Georgia doesn’t need to prove that the state’s horse industry is no dog and pony show.
According to the University of Georgia, the Peach State’s equine industry has a $2.5 billion impact on the state economy every year with the breeding and care of horses generating more than $750 million dollars for the state each year.
With that said, it should come as no surprise that Georgia has a plethora of horse farms with more than 74,000 horses in the state today. So, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution compiled a list of some of the best horse farms and trainers in the state to visit and enjoy.
Brownwood Farm
Roger Brown has been breeding, raising and showing horses and ponies on a small farm in Alpharetta since buying the property nearly 50 years ago. Widely recognized as one of the best trainers and teachers in Georgia’s equine history, Brown teaches lessons almost every day, takes students to both local and “A” rated shows, trains horses, breeds and frequently acts as a judge at local shows. Brown is also a member of the United States Equestrian Federation and a lifetime member of the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association, where he serves on the board of directors. Brown’s daughter, former University of Georgia IHSA Equestrian Team Head Coach Brittany Denton, also teaches lessons at the farm. Additionally, Brownwood Farm hosts several Georgia Hunter Jumper Association rated horse shows a year.
Open during daylight. 7 days a week (weather permitting). Lessons: $50. 14775 Wood Road, Alpharetta. 770-312-4473, brownwoodfarm.com.
Foxcroft Farm
Foxcroft Farm is an equestrian facility for riders of hunters and jumpers that provides boarding, training, showing and sales for hunters and jumpers. It has a head trainer and three other professional trainers, who provide services to more than 150 clients. Its boarding facility has 26 stalls in the main barn and 17 stalls secondary barn. Foxcroft has the largest number of lesson horses in the area for riders who do not own their own horse. The farm also sponsors an Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team for middle and high school riders who can qualify. Their team has won many awards including IEA Regional finals.
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Open 7 days a week. Lessons are $75 each and by appointment only. 12850 New Providence Road, Milton. 678-893-0909, foxcroftfarm.net.
My Serenity Farms
My Serenity Farms is a full board facility offering many amenities, such as fully enclosed indoor arena, oversized jumping arena, dressage arena, 12x16 matted stalls and a staff that lives on the property. With 24 acres of pasture, My Serenity Farms offers beginner to advanced riding lessons, horse boarding, training and sales. The farm also attends local and USEF rated Hunter/Jumper/Equation shows.
8 a.m.-8 p.m. Open 7 days a week. 1270 Birmingham Road, Milton. 404-775-2101, myserenityfarms.com.
MORE THINGS TO DO: 8 places in Atlanta to listen to live jazz music
The Farm at Pamelot
The Farm at Pamelot offers riding lessons, boarding, training and summer camp. It also serves as an event venue specializing in all types of events, especially children’s birthday parties. The Farm at Pamelot includes a petting zoo with friendly animals and Painted Horse Winery and Vineyards, which is the founding winery in Milton. The tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday with live music every other Saturday.
9:00 a.m.-8 p.m. 7 days a week. Prices vary. 2105 Bethany Way, Milton. 770-846-1559, PamelotFarm.com and ThePaintedHorseWinery.com.
Serenbe Stables
The Stables at Serenbe provides boarding experiences to both Serenbe residents and non-residents with private boarding, horse-overnights and birthday party packages. Boarding options include a self-care option, where owners provide all feeding, stall cleaning, blanketing and other necessities. Another option is the full board, where staff provides all routine care while the owner is responsible for all veterinary care and farrier. Guests at The Inn at Serenbe can also vacation with their horses. Overnight stays include a bedded stall, private turnout with access to the riding arena as well as more than 15 miles of riding trails. The Stables is a 20-stall barn, a lit riding area and nine pastures for turnout.
Open 7 days a week by appointment. Boarding costs $300-$800. 9237 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills. 404-661-0469, stablesatserenbe.com.
Southern Cross Guest Ranch
Named “One of America’s Best Dude Ranches” by Travel + Leisure magazine, Southern Cross Ranch is the home of a Paint Horse breeding program that was built over four decades by Inge Hartley Wendling from Germany. The ranch offers pasture boarding and stall boarding in the 40-stall barn managed by Wendling’s youngest son, Lance Van Rheenen. Wendling’s grandson, Weston Detienne, is the barn manager and horse trainer. The 225-acre property offers guided and unguided riding opportunities through open pastures and wooded trails. Their horseback riding program allows guests to assist with grooming and tacking their horse.
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Open year-round. Twice Daily Trail rides $45 - $85. Horse Board $200-$400. Southern Cross Guest Ranch, 1670 Bethany Church Road, Madison. 706-342-8027, southcross.com.
IronHorse Farm
IronHorse Farm offers, horse training, lessons in Western Horseback Riding for all ages and a kids camp in the summer that introduces children to the basic care of a horse and riding. It is currently doing the TIP Mustang challenge, where it rescues and rehabilitates neglected and abused horses.
8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Lessons are $40 an hour. Boarding: Pasture is $140, and full board is $225 per month. 1150 Hall Memorial Road NW, Resaca. 706-244-6082, facebook.com/IrnHrse2.
Little Creek Horse Farm
Little Creek Horse Farm and Park features a “Hands on Horses” program (available by appointment), riding lessons and equine-assisted therapy services available through on-site programs. It is also the home of HorseFest, which features pony rides, kid zone, vendors, food and demonstrations.
8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Picnic and Trail Hours: 7 a.m. to Sunset, Monday-Sunday. HorseFest, Sept. 21, Noon-4:00pm. $5. 2057 Lawrenceville Highway, Atlanta. 404-634-3276, littlecreekfarmconservancy.org.
Credit: Jonathan Phillips
Credit: Jonathan Phillips
The Welcome Farm
The Welcome Farm sits on 57 acres that include pastures, woods and a creek running through the property. It has two new arenas and two barns with 13 stalls. The Welcome Farm offers horse boarding, riding lessons and also has a guesthouse.
7 a.m.-9 p.m. 7 days a week. Boarding: $400-$500. 1463 Welcome Road, Roopville. 404-547-1161, thewelcomefarm.com.
Fortitude Farm
Fortitude Farm was founded by Carolyn Bell and successfully competes at AA hunter/jumper shows throughout the southeast and Florida. It offers boarding, training, horseback riding lessons, horse sales and a summer camp.
7 a.m.-8:30 p.m. 7 days a week. Lessons: $50 -65. Boarding: $900-$1200. Fortitude Farm, 13835 Hopewell Road, Milton. 770-289-7350, fortitudefarm.com.
