As you cruise up the driveway, a handsome bay stallion gallops along the 4 rail fence. He tosses his great long mane, and lets out a joyous buck as he races you to the main house. As you approach the small, log house with the bright gardens in front of the steps, the stallion turns on his haunch, and gallops off to the other side of the pasture. You turn your rig into the parking lot, and tuck yourself into the corner of the large gravel lot.
Welcome to Deep River. The sign stands out above the inviting deck and veranda on the house. A woman strides out of the house, led by a handsome Blue Heeler dog, and followed by a herd of bumbling puppies. "You must be here for the show. Would you like a hand with your horses?" You are greeted as the dark haired woman eyes up your 5 horse trailer. You reply sure, that you'd love that. You open up the trailer door, and snap a lead onto your lovely show mare. Melissa offers to take her, and you hand her over. Melissa quietly strokes her neck, and allows the mare to step out of the trailer. Then, you and your other horse follow her out to the barns.
You lead your gelding past the beautiful main house, and are immediatly welcomed by many nickers and whinnies, all from the other competitor's horses. You are led to your assigned stalls, with your name written on a paper posted on the door. The stalls are already filled with soft shavings and a freshly scrubbed and filled water bucket sits welcomingly in the corner. You and Melissa release the horses into the stalls, and turn to head back for the others.
After your horses are settled, you decide to take a walk around the facility. There are two dressage rings directly behind the house, one with the Basic size and the one near it with the higher levels's letters all set up around it. You wander out further, and find the jumping ring, which has been set up with vibrant obstacles all around in the soft footing. You approach a large pasture in the back of the Deep River facility, where you are greeted with an elderly mare, a chestnut, who stares at you with eyes of wisdom. You look around the 2 acre large pasture, you notice a few other horses, all healthy and shining, but elderly. Obviously they are very loved.
After exploring many pastures and barns, you head back to the house, to pick up your show package, and are thrilled to discover a homey, cozy lounge area in the entire downstairs of the house. There are numerous other competitors enjoying coffee, cookies, and other goodies. You automatically feel at home, and after talking to a few other competitors, you decide to take a drive, knowing your horses are in good hands.
You cruise out around Deep River, and discover numerous other barns, and begin to feel like you never want to leave. You have discovered all the other barns of Crystal Springs Ranch, and realize that Deep River is just a part of an intricatly wound web of barns in the CSR community.
