Nestled in the heart of Fort Mill, Leg Up Equestrian stands out as a premier destination for budding and seasoned riders alike. Celebrated for its family-oriented atmosphere and professional management, Leg Up offers a comprehensive equestrian experience that goes beyond riding. Students learn valuable horsemanship, from grooming to barn management, fostering a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for equine care. With a reputation for excellent instruction and well-maintained stables, the center is a nurturing ground for friendships and skills development. Whether it's through their leveled riding programs, fun-filled events like the annual Halloween celebration, or the working student program, Leg Up Equestrian is dedicated to creating a supportive community where passion for horses and personal growth flourish.
We discovered LegUp Equestrian nearly 7 years ago when my oldest daughter (9 years at the time) wanted to go to horse camp. She came home every day talking non-stop about her day and how she had “adopted” the best horse, Cookie. She absolutely loved her experience and shortly thereafter began taking lessons. As a horseback rider and former horse owner myself, I love how this barn structures their lesson program. Each lesson is comprised of riding…and a barn lesson. This barn lesson concept is somewhat unique but ever so important where riders learn everything there is to know about horses, horse care and ultimately what you need to know for horse ownership. When a rider has progressed to a certain level, they also become a working student at the barn – once again sharpening their skills on horse ownership. The owner instructor, Cathy Kodell, is a great teacher and developed both of my daughters (yes, my younger daughter now rides too) into beautiful, confident riders. The barn offers onsite horse shows at least twice a year and periodic barn get togethers (like a Halloween night with games on horseback and an opportunity to dress up in costume with your pony). There are also various clinics riders can participate in to dive deeper into horsemanship as a rider moves up the levels. My daughters have too many favorite horses to name them all. We are so thankful to have found LegUp with its awesome herd of lesson ponies and kind barn family.-Janna James - Posted Dec 13, 2023
We are new to the horse back riding world but we’ve had nothing but a great experience so far with Leg Up Equestrian. Our daughter started off with summer classes then she loved it so much(in addition to liking the trainers and staff) and is now on her 3rd week of the fall beginner classes. So far our trainer is wonderful. He’s professional, truly cares about the girls all around education for horse back riding and the equestrian world. Very focused, knowledgeable but great with the younger kids. I would highly recommend! -Lisette Akers - Posted Sep 14, 2023
We have had a wonderful experience with Leg Up! -Kat White - Posted Sep 13, 2023
Our daughter looks forward to her weekly lessons at Leg up every week! Great place to learn to ride! The summer camps are an added bonus! -Jessica Adrian - Posted Sep 11, 2023
We have had such a great experience with Leg Up! The staff is very knowledgeable and our daughter has learned so much in just a few lessons! -Pam Mims - Posted Sep 10, 2023
Riding at Leg Up Equestrian is my daughter's most favorite thing in the world! This family owned and run barn makes each student feel like part of the family. From the lessons to the summer camps to events like the Halloween horse costume contest and games on horseback, it is such a wonderful program!
What makes this program especially unique is that the owner and instructor, Ms. Cathy, requires students to demonstrate specific riding and barn skills to progress through her leveled program. While this might sound intimidating, it is one of the things my daughter likes best. Ms. Cathy is so encouraging, and my daughter feels such a sense of accomplishment when she moves through each level. As the students develop their skills, they learn to mentor other students. My daughter loves learning and working alongside the more advanced riders. She can't wait to become one of them!
Leg Up is truly a magical place! We are so thankful for Ms. Cathy and her family!
Summer Camp Update:
My daughter just finished summer camp at Leg Up. She was on cloud nine all week long! The owners' daughter, Amber, runs the camp along with more advanced riding students who act as counselors as well as assisting with the horses. Amber does a fantastic job of running camp safely and efficiently while making it super fun! The campers get to "adopt" a horse and care for it all week long, learning not just about riding but about what horses need to be healthy and happy. On the last day, the kids show off what they've learned in a horse show. Rather than competing against each other, they showcase their own "special skill." My daughter couldn't wait for me to see what she could do! At the end of camp, Amber and her team recognize each student for what they contributed to camp. Again, this isn't competitive. It recognizes each child for what they bring to the group such as being a good helper, a kind friend, or a good sport. My daughter couldn't have asked for a better experience!
- Beth Dunn - Jul 04, 2021
My son absolutely loved Leg Up Equestrian. Each day he proudly came home sharing new terminology and what he’d learned in the day. He was so sad for the week to end but looks forward to next year (as does his little brother)! Thank you for a great camp this summer!
- Stacy M - Jun 28, 2021
My daughter recently attended camp at LegUp and loved it!! The staff was friendly and the horses were super sweet! She can’t wait to attend camp again!
- Elizabeth Rapp Hopkins - Jun 27, 2021
My daughter recently attended Leg Up Equestrian for summer camp and she absolutely loved it. Not only did she learn a lot but she was given an opportunity to show responsibility and build confidence. As a parent I was really impressed with their end of camp show and highly recommend Leg Up Equestrian to others!
- Lauren Keller Shue - Jun 26, 2021
Hands down the best place for incredibly enriching horseback riding lessons! Safety is the number one priority at all times along with excellent instruction. Cathy's knowledge of horsemanship is absolutely incredible and her instructors are super friendly and well trained! The facility and horses are very well cared for. My daughter and I love being part of the Leg Up team! Highly recommend to all levels of riders, ages and experiences. This wonderful stable will make your goals come true!
- Lauren Floyd - Jun 23, 2021
We loved the camp at Leg Up! My daughter came home with a smile on her face and wonderful stories everyday. We were also impressed by how much she learned in her short time there. We will be back again!
