We are doing our best to ensure we have the best sanitizing methods possible in place for our facilities. The animal farm is open, but please be mindful of other families and social distance when you are able.
A PLACE THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY
Lawton Stables offers horseback riding and more in the heart of the beautiful resort island of Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Our trail rides are one of the best ways to get a true feeling for the Lowcountry in its natural setting, meandering through trails, forests and lakes in over 600 lush acres of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Our horses are cared for with love and pride, and will become your trusted companion on your journey.
Pony rides are available to children 7 and under, and our animal farm provides a wonderful collection of small animals to feed and enjoy, and is open to everyone. A gift store offers a large selection of horse-related gifts and treasures.
Would you like to board your horse? Our private facilities offer first-class amenities, access to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, championship arenas and a full array of services.
TRAIL RIDES
Our one-hour guided western-style trail rides will take you into the 600+ acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve. You will experience a true feel of the untouched Lowcountry on horseback, beneath a canopy of Palmettos and moss covered oaks. Our friendly guides keep an eye on our gentle horses as they give insight into Island culture and wildlife. The pace on the ride is kept at a walk so that riders of all abilities can settle in comfortably and take in the beautiful, tranquil surroundings. Reservations are necessary, and you may book online here.
PONY RIDES
Our friendly Shetland Ponies are available for small children (7 years old or younger), pony rides start at 9am and end one hour before closing (4pm). Pony rides are two laps around the animal farm led by a member of our team. Pony rides are given on a first come first served basis and reservations are not required. We recommend pony riders be at least 18 months old and able to sit up on their own.
Please visit here for more information on Birthday Parties at Lawton Stables.
ANIMAL FARM
We have a wonderful collection of small animals, including goats, miniature donkeys, miniature cows, pot-bellied pigs, alpacas, ponies, and chickens.
Feed for the small farm animals can be purchased from the feed machine on the front porch for .50 cents per handful. DHEC regulations prohibit feeding the animals with any food not provided by the farm.
Carriage Rides
Our one-hour horse-drawn carriage tour will take you into the Sea Pines Forest Preserve! Enjoy a narration by our drivers and relax as one of our beautiful carriage horses leads the way! Reservations are required.
Share a Love For Animals
Families sharing together build a lifetime of memories
Share a Love For Animals
Families sharing together build a lifetime of memories
Lawton Stables is dedicated to the well-being of all the animals in its care. We take our job seriously. Our horses and animals are under expert veterinary care at all times, and are up to date on all vaccines, preventative care and general well-being. The horses are constantly rotated to a beautiful 24 acre off-site facility to guarantee they are not over-worked and have a place to run free. Every effort is made to ensure they have an enjoyable life, free from stress and anxiety. The farrier trims their feet on average every five weeks, and we constantly monitor their feed, health and training to make sure you have a safe ride.
We believe that working with and caring for animals enhances the well-being of everyone involved, and we offer our animal farm and horse farm as a place where the community can come to enjoy a simpler and natural way of life.
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The Sea Pines Forest Preserve
A hidden jewel in the heart of the LowCountry
The Sea Pines Forest Preserve
A hidden jewel in the heart of the LowCountry
HISTORY OF THE SEA PINES FOREST PRESERVE
Sea Pines
The Preserve was formally opened June 1, 1971. Charles and Joseph Fraser of the Sea Pines Founding Family filed legal covenants in 1970 dedicating the 606 acres in the Preserve as a Wildlife Habitat and Outdoor recreation facility. It was specifically created so that we might all enjoy and appreciate the varied bounty of our very special natural environment.
The Forest is one of Hilton Head's finest assets. Many visitors consider a visit to the Preserve the highlight of their visit here as it offers an insight into the value of land left in its natural state for thousands of visitors to enjoy.
Within the Preserve, there is a Shell Ring made by Indian Moundbuilders 4000 years ago built about the same time as the Pyramids! Locals used to say that the Ring had some religious significance, but scholars say that the Ring was created around a campsite and old oyster shells form its base. Ancient artifacts have also been found there to give the historians an insight into the Indians daily life.
Over 200 species of birds have been spotted in the Preserve and the area has been recognized as an "Important Bird Area" by the National Audubon Society, showcasing an oasis of valuable natural habitats in an otherwise heavily developed coastal island. It is also home to our island alligators residing in the beautiful Lakes Mary, Thomas, and Joe.
The Hilton Head Whitetail Deer population is very prolific in the Preserve, although rarely spotted during daylight hours. The "Forest" describes the varieties of tree and plants in the Preserve including the Pine Woods, Live Oak Forest, Fresh Water Marsh, and the endless varieties of Grass.
We are pleased to offer our hour long trail rides through this wonderful facility so that you can enjoy all that you can enjoy all that it has to offer by the best possible form of transport... horses!
