Traveling a long distance with a horse trailer and horses can be stressful. Planning a trip with multiple, horse friendly layovers has been difficult to navigate. But starting this year, it should get a bit easier.
GiddyUpGetAway.com can make traveling with horses easy.
Earlier this year, GiddyUp GetAway, Inc. launched a groundbreaking, first of its kind, online marketplace which connects people traveling with their horses with hosts providing horse-friendly layover accommodations. This launch marks the first, interactive, equine layover marketplace of its kind.
Gerard, a 4th generation Polk County native, says GiddyUp GetAway is the, “first in the world and it started right here in Lake Wales”
Previously, travelers would spend hours planning and mapping their trip using a static directory of layover sites. Now, travelers can plan their trip using the interactive map and see available hosts along their route. Guests simply map their journey, click and book directly online. This technology has shaved hours off the planning stage and takes the guesswork out of wondering if the layover will have everything needed for a safe and comfortable experience.
Guests can choose to rent a horse trailer parking site or housing provided by hosts, if they are traveling without living quarters in their horse trailer. Horse rental accommodation options include stalls, paddocks, arenas and pastures. Finding the perfect layover has been simplified by using the search filter options which include people traveling with a big rig, stallions, and dogs.
The platform includes a review system so travelers can see comments about a property from previous guests before they book. Likewise, hosts can preview a potential guest’s past reviews before accepting their reservation request.
“We offer all of the bells and whistles of a traditional vacation rental site, but are specifically designed for people traveling with their horses,” said Joni Gerard, Founder & CEO of GiddyUp GetAway, Inc.
“Equine enthusiasts can now benefit from the same online conveniences which are offered on other short-term rental marketplaces, such as Airbnb, Hipcamp, and VRBO. I designed this platform to be a blessing, not a burden.” says Gerard. “It’s free for hosts to set up their property on our website and also free for guests to search for layovers. No upfront costs for hosts or guests! We collect a small fee after a completed reservation.”
Additional modern conveniences offered on giddyupgetaway.com include:
• Reservation software which prevents double bookings;
• Booking Calendar which allows hosts to block off dates when they need a break or want to make a temporary price change;
• Inbox which allows hosts and potential guests to communicate anonymously;
• Hosts can create property rules and establish check-in and check-out times;
• Nationwide advertising included;
- 24/7 customer service includes help articles and ability to book a one on one meeting. Live chat is also available. 
• Cancellation Policy and Code of Conduct for guests and hosts.
In addition to searching for a convenient layover, guests can search for vacation destinations with their horses, by state or region, all over the US. Guests can go a step further and filter their search results based on a preferred vacation activity, such as horse trails nearby, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, kayaking, nearby attractions etc.
“Our platform is designed to streamline the search, booking and payment processes, making travel with horses more accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” Gerard adds.
Founded by experienced horse lover, Joni Gerard, giddyupgetaway.com is the premier travel solution for horse enthusiasts who want to ensure their equine companions also have a safe and comfortable place to stay. Meanwhile, the platform offers everything a horse owner needs to operate their horse layover business. “It’s a win-win for everyone, including the horses,” adds Gerard. “Our hosts use horse facilities they already have on their property to earn extra income, while helping fellow equestrians and their horses as they pass through.”
Gerard credits, her love of horses to her mom, Karen Bradbury Walker, and her horse, Lucky.
“I got every ounce of my love for horses from her,” says Gerard. “My mom got Lucky when she was about 10 as a gift from her father. Mom trained the Morgan bred horse with patience and love and they became inseparable. I loved to hear my mom tell about their adventures. They rode every day and all day on Saturdays, when there was no school. Mom would pack a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which she shared with Lucky on the trails, and they would explore the woods around Lake Marion and Haines City until dark.
“Lucky lived to be 28 years old. I remember the day she passed. It was a bitter cold and rainy day. I was about four years old, pressing my nose against the dining room window, trying to see out into the pasture where my mom was tending to her. She had gotten pneumonia and was too old to recover this time. Mom led her down into a hole dug by my uncle and covered with blankets to block the icy wind. Lucky laid her head and my mom’s lap and they loved on each other until the sweet mare finally let go of life.
“I will never forget that day or the bond shared by those two. You could say my passion for horses started with a little “Lucky” and my sweet Momma who taught me everything she knew about horses.”
GiddyUp GetAway’s launch has been met with enthusiasm from horse lovers, trail blazers, competitors and stable owners across the country. Users have been impressed with the platform’s user-friendly interface, robust search capabilities and commitment to promoting a safer and more convenient experience while planning an equine-friendly trip. Joni reports, “We are signing up new hosts at a steady pace and we plan to add Canada to the platform in the near future. So GiddyUp and start planning your next GetAway.”
Facebook: GiddyUp GetAway
Instagram: GiddyUp GetAway
