Balsam Mountain Preserve Equestrian Center
By Emma Castleberry
Nestled in the heart of Balsam Mountain Preserve is an impressive equine center that exemplifies the community’s ethos of natural living, conservation and stewardship of the outdoors. Residents can board their horses at the barn, where they are devotedly cared for by equestrian director Lila Kilby. The Preserve also boasts miles and miles of beautiful riding trails.
Kilby says her favorite trails are the ones that run along the creek beds, especially when the mountain laurels are in bloom. “The sound of the water, the hoofbeats, the creak of saddle leather—it’s all an incredible experience,” she says. “We have trails that are true mountain terrain; steep climbs, rocky footing and single track, and then we have miles of old logging roads, with gentle inclines, wide trail beds and plenty of room for moving out.”
Balsam Mountain Preserve offers a variety of trail experiences, including some more level and manicured areas that offer equestrians the opportunity to ride at full-out speed, as well as more technically challenging trails. Wildlife and wildflowers are another immersive part of the experience here—from turkey and deer to trilliums, ferns and rhododendrons. Of course, long-range vistas abound, too. “You can see for miles on top of the ridgelines,” says Kilby. “There’s really just not a bad view to be had.”
The low density of the community contributes to a private, serene experience on the trails. “Our trail system is like having our own national forest all to ourselves,” says Kilby. “Our trail system even backs up to forest service land. One day we’ll make it over there, if we ever get tired of exploring our own 4,400-acre backyard.”
The equine center at Balsam Mountain Preserve is a communal space and attracts even folks who don’t own horses. “I think it’s something that all the members really enjoy having as part of the community,” says Kilby. “Even if they’ve never ridden and don’t plan on it, I think I’ve met everyone at some point at the stables. Whether it’s to show guests around, to attend the Dog Olympics, to hike on the trails or at our biggest event, Boo at the Barn, everyone finds a reason to stop by. And it’s always such a treat meeting people on the trail—our riders always joke that we need to factor in time to stop for pets and a chat when we see our neighbors out there.”
Susan Swope is the longest tenured boarder at Balsam Mountain Preserve. She boards two horses at the equine center and lends out a third, a beloved nine-year-old pony named Al Caponey, to the program. “Lila is the rock that makes the program at Balsam wonderful,” says Swope. “Because of her, you never have to worry about the care and well-being of your animals. Whether or not you are in residence on the mountain at any particular time, you can rest assured that your horses are always in good hands. Sixty years in the horse business and Balsam is one of the most pleasant boarding experiences I have ever had.”
Learn more at BalsamMountainPreserve.com.
