Palmetto Bluff has introduced Longfield Stables, an impressive 173-acre equestrian facility that will be available for both property owners at the 20,000 acre residential and recreation community here as well as guests staying at the 5-star Inn at Palmetto Bluff.

The new equestrian facility includes a covered riding arena; an Olympic size outdoor dressage arena; a five-acre turf event field for schooling horses and special event equestrian activities as well as an oversized 24-stall main barn and 14-stall receiving barn. Other special features are a John Williams designed cross-country course, a turf riding and driving field, a dressage ring and an extensive trail system. Williams is one of America’s leading planners of cross country courses for riders.

Melissa Vanacore, director of equestrian facilities, said “Longfield Stables is not only stunning, but more importantly allows for proper horse husbandry.”

“Each barn has been designed for proper ventilation and airflow,” said Vanacore. “Grooming and wash stalls have been well thought out to provide for a safe and easy traffic flow. Management has taken extraordinary measures to promote the health of Longfield’s pastures and paddocks by setting aside the proper amount of acreage and establishing a maintenance program to promote high-quality grasses for the horses to enjoy in a natural setting.”

Temporary Stabling for Guests

Ms. Vanacore noted that in addition to offering monthly board and care services, Longfield Stables will also be offering temporary stabling to guests staying at the Inn. “This is perhaps the first facility of its kind where an equestrian facility like this is located on the same property as a five-star resort,” she said.

According to Ms.Vanacore, the riding surfaces are diverse and allow for training in multiple equestrian disciplines from beginner through the higher levels. In addition to the large covered arena that allows for riding in all weather conditions, the outdoor riding spaces allow for cross-training of horses to obtain optimum fitness levels.

Jim Mozley, president of Palmetto Bluff, said that when originally designing Palmetto Bluff the planners realized it offered an ideal setting which would appeal to avid equestriennes. “The combination of the wide flat pastures bordered by our ancient maritime forest seemed perfect for this kind of world class facility,” he said.

Longfield Farms Adjoins the Stables

Bill Peacher, general manager and president of the real estate division, said a 240-acre equestrian neighborhood will adjoin Longfield Stables and feature properties for sale ranging in size from three to 15 acres.

The equestrian neighborhood, called Longfield Farms, will feature expansive views of Longfield Stables’ cross-country equestrian area and freshwater lakes said Peacher noting that four-board black fencing will frame each homesite. He said the larger properties allow for private barns and pastures with some bordering the protected Managed Forest.

Now in its fifth year of development, Palmetto Bluff also includes an award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course (May River Golf Club), a croquet and racquet club featuring eight Har-Tru tennis courts; miles of stunning walking trails and acres of preserved land plus a private Canoe Club.

The community is home to the Inn at Palmetto Bluff, an Auberge Resort. It is and their only East Coast property among Auberge Resorts. For more information or to make a stall reservation at Longfield Stables at Palmetto Bluff, visit www.palmetto-bluff.com or call (843) 706-9559. To reach the Inn at Palmetto Bluff call 706-6500 or visit the website www.palmettobluffresort.com.

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