Tips and nearby equestrian centers to get you back on the horse

Several months ago, my best friend gave me a list of five things on her bucket list that we could do while in Vegas. I marked off “hot air balloon ride” immediately, but must have left the option of a two-hour horseback ride through Red Rock Canyon because she booked it before I had a chance to back out.

My half-a-dozen experiences on a horse were all in high school. Getting back on the horse, so to speak, was a great experience. I loved riding through Red Rock Canyon so much, I decided that I wasn’t going to wait a few decades before getting on a horse again.

This past Saturday, my son, mom and I hoofed it up to Indian Trail for a guided trail ride.

When wranglers know how to make you feel comfortable and the horses are well trained, it’s sort of like a themed ride at Carowinds – the horse does all the work and you might scream a little.

My advice to make it a smooth ride is to choose the helmet, even if you are over 18 years old. I didn’t wear one in Red Rock and had helmet regret when I realized that my life was dependent on a horse whose main goal was to eat. If I hit the ground, I had nothing to protect my noggin.

If you are going on a woodsy ride, wear long pants so your legs don’t get scratched up from tree branches. Finally, be prepared for the output by the horse in front of you. It’s alarming.

These facilities offer horseback trail riding and are all within a one-hour drive from Charlotte:

Country Time Equestrian Events

Beginners will find welcoming wranglers and beautiful, easy-going horses. The trails are through farmland, rural streets and some woods. A 50-minute trail ride is $40. Riders must be at least 12 years old.

Call (704) 992-1550 for reservations

310 Joe Lee Helms Road

Indian Trail, NC 28079

Blue Wave Stable

If you think you might need a bit more hand holding, Blue Wave Stable is the place for you. They provide a ground escort if you need it. This is a two-mile ride with the chance to give your horse a treat at the end. Riding is only on Saturdays.  A 60-90 minute ride is $30. Riders must be at least 12 years old.

Text (704) 847-3424 for reservations

8821 Belt Ln., 8811

Fort Mill, SC 29707

Anne Springs Close Greenway

This beautiful park has 40 miles of hiking trails, kayaking, camping and mountain biking. Horseback riding trail rides are offered weekly from 10-11 a.m. on Saturdays, September through June. One-hour rides are $50. Riders must be at least 9 years old.

(803) 547-4575 or register online here for Saturday ride by Friday at noon

1058 Horse Road

Fort Mill, SC 29715

Pomolos Equestrian Center

This experience is a bit different from regular guided trail rides. Clyde Tenberg, owner of Pomolos Equestrian Center, calls it a “driving experience.” Beginners receive a quick lesson on how to start and stop, and then they let you go. There are pastures and trails on the 13-acre facility. Riders are free to walk, trot and canter.

“If you have any spirit in you or want a challenge and a chance to really connect with the horse, we’re the place for you,” Tenberg said. A one-hour ride is $50. Riders must be at least 8 years old.

(980) 722-6877 for reservations

177 Pear Tree Road

Troutman, NC 28166

Lynwood Equestrian Center

I couldn’t pass up adding it to the list. Lynwood Equestrian Center is a 25-acre boarding facility, owned by a local horse veterinarian and his wife. They offer yoga on horseback. No experience needed.

They do also offer trail rides, beginning with 15 minutes in the ring to get used to the horse, followed by a guided ride. Riders must be at least 10 years old. The cost is $40 per rider. Times are 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. on weekdays.

(803) 396-2025 or equestriants@yahoo.com for more information

748 Lynnwood Farms Dr

Fort Mill, SC 29715

Photos: Country Time Equestrian Events, Vanessa Infanzon, Mary Borja

This story was originally published May 15, 2017 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Tips and nearby equestrian centers to get you back on the horse."