Discover Horsemanship at Arrowmont Stables: Ride, Learn, and Explore Scenic Trails in Cullowhee, NC

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DESCRIPTION

Learn about safety, grooming, feeding, tacking, scooping manure and even capturing your horse in the field if you are scheduled early in the day. Your 45+ minute horsemanship program starts with a safety briefing then horsemanship training at the Arrowmont Stables, located just 10 miles north of Cashiers, NC.

You’re matched with a suitable horse and given some safety training before meeting your horse. Also, please choose your helmet before meeting and mounting your horse. Then you are given instruction, learn, and practice riding while in the ring (which is about the size of half of a football field). Then, time is allotted for learning about caring for your horse as well.

You may even choose to add a Trail ride to your horsemanship program to solidify your training and enjoy the views.

Meet your instructor at Arrowmont Stables on the northwest end of Lake Glenville about a mile from the lake. It's only a 20-minute drive from Cashiers, NC. At this 200-acre (80-hectare) working horse farm you’ll get acquainted with equine behavior and riding tips during your training program.

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RATES

• $99.75 per person, Group setting
• Private Instructor Additional Fee (Call to Book)
• If you get this message when you try to book "Not currently available online, please call us" that particular ride/time may be full. Try another ride. time or day before calling.

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DURATION

Plan 45 minutes at the stables, plus the personal prepping (helmet fitting, rest room, etc) for an added 15-20 minutes.

This all starts at the stated trail time, not before.

EXAMPLE for TIME to ARRIVE:

You BOOK a Ride or Instruction for 11 AM. You ARRIVE at 11 AM.

When you arrive at the stables AT 11 AM, you will

• Complete some forms.
• Then you will be shown where to get your helmet,
• Next, You are presented with our Safety Program (either by video or live demonstration) which covers how the horses are trained, safety tips, and an opportunity to try your horse out in the ring.
• Now you are ready to start your instruction.

This preparation takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes. So the time that you actually start on your trail ride will be more like 11:45 AM.

The total time that you are at the stables will be at least 45 minutes plus your particular trail length time.

For an 11 AM ride, you DON'T arrive at 10 AM. Everything will start at 11 AM.
This is true for each trail time reservation.

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ABOUT

Come enjoy an amazing adventure on a 200-acre horse farm.

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WHAT TO BRING

• Shoes: Please wear closed-toed shoes with as smooth a sole as possible.
• No flip-flops, hiking boots or bare feet. Obviously, riding boots are best but tennis shoes with a smooth sole could work. Smooth sole shoes with a heel are best.
• Please do Not wear hiking boots. Their sole is very rough and may get your foot stuck in the stirrup.
• Pants: Long pants are best. Then shorts that come down to your knees. This is so your legs won't rub on the saddle and get sore.
• Rain: Program functions rain or shine. We do provide ponchos and raincoats. Bring an extra T-Shirt and towel if it looks like rain.

THINGS THAT GET LOST ON THE TRAIL:

• Sunglasses that aren't being worn
• Cameras that aren't on a tether around your neck
• Cell phones
• Wallets
• Keys

Please leave these things in your car or at the Stables. Rarely do we find them.

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AGE TO RIDE, WEIGHT, ETC INFO

AGE TO RIDE: Eight-year-old children have successfully engaged in the Horsemanship Program. Sometimes there's a precocious seven-year-old who may enter the program. It helps to be large enough to be able to carry a saddle and lift it onto a horse. What we look for are:

• Does the child have good balance on the horse?
• Is he afraid of horses? We can help a person overcome their fear.

DOUBLE RIDING: We are sorry but "Double Riding" is not permitted. It's been proven to be less safe than if each person/child were on their own horse.

WEIGHT LIMIT Weight limit for walking trails is 250lb. The weight needs to be proper for your height. For example, a person who is 5 feet tall weighing 250lbs would not be able to go riding.
I'm sorry but they simply wouldn't be able to properly hold on with their legs. It is primarily your legs that keep you securely "fastened" to your horse. Your proper balance is also important.

To help you understand the weight restrictions... A horse can comfortably carry 20% of his body weight. So to carry someone who weighs 250 lbs, you need a horse that weighs at least 1250 lbs. That is a huge horse and the top of his back is usually at or near 5 feet 6 inches or more. If you are a short person who needs a large horse to ride, that's a long way to fall if you can't gripe well with your legs. Plus, if you needed to get back on in the forest, if would be almost impossible.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING ALLERGIES

Allergy Information

If you suspect you or someone in your group has allergy problems and still want to reserve a horse for them, PLEASE do not expect to get a refund when, in fact, an allergic reaction occurs and you or the person(s) in your group are unable to ride their horse(s).

I'm sorry but we have to turn away too many people who are not allergic to be able to refund for an allergic incident that may or may not occur. Please Be Aware.

INCLUSIONS:

1. Safety Orientation
2. Horseback Ride (based on the option selected)
3. Use of all equipment (horse, tack, and helmet)
4. Use of helmet mandatory for under 18 years old
5. Ponchos or Raincoats provided for inclement weather
6. Majestic Trails with a variety in terrain from 4200 feet elevation at the top down to 3400 feet in the valley
7. An Instructor/Guide for safety and direction as well as to provide some local history and color.
8. Plus, Great Horses! If you add a trail ride the Trail length times are approximate. The rate is based on the trail and not time. Please understand, it's hard to "push button" a horse to be exact.

EXCLUSIONS:

• Gratuities (recommended). Guides do work for tips. They strive to provide you and your family a great time and a safe time. People generally tip like in a restaurant, 20%.
• Transportation to/from attractions
• DVD (available to purchase). Safety Demonstration DVD covers about 6 hours of private lessons

ADDITIONAL INFO:

• Confirmation will be received subject to availability
• Plan an extra 50-60 minutes, in addition to your trail time, for this safety and training program
• Your Safety Program consists of a video or live demonstration covering the horse's training, safety, and horse personality.
• You are given a chance to try your horse in the ring before departing. If needed, your horse can be changed before your trail.
• All passenger ages MUST be advised at time of booking
• Closed-toe shoes are required, NO HIKING BOOTS
• Long pants recommended
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on a trail ride
• Not recommended for pregnant women
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• If it looks like rain, bring an extra T-shirt and towel

SOME RIDING TIPS:

1. Horses don't know they are big. That's why we can control them with the bit in their mouth.
2. Horses think like little children and expect you to protect them.
3. You NEED to know this. Whoever is most stubborn (PERSISTENT) wins. You NEED to be more stubborn (PERSISTENT) than the horse.