A True Horseback Adventure!

Posted On November 6, 2013

BLB Stables

Stephanie Kelley

A hidden gem offering exciting outdoor family fun and adventure is tucked away in Burntland Brook, just a few miles from Plaster Rock on Rte 385.
Nestled in the beautiful fields and woods next to the Tobique River, Paul Jenkins and Mabel Mangum operate BLB Stables.
 
The couple opened the riding stable in May of 2012 to offer trail and sleigh rides to the public. I stopped in recently to meet Paul and Mabel, and the horses too.
Paul took me on a delightful tour of the trails on an all terrain Kubota. The trails criss cross and wind through the woods and fields over 200 acres along the lovely Tobique River. A trail ride at this stable is a real trail adventure through the woods and along the river!
As we toured the trails, Paul told me that he plans to add campsites and build cabins down along the river. It’s a beautiful and secluded site with a beach and a great swimming hole to frolic in during the summer months.
 

There are currently 7 horses at the stable, and I met and petted them all. I was sorry I hadn’t thought to bring some apples with me for treats!
Paul introduced me to the stable gang…Joey is a 10 year old quarter horse and Haflinger cross. He is a stable favourite because, as Paul says, he is virtually bomb proof…. steady and dependable for riders of all skill levels.
 

Flicka is a paint and draft cross, Smoky and Gypsy are quarter horses, Abby is a pretty paint, and Sarah and MacKenzie are handsome pure-bred Haflingers.
This breed was developed as a small draft horse in Austria and Northern Italy in the late 19th century. They are always chestnut in colour, and are noted for their steady temperaments and hardiness. They make great saddle horses as well as draft horses, so Sarah and MacKenzie are the horses tapped for sleigh duty.
 

The sleigh is a sturdy Amish made wagon that holds 8 to 10 people comfortably. When the snow flies, Paul will remove the wheels and attach runners for sleigh rides through the woods…a real New Brunswick winter adventure! The price is a modest $5 per person for a half hour sleigh ride, with at least 4 people aboard.
There’s a “boiling hole” along the trail for a rejuvenating hot chocolate stop during the sleigh ride, too!
 

Horseback trail rides are just $15 for a half hour ride, or $25 for a full hour. Currently, the stable can accommodate up to 4 trail riders at a time. Call ahead to inquire about making your reservation.
 

A trail or sleigh ride is a great way to celebrate a birthday or any special event, as well as being a wonderful way to get some fresh air and connect with nature.
After your ride, if you are feeling a mite peckish, Paul and Mabel are happy to fire up the barbecue to roast up some wieners or hamburgers to complete your adventure.
 

Mabel also offers baby sitting services for a small charge to parents who’d like to go riding. She’ll entertain your kids, or load them up on the Kubota and take them for their own trail adventure through the woods!
 

To get to BLB Stables, head out Route 385 towards Riley Brook. The stable is just a little bit down the road past Burntland Brook Cemetery, just 10 minutes or so outside of Plaster Rock. Paul and Mabel are gracious hosts who are looking forward to meeting you.

Give them a call at 506-356-2564. Leave a message, your call will be answered soon.
Check them out on Facebook for lots more great pictures and comments from BLB fans, too!