Equestrian Community Around Boone, NC

[Clov3rLily]

Hello all!

I was wondering if there was much of an equestrian community in the areas in and around Boone. I know that Blowing Rock’s in that area, but google doesn’t seem to show much else. I am currently looking at NC in-state colleges and a good equestrian community near the campus is very important to me as I would like to continue improving my horsemanship and riding throughout college.

Any information or other in-state college recommendations would be much appreciated

[NoSuchPerson]

Appalachian State does have an equestrian team. I used to know someone who was involved in the program and she really enjoyed it, although that was some time ago.

Western Carolina University in Cullowhee has an equestrian club and an IHSA team. I also know someone who went there and rode on the show team, and liked it, but that was a really long time ago and I have no current info.

But, it depends on what, exactly, you mean by “good equestrian community.” Having lived in western NC, my opinion is that there isn’t really any place in that region that is truly “horsey,” aside from the Tryon, NC/Landrum, SC area.

In general, at best, what you’re going to find in western NC towns is maybe one or two farms that have good lesson programs and a nice in-barn community, but no ready access to routine showing opportunities close by. That suits me just fine, but isn’t going to be satisfying to someone who wants to be more competitive.

[Clov3rLily]

Thank you!

Yes, I currently live about 30 minutes from TIEC towards Asheville and we have a pretty decent local community consisting of at least 5 farms within a 30 minute radius (outside of the Tryon area). I might try to look into the WCUAsheville program since I believe they have a team and are still relatively close to this area. I am sad that there doesn’t seem to be more colleges in the WNC area that would have a good number of equine opportunities outside of IHSA.