Business Details
Trusted Horseback Riding Lessons in Gastonia, NC
Jon Walker Stables is a 27-acre horse farm dedicated to fostering a safe and enjoyable environment for horsemanship education. With over 50 years of combined experience, founders Jon and Carolyn Walker combine their expertise as National Champion Trainer and National Champion Instructor to deliver comprehensive riding instruction and horse training. The academy caters to riders of all skill levels, from beginners seeking pleasure riding to competitive show participants. Specialized programs include structured riding lessons, summer camps emphasizing horsemanship and leadership, and trail rides designed to strengthen the human-horse connection. The facility features both indoor and outdoor training spaces, ensuring year-round accessibility.Regular events like barn sleepovers, ladies' nights, and horse shows create a vibrant community atmosphere. Safety remains the top priority, with mandatory helmet use and proper riding gear enforced across all activities. The Walkers' philosophy prioritizes personal growth over competition, focusing on building confidence and communication skills through equine interaction. Their team of experienced instructors and well-trained horses supports personalized learning experiences tailored to individual goals. The academy's commitment to excellence has made it a trusted destination for horse enthusiasts in Gastonia and surrounding areas.
Services
Riding Lessons
Horse Training
Summer Camps
Trail Rides
Horse Shows
Highlights and features
- Over 50 years of combined experience in horse training and instruction
- National Champion instructors specializing in multiple riding disciplines
- Comprehensive programs for recreational and competitive riders
- Safety-focused environment with certified equipment and protocols
- Year-round summer camps building horsemanship and life skills
What people say
Expert instructors
Well-trained horses
Engaging summer camps
Safe environment
Professional training
Services
Riding Lessons
Structured riding lessons cater to all skill levels from beginners to competitive show riders. Certified instructors provide personalized training in horsemanship fundamentals and advanced techniques. Lessons emphasize safety, communication, and building confidence through hands-on horse interaction.
Horse Training
Professional horse training programs develop roadhorse, hackney, and saddlebred show champions. Training focuses on discipline-specific skills while maintaining the animals' physical and mental well-being. Programs combine traditional methods with modern equine psychology principles.
Summer Camps
Week-long summer camps teach horsemanship, sportsmanship, and nature appreciation for ages 5-12. Activities include riding instruction, trail rides, horse care education, and team-building exercises. Camps foster leadership skills and lifelong friendships in a technology-free environment.
Trail Rides
Supervised trail rides explore scenic routes while developing riding proficiency. Sessions accommodate various skill levels with experienced guides ensuring safety. Rides emphasize horse-rider communication and environmental awareness through controlled outdoor experiences.
Horse Shows
Regularly scheduled horse shows provide competitive and exhibition opportunities for academy students. Events follow structured judging criteria while emphasizing personal growth over rivalry. Shows include divisions for different skill levels and riding disciplines.
People
Jon Walker
National Champion Trainer
Jon Walker specializes in roadhorse, hackney, and saddlebred divisions with over 25 years of championship training experience. He focuses on developing show champions while maintaining horses' well-being through balanced training methods.
Carolyn Walker
National Champion Instructor
Carolyn Walker leads riding instruction programs with expertise in academy division training. She manages summer camps and lesson programs emphasizing safety, horsemanship, and accessible learning for all skill levels.
Questions
What riding experience levels do you accommodate?
We teach all levels from complete beginners to competitive show riders through structured lesson programs.
Are helmets required for riding activities?
Yes, all participants must wear proper horseback riding helmets for safety during lessons and trail rides.
What should campers bring to summer programs?
Campers need riding gear with small-heeled boots, riding pants, and sunscreen. We provide helmets, snacks, and activity supplies.
Do you offer horse training for competition?
Yes, our professional training programs develop championship horses in roadhorse, hackney, and saddlebred divisions.
What safety measures are in place?
We enforce mandatory helmet use, maintain certified equipment, and have experienced instructors supervise all activities.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Kathryn Forbes Blatchford
Sep 11, 2020
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The pony rides were so much fun! Such a fun opportunity for the family. My 3 year old loves horses now and wants to come back for lessons. Tabby, was sweet and patient with my 3 year old. We look forward to returning.
Mackenzie Todd
Nov 07, 2018
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I have know the Walkers for years!! I have had the privilege of riding and working for them and they are the most honest and hard working people I know! So the comment about them being rude is just crazy!!! What beginners dont realize is that instructors have to get louder or more stern sometimes because beginners dont always react quick enough. Its for safety purposes.
Jon Walker Stables is a very professional, clean barn with VERY well kept horses! Anyone that has ever been there could never deny that!
Jon Walker Stables is a very professional, clean barn with VERY well kept horses! Anyone that has ever been there could never deny that!
Cyn C.
Nov 04, 2018
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A wholehearted thank you to Carolyn and Jon for their hospitable welcome on my daughter Charlottes first riding lesson. Charlotte thoroughly enjoyed her tiny tot session, engaged well with Gus who gave her a wonderful ride, and she wouldnt stop talking about all she learned from Ms. Taylor, her new teacher! I was impressed by the facilities, loved meeting all the students who very work hard to learn such a beautiful sport and walked away certain that we would return. Im eager to see what my little 3.5 year old will develop with your amazing staff and honored she can work with your gorgeous
Lauren Meek
Oct 23, 2018
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We first saw Jon Walker Stables for a our daughter's 7th birthday party in May 2017, and it was a blast! The kids all had a great time, EVERYONE was able to ride the horses in the indoor ring and experience the fun of riding. A few kids even signed up for lessons at the party. When we discussed signing our daughter up for further lessons early this year, we did look at other options in the area, but we thought Jon Walker was the best option. Nothing wrong with the other stables, that all ended up being neighbors, but we liked the atmosphere at Jon Walker and the communication and scheduling better
