2015 Award horseback riding maggie valley nc  2013 Award family horseback riding near me 2009 Award horseback riding sapphire valley

TRAIL SUMMARY

Ride on horseback through the Flame Azalea Trail into a hardwood forest of enchanting white pines and blooming azaleas. Your 60-minute guided tour starts with a 1-hour safety briefing and training at the Arrowmont Stables and Cabins, located just 10 miles north of Cashiers, NC. Choose from a variety of departure times.

TRAIL DETAILS

Meet your guide at Arrowmont Stables and Cabins in Cullowhee North Carolina, which is about a 2-hour drive from Asheville. Get acquainted with equine behavior and receive riding tips during a 50-minute safety program via training video and live demonstration.

Once you’re matched with a suitable horse, snap on your helmet and practice horseback riding in the ring before setting off on the Flame Azalea Trail. Follow your guide through a hardwood and white pine forest flanked by azaleas before you emerge into an open meadow. Reaching 4,200 feet in elevation, you’re treated to sweeping views out of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Be on the lookout for wildlife, including raptors soaring above.

On the descent, travel past the Old Fort Lodge and a former youth camp established in 1960 — before ending your tour back at the stables of the 200-acre (80-hectare) working horse farm.

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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. They want you to protect them.
  3. Horses can be very stubborn. Whoever is MOST stubborn wins. You need to be more stubborn than the horse.

Inclusions

  • Safety orientation
  • Horseback Ride (based on option selected)
  • Use of all equipment (horse, tack and helmet)
  • Use of helmet mandatory for under 18 years old
  • Ponchos or Rain coats provided for inclement weather
  • Majestic Trails with a variety in terrain from 4200 feet elevation at the top to 3400 feet in the valley
  • Local guide

Exclusions

  • Gratuities (recommended). 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

  • Plan an extra 50-60 minutes, in addition to your trail time, for your safety/training program.

Please Note, The Safety/Training Program Starts at your Trail Time, Not before it.  Your Trail immediately follows your safety 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.
  • Ages need to be given at time of Booking so we may assign proper horses
  • Closed-toe shoes are required
  • Long pants recommended
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
  • 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

Time On The Trail:   55-65 Minutes, plus the Safety Program which starts at the Trail Time Chosen

Arrival Time

Please arrive at the stated Trail Time or 5 minutes early.  

  • When You arrive you will need to complete your Assumption of Responsibility forms, one for each rider.  You may get a copy of the form HERE.
  • At the stated TrailTime Your Safety Program starts
  • Then you will try your horse out in the ring before going on your trail.Trail times are in addition to the Safety Program.  So if you choose a 60 minute trail, plan to be here at least 2 hours to cover both the Safety and Trail times.

Please Note, The Safety Program Starts at your stated trail time, not before it.  Your Trail immediately follows your safety program.  You just need to factor in the time for any activities you are planning After your trail ride.

Stables Location

Stables Name             Arrowmont Stables & Cabins, LLC

Stables Address         276 Arrowmont Trail,  Cullowhee, NC 28723

Telephone Number:  (800) 682 1092

Directions to Arrowmont

In the mountains your GPS is not nearly as accurate as in the city, and you may lose signal.  Its best to download your directions, CLICK HERE

Plan more time for driving time in the mountains.  The roads are twistier than in town, but the views and beauty are more than worth it.

What to wear?

  • Shoes:  Please wear closed toed shoes with as smooth a sole as possible.
  • No flip-flops, hiking boots or barefeet.  Obviously, riding boots are best but tennis shoes with a smooth sole could work.
  • 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:  Trails go rain or shine. Bring an extra T-Shirt and towel if it looks like rain.

Things that get lost on the trail:

  1. Sunglasses that aren’t being worn
  2. Cameras that aren’t on a tether around your neck
  3. Cell phones
  4. Wallets

Please leave these things in your car.  Rarely do we find them.

Reservation info needed for each Rider:

  • All Rider names
  • Rider Date of Birth
  • Rider height
  • Rider weight