- Dr. Brenda PT - Jun 21, 2021
Excellent camp, organized and something fun every day for my daughter to look forward to. Great camp leaders, and lots of ways to help my daughter’s confidence grow. Loved it!
- K Marino - Jun 21, 2021
My daughter had the most amazing week at camp. She is a student of Leg Up, and loves her weekly lessons, but she said that being at camp made her feel at home.
The instructors and leaders do an amazing job of building character and horsemanship, and there isn’t a better place around for equestrian training.
Thank you, Leg Up, for an experience she will never forget!
- The Bowens3 - Jun 19, 2021
My daughter just finished a summer camp experience and LOVED it. The camp counselors are amazing!
- Lisa Johnson - Jun 19, 2021
Great place! My daughter has ridden there for the last 4 1/2 years. She loves Leg Up! She has not only learned horse skills but life skills too! We have been very pleased with the whole experience.
- Heather McAfee - Jan 11, 2021
- Ryan Berlin - Jan 09, 2021
My daughter (10 yrs old) has been riding at Leg Up for more than two years and has grown so much as a rider. She is also acutely aware of the importance in caring for the horse and barn. I love this about the curriculum-it’s more than just riding. She rides two days a week and can not wait to get to the barn to get to work. Kathy is truly committed to her students development and safety.
- Jennifer Phillips - Jan 04, 2021
- Dana Brincefield - Jan 04, 2021
Our daughter has had a really nice experience learning horse riding at LegUp Equestrian. The center is very professionally managed and we are so glad to be part of their program.
- Ashley Pereira - Jan 04, 2021
2015- My daughter absolutely loves this camp. They let the girls adopt a horse for the week. They get a lot of one on one instruction and have a ton of fun!
2021- I started taking an adult Riding lesson in March after a 20 year hiatus. I’m getting ready to jump in ‘21! A lifelong dream! Cathy, S and the beautiful instructor horses are amazing!
- Mimi Royall - Jan 04, 2021
The Leg Up program has been great for our daughter, not only teaching her horsemanship and work ethic - but also leadership skills and building self confidence. She really likes the riding level approach to the program and the many additional opportunities offered throughout the year to focus on learning new skills and refining others. The owners are great and provide a safe environment for learning and build comradery among the riders.
- Leslie Kluttz - Jan 04, 2021
Riding at Leg Up Equestrian is my daughter's most favorite thing in the world! This family owned and run barn makes each student feel like part of the family. From the lessons to the summer camps to events like the Halloween horse costume contest and games on horseback, it is such a wonderful program!
What makes this program especially unique is that the owner and instructor, Ms. Cathy, requires students to demonstrate specific riding and barn skills to progress through her leveled program. While this might sound intimidating, it is one of the things my daughter likes best. Ms. Cathy is so encouraging, and my daughter feels such a sense of accomplishment when she moves through each level. As the students develop their skills, they learn to mentor other students. My daughter loves learning and working alongside the more advanced riders. She can't wait to become one of them!
Leg Up is truly a magical place! We are so thankful for Ms. Cathy and her family!
- Beth Dunn - Jan 03, 2021
- Millie Fong - Jan 03, 2021
My daughter has been riding at Leg Up for almost 5 years. It has been and a fun and safe place for her to learn how to ride. I’m thankful for the focus they put on horsemanship and I’m proud of the work ethic they are instilling in her as part of the working student program. The owners are wonderful and together with the other riders they have built a community of horse lovers that my daughter loves being a part of. Highly recommend!!
- Lindy Andresen - Jan 03, 2021
I have been riding in several stables in Europe, Leg Up is the best I have ever experienced. You really get to bond with the horses, your horseback ridding and barn skills are improving on a steady basis thanks to the levels structure and great mentoring. You feel very safe at all time. I have been riding at leg up for about 9 months and can only recommend it. The family atmosphere of Leg Up makes it my happy place
- Aurore Havet le Cam - Jan 03, 2021
Leg Up Equestrian is great place to learn riding skills and immerse oneself in the daily activities of a horse farm. The owners maintain an environment that promotes caring, responsibility, and respect for not only horses, but also oneself and others.
- Arne Rick - Jan 02, 2021
- Zaniyah Mulbah - Jan 01, 2021
- Chloe Taft - Jan 01, 2021
- Emma Philpott - Jan 01, 2021
The stables and riding area are kept in good shape year round. The instructors are excellent and work well with a variety of students from beginners to experienced. The students are expected to take care of their assigned horses before and after their lesson and to help with chores.
- James Pullen - Jan 01, 2021
We’ve really enjoyed being a part of Leg Up for the past couple years. My daughter is very happy with the skills she has learned and the friends she has made.
- Rita Coghlan - Jan 01, 2021
- Katelyn McAfee - Jan 01, 2021
Chloe absolutely adores all the horses at Leg Up. It is her favorite place to be! Highly recommend it for anyone that has a a little equestrian enthusiast like I do! It is a great place because it low key and no pressure.
- Darlene Hetman - Jan 01, 2021
- Caitlyn Andresen - Jan 01, 2021
Leg Up Equestrian is a wonderful place for riders to learn to not only how to ride horses, but, to fine tune and perfect skill sets, to understand the dynamics of the horses ridden, and also how to manage a barn. It is a family owned establishment and aside from serious lessons and shows, Leg Up hosts an annual Halloween event complete with a bonfire, friendly horse games and s'mores for all. It has become my very favorite fall activity.
- Nisha Victoria Giri - Jan 01, 2021
Leg Up EA is the best in the Charlotte area! ✨
- Beth Bowen - Jan 01, 2021
Leg Up Equestrian | 6201 Johannes Rd, Fort Mill SC 29715, United States