TC Performance Horses has been operating in the foothills of scenic House Mountain since 2009. Located on acres of land in Corryton, they breed and breed world-class Appaloosa horses in a wide variety of disciplines, owner-operator Michelle Neuzil said.
For years, TC Performance Horses has offered lessons, a children’s farm, boarding, breeding and – as of 2020 – a vacation rental called “House Mountain Retreat”.
“It’s perfect for people who want to experience ranch life or just relax with nature,” Neuzil said. “The Airbnb is connected to the farm, with its own private entrance, bedroom and bathroom, and living room with a kitchen.”
Guests may see a spring born baby, pet donkeys, mini ponies or nurturing Longhorns. “If you’re looking for an equine retreat, you can haul and use obstacles and trails,” Neuzil said. “There are probably five acres of wooded area to explore, and we get out on the trails because it can get boring circling all the time. We have an area set up with obstacles, rocks, bridges and logs so your horse can choose what he would encounter on the trail.
Earlier this fall, Neuzil visited a glamping conference in Colorado where she was inspired to offer boxcar lodging. “I’m one of those people who likes to touch and feel and sit and experience something myself,” she said. “I wanted to get into Conestoga Wagons and look into the business.”
The working horse farm was the perfect setting. “The rep said we were probably the first to come up with both. It takes someone experienced in horses to add that kind of glamping,” Neuzil said. really get into it.”
Much like House Mountain Retreat in Corryton, the boxcars will be available to rent on Airbnb or VRBO in January. Neuzil had hoped to be available a little sooner, but they focused on getting their indoor ride and barn up and running.
“They (the carriages) will be fixed and will have separate bathhouses for everyone,” she said. “If it continues to grow and there is demand, we have more acreage and will add more.”
Inside, the wagons are surprisingly spacious with room for a king bed, bunk beds, a wagon table with two chairs, a mini-fridge and microwave, and of course, a coffee maker. Conestoga wagons are also equipped with heat and air and can be rented year-round, according to Neuzil. Follow @housemountainretreat to find out when reservations are open.
“Hopefully I’ll have people who just want to experience the Western type of life,” Neuzil said. “If you’ve never ridden, you can come and we’ll put you on a horse and teach you how to ride. If you want to learn how to throw a rope, we will teach you. If you want to walk behind a cow and move it, or have a picnic, we’ll make that happen too.
Of course, there will be fire pits available for people who want to grill or, as Neuzil jokes, sing “Kumbaya.” carriage for guests.
“We will host farm-to-table events, set up large tables and hire a chef to cook tender Thompson beef and serve them with farm-fresh vegetables,” she added. “We want to let people know that we farmers want to make good food for everyone.”
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