The Equestrian Center  

Few high elevation mountain Club communites offer a comprehensive Equestrian program as a component of their Club's membership.  Balsam Mountain Preserve is the only one near Asheville that does.

The Equestrian program at Balsam features a full-time stable manager, club horses perfectly suited for private lessons and trail riding, and full boarding for member's horses in our 14 stall barn.  The barn is spacious and meticulously maintained, and the adjacent riding arena is the perfect spot for private lessons and introducing little ones to the wonders of horseback riding.  Over 10 acres of fenced pastures ensure horses have plenty of fresh air and room to roam.  Click here to see the full range of services offered at the center.

Guided trail rides are always available for individuals or the entire family on the Preserve's extensive groomed trail system of nearly 20 miles.  Most trails are under the tree canopy where it's always nice and cool, and you’re likely to spot deer, wild turkey or other wildlife along the way.  For the more adventureous types, the Preserve's trail system connects to the Nantahala National Forest, offering 500,000 acres of unspoiled riding habitat.

The spacious riding arena is the perfect place to exercise horses, or to treat the family to private riding lessons.  When everyone feels comfortable, over 30 miles of private trails inside the community await your discovery.

The fourteen stall stable features all the modern amenities that the most discriminating horse owner would expect.  Full boarding for member's horses is offered, which includes turn in and turn out, twice a day feeding with barn supplied feed, quality hay, daily stall cleaning with adequate shavings, and blanketing as needed.  We also offer Club horses for members that want to participate in equestrian activities but are not horse owners. 

The stable features a comfortable seating area with rocking chairs and great views of the Plott Balsam mountain range.

Always dreamed of riding a horse but never had the time to learn?  Private lessons are always available for young and old alike, we even have a pony named Ginger for the littlest riders, and she never fails to delight!! 

At a cool 3,300 feet in elevation, the Equestrian Center nestles into a truly spectacular setting at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains.