Sports and Recreation

Although English (hunt and saddle seat) style is favored in this region, Western is also available. Most stables and riding academies offer boarding and instruction; some offer rentals and trail rides. Blacksmiths and tack shops are scarce, but the equestrian business in this area is thriving and bringing joy to a lot of horse lovers. New Hanover County Parks Department's programs and activities website is a good place to find contacts and information about area shows and clubs: www.nhcgov.com/prk/xprkprograms.asp. You can also contact the Seagate Saddle Club, (910) 371-9190, or Carolina Classic Horseman's Association, (910) 253-7276, for area information.

For serious equestrians, breeders, trainers and anyone interested in purchasing, selling, showing, boarding or watching horses, the Agricultural Review is a must-have resource. Published monthly by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, this fascinating paper features state-wide horse events in each issue. There's a classified section that includes horses and supplies for sale (or wanted). Subscriptions are free; call (919) 733-4216.

Canterbury Stables 
6021 Wrightsville Ave., Wilmington
(910) 791-6502

Situated on 14.5 acres of land, Canterbury Stables is owned and operated by Linda Shelhart, who trains and shows Saddlebred horses and teaches English Equitation. Canterbury offers half-hour private and one-hour group riding lessons, boarding, training and showing, but no rentals. 

Circle K Stable 
612 Vallie Ln., Wilmington
(910) 793-5550

Just south of Monkey Junction off Carolina Beach Road, Circle K offers horse training, boarding, and classes in basic English style (hunt seat). They have two show rings, one lighted, but no trails. The stable's primary focus is showing Arabians. A small on-site tack shop has feed, hay and some equipment for sale. Horses are available for instruction but not for rent. They also offer on site, after-school programs for children.  

Dolorosa Arabians 
131 Via Dolorosa, Rocky Point
(910) 602-3808

Owners Jan and DeCarol Williamson have been involved in the Arabian horse industry since 1978. Situated on more than 140 acres, Dolorosa Arabians has more than 150 stalls, two barns with tack rooms, a lounge, an office, and a grooming and wash rack area. There is a spacious 80-by-220-foot covered arena, a 50-foot covered round ring with a six-horse hot walker located nearby, a 32-stall show barn with a 50-foot covered round ring, a half-mile track, an outdoor arena and turnouts. An exceptional, highly experienced staff, together with spacious, state-of-the-art breeding facilities, a laboratory and large foaling stalls equipped with cameras, are evidence of Dolorosa's excellence. With extensive experience in all divisions of the Arabian show horse, the training and conditioning staff enjoy working with the amateur and junior rider divisions and can instill confidence in riders of all ages.

Desperado Horse Farm
7214 N.C. Hwy. 210., Rocky Point
(910) 675-0487

Desperado provides trail rides, beach rides, pony parties and riding lessons. The horses are calm-natured, and the wooded trails are relaxing and scenic. The horse farm is also available to host a special event for your group or business. For horse owners, they offer boarding, training and sales. They are open seven days a week during daylight hours (except Sunday when they open at 2 PM), and reservations are required. This farm is easily accessible from Wilmington on I-40, Exit 408, right on U.S. Highway 210 to Running Deer.   

Hanover Stables
5901 Bizzel Ave., Castle Hayne
(910) 675-8923

Hanover Stables is the place "Where Every Horse Is Special," and every rider is too. They focus on natural horsemanship, and offer professional instruction in Western, English (hunt seat) and Dressage. Located on 17 acres with 9 segregated pastures, two lighted outdoor arenas and numerous trails, Hanover Stables provides boarding for up to 40 horses at one time and has a full-time, on-site manager. They also have a certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist on site.

Exceptionally family oriented, Hanover Stables holds riding camps, birthday parties, hayrides, cookouts and trail rides on a regular basis. They also have Halloween and Christmas parties for students and their families. Their show team is exceptional and travels to many area shows. Believing that horsemanship teaches youngsters responsibility and respect for both animals and the environment, the owners and stable personnel strive to set good examples. Hanover Stables is an approved North Carolina Equine Rescue League site. Horses are available for sale, but not for hire. 

Peachtree Equestrian Center
810 Hickman Rd., Calabash
(910) 287-4790

With 127 acres nearly adjacent to the South Carolina state line, Peachtree Stables is convenient to the entire southeastern corner of Brunswick County and northeastern South Carolina. The trails traverse 70 acres, much of it shady. Peachtree offers hourly trail rides, full boarding facilities, training, two outdoor riding rings and an indoor riding arena. Group and private instruction for ages 6 and older are offered in English and Western styles. Horses are available for lease and for sale. Beach rides are available as well.

Sea Horse Sports
5751 Oleander Dr., Wilmington
(910) 791-0900

Sea Horse Sports specializes in English riding apparel and equipment, including saddlery, boots and grooming supplies. The store also features a consignment area for buying and selling gently used tack and apparel. Located about three quarters of a mile from the intersection of College Road and Oleander Drive, in Philips Plaza, the shop's hours are Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM.

Triple J Stables
120 Lake Haven Dr., Sneads Ferry
(910) 327-0577

Triple J Stables offers gentle trail rides on wooded country paths. They offer riding lessons and run a day camp in the summer. Guided trail rides are by appointment and should be reserved at least one day in advance. The stables are open seven days a week.