So: What happened in 2025?
in a word: Helene. The camping field got stricken with about 6 inches of silt. In late October, it was planted with winter wheat to stabilize it. The crop is doing fine, but the ground is not stable enough for trailers until a degree of 'turf' is in place. Biltmore Equestrian Center plans on planting fescue in early March; then crabgrass in late May; and more fescue in mid-August. By September, we anticipate a degree of turf will make the campground and trot out area adequately stable.
Incidentally, for those of you who have been here before, the water from the French Broad River reached up to the roof of the 'event barn' and ripped it off, and left a tree that had floated down river on top. All fencing along the River was stripped away. Trailers that were 'up' by the event tent (thought to be above the 100 year flood level) were washed down River and overturned in various drainages or swept to Tennessee. The outdoor arena (night lights and night time trot outs) was destroyed. Much basic clean up has been done, but the re-building is going to take awhile.
Friday, May 1, 2026: 25, 50 mile rides
Saturday, May 2 2026: 30, 55, 75, 100 mile rides
The 75 mile ride will also offer FEI 2* and 2*YJ divisions; the 100 mile ride will also offer FEI 3*. These FEI divisions are the only ones with any jurisdiction from USEF (United States Equestrian Federation). None of the other rides / distances have any association with USEF.
Come early, camp opens Wednesay April 28!
We will have a link to entries for the rides.
For ride results: May 2024 ride results.
September , 2025: Fall Ride at Biltmore
75 mile, 65 mile, 50 mile and 25 mile endurance rides. September 20, 2025. The 75 mile ride will also offer 2* FEI and 2* YJ FEI; the 65 mile ride will also offer 1* FEI and 1* YJ FEI. One "clinic" is planned for Friday afternoon. We are striving for an informal and fun event.
General Conditions: Built in 1895, the Estate trails promise a challenging ride along the French Broad River and over rolling hills and low mountains. We recommend that all horses have hoof protection. Breast collars/cruppers may be helpful. Each loop will circle back to a central vetting area adjacent to the main camping area.
Controlled Entry to Biltmore Estate. As part of the need for security on the Estate, and to provide a more official mode of access for attendees to the Estate grounds, names are provided for a list used by the front gate guards for initial entry (the "Gate List"). Subsequent re-entry will be via wristbands available at the ride site. Entry for one named crew member is covered as part of the ride entry fees (note: two named crew members are included in the 75 mile and 100 mile ride fees). On the Estate, including at the ride site, colored wristbands will be required to be worn as visible proof of permission.
Note: children 16 and under are free, but must still have their names on the "Gate List" and wear the wristbands.
Note: Most photographs for the web site have been generously contributed by Genie Stewart-Spears and Becky Pearman
==>>> Federal (US Government) law requires us to create safe and respectful sporting environments, free of abuse and harassment. With that in mind we are particularly aware of our vulnerable population of young people. Please work with us on this. The USA Center for SafeSport has resources and training (see https://safesport.org/resources) that all adults should take in an ideal world.
