Learn riding basics and horse care at Arrowmont Stables
45+ minute
Safety, equipment, instructor
Build confidence around horses with a safety briefing and hands-on horsemanship training at Arrowmont Stables near Cashiers, North Carolina. Practice riding in the ring, learn horse care skills, and add a trail ride if you choose.
Closed-toe shoes are required (no hiking boots). Double riding is not permitted. Walking-trail weight limit is up to 250 lb, proportional to height.
Gratuities are not included; guides work for tips and 20% is commonly given. A private instructor has an additional fee—clarify the amount with Greetwell before booking.
Cancellation fee for horseback riding is the trail cost per horse cancelled.
Wear closed-toe shoes with a smooth sole (no flip-flops, hiking boots, crocs, or bare feet). Wear long pants, or shorts that come down to your knees.
No. Arrive at your scheduled start time. You’ll complete forms, get fitted for a helmet, and go through a safety program (video or live), which can take 30–45 minutes before you begin.
Eight-year-old children have successfully done the program; some seven-year-olds may be able to participate. Double riding isn’t permitted. The walking-trail weight limit is 250 lb (weight must be proportional to height). For Walk-Trot-Canter trails, the weight limit is 220 lb.
Arrowmont Stables
Joshua, Eric, and Gina consistently stand out across reviews as knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely enthusiastic guides who take the time to pair riders with the right horses and make everyone feel comfortable before heading out. Pre-ride safety instruction gets a lot of praise too, with several riders noting it's more thorough than anything they've experienced elsewhere. The trails themselves are a big draw. Rides wind through mountain terrain with sweeping valley views, creeks, rocky climbs, and meadows, and options range from 45 minutes to two hours depending on your group. Families with young kids, first-timers, and experienced riders all seem to find something that works for them here. The horses are consistently described as well-trained and responsive, which clearly puts nervous riders at ease. One thing worth knowing before booking is that the stable holds firm on its reservation policy, so if your plans change unexpectedly, flexibility is limited. That said, the overwhelming majority of visitors leave raving about the experience, and many mention wanting to return.
My daughter and I went on the Scenic Valley Trail ride. The ride was an hour and a half of absolutely beautiful scenery! Our guide and the owner were both extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They made us feel completely comfortable and made sure we felt confident about riding. I have experience riding but daughter did not and they made sure she was relaxed and ease so we were both able to thoroughly enjoy our ride! I highly recommend booking a trail ride!
Jinna Smith
March 25, 2026
My daughter and I went on the Scenic Valley Trail ride. The ride was an hour and a half of absolutely beautiful scenery! Our guide and the owner were both extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They made us feel completely comfortable and made sure we felt confident about riding. I have experience riding but daughter did not and they made sure she was relaxed and ease so we were both able to thoroughly enjoy our ride! I highly recommend booking a trail ride!
Jinna Smith
March 25, 2026