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Jet Set Jiles

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Horseback Riding at America’s Resort — Our Outdoorsy Adventure at the Greenbrier

September 23, 2019

Postcards from Jiles visiting the Greenbrier Resort

Monday, 23 September 2019

Hello my Equine Friendly Friends!

Today was magnificent! We went horseback riding around America’s Resort. Our “private” trail ride was the perfect way to see the grounds. It’s the first day of fall and it’s as if the trees magically knew it was time to change color. The tree filled Allegheny Mountains are, of course, beautiful to look at and we were also able to soak in the beautiful beautiful grounds, the golf course, the fly fishing stream, the pricey private homes.

It’s been a bit of a joke among some of our Old Town friends that the private homes cost so much money here. “Why on earth would you spend that in West Virginia?” we’ve heard more than once. But this place really is magical!

My horse was way bigger than the other two. Once I surrendered, our trail ride was such a serene and peaceful experience. I can totally see why people get hooked on horseback riding.

I’ve wanted to ride since I was a child. Both of our nieces, Meghan Rose and Miley, are quite accomplished equestrians. And since Miles retired I thought: I could really get into horses now, I’m only 40 why don’t I pick it up, maybe I’ll take up horses as as a hobby. Let me tell you, after experiencing our little trail ride today, this isn’t a hobby — it’s a sport!

Just getting into the saddle alone required strength. I was happy to get on my horse from the platform they have in the ring. My horse, I’d like to point out, again, was way taller than Miles’ horse.

The Greenbrier has trail rides for all levels of riders. We were, of course, beginners. Miles jokes the last time he was on a horse was the pony rides at Bailey’s Cross Roads in 1964. lol.

To ride at the Greenbrier you have to make a reservation. I incorrectly thought that they would shuttle us to the stables. They are actually bringing the horse to you, which is very convenient. They have both 50 minute, and 1 hour and 50 minute rides. We choose a 50 minutes group trail ride. Private rides are also available for an additional fee. We ended up with a private ride since we were the only two people that signed up at that time. We were lucky!

Riding is English Style using English saddles. We’re such Anglophiles, I was excited about that little detail. I guess, I have some Downton Abbey riding fantasy.

You make riding reservations at Kate’s Mountain Adventures which is a meeting place and shoppe located on the lower level of the main hotel’s north entrance. They provide helmets for you there and they must be worn, and you gotta’ sign a waver, and you’ve got to designate an emergency contact person. You can kinda’ see the fear setting in here . . .

Kate’s Mountain Adventures is where you schedule anything outdoorsy. They have a Gun Club with various shooting things. There is also Falconry (which we’ve heard amazing things about from our friend, Steve Forehand — he says it’s one of the neatest experience he’s ever had). There’s off road stuff. As well as the safe and quaint choice of an old fashioned horse drawn carriage ride.

As with everything at the Greenbrier there is a dress code when horseback riding — long pants (jeans or jodhpurs) and closed toe-shoes. Miles wore his jeans but I shopped for this day! This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I confess part of the reason I’ve always wanted to do it is because of the clothes. I know that’s probably strange, but I’ve loved the look since I was a kid. And Meggy and Miley look so darn cute in their outfits at Horse Shows! So Miles and I ventured out to Dover Saddlery before we ventured up to America’s Resort and I bought myself a pair of jodhpurs. The rest of the stuff I pieced together from my closet. I felt very cool! lol.

All that said, don’t let the outfit fool ya. I was really excited about the ride until we got up next to the horses. I was suddenly aware of how enormous they were. Magnificent. But really really big. I felt this wave of fear come over me but I got on. I’ve been wanting to do this since I was a kid so I was gonna’ do it! And I know I already said this, but my horse was way taller than Miles’.

I felt unsteady at first. Our guide, Ashley, was great! She said because we were beginners she’d hold leads to both our horses. If we all of a sudden felt like we wanted to be on our own she’d let go. I was pretty darn comfortable with her hanging on to us! She also said that if we felt the need to go ahead and hold the saddle. I did hold the saddle . . . . just about the whole time! I liken it to training wheels for a kiddo’s first bicycle.

I asked Ashley, if a person knew what they were doing where would they put their hands. She replied “the reigns” then proceeded to show us the proper way to hold them. I realized how dumb my question was when she replied but she never made me feel stupid. Which is pretty good since the Greenbrier markets to all skill levels.

These horses are magnificent. Miles had Nemo. I rode Traveler. He was a sweet boy and very good a posing for pictures. It’s as though he just knew we had a blog. lol. He was also way way taller than the other two horses (yes, I know I already mentioned that).

Nemo kinda walked by Rockeytop (Ashley’s horse, which she can mount from the ground, btw). Traveler stayed several feet back. I swear that horse knew I was a newbe. And when I finally surrendered and felt comfortable he trotted with me up to the other horses. That’s about the point that I decided I just needed to hold on to the saddle. lol.

