Appalachian equestrian Academy (aea)

Welcome to Appalachian Equestrian Academy! Here we take great pride in sharing our knowledge and love for horses. We teach both English and Western disciplines with an emphasis on unmounted care to create the most well-rounded horse people.

Students will work their way up through the HorseSense Learning Levels, which are a comprehensive break-down that starts with the basics, and works its way into pre-vet education and advanced horsemanship.

GET RIDING
woman hugging brown horse

About Us

Maura Hill, owner of AEA, with a brown horse

Maura Hill (Owner and Instructor)

"The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit and freedom."
~Sharon Ralls Lemon

Lexi Lewis, barn manager of AEA, with a brown horse

Lexi Lewis (Manger and Instructor)

"A horse is the projection of people's dreams about themselves; Strong, Powerful, Beautiful - and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence. "
~Pam Brown

Pasture at Appalachian Equestrian Academy
woman brushing a horse at Appalachian Equestrian Academy

Come take a look at our facilities.

you won't be disappointed!

We're located at Cohutta Farm Stables just 6 minutes from downtown Ellijay in a peaceful little forest nook.

Our Facilities:
~ A German-style 4 stall barn
~ 12 acres of rolling pasture
~ 60x120 river sand arena.

Cohutta Farms sign
Outdoor arena at Appalachian Equestrian Academy

What we offer

GET RIDING

We offer Western and English horse-riding instruction for all ages and abilities.

Don't miss our day camps, summer camps, leasing, and showing opportunities!

testimonials

Words from our Riding Family

CONTACT US

JB

Jennifer Baskin, Waco TX

"I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible journey Maura has taken my daughter on as her horseback riding instructor. She has dedication, expertise, and genuine passion for both horses and teaching, and it has had an immeasurable impact on my daughter's life. From the very first day my daughter stepped into the stables, it was clear that she had found more than just a riding instructor; she found a mentor, a role model, and a friend in Maura. Her patience and ability to connect with my daughter on a personal level, went above and beyond instruction and she was able to foster a relationship built on trust and respect. Maura was able to see my daughter's potential beyond her disability and was able to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where she felt a sense of belonging. My daughter not only developed as a rider under Maura's guidance, but as an individual as well. The life lessons she has learned through the challenges and triumphs in the arena will undoubtedly shape her character for years to come. I wholeheartedly recommend Maura as a horseback riding instructor to any future rider. Anyone fortunate enough to be under Maura's tutelage is in the hands of an exceptional educator and mentor."

YA

Yolanda Anderson, Waco TX

"There are trainers and then there is Maura. She was always there to meet us with a smile. Maura helped our daughter find her strength and confidence. In just 1 semester she learned more about control, terminology and horsemanship than she had in a year with other trainers."

Mara Hill's 2024 schedule

Keep updated by subscribing to our newsletter