Since 1940, Ridin-Hy Ranch has been proudly family-owned and operated—welcoming generations of guests to share in the timeless charm of our Adirondack retreat. With over 80 years of tradition, hospitality, and adventure, our legacy is built on creating unforgettable family memories year-round. |
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Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York, Ridin-Hy has a rich history dating back to 1940.
Ed Carstens grew up in New York City but was always drawn to the fresh air and wide-open spaces of the Adirondacks during family visits. From an early age, he imagined combining horseback riding with lakeside adventures — and in 1940, that dream became reality when he opened Ridin-Hy Ranch Resort.
In 1943, Ed met a guest who would forever change his life — Orabel “Sunshine” Rollins. They married the following year, and soon welcomed children, Susan and Gary (nicknamed “Dude”). With their young family by their side, Ed and Orabel poured their hearts into transforming the ranch from a modest retreat into a beloved Adirondack destination.
At the start, Ridin-Hy could host just 30 guests in 12 cozy cabins, with weekly rates of only $27 per person — a number guests still joke about today. In 1948, Ed, with the help of only two men, built the very first main lodge. By 1958, with young children of their own, Ed and Orabel introduced more kids’ activities and even hired a social director, firmly establishing Ridin-Hy as one of Warren County’s premier family resorts.
For three decades, Ed and Orabel nurtured the ranch before handing it down in 1970 to their children, Susan and Gary, along with Susan’s husband, Andy Beadnell. Until 1975, Ridin-Hy was a seasonal escape, open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Then came a bold move: the ranch became year-round, giving families a chance to experience both the sun-soaked summers and snow-covered winters of the Adirondacks.
Ridin-Hy has faced its share of trials too. The main lodge was tragically lost in two separate fires — one in 1982 and again in 2017. Thankfully, everyone made it out safely both times. While the losses were devastating, the Carstens-Beadnell family turned each challenge into an opportunity, rebuilding stronger, bigger, and better than before. Each new lodge became a symbol of the ranch’s resilience and its unwavering commitment to hospitality.
Today, the ranch thrives under the care of the third generation — Susan and Andy’s sons, Tim and Troy, together with their wives, Patience and Carrie. They continue to expand activities, update accommodations, and create new experiences, while preserving the same warm, family-style atmosphere that Ed and Sunshine first imagined back in 1940.