Equestrian Center Makes The Move To Anson County

When Barry and Jennifer Hutchens made the decision to swap their Norwood address for one in Anson County, it created a series of complications, not the least of which was the name of their well-established business, Lake Tillery Equestrian Center. "We discussed changing the name, but we had invested so much in our brand and gaining name recognition that we just didn't want to start over, and the new location is only eight miles from the lake, so we just went with it."

Ironically, it was that name recognition and the success of their business that prompted the move in the first place, as the Hutchens had outgrown their former Stanly County location. The new site, just two miles outside Ansonville on Ansonville-Polkton Road, is almost 30 acres and provides ample room for the Hutchens, their three dogs, nine horses and half-dozen goats. The "business" end of the operation offers services such as riding lessons and camps, horse training, birthday parties, mounted archery clinics, horse shows and horse hauling and transport, but perhaps closer to the Hutchens's heart is their nonprofit organization, Riding With Grace, which offers a PATH certified Therapeutic Riding Program for children and adults with mental and physical issues.

"As prey animals, horses are amazingly perceptive of their environment and forge an immediate bond with humans they sense are troubled or distressed. For the riders, horses seem to have a calming influence that is really quite magical. And there are actual physical benefits, as well. Because of the way horses walk, with one foot off the ground at all times, their gait creates a circular motion for the rider which causes them to alternately tense and relax all their muscles, and since a horse's body temperature is slightly higher than a human's, they feel pleasantly warm. The result is almost like getting a massage."

In addition to offering equestrian services, the Hutchens plan to hold events at their expanded Ansonville location. "The people who originally built this farm set it up to be used for events, so there is a parking area, ADA compliant restrooms, an arena with an announcers' booth and even food truck electric and water hook-ups. "One thing we are definitely planning for next year is a big Kentucky Derby Party; extravagant hats, colorful dresses, the works." Which, of course, begged a question about this year's controversy. "Maximum Security was the winner. Technically, he may have strayed out of his lane, but he didn't impact the outcome of the race. If he had been owned by someone with more influence in the sport, he would have never been disqualified for that."

And there you have it, right from the horse's mouth. 

AnsonEDP is pleased to welcome lake Tillery Equestrian Center to Ansonville. You can learn more about Lake Tillery Equestrian Center at their website, www.laketilleryequestrian.com, or on their Facebook page, @carolinaequineenterprisesllc.