GaitWay Stables

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GaitWay Stables GaitWay Stables offers boarding, riding lessons, camps and birthday parties in Hillsborough.

09/29/2026

I do not post enough on our GWS business page, especially not enough about the successes of our program and how much the horses change when they are given time to decompress and have fun.

Captain came to us March 2025 from a farm where he received high quality care in a competitive environment. All his basic needs were met and he was spoiled and loved by his junior riders. But when he came to us he was kinda grouchy and very withdrawn. He was body defensive (hated clippers, being touched if he had an injury, etc...). Let me make this very clear - I KNOW he was not abused or mistreated. He was VERY loved by his family and well taken care of.

So why was he grouchy and touchy? What was missing?

FUN! PLAY! ENRICHMENT!
When we first introduced Captain to target training, he was pretty shut down to learning. He didn't have a lot of interest in any of the "weird new-fangled" things we introduced him to. Then I worked on the consent protocol with him, which was life changing for both he and I (and his riders). This allowed Captain to trust that I wasn't going to "make" him do anything, but I was going to ASK him to explore all the things! Then the exercise ball came into Captains like. Something to chase! As Captain started to open up, we learned that he LOVES to chase things! I actually think he would make a great cow horse, because I have even asked him to practice cutting my young horse and he loves it!

Today, Captain regular rider, Lea Dardess, came out to ride and he kept taking her to a particular corner in the arena. She couldn't figure out why he was so adamant about it, so she allowed him to go explore the corner. Turns out, Captain wanted to play with the ball! He was asking to play with the ball!! When Lea told me this I was elated. And then her mom, Pam, posted this video.

This is what its all about people. Play with your horses. Allow them to do more than perform for you. Allow them to explore and find what they love to do.

We have a fabulous group of schoolmasters for lease. Many lease options available. Come join us!
08/23/2026

We have a fabulous group of schoolmasters for lease. Many lease options available. Come join us!

08/06/2026

A little wrap-up from Flight Line Dressage at GaitWay Stables in Hillsborough, NC! 🎥🐴

Thank you so much to GaitWay Stables for hosting us on July 22 and to every rider who trusted me to film their test. If you signed up for 4K video, your footage should already be in your inbox! If you have not received it, please reach out.

Coming up next:

📍 Aug. 12: Flight Through the Bluegrass III in Nicholasville, KY. Late entries are still being accepted!

📍 Aug. 15–16: Mountaineer Flight Dressage Show II in Reedsville, WV

📍 Sept. 5: Flight for Independence II in New Alexandria, PA

You can now preregister for 4K video coverage from Norris Media when entering through Horse Spot. Just add it directly to your show entry!

Want to bring a Flight Line show to your area or host one at your barn? It is a great way to give local riders access to rated shows, introduce students to showing, participate in Year End Awards and add another event to your training program. Reach out to Flight Line today to learn more!

See you at the next one! 💙

07/29/2026

🐴 **Now Hiring: Part-Time Barn Staff** 🐴

GaitWay Stables in Hillsborough, NC is looking for a dependable, hard-working team member to join our horse care staff!

**Schedule:**
📅 Monday, Wednesday & Friday
⏰ Approximately 4:00–7:00 PM

**Responsibilities include:**
• Feeding horses
• Turnout and bringing horses in
• Stall cleaning
• Water buckets and basic barn chores
• General horse care and facility upkeep

**We're looking for someone who:**
✔ Has basic horse handling experience
✔ Is reliable and punctual
✔ Can work efficiently as part of a team
✔ Is confident taking initiative and helping lead daily barn tasks
✔ Takes pride in providing excellent care for our horses

💲 **Pay is based on experience.**

🎓 **Working student opportunities are also available!** If you're looking to expand your horsemanship while helping care for our horses, we'd love to talk with you about a working student position.

If you're looking for a rewarding part-time position in a supportive, horse-first environment, we'd love to hear from you!

📍 **GaitWay Stables**
7206 Schley Rd.
Hillsborough, NC

📧 Send us a Facebook message or email your experience and availability to [email protected]

What a fun week of Eventing Academy Camp! -->Monday: Lecture on the anatomy of the GI track and colic with Dr ...
07/18/2026

What a fun week of Eventing Academy Camp!

-->Monday: Lecture on the anatomy of the GI track and colic with Dr Mathew Gerard, DVM at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine
-->Tuesday: Stadium Course Building Clinic with Chris Moore. -
-->Wednesday: Cross-Country Schooling at Dream Big Slowly Farm
-->Thursday: Saddle Fitting with Your Expert Fitter
-->Friday: Stadium Jumping in Field and Pony Switch-Up Ride

These tween and teen riders did an excellent job dealing with the heat and taking excellent care of their horses.

Enjoy the pics and videos!

06/06/2026

Really fun day schooling at the War Horse Series @ Carolina Horse Park. So proud of these girls!! Lots of firsts. June's first War Horse experience and she gets to ride the cutest turbo pony ever-Roni the Super Pony!! Sadie's first War Horse with Handsome. And 5yr old Tikvah's first War Horse with Maya. Everyone handled the environment with poise. Everyone got more confident from start to finish.

Competition day tomorrow!!

**more pics in comments**

🐴 Now Hiring: Part-Time Riding Instructor 🐴GaitWay Stables | Hillsborough, NCGaitWay Stables is looking for a knowledgea...
05/30/2026

🐴 Now Hiring: Part-Time Riding Instructor 🐴

GaitWay Stables | Hillsborough, NC
GaitWay Stables is looking for a knowledgeable, horse-centered part-time riding instructor to join our team!

We are a dressage-focused barn with riders who also enjoy eventing, so applicants should have a strong foundation in dressage instruction. Experience teaching eventing and/or jumpers is a plus.