Traveler actually trotted with me a few times and I loved it! Ashley taught us that the horses were walking for our ride. Faster than a walk is a trot, then cantor, then gallop.

I had such a wonderful time with these amazing animals. The majority of the time I was having a blissful and serene experience. I will say though that I did feel a wave of panic when I thought I’m going do have to dismount eventually. But I did my best to stay in the moment and not worry about it.

When we got back to the ring, Miles asked “how do we get off the horses?” Ashley said to take both feet out of the stir-ups and let your legs dangle. Then lean forward all the way on the horse. Then kind of hold his mane then swing your right leg along his back. Then come down to the ground onto your left leg while also bringing your right to the ground. Miles went first. I watched him. And as I watched him, I thought: Oh shit! I gotta do this next. And my horse is way taller than his.

I didn’t fall but I didn’t nail the landing. And I was far from graceful. My foot wasn’t flat when I landed. I might have a little limp now. I think I needed to move my right leg faster. I dunno exactly, but I don’t care, today was too much fun! Guess, I’m going to try it again and see if I can get the landing. lol. Ohh, and I swear, Traveler looked at me after I dismounted and was like: yep, I knew you weren’t going to be very good at getting off me!

Okay, here’s are my last few thoughts about our outdoorsy horsey day . . . It is popular opinion that the Greenbrier is haunted (Luis Bujia, my friend and amazing stylist who owns Stylists @ North on Lee Street, told me that before the trip). “Traveler” was also the name of Robert E. Lee’s horse. Miles pointed that out when we were introduced to our horses. He’s so stinkin’ smart! Dorthy Draper, who decorated the Greenbrier with vibrant color and bold fabrics, held fast to the notion that Lee haunted her with a vengence because he didn’t like the way she decorated the place. 

Ok. Now that I’ve scared you, we’re off to take some pictures of what has to be the most instagrammable resort in America!

Pip pip,

xxx – Jennifer & Miles

p.s. The Historic Preservation Fee was included in today’s adventure but, unlike at all the restaurants and spa, the gratuity was not automatically included. Bring cash to tip after or include it on the check prior to your ride.

p.p.s. If you’re not already, be sure to follow our adventures on Instagram! 


This was originally published on our old blog. We decided to bring along some of our favorite old posts to Jet Set Jiles !!! 😘

Bon Voyage, Postcard, Postcards from Jiles, Resorts

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Peaches, Poolside, Pina Coladas and Ponderings at the Greenbrier
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Spa Day at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

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Bonjour! Welcome!!!

Fasten your seatbealts! We're wayshowing just how playful, magical, and lighthearted life can be on this beautiful blue planet and beyond! 🌎 We're unlocking more fun, bliss, beauty, serenity, gratitude, luxury, blessings, and magic on Mama Gaia — and that means in your life too! 🧚🏻‍♀️ We're so glad to be part of your orbit!🛸 Sending you bunches of divine bright light✨, and bippity boppity booing tons of blessings and unconditional love your way! 🪄💕 xxx😘 Gigi, Miles & Mia Chou Chou🐾

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Pip Pip Cheerio!

Did ya know “pip pip” mimics the double honk you’d here on a motorcar in the early 20th century? It's an upperclass British coloqualism for farewell.🎩 I learned that because we're Downton Abbey superfans! And Miles and I visited Highclere Castle — the real life Downton in Yorkshire.📺 It was one of the best days of my life! Full of intention, serenity, gratitude, luxury, playfulness, and beauty.🧚 Pure magic!🪄 Just like life is supposed to be.♥️

I love you! Pip pip. 😘 Gigi

jetsetjiles

All done peopling today. Ni night. 😘 All done peopling today. Ni night. 😘
And we’re home! Safe and sound in the Furcedes! And we’re home! Safe and sound in the Furcedes! 🐾💕

••••••••••••••••••••
#yorkie #yorkielife #yorkielove #furcedes #mercedesbenz
One year after our 1st Route 66 road trip. I think One year after our 1st Route 66 road trip. I think I’ve got the packing down. Then I shop! 😂 

Swipe to see the Chou Chou making sure she’s coming along! 🥰

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#roadtrip #roadtripusa #travelcouple #divineunion #yorkielife
We were wrapping things up at the @fourseasons las We were wrapping things up at the @fourseasons last year on the way to our Route 66 adventure! Great spa day overlooking the Arch. And Miles and I had a fab Sunday brunch. And the Chou Chou had a special breakfast in bed! 🍳❤️🐾

•••••••••••••••••••••••
#luxuryresort #thefourseasons #travelfam #luxuryresortandspa #traveltherenext #dogsthattravel #yorkielife #spoileddogs #saintlouis #stlouisarch
“What’s going on?” I can feel the question i “What’s going on?” I can feel the question in the field as I consciously dropped off social to be more present during our trip to visit Grandma in the American Heartland. 

We’ve been staying with Grandma at her place. Taking her to her favorite spots. And watching lots of Hallmark movies (Miles brought his headphones so he could watch his own stuff on his iPhone. 😂). 

