This winter, Charlotte outdoor enthusiasts don’t have to stay stuck indoors all season. There are plenty of great winter activities available in our city that will give you an amazing view of the outdoors as well as challenge your abilities in the newest of ways.

For all the animal lovers out there, we must introduce you to Painted Sky Ranch and Riding School. A magical place where you can become one with nature and animals, horseback riding at the ranch is something you definitely have to experience at least once this season!

Painted Sky Ranch and Riding School is a full service horse ranch in Mooresville, North Carolina just 40 minutes up the road from Charlotte.
Painted Sky Ranch/GoogleMaps
With six pastures, a huge riding arena and more than 100 acres of riding trails that wind through the gorgeous North Carolina forest, this place is unlike anything you have ever seen before.
Focused on teaching Western riding, Painted Sky Ranch teaches horsemanship from the ground up and has students every age range from children as young as six years old all the way up to adults.
Painted Sky Ranch/Facebook
You don't have to be a student at the ranch to enjoy a ride, the ranch offers trail rides and quick beginner lessons to anyone who is interested. All you need to do is call the ranch to inquire about a good time to come out and you can take part in a beginner lesson and a ride!
The views from the trails on the ranch are some of the most amazing you will ever see.
Painted Sky Ranch/Facebook
Each day when the sun sets, the sky over the ranch is flooded with beautiful colors and light.
If you happen to be coming in from a ride at dusk, a picturesque sunset like this one is something you may be lucky enough to see.
Painted Sky Ranch/Facebook
And your horse is bound to enjoy the view as well. The experience of the peaceful animals and the gorgeous surroundings is absolutely outstanding.
Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing that riding through the serene North Carolina woods in the wintertime.
Painted Sky Ranch/Facebook
You'll notice the trail is perfectly quiet and you'll only be able to hear the sounds of the birds and animals of the woods plus the occasional greeting from your horse!
Many children and adults love exploring the wilderness this way.
Painted Sky Ranch/Facebook
The trails at the ranch take you through creeks, past trees that are as old as 100 years, and eventually open to beautiful, wide pastures where you can let your horse run free a little bit - if you want to.
The horses at the ranch are the most amazing creatures, and they each have their own unique personalities.
Painted Sky Ranch/Facebook
These two know a good photo op when they see one! With the wind blowing through their manes, can they get any more handsome?
And it's not just the horses on the ranch who are friends.
Painted Sky Ranch/Facebook
Doc the dog and chip the horse are the best of buds and love having afternoon staring contests whenever they get the chance.
If we get lucky enough to see snow this winter, that would be the perfect time to visit the ranch.
Painted Sky Ranch/Facebook
The sunsets are just as beautiful; there's something awe-inspiring about riding through the freshly fallen snow with your favorite horse.
Everyone can go a little stir crazy on a snow day.
Painted Sky Ranch/Facebook
So why not bring the kids out to Painted Sky and let them create a memory they will never forget.
Even Doc loves getting out and enjoying the snow.
Painted Sky Ranch/Facebook
He may tag along on one of your rides if you'll let him. He's a great tour guide!
And when you head back into the ranch there will always be a warm fire and a beautiful sunset to come back to.
Painted Sky Ranch/Facebook
You'll feel completely at ease once your day of riding is over, and will already be making plans to come back to this little piece of heaven.

590 Mayberry Ln., Mooresville, NC 28115

Have you ever visited Painted Sky Ranch and Riding School? Share your experiences and your pictures with us! Tag us on Instagram(@onlyincharlotte) or share your shots on the Only In Charlotte Facebook page. Happy riding!

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