“Generations learn to ride at the Circle B Ranch”
by Nancy O’Brien, Editor
Originally published in the Adirondack Journal

CHESTERTOWN- For a step back into a lower, gentler time, check out the Circle B Ranch on Atateka Drive in Chestertown.
Chris Boggia has been working on the ranch since his father bought it in 1960 after deciding that life in Queens wasn’t for him.
“We used to vacation on Loon Lake and we’d come here to ride,” Boggia said. “It was the Circle R Ranch back then.” He pointed out a faded mural on the side of the barn that had been the trademark of the Circle R Ranch in the ‘50s.
The Circle B has about 450 acres of rolling hills and woodland, which sounds pretty impressive, but there’s much more. Boggia said he has access to about 6,000 additional acres of state land that gives riders ample areas to explore on horseback.
“Here at the Circle B, we let people ride to their ability,” Boggia said. “You don’t have to take a trail ride and just walk.” But the Circle B does cater to beginners.
“We pay a lot of attention to beginner riders,” Boggia said. Beginning riders learn how to ride a horse as it walks, and intermediate riders can walk and trot, while advanced riders can walk, trot, and canter.
“We have lessons every morning except for Sunday,” Boggia said.
Circle B had been around long enough to see multiple generations of riders. In fact, according to Boggia, they’re on their third generation.
“I can’t tell you how many people come and remember when they learned to ride here, and bring their kids and grandkids,” said Boggia. “This has always been a family operation, and families keep coming back.
The Circle B has 21 horses, including some large “gentle giant” draft horses, thoroughbreds, and quarter horses.
“Quarter horses are cowboy horses from western ranches,” Boggia said. “We have mostly western equipment, but we also offer English style riding.”
Unlike many ranched, the Circle B is open all year long.
“Riding in the winter is a blast,” Boggia said. “The horses are extra energetic in the snow and you can see more in the winter without the leaves on the trees.” The trails are not steep, but Boggia said there is a beautiful view of the high peaks at any time of the year at one point.
“This is a real working ranch,” Boggia said. “We cut our own hay, shoe our own horses, and do everything ourselves. We work really hard to keep our horses happy and healthy.”
Trail rides at the Circle B are traditionally one or two hours long, but longer rides are available. Boggia said the fall is when people come for longer rides. Every Monday night there is a hayride with a campfire and if a large group wants a hayride at anther time, Boggia can accommodate them. When the snow flies, the wagon is switched to sled, and sleigh rides through the snow are for winter fun at Circle B.
There’s a rec room with video games, ping pong table and a pool table and Boggia’s brother owns Atateka Lodges across the street for those who want to stay overnight near the ranch.
Reservations are needed for a hayride, and for information about the Circle B Ranch, call 494-4888.

PLEASE NOTE: SOME INFORMATION IN THIS ARTICLE MAY BE OUTDATED. PLEASE CALL 518-494-4888 TO VERIFY ALL DETAILS.