A Step Above Stables · Blairsville, Georgia

How We Match Riders
with the Perfect Horse

We specialize in matching riders of all experience levels with safe, suitable horses. Whether you're a complete beginner, a senior rider, a family looking for one horse everyone can ride, or someone rebuilding confidence in the saddle — we'll help you find the right horse, not just any horse. Buyers travel from across Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and beyond to find their match at A Step Above Stables in Blairsville, GA.

Beginners Welcome Family Horses Senior Riders Husband Horses Confidence Builders All Experience Levels

The Right Match Changes Everything

A horse that's too much for a beginner doesn't become safe just because it's calm at the barn. A horse that's too slow will bore an experienced rider in a week. The matching process isn't a formality — it's the whole job. We ask the questions other sellers skip, listen more than we talk, and we'd rather tell you to wait than put you on the wrong horse. Every horse sold by A Step Above Stables is covered by our horse exchange guarantee. We believe finding the right match matters more than simply completing a sale.

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Why Riders Travel From Across the Southeast to Find Their Horse Here

Buyers regularly make the trip to Blairsville from Atlanta, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Asheville, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Ocala, and throughout the region.

✦A real rider assessment before any horse is suggested. Curtis asks about your experience level, your riding goals, your physical comfort, and how you plan to use the horse — before he ever walks you toward the barn.
✦Every horse trail-tested in the North Georgia mountains. Blue Ridge, Hiawassee, and the Cohutta Wilderness are in our backyard. A horse that handles these trails handles anything.
✦Honest advice, even when it costs us a sale. If a horse isn't right for you, we'll say so. If you need to wait for the right one to come in, we'll tell you that too.
✦A horse exchange guarantee with no fine print. If you get home and the match isn't right, we'll exchange it. We've honored that guarantee for nearly 30 years.
✦Delivery available anywhere in the country. Can't make the trip? We'll bring your horse to you. We've shipped to all 50 states. See our current horses for sale or learn more about how we work.

🗺 Riders Visit Us From

Atlanta, GA Chattanooga, TN Knoxville, TN Asheville, NC Charlotte, NC Jacksonville, FL Orlando, FL Tampa, FL Ocala, FL Tallahassee, FL Blue Ridge, GA Ellijay, GA Dahlonega, GA Hiawassee, GA Helen, GA Murphy, NC
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01
Rider Type

Beginner Riders

Never been on a horse, or haven't ridden since you were a kid? We hear this every week. North Georgia draws a lot of first-time buyers who want to trail ride near Blairsville, Ellijay, or over into Murphy — and they need a horse that's patient, predictable, and forgiving. Browse our beginner-friendly horses for sale.
✦Quiet, steady temperament — not spooky, not reactive
✦Good ground manners, loads without drama
✦Proven on mountain trails, not just arena-broke
✦Gaited breeds often recommended — smooth, stable, forgiving
02
Rider Type

Family Riders

A true family horse — gentle enough for kids, responsive enough for adults — is the rarest placement we handle. We won't put you on something we wouldn't put our own kids on. See our current family horses for sale.
✦Kid-safe and parent-confident in the same horse
✦Calm around dogs, ATVs, noise, and other horses
✦Stands patiently while kids adjust tack and climb on
✦Ideal breeds: Quarter Horse, Haflinger, Tennessee Walker
03
Rider Type

Senior Riders

Older riders know exactly what they want: a horse that won't embarrass them, won't spook at nothing, and won't turn a Saturday trail ride into a rodeo. We match senior riders with calm, seasoned horses that are easy to manage alone.
✦Gaited horses strongly preferred — Rocky Mountain, Walker, Spotted Saddle
✦Easy mounting, stands at the block without fidgeting
✦Bomb-proof on trail — traffic, bridges, creek crossings, wildlife
✦Low-maintenance, easy to handle solo
04
Rider Type

Husband Horses

The wife rides. The husband comes along. Now he needs a horse too. He may not be enthusiastic. He may be nervous. He probably won't say so. The husband horse is one of our most requested placements — and we know exactly what to look for.
✦Dead quiet — won't test or push a hesitant rider
✦Follows the group, doesn't lead trouble
✦Slow to startle, quick to forgive rider mistakes
✦Draft crosses and gaited breeds often the best fit
05
Rider Type

Confidence-Building Horses

Some riders have been on a horse before — maybe had a bad experience, maybe just lost their nerve. They're not beginners exactly, but they need a horse that rebuilds trust, not one that tests it. This is a specific kind of placement and we take it very seriously.
✦Won't escalate when the rider tenses up
✦Consistent mood every day, regardless of weather or season
✦Responds to light, quiet cues — no wrestling required
The wrong horse at this stage can end someone's riding journey permanently. The right one can bring them all the way back. We've seen it happen many times — a rider who called us terrified ends up on the trail six months later wondering what they were ever worried about.
✦We go at your pace — no pressure, no clock running
✦Often gaited, always gentle-mouthed and soft
✦Covered by our full horse exchange guarantee

How the Matching Process Works

From your first call to your first trail ride.

