By CINDY LADAGE
Illinois Correspondent Golconda, Ill. — Honeybee Stables is off the beaten path. Near Dixon Springs State Park in southern Illinois, Wendy Daugherty has a small private stable, where she specializes in all- and half-day rides along private guided trails; she even includes a picnic lunch.
Daugherty also offers a longer Equestrian Vacation for those wanting to see the beautiful Shawnee National Forest from the back of a horse.
Many come to Honeybee Stables with the preconception that the owner grew up on a farm, which is where Daugherty and her husband now make their home. Most also think she was born on a horse and has been riding all her life.
It is a legitimate conclusion when watching the ease she has on an equine. “I have always had a passion for horses,” she said.
The reality is that Daugherty is not from Illinois at all; she is a California native. “We have lived here for 15 years. We thought it would be a good place to raise kids. All the things we left behind in L.A. are here, but we are about 10 years behind,” she said.
She and Doug have three children, who are now in college. They have one son and twin daughters, who just left for their first year this fall, but Daugherty seems to be handling empty nest syndrome pretty well. She said this is partly because the kids go to school within a two-hour drive.
Growing up, Daugherty said, “I never had my own horse, but my best friend had one.” Doug gave her her first horse. “My husband had a horse trainer bring a horse over. He surprised me with it.”
That was just the beginning. After riding with her friend as a child, experiencing the beauty of the southern Illinois Shawnee National Forest and having a horse of her own, soon Daugherty was following her love of horses and working for a local stable.
After working there for a while, it was her husband who encouraged her to go out on her own. “He is a musician and plays the guitar,” she explained – the name for her business came from Doug, as “Honeybee” is an old Muddy Rivers song.
The suggestion stuck, and Daugherty has been in business for five years. She offers longer rides so as not to compete with her friends at the other local stable, which specializes in shorter rides.
The idea for the long trail rides came once she and her girlfriends really began exploring around her property. The waterfalls, trees and amazing rock formations were something Daugherty thought should be shared with others. “There is nothing like seeing nature from the back of a horse,” she said.
She said horseback rides are great vacations for those who always wanted to go on an equestrian vacation but didn’t have the means. Rose Hammitt, a horse owner from Salisbury, Ill., went on a half-day ride and would like to come back.
“It would be nice to go on a long trail ride and not have to pull your horse and try to find your way,” she explained.
Daugherty takes care of the details. She can create a trip to a rider’s specifications; a rider can have a romantic getaway and stay in a local cottage, or camp – the options are endless. But, experience on a horse is a must for anyone wanting to go on an extended trip.
She is fulfilling her childhood wishes and wants to help others full-fill their horse dreams, as well. Her husband also offers some outdoor activities. “Doug offers rock climbing and motorcycle excursions,” Daugherty said, adding those wanting to ride bikes must have a motorcycle license.
To find out more, call 618-290-0194 or visit www.honeybeestables.com |
