Leatherwood is a premier gated vacation resort and residential community that incorporates 4,000 acres of lush, Blue Ridge Mountain wilderness. The property has been in Dick Johnston’s family for generations. Johnston, the owner, decided in the 1980s to share this family treasure by opening a facility that focuses on the equestrian lifestyle. Through the years, word spread among horse lovers as well as outdoor enthusiasts, as guests continued to return year after year, often bringing friends to share their find.
You’ll find this family-oriented, wilderness paradise just 16 miles west of Wilkesboro on N.C. 268, in Ferguson. Visitors can bring their own horses or ride one of the gentle Leatherwood horses where safe and supervised horseback riding is provided for all levels. With close to 100 miles of trails, it is quite common to encounter deer, turkeys, squirrels, and all types of beautiful birds.
Hugh Hanchey, Equestrian Center Manager, has family ties to Leatherwood as well. His parents visited the facility while on a wagon train ride in 1986. Hanchey’s father, Bo, stumbled upon the opportunity to work at the resort. Hugh also worked at Leatherwood at various times throughout the years since 1990 and decided to make it his full-time career in 2002. His wife, Abbie, whom he met while they were both working there, is the marketing and events director. She is also a riding instructor. The couple owns a farm just over the hill from Leatherwood. It’s close enough to ride their horses to work if the mood strikes them.
“One of the things I like best about working here is, it’s not really like ‘work.’ I love working with the animals and being outdoors,” said Hugh Hanchey. “I think the best part is working with my wife every day. We’re very fortunate to get to do something we really like.”
Visitors come from all over the United States to visit Leatherwood Mountains Resort. Two long-time regulars are Colleen Brudzinski and Kay Ehlinger. Both of these women live in Boone and own their own horses. After visiting a couple of times with their ladies group, they decided to board their horses there. Brudzinski and Ehlinger visit at least once a week to ride and spend time with their horses. If the weather is suitable and two or three weekends out of the year, they say they bring the women in their “old ladies group.” These women spend time riding and simply enjoying their time away from reality.
“It’s not always about the horses, sometimes it’s just a great time to hike and enjoy the outdoors. You just chill; the atmosphere is so relaxing and so serene. If you like the serenity of the mountains, you’ll love it here. It has its own magnetism,” said Brudzinszki, “Leatherwood in and of itself is amazing and the friendly staff is just icing on the cake.”
“The trails, the people, and the care of my animal,” said Ehlinger. “Even when I can’t get down here, I know my horse is well cared for. The staff here is like a second family.”
If you’re a bit competitive, this equestrian facility is home to year-round equine events such as 25-mile and 50-mile endurance rides. This type of contest is basically like a marathon for horses. Riders come from all over the country to enjoy the fast pace of the race while breathing in the fresh air along the trails. Leatherwood will host its 10th annual endurance ride on April 11.
There are other amenities. One can rent a luxurious cabin or camp, take a brisk hike on the beautiful mountain trails fish, play some volleyball, basketball or tennis, have a picnic or go for a swim. The staff will help plan excursions such as canoeing, snow skiing and sightseeing opportunities at nearby attractions in Boone and Blowing Rock.
About Leatherwood
Leatherwood Mountains is located at 512 Meadow Road, Ferguson. The site boasts 40 rental cabins and over 100 private homes. Call 973-5044, or visit: www.leatherwoodmountains.com
• Reservations are required for riding and lodging
• Open 7 days a week, hours may vary from summer to winter
• Offering full service boarding facilities for daily and monthly customers
• 2-hour ride is $70.; 1-hour ride is $40
• Safety helmets are required and provided for all riders age 16 and under.
• As many as eight riders can ride together
• Riders should arrive 30 minutes prior to schedule trail ride
• Leaf watching season books up fast, call early!
• Pet-friendly accommodations available
Post a Comment
