Double S Stables

For travelers and local residents seeking equestrian activities, Double S Stables in Belleville, West Virginia, once held a place on the map. However, it's crucial for any potential customer to know that this establishment has undergone a fundamental transformation. According to the business's official online communications, Double S Stables is no longer operating as a commercial entity offering trail rides to the public. The business has closed its commercial operations, pivoting entirely towards a new, community-focused mission. While online business directories and mapping services may still list it as operational, this information is outdated. The spirit of the stable continues, but in a very different form and, importantly, in a new location.

The owners have channeled their passion for horses and people into a non-profit organization named Saddles and Smiles. This new venture represents a significant shift from a recreational travel agency model to one centered on therapeutic equine-assisted learning. This change speaks volumes about the operators' commitment, turning their resources away from tourism and towards providing a valuable service for those in need.

The Legacy of Double S Stables

To understand the foundation of Saddles and Smiles, it's helpful to look at the reputation Double S Stables built. Public feedback on the former business was limited but provides some insight. One of the most descriptive positive reviews praised the establishment as a "Great place!" and specifically highlighted that "The owners are wonderful people." This sentiment is a key piece of the story, as it suggests a customer-focused and personable approach, which aligns perfectly with the compassionate work required for a therapeutic non-profit.

Conversely, the business also had a highly negative, one-star review from many years ago that starkly stated, "nothing good here." This review's age and lack of detail make it difficult to weigh against the more personal, positive feedback. For any potential client of the past, this would have created a mixed picture. However, with the business now closed, this negative mark on its record becomes a historical footnote. The owners' subsequent actions—dedicating their lives to a non-profit—arguably provide a more powerful testament to their character and mission than a brief, unsubstantiated review from nearly a decade ago.

Transition from Tourism to Therapy

The decision to cease offering commercial horseback riding tours and create Saddles and Smiles marks a complete departure from the local tourism market. The former business, which could be classified as a niche tour operator, focused on providing an enjoyable travel experience for paying customers. The new 501(c)(3) non-profit, Saddles and Smiles, has an entirely different goal. Its mission is to provide equine-assisted learning experiences for children, teens, and young adults facing a variety of mental, emotional, and physical challenges, with a special focus on those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurological conditions.

Furthermore, it appears the entire operation has relocated. While Double S Stables was located at 4735 Wadesville Rd in Belleville, the new non-profit, Saddles and Smiles, operates out of Davis, in Tucker County, WV. This is a critical distinction for anyone trying to find them based on old information.

Understanding the New Mission: Saddles and Smiles

Saddles and Smiles is not a destination for casual adventure travel; it is a place of healing, growth, and support. The services provided are tailored to the individual needs of each participant and are offered completely free of charge to the families. This is made possible through fundraising, grants, and the generosity of donors and volunteers.

What They Offer

The activities at Saddles and Smiles are designed to be therapeutic, helping participants develop skills and confidence. A session is not just a pony ride; it's a structured interaction that can include:

• Learning to groom and care for the horses.
• Understanding horse behavior and safety protocols.
• Mastering the basics of tacking a horse.
• Developing balance and muscle strength through riding.
• Building confidence and overcoming anxiety through the human-animal bond.

The organization emphasizes that these interactions can lead to significant physical and emotional rewards, such as increased flexibility, balance, patience, and self-esteem. They run various programs, including summer camps, which rely heavily on volunteer support to succeed.

The Verdict for Potential Visitors

For the traveler looking to book a recreational trail ride, Double S Stables is no longer an option. The business's evolution means that those seeking purely touristic guided excursions should look for other providers. The positive takeaway is for a different audience entirely. Families with children who could benefit from therapeutic riding have a potential resource in Saddles and Smiles.

The history of Double S Stables is now intertwined with the present and future of Saddles and Smiles. The positive reputation of its owners has been redirected into a noble cause. While the lack of extensive online reviews for the old business might have been a point of caution for a tourist, the transparent and mission-driven focus of the new non-profit provides a clear and compelling story. The primary challenge for the public is being aware of this change, as outdated information online continues to cause confusion. The final analysis is that while a for-profit travel experience has ended, a valuable community service, born from the same people and passion, has taken its place in a new home.