David Loftis, kids and grandkids share their love for horseback riding
The Lim sisters, Cosima, 8, and Uhura, 11, of Washington, D.C. bravely saddled up and rode through the mountainous Nantahala National Forest with their mother and Nantahala Village Riding Stables guide Saturday afternoon.
The girls already knew what to expect along their one-hour-long journeys, having gained most of their riding experience as three-time Nantahala Village Riding Stables guests.
“We vacation here every year,” said Uhura Lim.
Uhura Lim reminisced on her trips to the stables, while her little sister played with kittens and sneakily chased after a juvenile rooster.
David Loftis owns Nantahala Village Riding Stables and Smokemont Riding Stables in Cherokee.
“We got 20 horses here and 28 at Smokemont Riding Stables,” said Loftis.
Smokemont Riding Stables opened in the Smoky Mountain National Park in 1964. To this day, riders explore river crossings and waterfalls, just as they always have.
Loftis inherited the equestrian business from his parents.
“We’ve been here 47 years,” Loftis said. “My brother (Rick Wike) started it. He sold it to momma and daddy on a handshake deal and they ran it. They got old, so I started doing it. They passed away and I just kept on going. This is the way I have made my living
for 26 years.”
Loftis was proud to say that his children and two grandchildren have worked at the riding stables.
“My grandson (Cole Wikle) runs it when I am not here,” said Loftis. “One day, I’ll give it to Cole, if he acts like he’s interested.”
Due to a hip injury, Loftis is no longer able to ride horses.
“I like to sit and watch them eat if nothing else,” he said. “This is a very peaceful way to make a living. I love to see people come, visit and have a good time.”
Anywhere from 60-80 visitors come Nantahala Village Riding Stables to see and ride horses each day in the summer months. Smokemont Riding Stables sees anywhere from 100-150 riders per day. Riders may opt to ride anywhere from one to four hours. There are also options for all-day and overnight expeditions.
“We used to take an amputee camp,” said Loftis. “Wounded warriors used to come before COVID. I have not heard from them since then.”
Loftis added that people are generally safe at his stables with no major injuries to date.
“Our trails are really good beginning trails out here,” he said. “They’re really easy.”
Children must be at least five years of age to ride. Riders must not exceed 240lbs.
Nantahala Village Riding Stables is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing at 3 p.m. Sunday. mid-March through mid-November. It is located at 9400 US-19, Bryson City.
To make reservations at Nantahala Village Riding Stables, visit nantahalaridingstable.com or call 828-488-9649 to make reservations.
Smokemont Riding Stables is open April 1 through Nov. 1. It is located at 135 Smokemont Riding Stable Road, Cherokee.
For more information pertaining to riding options, hours and operations at Smokemont Riding Stables, visit smokemontridingstable.com or call 828-497-2373 to make reservations.