Horse Riding Lessons, Boarding, and Classes
Paddock Paradise Horse Boarding
The Ruby Ranch is a horse-centric boarding facility. Our systems, pasture layout, and care and handling puts the horse first. At Ruby Ranch, we look to nature for inspiration and as a guide for all of the work we do. With our horse systems, we follow the Paddock Paradise model. When wild horses were observed in their natural environment over the course of years, it was noticed that they move in a sort of track, noting the best places for rest, finding minerals, finding forage and more. When we mimic this pattern in a domestic setting, we set up a Paddock Paradise, or track system. This encourages horses to move more, eat less grass (which is better for most horses in our lush ecosystem) and have more mental stimulation. This pasture design encourages more movement in a horse’s daily life. Any horse can benefit from a Paddock Paradise, however, horses with cushions, hoof rehab, or metabolic challenges especially benefit. Horses that at one time needed to be in a dry lot now have a safe place to move and run. We had such great success with the horses on our first track that we decided to turn our remaining pasture into a second track. Through this track system, horses find freedom, forage and friends.
Freedom
Our horses are not kept in stalls. They are outside on the track 24/7, with access to shelter. They are free to move about the track, spend time in the woods or hang out in the loafing shed with members of their herd. They also have automatic heated waterers.
Forage
Our horses have access to hay 24/7. They are served round bales inside of netted hay bonnets. With constant access to food, they can better regulate their gut biome. When horses go more than 3 hours without forage, the excess build up of acid on an empty stomach can lead to different physical and emotional ailments. When they always have access to forage, they don’t feel as much scarcity around feeding.
Friends
When horses are allowed to be in a herd setting, they form different bonds and roles. Being herd animals, they can gain confidence and calm when they are together in this type of environment.
We also practice slow, horse led integrations when new horses come to our facility.
Interested in boarding your horse with us?
We have a few spots available for our Paddock Paradise track system board. Please be in touch for more information and to schedule a visit to see if our facility is a good fit for you and your horse. We do not offer pasture board at this time, but owners can turn their horses out into the inner pastures of the tracks under supervision.
In addition to our Paddock Paradise, we also have a 125’ x 90’ outdoor arena. We are also starting construction on a 40’ x 80’ pavilion for use during hot summer days and rainy days. We have a hacking trail around our 21 acre property. There are also miles of gravel roads that lead to a developing trail system that is accessed from our Ranch. We plan to connect to Pisgah State Forest (formerly Pisgah View Ranch) once it opens (hopefully in 2026).
We are almost full, so please be in touch if you are interested in boarding with us.
Riding Lessons and Workshops
HORSEMANSHIP, RIDING LESSONS, WORKSHOPS
Transformative Horsemanship
Transformative Horsemanship is an equine educational program that goes far deeper than your average riding lesson. While we do get to ride, we focus on building relationships with ourselves and our horses in order to foster an authentic connection. We approach horsemanship from a holistic perspective. Your lessons may include groundwork, care, physiology & anatomy, horse behavior, and more! Our programming is rooted in mindful awareness and anti-oppressive practices, pulling from trauma-informed and somatic modalities. We offer horsemanship lessons, training, and workshops, led by excellent local to international clinicians. Reach out to learn more and schedule your first lesson! Not taking new clients. Please email to get on the waitlist!
WHOLE HORSE HOOF CARE PROVIDER AND EDUCATOR
COMPASSIONATE HORSEMAN
My whole life I’ve been bouncing around the horse world looking for something that felt right. In high school, I worked for a Hanoverian importer and breeder. In College, I rode on the equestrian team and interned at an equine veterinary reproduction facility. I’ve also worked at ranches in Colorado and been a working student for 3-day eventing trainers; hunter/jumper trainers; reining cow horse trainers; and combined event driving trainers. I’ve attended all sorts of clinics with all sorts of equine professionals, and I’ve learned a lot from every single one of these experiences, but I never learned the first thing about horse feet. Hoofcare was something that was left to the farrier. Since first attending Ida Hammer's "Exploring the Equine Hoof" class, I have continued to learn as many ways as I can to help my horse feel his best so we can go on all the adventures we both want to.