FAQs for Sugarlands Riding Stables in Gatlinburg, TN.

Sure. Our guides are professional and safety is our first and foremost priority in everything we do. All rides include a brief riding orientation, and your guides are readily available should you need assistance during the ride. If you meet the necessary age, height and weight requirements, all we ask is that you are in good physical condition to be able to mount and dismount your horse and to ride for five miles at a walk/trot.

However, being a little nervous is one matter, if you are terrified because of a previous bad experience or if you are being overly coerced by a friend or family member, maybe horseback riding is not for you.

We never have more than 9 people per guide.

For safety reasons, all our rides are guided.

Regardless of experience, children must beat least 6 years or older and able to physically control a large horse without assistance. Please understand that although our horses are extremely gentle and well-trained, they are full-size horses, weighing a thousand pounds and more. Each horse is equipped with an adult-size saddle, and the equipment adjusts only so far!

However, there is no age limit for the guided carriage or hayrides at our sister National Park stables located in Cades Cove at CadesCoveRidingStables.com

We have helmets for your use at no additional charge. All children 15years of age and under are required to wear a helmet, no exceptions.

Yes, but 250 lbs. is our maximum weight limit for the safety of the rider and welfare of the horses. There is no weight limit for the guided carriage and hayrides at our sister National Park stables at Cades Cove at CadesCoveRidingStables.com.

You won’t have the opportunity to ride at a canter or gallop, but if you love horses and if you love nature, you will love the opportunity for a romantic walk through the meandering trails of.

Many people do not realize that it takes a trainer many years of work to teach horses. In order to make and keep our horses safe for the extreme novice or beginner, we must train our horses not to run on the trails, but only to walk and trot. We, as trainers and guides, certainly do not run them down the trails in our spare time, but in fact are training by doing just the opposite. If we allowed cantering or ‘galloping’ at any time, we would be un-training our horses, rendering them unsafe for the next novice rider who mounts up.

Our horses are trained Western (indirect reining). This is in order for you to safely have one hand for reining and one hand on a saddle horn for upper body support. Quite simply, it’s a matter of equipment and reining technique. If you feel you can “only ride English,” let us show you something new!

Sorry, but for safety, “double riding” is not permitted under any circumstance.

Although this is a gentle ride, horses can be unpredictable. We therefore do not recommend riding while pregnant.

We suggest wearing closed toe shoes that have a ½-inch heel and are secure to your feet. Avoid wearing boots over4.5″ across the ball of your foot so that they fit safely in the stirrup and won’t jam. We also suggest comfortable pants and shirts with sleeves. Shorts and tennis shoes are not recommended, even in the summer. Also, please do not bring anything loose or cumbersome with you, such as backpacks or purses. Sorry, we do not provide lockers. Be sure all hats, visors, caps, and clothing are snug and secure to you.

Sure, especially if you enjoyed your ride!  Your Trail Guide will gladly accept tips. Thank you!

Our goal is for everyone to have a good time at Sugarlands. NSPC has never turned away a visitor wishing to participate in one of our equine activities. However, it is also our priority to ensure that all our guests can safely enjoy our activities. In cases where an individual is unable to safely enjoy one of our activities, such as the trail rides, they are encouraged to participate in a similar activity, like a carriage or hayride at our sister National Park stables, Cades Cove Riding Stables. Their hay wagons and carriages are modified to allow for wheelchair access.

For information on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park accessibility amenities, please visit their Accessibility Page