North
Carolina - Horse Riding
Stables
Latta Plantation Equestrian Center: Located in
Huntersville, just outside Charlotte, Latta offers trail rides,
pony rides, hayrides, riding lessons, and horse-drawn wagon and
carriage rides around the plantation. The thirteen miles of
trails wind through wooded areas and provide a peaceful sojourn
away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can end
their ride with a weenie or marshmallow roast over an open
fire. Day camps and educational field trips are also offered.
Call 704-992-1550 for more information.
Dead Broke Farm: Conveniently located in the
Raleigh-Durham area, Dead Broke Farm provides trail rides,
guided tribal rides, Boy Scout and Girl Scout badges, and
lessons in western riding. Sixty acres of beautiful trails wind
through forests and along streams. If you prefer an overnight
riding adventure, try one of their camping trips. The farm was
recognized by the Carolina Magazine in 2006 as the Best Place
in the Triangle to Take Riding Lessons. Dead Broke is located
outside Raleigh, and the phone number to the office is
919-596-8975.
Cedar Island Stables: Located at the Cedar
Island Ferry, this stable offers guided rides aboard their
Morgans, Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, and
Tennessee Walkers. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an
old pro, they’ll match you with a mount that’s just right for
you. You’ll ride through waves and along sandy beaches and
wetlands while getting a great view of native wildlife. Give
them a call at 252-225-1185.
Painted Sunset Farm: Located in Raleigh, this
is a family-oriented horse farm that offers riding lessons,
trails, moonlight rides, horsemanship camps, breeding services,
and boarding. They also offer horses for sale. Their trail
rides take place on grassy pastures and in mixed hardwood
forests. The riding arena and picnic area are under majestic
100-year-old oaks. This is also a great place to earn Scout and
Tribe badges, and they provide summer camps. A CHA-certified
trainer lives on the farm. They can be reached at
919-266-1728.
Cedar Creek Stables: Located at Lake Lure,
Cedar Creek’s trails take riders through the mountains and
along creeks, with rides lasting 1 hour, 1.5 hours, and 2
hours. The hour ride, called the Laurel Mountain Trail, climbs
through forests and thickets of laurel. The Nettles Trail goes
through creeks, woods, and fields, and takes 1.5 hours. The
two-hour Overlook Trail travels over 350 acres of scenic
mountain views, up to the crest of a ridge for a panoramic
view. The phone number for reservations is 828-625-2811.
Big Pine Ranch: Big Pine offers 2-4 hour trail
rides, overnight camping rides, wagon rides, and all-day rides
with lunch. They have a horse for just about everybody, and
kids under six can double up with a parent. Their trails offer
views from an altitude of 5,000 feet and travel along meadows,
ridges, and woods. Watching the sun set over the Blue Ridge
from horseback is an unforgettable experience! Big Pine is
located in Marshall, and their phone number is
828-649-3176.
Sandy Bottom: Just minutes from Asheville,
Sandy bottom offers trail rides for everyone, with no age,
weight, or ability restrictions. They’ll match your size and
experience with the perfect mount. Their one-hour ride takes
you on gentle trails through scenic mountains. The two-hour
ride follows the same trail as the shorter ride before climbing
higher into the mountains for amazing views. The three-hour
ride is the most popular. It travels over hills to a gem mine,
where riders have a chance to explore before travelling up to a
vantage point for views of Tennessee and Big Ball Mountain. The
four-hour ride covers all the areas of the shorter rides, with
even more mountain views. If you prefer to spend an entire day
in the saddle, take the all-day ride. It leaves at 9 am and
returns at 4 pm. Bring your lunch, or one will be provided at a
small fee. If you want to be around the horses but don’t want
to get into the saddle, take a ride in the horse-drawn wagon or
buggy. Call 828-649-3464.
Riverside Riding Stables: Located at Lake
Lure, Riverside offers a variety of trail rides year round in
the mountains of western North Carolina. Children between the
ages of 2 and 6 can be led by parents around the stables or
ride double with a parent on the one-hour trail ride. This ride
is great for beginners and experienced riders and travels along
peaceful trails where you can get an up-close view of native
wildlife. The two-hour trail is the exciting River Ride, for
ages 14 and up. Here, you’ll ride through a river and be able
to swim with your horse before climbing the trail to scenic
vistas of Bald Mountain. In the fall and spring months, a
two-night, three-day camping trip is offered that includes
unlimited riding, fishing, and camping for groups of 4-6. For
this trip, you’ll need to make reservations at least one month
in advance. Call 828-288-1302 for more information.
Monti Stables: Located in Monroe, Monti
Stables offers boarding, training, horses and tack for sale,
and trail rides. The friendly staff goes out of their way to
ensure that you have a safe, peaceful, enjoyable experience on
their well trained horses. With acres of pasture and miles of
trails, a good time is practically guaranteed! Kids will get a
kick out of Bella the goat, the barn mascot, and they’ll love
seeing the foals, too. Give the stables a call at
704-936-8638.
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