Driftwood Ranch Horse Boarding on Hatteras Island

March 18, 2018

Big news - a sad day has finally come...

The lovely property that has been home to Driftwood Ranch for ten years - has been sold. While it has always been in the cards that the property might go on the market, the impending closing came as a surprise - no heads up was given. We heard it through the grapevine.

The plan is to keep our webpage up, and an email contact list live, so we can provide updates on future plans. There is another location in the works - just waiting for a current construction project to be completed - hopefully reopening spring 2019.

Shoot us an email at driftwoodranch@earthlink.net to stay in the loop. We'll keep you posted on our progress. If everything goes according to plan, there could be on premises accommodations. :D

Thanks to everyone who has stayed with us through the years. We hope to see you all in 2019. Please stay in touch!

Facility

Our facility is self care - we provide well water and a stock tank. Hay, feed and mucking are the responsibility of the boarders.

We have a three stall run in shelter, and a sizable sandy paddock with braided wire electric fencing. Your horses must respect electric fencing to stay here. It is not possible to subdivide our paddock.

Four wheel drive is a must for the truck you pull your trailer with. The sandy road into the barn can get soft, especially in the summer. The driver should be competent with backing your rig. For many rigs, the last 200 yards to the barn must be backed into. At the moment, we cannot accommodate large LQ trailers.

Check-in / check-out is 12 noon, and please plan to arrive before dark.

What to expect...

When you walk out the front gate of Driftwood, you are at the trail head. You'll make your way through Hatteras Island's lovely maritime forest on the self-guided trail and end up at the Atlantic Ocean.

The trip is generally two hours out and back plus whatever time you spend on the beach.

A few things to remember:

Please stay on the trail. Most of where you'll be riding is park service property.

Once on the beach - the firm sand closer to the ocean is the easiest for your horse, especially for cantering and galloping. Stay off the dunes (illegal = big fine) and out of sand that looks reddish. (soft and boggy) Watch out for fishing lines and tackle.

Please respect any areas marked off for wildlife.

Requirements

To stay here at Driftwood -

We will need a copy of your current negative coggins. Your horse(s) should be up to date on vaccines. West Nile is highly recommended, as mosquitoes are unavoidable much of the year.

Speaking of mosquitoes, bring plenty of bug spray, equine and human. Fly masks and sheets as well if you use them.

Be sure to bring all the feed and hay you might need. Our pasture is minimal. An equine medical kit is also a good idea. The nearest, vet, hay and feed stores are several hours away.

Ready to book?

Email us at driftwoodranch@earthlink.net for rates and other info.

After we arrange your dates, you'll need to send a deposit. Once we receive it, the reservation will be confirmed. Deposits are non-refundable. Weekends and holidays book up quickly!

For accommodations, we recommend Frisco Woods Campground - 5 minutes away, and Cape Pines Motel - 10 minutes away in Buxton.

Can't bring your horses but still want to enjoy a safe, fun guided trail ride to the beach? Check out our neighbors at Equine Adventures!

Monday, February 2, 2015