alafarmnews

Riders return at the end of the day from one of the forty miles of trails at KC Horse Camp.

By Don Linker

If you like horses and camping, you can combine the two at KC Horse Camp located just north of Double Springs. KC Horse Camp owners, Ken and Carol McDonald were avid trail riders often seeking trails in Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas. Seeing the possibilities for a horse camp in their area, KC Horse Camp became reality when it opened in May of 2004.

Since opening, more than four thousand campers from 24 states, Spain and England have visited the camp. The once-hobby now-business consumes their week days getting ready for the next weekend. Ken relates that now when he gets on the trail, it’s not on a horse, but on a skid steer loader or four wheeler.

Approximately forty miles of trails exist with color coded signs to guide the way. Riders may choose short, easy rides or a longer, more challenging one. The trails are 85-90 percent shaded, so the sun is not a problem and are crossed by many streams where horses may be watered. The landscape is beautiful with trees, waterfalls, streams and pristine valleys.

Back at camp, there are 43 camper hook-ups (21 have sewer in addition to water and electricity) at $25 per night. Primitive camping is also available at $6 per person. For horse accommodations the camp provides 48 covered stalls, 24 uncovered panel stalls (Tarter Gate panels purchased from Winston Farmers Cooperative) or campers can use picketlines or tie to their trailers. A modern clean bathhouse is also available for convenience. KC Horse Camp also has a rustic store with western décor items for sale as well as horse bedding and new products that are being added.

Two rides a month, as well as every holiday, have cookouts with breakfast, lunch and dinner offered. After the ride on Saturday, entertainment can be found in the dining hall with karoke or by attending local activities that may be scheduled.

Ken and Carol are always adding amenities to the camp. A concrete wash area to bathe horses after a day on the trail is scheduled to be in operation by the first part of

KC Horse Camp provides 48 covered stalls and 24 uncovered panel stalls for campers’ horses.

August. A travel trailer is available for rent by reservation to campers without living quarter trailers. An one bedroom cabin with appliances, TV and hot tub will be added shortly with others built as time and occupancy deem necessary.

KC Horse Camp is open 365 days a year and gladly accepts reservations. Reservations enable them to plan for an enjoyable visit for both campers and horses. Reach them by phone at 205-489-5474, email kcranch3@aol.com, or visit their website kcranchalabama.com. They look forward to meeting you or, if you have already been there, to seeing you again.

Your local Quality Co-op supports trail riding and is always glad to supply you with the items you need to fully enjoy your time on the trail, from a full line of horse feeds (including TizWhiz), Weaver tack, Wranglers, boots and, if they don’t have it, they’ll will be glad to find it for you.

Don Linker is an outside salesman for AFC.