Horseback Riding in Banner Elk, North Carolina (Avery County)

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

PLEASE leave us your phone and contact information. This site doesn't always give us your complete information. We want to be able to get in touch with you!

Teaching experience of 26+ years. Beginners thru showing. Specialties include dressage and jumping. Lessons for ages 5 and up. Group or Private lessons available.... See More

Black Cherry farm is a full service boarding, training and lesson facility. We offer lessons all year round from beginner to the advanced rider. We specialize in western and English riding lessons. If your looking for horse training we offer breaking colts to tuning up your older horse we do specialize in barrel and pole horses. Our great staff is very knowledgeable in all riding disciplines. Please take a look at our web site for further information.... 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.

Owner of Willow Pond Stables offers the basics of western riding lessons for beginning riders in a calm environment including the beauty of private trail riding.

Breezy Valley Farm provides full care boarding at a wonderful facility and a riding program.

The facility offers a 22 stall barn with two tack rooms, an indoor arena, outdoor grass arena, jump field, trails, a hot/cold wash rack, lounge, bathroom, and 25 acres of beautiful pastures. Full board includes twice daily feedings, feed and hay, a large stall with new mats, blanketing or fly gear, worming, turning in and out, access to the facility, and scheduling vet and farrier.

The riding program is for students seven to adult ranging in levels from beginner to advanced in hunt seat, eventing, and dressage. Head Trainer Bri Ambrosic is a Certified Horsemanship Association level three instructor and Assistant Trainer Hailey Morris is an experienced rider and instructor in jumpers and dressage. Our trainers teach both private and small group lessons on experienced lesson horses and travels to teach lessons off site on your own horse as well. Please contact Breezy Valley Farm for boarding, lesson, and training rates and availability.... See More

start from beginners to advance riders offering horse prep and ground behavior from showing to just plain pleasure riding! what sets me off from the other competitors is good horsemanship and well mannered instructions for all ages 6 to 60! getting kids involved is a good thing esp when dealing with 4h shows and getting started early and being prepared! with 20yrs of horse showing background and with a family horse history background i have alot to offer! my strengths include starting from the ground up! learn ur horse before u tackle the riding learn the habits ur horse has good and bad before u attempt the ride! know what to look for on the trails what may frighten and cause a unsafe ride! plus with family in the saddle making industry i can help with ur basic needs on what saddle u you need that equips u the best! we have a lighted 200 by 200 arena! come visit! a must see !... See More

PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY THROUGH E-MAIL OR BY TEXT! THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT SEND YOUR INFORMATION TO US WHEN YOU INQUIRE. THANKS! We are a family-friendly farm located in Tryon, NC, only minutes from downtown! We offer a comprehensive riding program for ages 6-adult. Hunt Seat instruction is our specialty, although we also provide beginner Western lessons as well as trail lessons. Lessons are taught by experienced instructors in a safe and fun setting! Private and group lessons are available, and there are opportunities to show locally. Partial, on-site horse leases are available to qualified students. Full board is available! We also offer on-site pony parties and pony rides as well as a Summer day camp.... See More

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

The mission of LPMurphy Equestrian, LLC is to teach students how to safely and effectively handle and ride a variety of horses, to help students acquire many life and twenty-first-century skills through riding, and to have a positive effect on the equestrian community and the world at large. With over 17 years of experience in general horse care, dressage, western, and hunter seat riding, we have a wide knowledge base to help you reach your riding goals. Come ride one of our proven lesson horses or let us help you find success on your own. We also offer training packages on a limited basis, as well as a variety of other equestrian services. Please see our website for full details about what we have to offer! We are conveniently located within 10 minutes of downtown Mt. Airy and Dobson, NC, and within 15 minutes of Pilot Mountain, NC.... See More

Cardinal Stables is dedicated to the Hunter and Jumper disciplines. 20 years of experience and CHA Certified Instructors. Our facility offers 22 stalls, Hot Walker, separate Boarder Barn with boarder tack room and wash pit, and several riding arenas. A few of our services include lessons,Equestrian Teams, Pony Pals Club, Tiny Tots Club, boarding, training and sales.... 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

Jansal Saddlebreds is currently offering saddleseat riding lessons to the public. Lessons are $25 for 30 minutes of riding time for individual lessons, and $25 for group lessons that are 45 minutes of riding time. Head Instructor is certified with the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA - Level 2). We also offer driving lessons for those who may not be able to ride, or just don't wish to get on one! Our facilities include both a lighted and climate controlled indoor arena as well as an outside arena, so you can ride day or night, rain or shine, inside or out. Centrally located near winston, 1 exit down from the Tanglewood exit on I-40... See More

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

Heart Centered Horsemanship is a method of training developed to provide mutual benefit to horses and humans. Techniques include relationship building, hands-on techniques to release tension and improve comfort and ease of movement, groundwork to develop connection and communication, adapted yoga practices, and riding to provide maximum benefit to horse and rider. Stacey Carter has over 25 years of experience riding, training, and competing. She has extensive experience starting young horses, rehabilitating "problem" horses, and working with rescues. She is a PATH Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and Registered Yoga Instructor. The Heart Centered Horsemanship Method has been incorporated into therapeutic programs and is the basis for Healing Connections at Midnight's Promise Equine Rescue, a weekly group that supports mutual healing for horses and humans. She teaches riders from the ground up in a holistic program that emphasizes safety, mindfulness, animal welfare, and having fun while developing skills that enhance all areas of life.

Contact me for information regarding:
-lesson and camp opportunities for children
-trailer-in lessons or distance learning and support for horse owners
-training board
-yoga and horses clinics and group classes for all experience levels... See More