While you may have the urge to get onto your horse and go horseback riding in Boone, NC, it is an area that has its share of options for horseback riding.
Various spots around the city offer off-the-beaten-path adventures, such as trail riding and camping under the stars.
There are many horseback riding locations in and around Boone, NC, but these are some of the best:
Grandfather Stables
Grandfather stables are a family-owned business that has been in business for over 40 years.
They have an excellent reputation and are committed to providing a safe and fun experience for our riders.
Our goal is to provide the highest quality horseback riding lessons with excellent instruction from our caring staff at Grandfather Stables.
The facility also offers lessons for all levels of riders, from beginners to advanced riders who want a challenge.
So if you’re looking for fun or fitness, Grandfather stables can help you get started on your journey toward becoming an experienced rider.
The Wranglers
As you would expect, reputable, stable, professional trainers at Grandfather stables are certified by the American Horse Council.
They offer a variety of riding sessions for ages, levels, and skill levels. The horses are kept in excellent condition thanks to the dedicated staff who provide them daily, groom them weekly, and exercise them daily.
The facility also provides a full-service barn where you can get your horse washed or fed.
When you arrive at the Grandfather Stables, you will not help but notice the urge in the wranglers to make sure that everyone feels comfortable.
So if you are signing up for lessons at the facility, let the instructors know your experience level so you can have an easy time.
Services Offered
Besides horseback riding lessons, Grandfather Stables have a variety of programs that can help you learn to ride, including trail rides for groups of all sizes, natural horsemanship; summer camp; horse boarding, and pony rides for kids.
Address: 534 Church Hollow Rd, Boone, NC 28607, United States
Website: http://www.grandfatherstables.com/
Phone: +1 828-963-5000
Banner Elk Stables
The best part about riding in Banner Elk Stables is that you can ride with a group as big or small as you want. The staff is engaging and will ensure you are comfortable and safe.
They have many types of horses and trails, including some beginner-friendly ones. The location is also great, as it’s in downtown Boone and has a closer view of Grandfather Mountain and Seven Devils Mountain.
The facility provides trail rides for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned riders who want to take it easy with the trails.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable way out of town for a weekend getaway or if you’re here on business and need some relaxation time before your next meeting, Banner Elk Stables are committed to providing excellent service for all guests.
Address: 796 Shomaker Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604, United States
Website: http://www.bannerelkstables.com/
Phone: +1 828-898-5424
Elk Mountain Riding Company
Horseback riding is fun, and Elk Mountain Riding Company observes that. They are committed to making sure your experience is safe and enjoyable.
Plus, they take great care when selecting horses, providing safety training before and after the ride.
Elk company takes great pride in maintaining their horses’ health and well-being. They use a risk assessment to determine which horse suits your skill level.
The friendly, knowledgeable staff will guide you through your riding experience with the utmost care and concern for your safety.
Elk wranglers keep it cool with the horses they use. They don’t use horses that are too old, injured, or sick.
The instructors will teach you how to ride confidently on horseback, showing you how to get started with basic exercises.
If you are looking forward to gaining riding experience, they offer private lessons, group lessons, and trail rides for riders of all ages. Note that you need zero experience to roll in.
If you are looking for something different than just riding alone, then the trail rides in this facility may be just what you need.
With this option, you can get your ride customized based on the needs of your group.
Address: 161 Johnson Rd, Newland, NC 28657, United States
Website: https://elkmountainriding.co/
Phone: +1 828-351-4041
Broyhill Equestrian Preserve
Horseback riding in Broyhill Equestrian Preserve is a magical experience. The horses are gentle and well-trained and will guide you through Broyhill’s beautiful trails with minimal fuss.
The trails at Broyhill are some of the most beautiful in the area, and they span multiple terrain types – from flatlands to hilly grasslands and from forested hillsides to open pastures.
Broyhill has been preserving the land and providing equestrian services for almost a century, so they stand out for proper care for hoses.
Likewise, the staff at Broyhill Equestrian Preserve has years of experience caring for horses and teaching people how to ride them.
They’ll pair you with an experienced rider who will help guide you through any challenges or questions you might have along the way.