At GaitWay, we believe great horsemanship starts long before a rider gets in the saddle. Our instructors play an important role in reinforcing proper horse care, handling, and barn etiquette before and after every lesson. We are proud to be a horse-first program, where the well-being of our horses always comes first in training and barn management. Instructors must take a kind approach to teaching students and horses.

Because we operate as a lease-based program, our riders know their horses well and have established relationships with them. We are looking for an instructor who can help riders continue to develop their skills while encouraging thoughtful horsemanship, correct riding fundamentals, and a positive learning environment.

Schedule & Compensation:
✔ Flexible hours
✔ Ideally 2–3 half days per week
✔ Must be available for at least one weekend day
✔ Mondays are preferred, but not required
✔ Pay based on experience and overall responsibilities
✔ Scheduling and lesson horses provided by GaitWay Stables

Qualifications:
✔ Dressage riding and teaching experience required
✔ Eventing and/or jumper teaching experience preferred
✔ Strong horsemanship and horse care knowledge
✔ Positive, professional communication skills
✔ Ability to teach riders of varying ages and skill levels
✔ Commitment to horse welfare and rider education

If you're passionate about developing confident riders while maintaining the highest standards of horse care, we'd love to hear from you!
📍 Hillsborough, NC
📧 Contact us for more information or to apply.

At GaitWay Stables (Hillsborough), our program is built on a horse-first approach—prioritizing the health, happiness, an...
05/02/2026

At GaitWay Stables (Hillsborough), our program is built on a horse-first approach—prioritizing the health, happiness, and long-term well-being of every horse in our care.

We currently have 𝟮 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻/𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 available and offer several flexible boarding options within a thoughtful, welfare-focused environment. Juniors and AA are welcome (we have a great community of both).

We specialize in balanced seat riding, with a focus on dressage and eventing, always emphasizing correct, compassionate training methods that put the horse first.

Our facility includes:
• 125' x 200' lighted outdoor arena
• 20m x 40m covered arena
• 28 acres of pasture
• Ample space for riding beyond the arena

Our horses are supported by a trusted team of practitioners, ensuring they receive exceptional, well-rounded care.

While competition is never required, we do maintain an active presence in North Carolina dressage and eventing shows for riders who choose that path.

If you’re looking for a program where horse welfare and correct horsemanship come first, we’d love to connect. For more information please email [email protected]

✨ **Lesson Leases Available at GaitWay Stables** ✨Looking for consistency, partnership, and a horse-first approach to ri...
03/25/2026

✨ **Lesson Leases Available at GaitWay Stables** ✨

Looking for consistency, partnership, and a horse-first approach to riding? Our **lesson lease program** offers riders the opportunity to work with the same horse regularly while building correct foundations in a dressage-forward program that events.

🐴 **Currently Available **

**OnTopp Silver Lining (Roni)**
2008, 13h Welsh Cross mare
Small, mighty, and enthusiastic. A bold jumper who loves cross-country and is best suited for a rider with a solid foundation.
**Available for ¼ or ½ lease as of 4/1/26"

**Fly Me to the Moon (Penny)** – 2008, 14.1h mare
A reliable schoolmaster with training-level dressage and BN eventing experience. Schools 2’3”–2’6” consistently.
**Available for ¼ or ½ lease as of 4/1/26"

**Diesel** – 2012 16.2h Amish Horse
A complete teddy bear personality! Diesel is new to our program, coming from a foxhunting/hunter pace home. Diesel is learning the ropes about arena riding, but is learning fast. He is one of the sweetest horses we've had. Gentle enough for my 6 year old niece to handle. Needs an adv beginner rider due to being green in the arena. Not spooky or anything naughty, just needs more education. This would be a great lease opportunity for someone that wants to learn about training or can't afford a lease on a more educated individual.
**Available for ¼ or ½ lease as of 4/1/26**

If you’re ready to deepen your riding through consistency and correct basics, we’d love to talk.

📩 Message us to learn more or schedule an evaluation lesson.

Get ready for an unforgettable 2026 at GaitWay Stables! 🎉🐴We’re kicking off the year with an incredible lineup of clinic...
03/23/2026

Get ready for an unforgettable 2026 at GaitWay Stables! 🎉🐴

We’re kicking off the year with an incredible lineup of clinics and competitions designed to help riders of all levels grow, challenge themselves, and have fun along the way.

🌟 First Up: Daniel Stewart’s Pressure Proofing Clinic 🌟
Rider Slots - Full
Auditors Registration Here: https://form.jotform.com/260813844252153
(pre-registration $50 for 1 day or $75 for 2 Days. Register at door; $75 -1day or $100 for 2 Days)

Join internationally renowned clinician Daniel Stewart for this must-attend event focused on building confidence and composure under pressure. Whether you're preparing for the show ring or just looking to ride with more focus and control, this clinic will give you practical tools you can use right away.

Through a unique blend of mounted and unmounted exercises, Daniel helps riders:
✔️ Manage nerves and perform with confidence
✔️ Improve focus and mental toughness
✔️ Develop better communication with their horse under pressure
✔️ Turn stressful situations into successful rides

This clinic is perfect for riders who want to take their performance to the next level—both in and out of the arena.

📅 Don’t miss your chance to ride, learn, and grow with one of the industry’s leading experts!

✨ And this is just the beginning…
Throughout 2026, GaitWay Stables will be hosting a variety of exciting clinics and competitions for our amazing community. Stay tuned as we highlight the excellent learning opportunities we will be offering throughout 2026!

👉 For full details, schedules, and registration information, visit: http://www.gaitwaystables.com

Address

7206 Schley Road
Hillsborough, NC

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 5:30pm
Sunday 11am - 8pm

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