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Top-rated riding stables in North Carolina

How this list is ranked: each stable's Google rating multiplied by its number of Google reviews, so a stable needs both a high rating and a lot of reviews to place well. Only stables with 10 or more Google reviews count. 315 of the 575 stables we list in North Carolina qualify; these are the top 10.

Ranked from public Google numbers. Not an endorsement.

1. 1

   Dead Broke Farm

   4.6★★★★★ 1,794 reviews

   Raleigh, NC · 6921 Wildlife Trail
   Score 8,252 (4.6 × 1,794)

   On Google: Horseback riding service · Equestrian facility · Horse rental service

   Trail ridesLessonsBeginnersPony ridesSummer camps

   My friend and I went out on a private ride and had a wonderful experience. Our trail guide, Emma, was welcoming and knowledgable and clearly knows and loves all of the horses. Our horses, Darlene and Fabio, were gorgeous and sweet and very patient with us, as it's been a long time since either of us have ridden.

2. 2

   Smoky Mountain Trail Rides

   4.8★★★★★ 1,030 reviews

   Marshall, NC · 1959 Walnut Creek Rd
   Score 4,944 (4.8 × 1,030)

   On Google: Horseback riding service

   Trail ridesMountain ridesBeginnersSummer camps

   Had an absolutely amazing time, the people are so sweet and welcoming, lots of animals to see and pet. The horses were very friendly and well trained, they rode beautifully! I was on a horse named Laney, she was a sweetheart.

3. 3

   Smokemont Riding Stables

   4.8★★★★★ 824 reviews

   Cherokee, NC · 135 Smokemont Riding Stables Rd
   Score 3,955 (4.8 × 824)

   On Google: Stable · Horse riding · Tourist attraction

   Trail ridesMountain ridesBeginners

   AMAZING!!!💜 We travel around quite a bit chasing waterfalls and horseback riding. But this was the first time we got to combine the two. Beautiful scenery on the ride over to the waterfall. Horses are are well cared for and friendly. The staff was incredible. Loved every minute of the experience ❤️

4. 4

   Equine Adventures

   4.9★★★★★ 791 reviews

   Frisco, NC · 52193 Piney Ridge Rd
   Score 3,876 (4.9 × 791)

   On Google: Horseback riding service · Horse rental service

   Trail ridesBeach ridesLessonsBeginnersEnglish

   Second time we’ve been here for our horseback riding adventure to celebrate my birthday and I can confidently say it does get better each time!! The second time was just as memorable as the first. Last year we had the honor of riding bunnie and hagrid, both amazing horses.

5. 5

   Sandy Bottom Trail Rides

   4.8★★★★★ 766 reviews

   Marshall, NC · 1459 Caney Fork Rd
   Score 3,677 (4.8 × 766)

   On Google: Horseback riding service · Equestrian facility · Stable

   Trail ridesMountain ridesBeginners

   Today was one of those days I will never forget. It’s been years since I went horseback riding. The experience we had today was fantastic. My horse was Johnny who is a sweet soul. Our guide was Brian and he was great. I can tell you the horses are well cared for and are happy. We met Jack and it’s a family business.

6. 6

   Elk Mountain Riding Company

   5★★★★★ 478 reviews

   Newland, NC · 161 Johnson Rd
   Score 2,390 (5 × 478)

   On Google: Horseback riding service

   Trail ridesMountain ridesLessonsBeginners

   I booked a horseback riding experience for my husband’s birthday, and I couldn’t be happier. We actually traveled from Charlotte, NC, even though there are closer places, and it was a thousand times worth it. Our instructor was absolutely amazing. The scenery was breathtaking, and we saw several deer during our tour.

7. 7

   Dutch Creek Trails

   4.9★★★★★ 466 reviews

   Sugar Grove, NC · 3740 Bethel Rd
   Score 2,283 (4.9 × 466)

   On Google: Horseback riding service

   Trail ridesMountain ridesBeginners

   I highly recommend this business for your horse back riding experience. The staff takes the time to match you with the best horse for you based on your experience and tells you a little about the personality of each horse. Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful throughout the whole ride.

8. 8

   Country Time Equestrian Events

   4.8★★★★★ 403 reviews

   Indian Trail, NC · 310 Joe Lee Helms Rd
   Score 1,934 (4.8 × 403)

   On Google: Horseback riding service

   Trail ridesLessonsBeginnersWesternBoarding

   We had an incredible time at Country Time Equestrian! Our horses Shelby, Red, Maverick, and Cheyenne were all so sweet, calm, and beautifully trained. You can immediately see how well they’re cared for, which made the entire ride feel comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish.

9. 9

   Smith Hollow Farm

   4.7★★★★★ 355 reviews

   Kernersville, NC · 5920 Smith Hollow Rd
   Score 1,669 (4.7 × 355)

   On Google: Farm · Equestrian facility · Horseback riding service

   Trail ridesLessonsBeginnersSummer campsEnglish

   Great place. I went for the Easter egg extravaganza and they had plenty of stuff for the kids. It’s a wonderful place and payed out well. Old Americana and farm equipment is everywhere!

10. 10

    Cataloochee Ranch

    4.7★★★★★ 320 reviews

    Maggie Valley, NC · 119 Ranch Dr
    Score 1,504 (4.7 × 320)

    On Google: Resort hotel · Ranch · Restaurant

    Trail ridesMountain ridesLessons

    We stayed for 3 nights at the Masa cabin celebrating our anniversary. We had an amazing time just taking in the scenery, hiking, and eating at the restaurant. There was plenty to do - my wife did some horseback riding while I fished at the pond.

Tags appear only when a stable's Google reviews or its own website mention the service: green for rides, brown for lessons and programs, blue for boarding. The proof is on each stable's page. "On Google" shows the stable's first Google categories: a park or resort that offers riding among other things ranks on all of its Google reviews, not only riders' reviews. Quotes are excerpts from public Google reviews. Ratings and review counts come from Google and change over time.

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