Horseback Riding in Lenoir, North Carolina (Caldwell County)

We love kids we strive to let kids experiance the joys of riding horses.

We offer Horse Boarding, Western Style Riding Lessons, Barrel Racing Training, & Horse Training all By a Multi time National Barrel Horse Qualifier & 3-Time Finalist.

Come ride with us! Sunset Ridge offers lessons for all levels and ages in Hunters, Jumpers and Dressage! We travel to to local schooling shows as well as rated shows as well as offer spots on our Interscholastic Equestrian Team.
Family is the most important thing at Sunset Ridge, and we view each horse, customer, and visitor as part of our extended family and so we take care of them just as we would our own. We believe that the equestrian world isn't just about lessons and showing, we believe that it is about truly enjoying our horses and eachother. We do this by not only providing the best care and instruction possible but by scheduling fun events both inside and outside of the barn.
Meet Our Head Trainer:
Diane DeRienzis has 25 yrs. experience teaching, training and barn management. She started her riding career on Long Island in New York where she competed as a junior, amateur and professional in Hunters, Equitation and Jumpers. Her goal is to instill confidence and skill in her riders so that they can connect with their horses in a successful partnership whether their goal is to show on the A circuit or to pleasure ride.
"I believe that everyone at any age can learn, and I welcome children as well as
adults."

Charissa Loftin has been a part of the equestrian world since the age of 8 when she began taking lessons at TTC in Mocksville, NC. Growing up she succesfully competed on the A Circuit and later decided to become a trainer. Charissa has enjoyed teaching riders of all ages and levels for over 20 years and says that the most inspirational part of teaching is watching a rider accomplish something that they didnt thing was possible, no matter how small an accomplishment it is. Charissa believes that every day is a learning experience and that she learns just as much from her students and horses as they learn from herWe are excited to have Charissa join our Sunset Ridge family and help take our students to the next level in the Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation rings.

Lynn O. Boon, BHSAI began riding as a child at the Inverclyde Riding Center in Scotland. She was a working pupil at the center and grew through the ranks of Pony Club while competing in one day events. At 15 years old, she was commissioned to begin the riding program for the Earl of Glasgow at Kelburn Estates. She was the Stable Manager and Head Instructor for several years, and provided the start to what is now a thriving equestrian center. Lynn became a working student for the BHSAI at Bowfield Riding and Country Club, where she worked with Point-to-Point racehorses as part of her program. Lynn believes that "Dressage is a journey every horse and rider should take" and has used this montra in training her students on a variety of horses from Standardbred to Holstiener across the United States. Lynns 30+ years of experience training horses and riders has brought her to Sunset Ridge where she will be teaching lower (through 1st level) dressage. Lynn plans to spread her "dressage is for everyone" message while introducing the foundations of dressage to riders old and young, and horses of every breed and from every discipline. In addition to classic Dressage Lynn will also be teaching Western and Gaited Dressage to those who are interested.

Leah Barnes is one of our most competent and caring trainers, she specializes with tending to and schooling our youngest riders. Leah has over 12 years experience in the saddle, and is experienced in both English and Western. Leah has been with us since the beginning and is one of our best assets and an essential part of our Little Bits program... See More

Lake Pointe is a full service equestrian facility offering boarding, camps, sales, show team, IEA, 4H & birthday parties as well as hunter/jumper & dressage lessons. We pride ourselves in the exceptional care and attention to detail offered at our facility. Our knowledgeable staff are available to assist you in all of your needs. We strive to maintain a top care facility while having a family friendly atmosphere! Our trainers are top professionals in the industry and strive to teach solid horsemanship skills as well as develop competitive riders. Our program is unique since it not only focuses on riding but also horsemanship skills, barn management, and horse care. Give us a call or stop by today! Lake Pointe Equestrian Center...Where champions are made and friendships last a lifetime!... See More

Still Waters Farm is a Christian equestrian facility. For more information visit www.stillwaters-farm.com. Lots of opportunity to join us this summer for horse camp. Prices and dates listed on our web page. Thanks For Looking.

SUMMER HORSE CAMP - dates and times posted on our website. www.stillwaters-farm.com. We are a Christian equestrian facility located in Hickory, NC. Services include: Trail riding, birthday parties, private & group riding lessons, horse training, summer camps, special events and horse sales. For more information visit www.stillwaters-farm.com.... See More

Top Flight Farm offers dressage and hunter/jumper lessons to riders of all levels on our safe, well-trained school horses. We welcome beginner through advanced students, children and adults. Students with their own horses may haul-in to our beautiful facility to take advantage of our brand new, 22,000 square foot riding arena and full course of colorful jumps or have the instructor travel to you. Lessons focus on the biomechanics of horse and rider and balanced seat equitation. Show coaching and hauling to local shows available. We also often have horses available to regular students for partial lease. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and look forward to helping you meet all of your riding goals!... See More

Laid back western barn focusing on trail riding, barrel racing and roping.

Horseback riding lessons for 5 years old and up. Summer camps Birthday Parties

Riding lessons for beginners and advanced riders. All ages are welcome. We will help you to develop into a knowledgeable rider by instructing you on all aspects on how to ride, handle and care for your horse.
Our training program is designed to systematically develop the riders balance and a classical correct seat that gives an increased sense of security which is the foundation for all riding styles.... See More

Additional Comments:
Riding lessons offered in Hunt Seat, Jumper & Western pleasure. Offered for an hour, not includeing tack up time, on the best lesson horses in the area. All ages are welcome! Lighted arena, busy at work? lesson anytime! Shows once a month you are able to atend on ridden lesson horses also.... See More

Seacrest Show Stables with Hunters and Jumpers, pairing the perfect match for horse and rider for a winning team. Working with beginners to advanced riders.

Lessons for all levels of riding. Build a great foundation for any discipline.

Folklore Farm specializes in producing quiet well schooled horses for the adult amateur.
We have a fantastic lesson program with numerous horses suited to all ages and riding levels

A Note from Martha:

Dressage is a beautiful form of communication between a horse and rider.If you are interested in competing in dressage, I can teach you how to choose, apply, and prepare for the event, whether it is local or out of town. I applaud you for showing an interest in dressage - it means you care about your horse, and advance yourself as a rider. Perseverance will bring the two of you many rewards.

I first became involved with dressage, when, as a hunt seat rider, I found myself craving a higher level of communication with my horse. I saw dressage riders create what appeared to be magic with their horses.

For anyone who has learned the art of ballroom dancing, there are many similarities. The man leads, the woman follows, and in the case of riding, the rider leads and the horse follows. The horse will find this as enjoyable as the woman does, if the rider is clear in their "aids" (as when a man "leads" in dancing). If the aids are unclear, the horse will give the wrong response, and possibly even be punished for it. This is very discouraging, and eventually the horse will become sour and resistant.

It is for this reason it is very important for a rider to learn how to isolate the aids, how to properly apply them, and how to combine them as well. I teach the rider how to become aware of the effect their body parts, balance, and even their voice can have on communication with the horse. The rider must train their body as a dancer does, with stretches, holding their position initially with muscle, and learning to relax in the correct position. This requires dedication on the rider's part, stamina, and tremendous concentration. The good news is that the rider does not have to rush this process, and shouldn't try because there are no shortcuts. Be prepared for some frustrating moments, as it takes a lot of repetition to erase old habits, and feeling physically tired at the end of your ride. Those who have givien up other disciplines to try dressage because it is "easier" are in for a big surprise.

I teach riders who own (or beg, borrow, or steal) their own horses. If you don't have access to a horse, I can help find one for you, just check with me.... See More