|
Phone: (910) 396-4510
Location: Building Q5340, Smith Lake Road
Hours:
Summer Hours:
Thursday through Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Open to the public.
Tuesday, Wednesday: Closed to the public.
Closed on all Federal Holidays.
Winter Hours:
Monday, Thursday & Friday: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. Open to the public.
Saturday & Sunday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Open to the public.
Tuesday, Wednesday: Closed to the public.
Closed on all Federal Holidays.
The Smith Lake Riding Stables has more than 200 acres of land and 10 miles of designated wooded trails for horse enthusiasts. Riders often spot deer, black squirrels, and other wildlife while enjoying a relaxing horseback ride.
Click here for photo gallery
Trail Riding
ID Card Holders: $11 per hour
Civilians: $13 per hour
- Trail Rides are offered each hour at 45 minutes after the hour.
- Patrons must be at the stable 30 minutes prior to each ride.
- Patrons must be 8 years or older to take trail
rides.
- Rain checks are available for rides cancelled due to inclement weather.
- Reservations are preferred but not required. Same-day reservations are available.
- Closed toe shoes required.
Open Riding
Advanced riders who pass a riding test can enjoy
any of the designated trails without a guide.
ID Card Holders: $13 per hour
Civilians: $15 per hour
- A minimum of two riders must be present for open riding.
- Riding tests are given in a Western saddle from 9:00 to 10:30am on the days we are open.
- Reservations are not required, however, same day reservations are available.
- Riding is limited in the summer, based on heat.
Pony Rides
Children 7 and under: $5 each (price effective Oct 01, 2008)
Pony rental per hour: $10
Trailer rental per day: $30/$40
Pony Rides are designed for children who are not quite old enough to handle a large horse. Parents lead the ponies around a corral for 30 minutes while children experience a horse ride just their size.
-
Ponies may be reserved for on-post unit
functions, birthday parties, etc.
-
Patrons are responsible for transporting ponies.
-
Reservations are required.
-
Closed toe shoes required.
Hay Rides (by the hour)
Groups 1-50: $40
Groups can reserve a hay ride. The hay rides will be held at the stable by a stable employee.
Riding Lessons
One-hour group sessions: $25 per lesson
One-hour private sessions: $30 per lesson
The Riding Stables offers riding lessons year round. The lessons include mounting, riding, dismounting the horse, feeding, grooming, tack and barn care, and minor vet care.
-
Class schedules are determined by the
instructor and the student.
-
Reservations are required.
-
One make-up class per session is allowed.
-
Stables provide the horse and all equipment
necessary for the classes.
Lesson Program:
Beginner:
Students progress from getting on a horse for the first time to being able to walk, trot, and canter a horse on their own. Students will learn how to maneuver their horse over and around obstacles. Ground lessons include learning the points of the horse and being able to identify tack.
Intermediate:
Students will learn to discern right and left leads of the canter. Intermediate level includes an introduction to jumping over cross-rails and cavaletti and culminates in being able to jump a horse 2 feet to 2 feet, 3 inches in English style. Western style will include learning flying lead changes, stops, and spins. Ground lessons will include more horse care and management. Students should be able to saddle and bridle their own horse.
Advanced:
Students proving competence in the previous two levels learn more subtle aids in riding. Work is done primarily on equitation (being effective through the proper use of correct aids.) Jumping will continue with students learning how to jump 2 feet, 6 inches and above. Western style includes collectia and estensia of gaits to work towards more complicated maneuvers. Advanced students are expected not only to better themselves but also to improve their horses.
Boarding Privately Owned Horses
Smith Lake Riding Stables provides boarding for horses of active duty military personnel. Active duty military must have orders assigning them to Fort Bragg or Pope Air Force Base.
Boarding without paddock: $90 per month (price effective Oct 1, 2008)
-
Private owners are responsible for cleaning stalls and paddocks.
-
Owners must present health records certified within 10 days prior to boarding. (Records include EEE, WEE, Rabies, Tetanus, Equine Influenza vaccinations and negative EIA Blood.)
-
Owners are required to keep health records up to date.
-
Owners are responsible for all vet services.
-
There is a 10-day quarantine upon arrival, but horses may be exercised in the quarantined area.
-
Contracts with active-duty military must be signed upon arrival by the sponsor or spouse with a Power of Attorney.
Horse Lease
Is for advanced riders who have passed the open riding test at the Smith Lake Riding Stables. The lease period is between September-May.
Horse Lease: $25 per day
Horse Camps
Horse camps are available for riders eight years and above. The rider is given lessons on how to take care of a horse, go on trail rides, and have bookwork to do.
One day Horse Camp: $25 per rider
Week-Long Horse Camp: $125 per rider
Horse Riding Camp Schedule
The Horse Camps are based on Cumberland County Traditional School Calendar year. For more info on the Horse Camps please call the Smith Lake Riding Stables at 910-396-4510.
|
