Did you know that our beautiful North Carolina ranks as one of the top 10 equine states in the country? Bright’s Creek celebrates equestrian culture and community with a state-of-the-art Equestrian Center right here within the gates of our Mill Spring, NC, mountain oasis. The Bright’s Creek Equestrian Center is an incredible resource to have for horse lovers. While it’s not part of the Bright’s Creek Club Membership, it’s an incredible amenity for property owners. Just another reason why, Bright’s Creek is truly unmatched.
This month, we had the chance to chat with Heather Chambers, one of Bright’s Creek’s expert on-site real estate agents — who also happens to be an equestrian extraordinaire. Her passion and leadership were driving forces behind breathing new life into the Equestrian Center.
Here’s what Heather had to say about it — and why if you love horses (and even if you don’t), you should book a Discovery Stay to experience our mountain community in person.
Heather, tell us about your role here at Bright’s Creek.
I’m one of the on-site Real Estate Brokers here at Bright’s Creek. I have a long history with the community and have always been an advocate for Bright’s Creek! I always thought that the Equestrian Center was a really important aspect in setting our community apart from the rest. A horse lover myself, I had the privilege of re-opening the Equestrian Center back in 2021.
What makes your location such a special place for equestrians?
We’re in an absolutely gorgeous location right in the valley surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. The topography alone is incredible. Our North Carolina Equestrian Center features about 2.5 miles of wide, shaded trails. It’s actually one of the first things you see when you drive through our gates — seeing horses grazing really sets the tone.
Our location is also close to equine destinations like the Tryon International Equestrian Center, which is very convenient for boarders and other equestrians.
What are some of the perks and programs of the Equestrian Center that make it especially appealing?
We offer a lot of unique features that really set our center apart. Being safely gated with 24-hour security is of course a huge benefit! Our barn is a beautiful timber framed 11-stall barn. We offer a large bright gathering room for riders and guests that looks out onto our arena and paddocks. Our riding trails offer wide, flat shaded trails that meander the ridge line above the Equestrian Center. We also have an impressive outdoor arena that’s 200’ x 160’. It features jumps, new footing, and is surrounded by amazing mountain views.
We also offer group, adult, and child lessons (age 8+) by a professional trainer. Kids also love our arena pony rides, which are like fun mini lessons. We also offer on site partial leases of one of our house horses; take your pick of River, Sterling or Charlie! This gives a rider an introduction to horse ownership without the full commitment.
Bright’s Creek is also home to some really unique equestrian events. We host equestrian clinics that might include riding and instruction, yoga, even painting. We offer summer camps for kids as well as adults. Guests love our seasonal events like Boo at the Barn, where kids can trick or treat at the stalls. As we grow, we’ll continue to expand our camp and clinic offerings as well.
Something really special that we host here is called Guiding Reins, which is an equine-assisted wellness program for veterans, active-duty personnel, first responders, and their families.
Bright’s Creek is the go-to facility for Polk County. We host an annual fall BBQ fundraiser and silent auction benefiting the Guiding Reins program. Our on-site trainer has been trained in the program and it’s near and dear to our hearts here at Bright’s Creek.
Tell us more about the boarding options you offer.
We have an array of boarding options fit for the different needs of our community.
Our Full Board service is our most comprehensive option. It includes a stall in our main barn, an assigned storage area in our renovated tack room, feed and hay, blanketing, showering, medication administering — really anything your horse needs. Trailer parking/storage is also available to our boarders.
We also offer a Self-Care Board, where a horse owner manages the needs of their horse while enjoying use of all of our top-notch equestrian amenities. They’ll also get a stall in our secondary barn as well as trailer parking.
Finally, with our Pasture Board option, your horse spends time in our peaceful pasture and we provide all feed and hay.
If we have the space, guests in the area can also ask about our transient boarding service. Of course, borders have 24/7 access to our facility as well.
Learn more about boarding options here.
Equestrian culture is popular in the area. Tell us about some of the local resources.
The Tryon International Equestrian Center is just about 20 minutes away and is really a global destination. They host shows and competitions, a spring steeplechase, and more. FENCE, or the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, offers a therapeutic riding program, year-round events, and hundreds of acres to explore on horseback.
There are also a number of popular tack shops in the area — so if you’re a passionate equestrian or just starting to explore the sport, we have so many resources within reach of Bright’s Creek.
Interested in exploring equestrian offerings open to the public or calling our Mill Spring, NC, mountain oasis home?
Contact Heather directly at (828) 600-5132 to start your journey today.
