Brushy Creek Lodge and Resort, located near Black, Missouri, is an Ozark gem. In fact, HorseTrailDirectory.com gave Brushy Creek high praise: The resort was ranked number four out of 900 horse campgrounds rated. Every single review was a five-star rating!
Brushy Creek is owned by George and JoAnn Becker. This tidy, picturesque destination is located in the eastern Ozark Mountains, in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest. This resort achieves excellence in all things near and dear to horse owners’ hearts.
First, you may bring your own horse or go on guided trail rides on Brushy Creek horses. Horse accommodations are plentiful; 90 stalls with shavings are provided at no extra charge.
After horses are taken care of, food is next on the agenda. The Trail’s End Restaurant is designed to please the most discerning palate. If you prefer to eat on the trail, breakfast and dinner rides can be arranged.
The scenic, equestrian campground has 34 campsites with electrical and water hookups, as well as numerous primitive sites. For those wishing to rent accommodations, there are four rustic, well-furnished cabins tucked away in the trees. Behind the well-appointed lodge, a hot tub awaits.
The Beckers also own Valley Springs Foxtrotters, which is located a short walking distance from the lodge. Their Missouri Fox Trotters are carefully bred for three important traits: natural gait; calm disposition; and good conformation. In its current breeding program, Valley Springs has five stallions and 120-plus horses.
Enjoy this bonus photo album from our trip! (For more on the region, see “Ozark Gem,” The Trail Rider, April ’10.)
For more information on Brushy Creek Lodge and Resort, and Valleys Springs Foxtrotters, call (573) 269-4600 or (573) 269-4743; or visit www.brushycreeklodge.com. For more on Mark Twain National Forest, call (573) 364-4621, or visit www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/marktwain/. For maps and brochures, visit www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/marktwain/maps/.