1

Tell Us About You

Call or message and describe your experience level, riding goals, comfort level, and budget. No judgment, no pressure.

2

We Find Candidates

Curtis narrows the inventory to horses that make sense for you specifically — not just what's available, but what fits.

3

Visit & Test Ride

Come to the farm in Blairsville. Meet the horses. Ride on the trail. Take as much time as you need. We don't rush this.

4

Backed by Our Guarantee

Every horse sold is covered by our exchange guarantee. If the match isn't right once you get home, we'll make it right.

What We See Every Week

The Most Common Horse Buying Mistake

The biggest mistake new buyers make is shopping for color, breed, or appearance before temperament. A beautiful horse that doesn't fit your experience level will never make you happy — no matter how much you love the way it looks.

A horse that's too sensitive for a nervous rider will erode confidence with every ride. A horse that's too dull for an experienced rider will frustrate them within a month. The match has to be right first. Everything else comes second.

That's why our process starts with you, not the horse. We don't walk you to the barn until we understand who you are as a rider.

What we match on — before color or breed

1
Riding experienceNever ridden, occasional rider, or returning after years away — each requires a different horse entirely.
2
Confidence levelAn anxious rider on a sensitive horse is a problem waiting to happen. We match energy to energy.
3
Riding goalsTrail riding, property exploring, organized rides, or just keeping a spouse company — the goal shapes the horse.
4
Physical comfortHeight, weight, mobility, and mounting ability all factor into which horse is the safest and most enjoyable fit.
5
Intended useA horse that's perfect for mountain trail riding may be entirely wrong for property riding, and vice versa.

Matching Temperament to Goals

The horse that's right for a competitive trail rider isn't the right horse for a weekend leisure rider. We think through all of it.

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Trail & Mountain Riding

Mountain trails require sure-footedness, steady nerve, and a willingness to work through obstacles. We test every horse on North Georgia trails before listing — no guesswork.

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Recreational & Leisure Riding

Just want to putt around your property a few times a week? We find horses that love that lifestyle — not horses that need more work than you want to give.

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Multi-Rider Households

When multiple family members will ride the same horse, we look for a well-rounded temperament that adjusts to different hands. These horses are rare and worth every penny.

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First-Time Ownership

Owning a horse is different from riding one. We factor in ground manners, trailering, vet visits, and farrier behavior — not just how the horse rides.

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Experienced Riders Returning

Riders getting back in the saddle after years away often overestimate where they are. We're honest about that and meet you where you actually are, not where you used to be.

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Goal-Specific Matches

Organized trail rides? Endurance? Just exploring your back forty? Tell us where you want to be in a year and we'll work backward from there.

Horses Commonly Recommended by Rider Type

Breed matters — but it's one factor, not the whole picture. Here's what we typically reach for based on rider type.

For Beginners

  • Tennessee Walking Horse
  • Quarter Horse
  • Spotted Saddle Horse
  • Haflinger

For Families

  • Quarter Horse
  • Haflinger
  • Draft Cross
  • Tennessee Walker

For Senior Riders

  • Rocky Mountain Horse
  • Tennessee Walking Horse
  • Spotted Saddle Horse
  • Racking Horse

For Larger Riders

  • Clydesdale
  • Percheron Cross
  • Draft Cross
  • Belgian

Our Horse Exchange Guarantee

Every horse sold by A Step Above Stables is covered by our horse exchange guarantee. If the horse isn't the right fit, we will exchange it for another horse in our inventory. We believe finding the right match matters more than simply completing a sale. No runaround, no fine print. Read our 900+ buyer reviews — we've honored this guarantee for nearly 30 years.

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I told Curtis I was a nervous rider who hadn't been on a horse in 15 years and didn't want to embarrass myself. He found me the most patient, gentle mare I could have asked for. I've been riding every weekend for a year now and she has never once made me feel unsafe."
— Michelle T.
Google Review · Confidence-Building Placement
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"My husband came along just to keep me company. Curtis took one look at him and said 'I know exactly what you need.' That horse has been perfect — laid back, follows the trail, never gives him any trouble. My husband now asks when we're going riding."
— Karen B.
Google Review · Husband Horse Placement
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"We bought a horse for the whole family — me, my spouse, and two kids ages 8 and 11. Curtis spent time with each of us to make sure this horse was a fit for everyone. It was. Best purchase we've made."
— David & Renee M.
Facebook Review · Family Horse Placement

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything buyers ask us about matching, breeds, delivery, and the buying process.

