Horseback Riding in Banner Elk, North Carolina (Avery 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

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

More Fun! Faster Results!

In 20 lessons a beginner rider can be jumping and riding trails. Imagine what you can accomplish.

Mention this ad and receive a FREE rider evaluation when you signup for first month's classes! Open to beginner or experienced riders.

Evaluation includes: Saddle time. Hands on horse handling. Consultation with qualified/licensed trainer. Discussion of your riding goals and assistance developing a customized program to help you reach your goals. Ideal for all riders of all levels.

Train with Nationally rated instructor with 50 years experience and former Police Horse Trainer.

Classical Forward Riding
Classical Dressage
Hunter/Jumper
Basic Horsemanship

Whole Horse Journeys riders receive an integrative experience that includes:

• A truly effective and functional position
• A successful, two-way dialog with your horse
• The ability to feel safe and confident in all riding
situations
• Tools to help you achieve your riding goals
• Increased core strength
• Balance and coordination
• A strong foundation of knowledge, function and effect
• Self-confidence and self esteem
• More Fun Riding!

WHJ certified instructors and trainers are especially trained to:

• Offer an organized, systematic approach to riding
• Observe and diagnose issues
• Consider the rider’s personal goals and issues
• Offer achievable solutions for horses and riders that
empower both
• Help riders and horses achieve a deeper, more satisfying
riding experience
• Help riders and horses feel safe and have fun

Now booking fall/winter classes - private, semi-private and group.
Whole Horse Journeys or

www.wholehorsejourneys.com... See More

Over The River Farm is a hunter/jumper facility offers lessons for those with or without a horse of their own. We start children at the age of six. We have a show team for those who choose to compete with us. For more information visit our website at OverTheRiverFarm.com or contact Julia Collins at 215-3653... See More

Kelly Snyder is a certified equine structural integrator and licensed massage therapist providing increased mobility, balance, strength and overall health to horses in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee by releasing restricted myo-fascial tissue and associated holding patterns. Kelly also provides exercise, stretching, riding and training tips that compliment the body work and allow for the horse to receive maximum benefits from the therapy sessions. Equine Freedom Solutions works to blend scientific knowledge of equine conformation and horse and rider biomechanics along with common sense and a deep love of horses to provide the best therapy possible for each individual horse. For more info or to schedule a session call ... See More

Hobbit Hill offers a range of Hunter/Jumper trainers and instructors. We also offer clinics and summer camp, day camp, and over night camp.

Jumping H Farm TRAIL RIDES AND RIDING LESSONS Teaching the beginner to intermediate rider with your horse or ours. We offer guided trails and trail riding lessons. 1-2 hour rides available on safe trustworthy mounts. 25 years of lesson experience from the very basics to upper level showing. Group or Private Lessons Available. Please contact Nicole Huttar or email Fun and Friendly atmosphere geared around learning the correct riding skills.... 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

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

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