Horses

Horsemanship in the Carter family – both branches – has been handed down for generations, reaching perhaps as far back as the family’s 16th century roots in Virginia from their progenitor, Robert “King” Carter,” and before him, the knighted Sir John Carter of England.

In the Okefenokee Swamp, horses, hunting and living off the land were a way of life in the pinewoods through the early 20th century. Like his father and grandfather, Harvin also kept horses for the family, teaching his daughter Ashley to ride, and passing on his own knowledge to the next generation.

In the Okefenokee’s pioneer days, a good horse, like a good dog, was necessary to sustaining one’s family and self in the region. Horse drawn buckboard wagons were used for the family’s farm work, though Kay’s grandfather, Hansel, bought a covered buggy to drive to church and for other special occasions.

Today, visitors to Newell Lodge can experience the landscape of the Okefenokee region from horseback, with a member of the next generation of the Carter family: Kay & Harvin’s grandson John Whitaker, along with their daughter Ashley Carter-Gowen, are the Lodge’s highly qualified guides.

Barn & Board

Newell Lodge offers barn and board to our guests who prefer to vacation with their equine partners.

Trail Rides

Guests may also ride one of the Carter family horses, specially trained and chosen for their pleasant disposition, smooth gaits, and surefootedness on the areas trails.

Trail rides can either be reserved by day or be planned as part of the planned activities for an overnight or extended stay. Seasonally, rides may include fishing, picnics or other activities.

Horses & Yoga

Ashley Carter-Mesa is a certified Yoga instructor who combines her deep knowledge of horses and leadership training with her practice. Upon special request (and subject to availability), she will tailor small group sessions for leadership teams or personal enrichment.

Heart-Centered Horse Sense

Practice being fully present by spending quality one-on-one time with the horse of your choice. Just Be with your horse and allow the worries and stresses of life melt away. From a place of heart, brush, groom, talk, and listen to your horse until you’re both relaxed and refreshed.

The Oh-Kay Kids Corral

Seasonally and by request, Newell Lodge offers special horse events for children ages 12 and under. Your little cowboy or cowgirl will enjoy riding lessons, trail rides, a summer horse camp, and hands-on activities with the horses.

Though we provide helmets for riding instruction and trail rides, each Oh-Kay Kid receives a complimentary straw cowboy hat and a child’s sized Newell Lodge horse-themed t-shirt like those worn by our staff.

Kids use math and bio-science to learn horse care, foster responsibility, and enhance personal confidence. They lead horses into stalls, measure feed, and learn how much feed each horse receives in its bucket. Then, turn the horses out into the lot, water the horses, and make certain our equine friends are safe for the night. (Recommended for children aged 8 and up.)