Pricing
- Campsites – $30 per night/site
- Stabling – $30 per horse/short term
- Boarding – $300 per month/long term
Address: 1500 Laurel Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States
Website: https://brchs.org/broyhill-preserve/
Phone: +1 828-295-4700
Leatherwood Mountains Stables
Horseback riding in Leatherwood Mountains Stables is about riding on the backs of beautiful horses, through beautiful forests, and over beautiful hills.
The facility offers guided tours and private lessons for individuals who wish to learn more about horseback riding before joining the group rides.
With 60 stalls, a riding ring, and a riding arena, this facility is the best for horse boarding. The facility has full training and riding lessons in a healthy and safe environment.
They offer a variety of services, including:
- Trail and horseback riding in and off Leatherwood Mountains Stables
- Private horsemanship lessons
- Camping with and without horses
- Special occasions
- Vacation rentals
What To Expect
- Riders should have a minimum of eight years and
- The weight limit is 225 lbs
- Only dogs on leash are allowed
- You can access sand paddocks, a round pen, and the riding arena
- Reservations are a must
- Modern barns with tack rooms, showers, bathrooms, and outside and inside wash pit
- You should provide care, hay, and feed for your horses
Pricing
- Stalls – $25
- Camping with horses – $25
- Camping with no horses – $35
- Tent sites – $15
- Private horsemanship lessons – $65 per hour
Address: 512 Meadow Rd, Ferguson, NC 28624, United States
Website: https://leatherwoodmountains.com/
Phone: +1 800-462-6867
Valle Crucis Farm
Just outside Boone, horseback riding in Valle Crucis Farm is a great way to get up close and personal with horses and the beautiful surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It’s not hard to see why it’s become such a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The staff at Valle Crucis Farm is friendly and willing to help you find the right horse for your experience level.
The team can also give you tips on handling yourself on horseback, depending on what kind of riding you’re interested in.
The farm offers trail and horseback rides where you can choose from their full roster of horses or take a stab at one of their more exotic options.
They also offer great activities, including fishing, a wedding venue, parties, mountain cabin rental, sledding, hiking, tubing, and more.
You can also rent the entire facility for your group or family vacation. Make an early booking because demand is high during peak season, especially on weekends.
When you arrive at Valle Crucis Farm, don’t forget to bring sunscreen because there will be lots of walking during your trip over the mountain range.
Address: 159 Creekstone Dr, Banner Elk, NC 28604, United States
Website: https://vallecrucisfarm.business.site/
Phone: +1 828-386-9614
Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides
Horseback riding on Blue Ridge Mountain Trail is one of the most popular activities in Boone.
The facility offers a variety of horseback riding experiences, from our beginner trail rides to more adventurous excursions.
The horses are well-trained and experienced in their work and will take you on a journey through the mountain trails, which is sure to be an adventure for everyone who goes.
Blue Ridge Horseback Riding staff are experts in horseback riding, so you’ll be in good hands when you make memorable trips to the facility.
They have been in business for over 25 years and know how to make your trip as comfortable as possible. You can expect that they will tailor each ride to your specific needs and preferences.
Whether it’s just relaxing with a good book while taking in stunning views or trying something more challenging like swimming across a river on horseback.
Note Before You Book
- No pets allowed
- Reservations are required
- 25% reservation deposit for more than ten riders
- Horseback rides have six departure times; 8:45 am, 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:00 pm
Pricing
- $39 per one-hour rides
- $59 per 1.5-hour rides
- $79 per two-hour rides
Address: 319 Hells Hollow Rd, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, United States
Website: https://www.blueridgemountaintrailrides.com/
Phone: +1 706-408-7433
Conclusion
The Boone and Blowing Rock area have so much to offer year-round, with verdant mountains, peaceful valleys, and relaxing trails that are perfect for a quick outdoor adventure.
So whether you are looking for the area’s best trails or simply a horseback riding experience unlike any other, Boone is the ideal location to explore your equestrian passions.
This list will serve as a resourceful map on your next horseback riding trip in Boone to bring you closer to a closer connection with nature.
