the Farm Bureau’s Jackson County branch, statistics show that in Jackson County alone, the economic impact tops $1 billion a year.

Merk noted that since horses are not traded or sold like cattle, swine or poultry, the United States Department of Agriculture does not consider them livestock and therefore has no statistic.

However, the most recent statistics compiled by the University of Georgia’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences noted that statewide, there are approximately a half a million horses, primarily involved in recreational activities.

The university’s 2006 Farm Gate Report, released last May with information reported by the Georgia Cooperative Extension Agents, has horses ranked seventh among Georgia’s top 10 agricultural commodities.

The equine industry accounts for $404 million in farm gate value, which is the net value of an agricultural product when it leaves the farm.

For statistical purposes, horses are divided into two categories–horses raised (primarily recreational horses) and boarding, training and breeding.

In the horses raised category, Jackson residents own 975 pleasure horses, which ranks it fifth in the state. The county also features a number of boarding, breeding and training facilities—with 375 horses in that category, Jackson County ranks 31st statewide.

Pleasure horses are valued at $2,500 a head with a $2.4 million farm gate value. In the second category, each horse is valued at $4,000 each with a $1.5 million farm gate value.

On average, Merk noted, horse owners spend $3,500 a year for feed (grain, hay and treats), vet bills, medicine, tack, equipment, building supplies and other horse-related purchases.

“You can see the economic importance of the equine industry in Georgia and in the county,” Merk said.

Abby and her horse, Pathos, board and ride at Steadfast Farms in Hoschton.

Learning, Riding, Buying
Although most Steadfast Farm students ride their own animals, at Foxwood Farms students of all ages usually learn on the farm’s animals. Their riding lessons are also lessons about nature, conservation and the environment. The facility offers five weeks of camp for children each summer, which includes a half-day riding and a half-day of nature hikes and art.

In addition to teaching riding skills, students at both Steadfast and Foxwood Farms learn how to catch, groom and tack their horse.

On a cool, overcast afternoon, 10-year-old Abby Hensley just completed a lesson at Steadfast. Still wearing her riding helmet, she helped Kathy groom one of the farm’s horses.

Abby’s horse Pathos, a four-year-old paint, was already in the front pasture.

“I just like being around horses,” Abby said.

When choosing the right horse the criteria to use is the skill level of the proposed rider. And, Kathy quickly noted the cost of the horse is just the tip of the iceberg. Veterinarian bills, farriers about every six weeks to tend to their feet, feed, tack and other supplies can become costly.

Lisa pointed out that every rider needs the right horse.

“I’ve heard of some nightmare experiences,” she said. “There should be harmony between themselves and their horse.”
Going a step further, she said choosing the right horse is as important as choosing the person you will marry.

“What are your goals? Are you going to enter events to win ribbons, or are you planning pleasure trail riding?” she pointed out.

Lisa, who owns and operates Bashcurl Farm in Jefferson, breeds the rare hypoallergenic Curly Sporthorse. She is also developing Jefferson Equestrian Estates.

“Buying the right horse is a challenge and it’s important to be careful in the quest,” she said.

Do not buy on feelings or the horse’s color. Make sure it’s the right height, the right temperament, the right gender and the right price range.

She also advises a buyer get used to the horse before the actual purchase. If possible seek help from a professional; someone you trust, who is ethical, qualified and experienced.

“A horse and rider should fit,” she said. “A professional will help the buyer get used to a horse before actually buying.”
Kathy offers the same advice.

“Don’t buy the horse before deciding this is really what you want to do,” she insisted. “Then have someone help you find the appropriate horse.”

On the average, Lisa suggests girls begin lessons at age 6, while boys should be a bit older as their motor skills develop later.
Shirley Ruth noted that teaching stables must by state law be licensed and are inspected regularly by the state Department of Agriculture.

Although many girls lose interest at 16 or 17, others remain dedicated. “And many come back to the sport as adults,” Kathy said.

