Western North Carolina is without a doubt the best location for equestrians in the state. If you are making the decision about moving, Western NC should definitely be on the top of your list of places to visit.
At Derbyshire, we know that great year round weather and being surrounded by likeminded equestrians is not all that is important in choosing the right location for you and your horse. The availability of equine resources is also top on your list.
Luckily, Western North Carolina has an abundance of resources for both riders and their horses. Below is just a sample of what is available in the area, but there is definitely reason why they refer to this area as Horse Country in North Carolina.
Eventing Facilities
FENCE – Foothills Equestrian Nature Center is a 380 acre facility in Tryon, NC which currently hosts events for Tryon Riding & Hunt Club, Foothills Riding Club, Carolina Carriage Club, and other dressage and hunter jumper shows.
Harmon Field is a 46 acre park located in Tryon, NC which hosts multiple smaller horse shows.
White Oak Development is currently in the construction phase. White Oak will have a AA show facility and be a main focal point of equestrian activity in the area.
Veterinarian and Emergency Care
With nine equine veterinarian practices in the area, residents have many options for the care of their horse. Two of the most popular clinics are Freer Mobile Equine Service and Tryon Equine. Both have fantastic veterinarians and offer regular and emergency care.
Another unique resource in the area is PEER, Polk Equine Emergency Rescue. They are a local emergency rescue organized with trained personnel to serve the area’s many horse and riders and effectively address emergency situations.
Boarding Facilities
Western North Carolina has an abundance of boarding facilities offering everything from care for a retired horse to top level training with on-site staff. One of the most notable boarding and training facilities in the area is Still Creek Farm, which offers aqua rehab.
Farm Supply and Tack
There are also a multitude of farm supply stores and tacks shops throughout the area. Our favorite farm supply is The Hay Rack. With everything from hay, to equine first aid supplies, to stall guards, to treats for your horse’s canine companion, they keep quite the assortment on hand. They also have two locations in the area.
The best tack shop around is The Farm House. From high end riding apparel to the perfect household gift for an equestrian friend, this is place to shop.
Online Resources
One of the best resources for equestrians new and old settled in is Tryon Horse County . More than just a resource for one city, it lists equine services and activities from all over Western NC. They also send out a weekly newsletter that we highly recommend to all new residents. In addition to helping you find what you need for your horse, it’s also a way to connect with the equestrian community.
Guide to All Equestrian Resources
Of course, these are only a small portion of what is available in the area. When considering a move to Western North Carolina, one of the first things that we recommend that you do, after visiting Tryon Horse County online, is to get your hands on a hard copy of the Foothills Equestrian Directory. It is published by The Foothills Riding Club, and it is an eighty plus page directory of all of the information that you could need as an equestrian who is new to the area.
It lists all of the boarding facilities, veterinarians, trainers, tack and farm supply locations, equine massage therapists, and everything else. They’re available at many of the local equestrian shops, and, of course, we always have them here at the Derbyshire office.
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