Let your child ride in the ring with a parent leading
15 minutes in the Ring
Helmet, Horse, Safety orientation
Help your child ride in the ring while you lead the horse at Arrowmont Stables in Cullowhee. This parent-led ride gives your group 15 minutes in the ring, with helmets provided for children.
Children age 3 and younger need 2 adults: one to lead the horse and one to walk beside the child for stability. Closed-toe shoes with smooth soles are required, and double riding is not permitted. Gratuities are not included (guides generally receive 20%).
For horseback riding, the cancellation fee is trail cost per horse cancelled. If you suspect allergy problems, do not expect a refund if an allergic reaction occurs and you cannot ride.
Wear closed-toe shoes with smooth soles. Do not wear flip-flops, hiking boots, Crocs, or go barefoot. Long pants work best; knee-length shorts can help prevent rubbing on the saddle.
No. Arrive at your reservation time. After you arrive, you complete forms, get a helmet, and do a safety program and a short ring tryout before riding; this prep can take about 30–45 minutes.
Yes. Rides operate in all weather conditions. Ponchos and raincoats are provided; bring an extra T-shirt and towel if it looks like rain.
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