Where to ride
Although Jackson County offers opportunities to learn at licensed farms, they are private facilities. Currently there are no public riding trails or riding arenas in the county, although that is about to change. Later this summer Johnson Farm, also on Jackson Trail Road, will open for public trail rides.

Shirley Ruth’s brother Dewey, who lives on the historic farm where she and her siblings grew up, is retiring from teaching agriculture at Jackson County Comprehensive High School at the end of this school year. Shortly after, Johnson Farm will offer boarding and guided trail rides.

“We will also offer learning on the trails,” Shirley Ruth said. “Riders can bring their own horse or use one of ours.”

In the meantime, riders can trailer their horse to numerous scenic locations within an hour’s drive from Jackson County for a daylong outing. But be careful in choosing a location, cautioned experienced rider Cora Johnson (no relation to Shirley Ruth or Kathy).

“Some of the trails are fine for a novice, but some are only for experienced riders,” she said. Cora, who lives on a small farm near the Apple Valley community, has ridden on many of the state’s trails. She suggests would-be riders check out the type of trail and use their own judgment.

While few public riding options are available, Jackson County does have an abundance of available land, some still at affordable prices, for horse lovers who prefer their horses live at home with them and ride on their own property. In addition, Jackson also is home to niche properties for the serious equine enthusiast: Jefferson Equestrian Estates and Saddle Shoals both were created specifically for horse owners and were developed to accommodate their needs. (See the January/February issue of Living Jackson or visit the web site for the full story in “Unique Properties.”)

With luck, our already equine friendly county will continue to grow in this area, which would be a boon for all residents by helping maintain the idyllic green space and rural appeal for which Jackson County is known.

Gail Ellen Daly, a long-time reporter for the Chronicle, a daily newspaper serving northeast Connecticut, recently moved to Jackson County with her husband. They live in Apple Valley with their horses.

Happy Trails:
Area parks offer all skill levels a wide range of riding opportunities.

Sandy Creek Park
Located in Athens-Clarke County just off Hwy. 441 at the edge of Jackson County, this is the closest facility for Jackson residents. The park features horseback riding trails for a non-resident fee of $15 daily.

Watson Mill Bridge State Park
Three miles south of Comer not far from Danielsville, this park has 12 miles of well-maintained wide trails through a thick forest. The park’s 22 horse stalls cost $5 a day and 11 campsites, which can be reserved up to 48 hours before arrival, cost $15-$19 a night. Recommended by Beth, Shirley Ruth and Cora.

Hard Labor Creek State Park
Located in Rutledge, the park may be known for its golf course, but it also features 22 miles of trails for riders to explore. In addition to 30 stalls, Hard Labor Creek has a riding ring and 12 equestrian campsites, which can be reserved for a daily $25 fee. Shirley Ruth Johnson notes the trails are a bit eroded and not as easy to ride.

Bull Mountain/Jake Mountain trails.
Experienced riders might like to tackle these trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Dahlonega, which offer spectacular views, cross creeks and forests, but they are also single-track up and down the mountain – a difficult ride. Also, riders share the trails with mountain bikers and hikers. Jake Mountain Horse Camp has plenty of parking. The fee is $5 a night and is first come, first served.

Gwinnett County parks
The county has two parks with riding trails—New Mulberry in Dacula and Tribble Mill in Lawrenceville. Each park expects to have an increase in the number of mulch trails and have ample parking. The county’s parks department suggests calling first to make sure the trails are open as due to weather conditions as they may be temporarily closed.

Dawson Forest
Five miles west of Dawsonville on Hwy. 53 lies this 10,000-plus-acre tract with riding trails.

A.H. Stephens State Park
Located a bit farther away in Crawfordville, there are 12 miles of riding trails. The park also features a Confederate Museum and visitors can tour Liberty Hall, A.H. Stephens’s circa 1875 home.