Today was the first time we went to Terra Bloom. And we spent the afternoon. Doing a bit of gridwork. But this trip isn’t about gridwork. It’s about Grandma! 💕

That said. When we were at Terra Bloom. I got a clear message, sitting on the veranda, in the cold, sipping decaf, overlooking the Mighty Missippi, that were to come back for the month of March. So there’s that. 

Some of you know this. Some of you are new. So here’s a bit about Terra Bloom. . . . 

Terra Bloom is a house I bought and renovated 15ish years ago. It became a family home when I got called back to Virginia — which was essentially me getting called back to fulfill my divine union destiny with Miles, who was in Old Town waiting to meet me. lol. 

Terra Bloom is built on what was once a Native American enslavement camp. I did not know that until a few months ago. 

It used to be very overwhelming for me there. Now, I able to live in a state of serenity. But it can still be very intense at times, to say the least. But not today. Not this trip. 

The house, Terra Bloom, the land, the history, and the wisdom is very significant in the tapestry of what we’re doing now as we bridge to the 5th dimension and beyond. And Indigenous roots are extremely potent and powerful in a past life that Miles and I shared where we were again in divine union and grid working. 

It’s all beyond fascinating! And a little mind blowing. 

More on all this later. But for now, back to Hallmark!

😘 Gigi (Miles & Mia)

••••••••••••••••
#gridwork #divineunion #indegenous #nativeamerican #lightwork
Here’s to being extra! 🐾❤️ Here’s to being extra! 🐾❤️
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Not how I saw the Reel going. 🤭 Not how I saw the Reel going. 🤭
I got to spend time with two special fellas today! I got to spend time with two special fellas today! Monte did my doo.🙌 And then Miles took me out to show me off!💕

I’m a grateful gal! 😘

••••••••••••
#montedurham #hairdo #oldtownalx #visitalx #gratefulgal #frenchfood
Love you so much little girl. And love your daddy Love you so much little girl. And love your daddy so much too! Youz my favorites! 😘
Christmastime breakfast in bed! We also started In Christmastime breakfast in bed! We also started Ina’s new cookbook. Savoring every page. We waited two years for it. 

Happy days everyone. Hope you get pampered with a breakfast in bed soon. Sending lots of nourishment and love. 💕

😘 

p.s. How much do you love the Ina giggle?!! 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••
#inagarten #breakfastinbed #christmasbreakfast #yorkiesofinstagram #foodnetwork
Repeat: Abundance is my birthright. Prosperity, we Repeat: Abundance is my birthright. Prosperity, wealth, good fortune, blessings, and love flow effortlessly to me. ❤️

😉 

😘 Gigi
We did it. We baked! And they’re yummy! I’m so We did it. We baked! And they’re yummy! I’m so proud of us. 🥰🤭

Recipe for Aunt Sheila’s Carrot Cake Cookies on the blog! Also known as Oatmeal Carrot Cookies. Or some people call them Reindeer Cookies because they leave them out for Santa’s Reindeer. 

😘 Gigi Miles & Miss Mia

••••••••••••••••••••••••
#reindeercookies #carrotcakecookies #oatmealcookies #webakedwithlove #coupleinthekitchen
Believe!
😘 Gigi 

•••••••••••••••••••
#affirmationpositive #miracles #magichappens #hny2023 #to2023andbeyond #spiritualteacher #lightleader #lightworkersofinstagram #believe #tedlasso
Happy Neat Year 🍾🥳🥂 Happy Neat Year 🍾🥳🥂
Happy New Year! Wishing you all a fabulous 2023!!! Happy New Year! Wishing you all a fabulous 2023!!! 🥳🍾🥂

😘Gigi, Miles, & Little Miss Mia
♥️ ♥️
Emily in Paris meets the Reface App. So. Much. Fun Emily in Paris meets the Reface App. So. Much. Fun. 😘
This is another one of those Reels that I really d This is another one of those Reels that I really did just for us. A snapshot of our holiday. And a big part of it was watching Emily in Paris! lol. And I love this song! 

We hope you enjoy the glimpse into our world. And I sincerely hope you make some Reels and posts just for you! 

Memory making is important. And it’s really nice to look back at the memories that you made! 

Sending Christmastime love! 💕🎄

😘 Gigi, Miles & La Petite Mia the Sugar Plum Fairy

p.s. That’s my head band. We couldn’t find Miles’. C’est cute, no? 🇫🇷 🥐🍾
Happy Christmas Friends! Here’s a Reel of our Happy Christmas Friends! 

Here’s a Reel of our day. We created it more for us than the Gram. A memory of a special day! And special days are important! Look for them. They’re not always when you’re jet setting the globe! 

Sending lots of Christmas love and blessings your way! 😘
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Repeat: Magic, love, blessings, play, leisure, luxury, abundance, and light are an effortless part of my everyday life. I am grateful for my many blessings. And I send blessings and love out to the world. Dismiss

 

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