Rocky Knoll Celebrates 10th Anniversary
by Stephanie Hackett,
January 12, 2012, page 13.....

Ten years ago a small horse farm called Rocky Knoll was built on a hill off Lime Kiln Road, overlooking the Green Mountains. Ariel Channell, who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in equine business management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, and her mother Carolyn Vadeboncoeur, both had a dream about starting a farm in Charlotte where people could come and enjoy horseback riding among friends and family. Rocky Knoll Stables celebrated its 10th year anniversary in December.
The Lime Kiln Road location was chosen because of its breathtaking views, that encircle the horse farm. Ariel and her parents, David and Carolyn Vadebonceur, own the property and Ariel is the principal in Rocky Knoll Stables.The original barn started off with four stalls. Ariel said she wanted a warm atmosphere and safe place for the horses and riders. As time passed, the facility grew to accommodate 22 horses with plenty of outdoor pastures and 18 acres of open fields. There are now two barns with stalls, run-in sheds in paddocks, a 75' x 150' indoor ring with stalls and heated tack room and a 110' x 220' outdoor ring.
Ariel and Carolyn explain how, on warm summer days, riders will venture out into the fields with their horses or onto the dirt roads, enjoying the beauty of Charlotte’s agricultural land. The opportunity to explore the rich landscape is one of the many benefits of riding at Rocky Knoll.
Riders who have made a home for their horses at the stable vary in age from three years old to 80 years young, with many in between. Riders have different experience levels – some ride just for fun, while others love the challenge of competitive riding on the local VHJA (Vermont Hunter Jumper Association) circuit.
On a recent cold winter day at Rocky Knoll, three riders, Bonnie Schaeffer, Savannah Price and Erin Bundock, shared their riding experience before their lesson with Ariel. Bonnie started riding when she was eight years old; she started to jump and compete in horse shows. After riding for 26 years, she came to Rocky Knoll to relearn how to jump and to build confidence after taking some time off last summer. Bonnie, who is from South Burlington, knew Ariel from a circle of friends. When she visited the stable, she said she found a beautiful setting and a big indoor space to encourage her passion for horseback riding.
Savannah Price is 13 and has three and a half years of experience riding. She found Rocky Knoll through a family member. When Savannah came to the barn she said she found a fun, active environment, even in the chilly temperatures of December.
Erin Bundock is also 13 and has six years of riding experience. She was looking for a big indoor barn and found Rocky Knoll’s suited her taste. When she first came, she helped out with barn chores as she ventured into the horse world.
These three riders vary in age and experience levels, but share the same dedication to horses, even in freezing temperature, as they go out, ride and enjoy Vermont’s winter on horseback.
Rocky Knoll encourages all levels, ages and riding types at the farm. Although they specialize in hunters, jumpers and equitation for those disciplines, they welcome all horse owners with a variety of different riding styles, including gated, trail, western, hunter jumpers and eventers. Lessons are offered for beginners through experienced riders.
A lot of hard work, devotion and support from riders and their families have been a huge contribution to Rocky Knoll’s success. Over ten years Rocky Knoll has come a long way from the four stalls and one big dream. Happy anniversary!
For more information about Rocky Knoll Stables, visit home.myfairpoint.net/rockyknollstables/rockyknollstables, e-mail rks2009@myfairpoint.net or call 238-5733.