We start by listening. When you call or message us, Curtis asks about your riding experience, what you want to do with the horse, your comfort level, your physical build, and your budget. Based on that conversation, he narrows the inventory to horses he believes are genuinely suitable — not just available. You then come to the farm, meet the candidates, take a test ride, and take as long as you need. There's no clock running.
Absolutely — beginner placements are among the most common and most important work we do. We stock calm, forgiving, trail-proven horses specifically suited to riders with little or no experience. Many of our beginner horses are gaited breeds like Tennessee Walking Horses or Spotted Saddle Horses, which are smooth, stable, and more forgiving than trotting breeds. Every horse is backed by our exchange guarantee. See our horses for sale.
There's no single best breed for beginners — temperament matters more than breed. That said, we most often recommend gaited horses for beginner riders: Tennessee Walking Horses, Spotted Saddle Horses, and Rocky Mountain Horses. Their smooth, four-beat gait is easier to sit than a trot, they tend to be calmer and more forgiving, and they're well-suited to trail riding in the mountains. Quarter Horses are also a good choice when the individual horse has the right disposition. We evaluate each horse individually before recommending it to any buyer.
It depends on your riding goals and experience. Gaited horses — Tennessee Walkers, Rocky Mountain Horses, Spotted Saddle Horses — are generally smoother, more comfortable for long trail rides, and often more forgiving for beginners and senior riders. Quarter Horses are versatile, athletic, and widely available; a well-broke Quarter Horse with the right temperament can be an excellent trail horse for a confident rider. For most of our beginner, senior, and confidence-building placements, we lean toward gaited breeds. Call us and describe your situation — we'll tell you honestly what makes sense for you.
Yes. A true family horse — safe for children and responsive enough for adults — is one of the most requested placements we handle. We look for horses with a genuinely well-rounded temperament: calm around noise and activity, patient during tacking up, and steady on trail regardless of who's riding. Quarter Horses, Haflingers, and Tennessee Walkers are breeds we commonly recommend for families. Browse our current family horses for sale.
A husband horse is an industry term for a horse that's exceptionally calm, forgiving, and easy to ride — typically matched to a rider who is reluctant, nervous, or has minimal experience. The name comes from the common scenario where a wife who rides needs a mount for her non-riding husband so they can trail ride together. A husband horse won't test a hesitant rider, won't spook easily, follows the group, and is slow to escalate if the rider makes a mistake. Draft crosses and gaited breeds are frequently our best options for this placement.
Yes. Our horses are typically priced between $9,000 and $25,000, and we offer flexible payment plans to help buyers bring home the right horse without waiting. No hidden fees, no markups — just fair prices for quality, trail-proven horses. Contact us to discuss options that work for your budget.
Yes. We ship horses throughout Florida — Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Ocala, Tallahassee, and beyond — and to all 50 states. We work with reputable equine transport partners and have shipped horses as far as California and Canada. Local delivery within 50 miles of Blairsville, GA may be complimentary. Contact us for a delivery quote to your location.
Anywhere in the country. We've shipped horses to all 50 states, including as far as California and Canada. We work with experienced, reputable equine transport companies we trust. Local delivery within approximately 50 miles of Blairsville, Georgia may be complimentary — ask us when you call.
We'll exchange it. Every horse sold by A Step Above Stables is covered by our horse exchange guarantee — if the horse isn't the right fit, we will exchange it for another horse in our inventory or one currently on the way. No runaround, no fine print. We've honored this guarantee for nearly 30 years because our reputation means more to us than any individual sale. Read our 900+ reviews from buyers across the country.
Yes — we've placed many horses with buyers who purchased sight unseen, particularly those traveling from Florida, the Carolinas, and out of state. We provide detailed video, honest descriptions, and phone or video consultations so you can get a clear picture of the horse before committing. That said, if you can visit the farm in Blairsville, we always recommend it. Spending time with a horse in person before buying leads to better matches. Either way, your purchase is backed by our exchange guarantee.
Yes, and senior placements get a lot of thought from us. Older riders typically want a horse that's calm, smooth, easy to mount, and completely reliable on trail. We most often recommend gaited breeds — Rocky Mountain Horses, Tennessee Walking Horses, and Spotted Saddle Horses — because their smooth four-beat gait is far less physically demanding than a trot and significantly more comfortable for long rides. We also prioritize horses that stand quietly at the mounting block and are manageable alone.

Riders visit us from across the Southeast

Atlanta, GA· Chattanooga, TN· Knoxville, TN· Asheville, NC· Charlotte, NC· Jacksonville, FL· Orlando, FL· Tampa, FL· Ocala, FL· Tallahassee, FL· Blue Ridge, GA· Ellijay, GA· Dahlonega, GA· Hiawassee, GA· Helen, GA· Murphy, NC

Tell Us About Your Ride

Give us a call and describe what you're looking for — your experience, your goals, your comfort level. We'll take it from there and find you a horse worth trusting.

🐴  Browse Our Horses ✆  Call 706-745-9051 💬  Message on Facebook
✔ All experience levels welcome ✔ Every horse guaranteed ✔ Ships nationwide ✔ Payment plans available
Blairsville, Georgia  ·  Matching riders with the right horse since 1996  ·  Serving North Georgia & Murphy, NC
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