By Barbara Arnstein
On Memorial Day, a few years ago, I was taking a walk along the Pat McGee Trail, admiring the wild white roses in bloom on either side, the vines that picturesquely twine around an old railroad trestle, and enjoying the birdsongs. The rail-trail, more than twelve miles long, stretches across the Allegheny Plateau between Cattaraugus and Salamanca. Along its length, people have spotted more than forty types of mammals, 150 species of birds and no fewer than 174 kinds of trees and plants. But on that fateful day, what was most interesting to me was how the question I happened to ask was unexpectedly answered in the most dramatic way imaginable.
That sunny afternoon, I casually asked Dave, my partner in adventure, “Is there a Memorial Day Parade around here?” Just after I said that, he looked down the trail and said, “What’s that in the distance? Something very large is coming this way!” A few moments later, two tremendous, black Percheron horses thundered into view, pulling a stagecoach. Behind them was another old-fashioned carriage, and a third followed, flanked by two riders on Appaloosas.
The sight surprised and delighted me, and after it rode out of sight, I was determined to find out where the historic mini-parade had originated. Soon I discovered that the stagecoach and Percherons, and its driver were (and are) available for rides. (The other riders and drivers were friends). The nearby Crosspatch Ranch, where the Percherons and several dozen other horses live, often takes riders down that way. It also offers a chuck wagon dinner, guided rides, pub rides, marriage proposal rides, and much more.
“There are about forty horses at the ranch”, said Dolly Little, who, along with her husband Jim, owns and operates the ranch. “When we buy them, we look for nice, quiet horses who are happy to take a pleasant stroll in the woods. Chickens, cats, dogs and peacocks run loose around the barn and they’re all pretty personable. Some of the chickens and one of the peahens will eat out of your hand.”
“We offer one-hour guided rides, a half-day ride for $60 and a three-hour ride for $100. Three people or more can go on a two-hour ride, have dinner in the camping area across the way, and enjoy a campfire. Then the next morning, we’ll cook breakfast, and they can go for an hour ride, all for $200.” Note: the stagecoach rides are very weather-dependent. When a prospective groom arranges for a marriage proposal ride, he can also arrange for extras like a bouquet of flowers and chocolate-covered strawberries. A stay at the apartment on the premises costs $150 a night, plus a one-time cleaning fee”.
The Crosspatch Ranch is located at 5281 Baker Road in Salamanca, NY, six miles from Ellicottville. For more information, call (716) 938-6313, or go to The Crosspatch Horseback Riding in Western New York State.