Equestrian

Irish Roots

By Emily Elliott, 8th Grade, Carmel Middle School

As thirteen year old Annie Knight mounted the bay Thoroughbred Gelding, it took off!  Unable to find her balance, she panicked as the newly retired racing horse galloped toward a fence.  Right as they approached the fence the horse stopped and ducked his head, Annie went flying off. (complete story)

TWELVE YEAR OLD MARY THOMSON LOVES HER TIME WITH HORSES

“I am a barn rat,” said 12 year old Mary Thomson when speaking of her passion for spending time with horses. 

This charming young 12 year old given the choice would live her life at Cedar Hill Farm in Waxhaw. Mary would have no trouble finding something to do at the facility with 40 acres of fields, streams, rings, barns, and paddocks. With over 60 horses on location, Mary seems to know every one of them by name and personality. (complete story)

EQUESTRIAN CENTER OFFERS HORSEBACK RIDING, TRAINING FOR RIDERS OF ALL SKILL LEVELS AT LATTA PLANTATION

Charlotte, NC—  “There’s nothing as good for the inside of a man (or woman),” President Reagan once observed, “as sitting on the outside of a horse.”

The Latta Plantation Equestrian Center is open under new management and offers horseback opportunities for riders of all skill levels.  The Equestrian Center, located in Latta Plantation Nature Preserve at 6201 Sample Road in Huntersville, offers horses of various sizes and levels of spirit for:

• Guided trail rides  ($23 for 45 minute rides) 
• Pony rides for children  ($8 for children age 2-8)
• Arena Rides   ($18/hour for ages 8-12)
• Horseback riding lessons  (private lessons: $45/hour, groups: $30/hour)
• Horse Drawn Carriage Rides around the Nature Preserve ($30/couple)

The Equestrian Center also offers arrangements for birthday parties, family days, corporate outings, hayrides, wagon rides, catered meals, and seminars.  It has a general store that sells horse equipment, refreshments and a variety of other items.  It offers a summer camp for youth, ages 6-15.  The center owns 15 horses and has stables with 168 stalls for full service boarding of horses and accommodating horse shows and other equestrian events.

The Equestrian Center is open 10am-3:30pm weekdays, 10a.m.-4:30p.m.weekends.  The center is part of the 1303 acre Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, owned by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department.  The nature preserve offers 13 miles of trails, a nature center, and the historic Latta plantation house and exhibit.  The Equestrian Center is operated under contract by Jerry Connell, operating as Country Time Carriages, who has 18 years experience in the horse industry, including 15 years in breeding and training.  At various times of the year, Connell runs a staff of 6 to 20 people.

Reservations are required.  To make a reservation, schedule events, or for more information call 704 992-1550 or e-mail JCCarriages@aol.com .  To get to the Equestrian Center and Latta Plantation Nature Preserve:  Go out Beatties Ford Road from Charlotte, turn left on Sample Road (at Hopewell Presbyterian Church with brick wall), proceed to preserve and follow signs.