Lawton Stables — Attraction in Hilton Head Island

My wife and I enjoyed a trail ride one beautiful morning at Lawton Stables. The weather could not have been more perfect, a very comfortable 70 degrees with just a slight breeze. We checked in at the front desk, which includes a weigh in to make sure the best horse is selected for each rider. Then we headed out the door, selected helmets, and walked to the loading area next door. We were warmly greeted and given a short talk about safely and how to use the reins correctly. Then we walked the steps to the top of the loading platform and got on our horses.

Mattie was the guide for our trail ride through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. She was very friendly and knowledgeable about the horses at the stable, the wildlife, the plant life, and some historical tidbits. She chatted throughout the ride, entertaining and educating us as we plodded down the trail.

My horse was named Athena and my wife's was Peewee. They are both seasoned veterans of the trail, so there was very little need for us to use the reins. They are gentle animals, and it is obvious that each horse at the stables has a unique personality. We stopped a couple times for the horses to have "potty breaks," but other than that the ride progressed at a nice, comfortable walking pace.

Among the wildlife along the trail are alligators. Mattie told us about the largest alligator in the area, a female named Fluffy. She said the Fluffy primarily hangs out around Lake Joe, often with her "boyfriend" Mr. Fluffy by her side. Sure enough, towards the end of our ride we spotted both Fluffy and Mr. Fluffy sunning themselves on the bank of a lake near the stables. Mattie was careful to assure us that the alligators pose no risk to us on the trail, but that they tend to scamper off when they sense the vibrations from the horses walking nearby.

We could not have been happier with the experience. We had gentle, experienced horses, a friendly and knowledgeable guide, beautiful weather, and lovely surroundings. Neither my wife or I had been on a horse since our teenage days, and we are now senior citizens. But the Lawton Stables trail ride is accessible and enjoyable for riders of all ages and experience. The ride lasted an hour, which seems like the perfect length of time, and we had such a good time we're already talking of returning someday to try the stables'...

We visited Lawton Stables today (06/11) while on vacation. The trail ride itself was just okay, a very slow, walk-only ride in a straight line, typical “nose-to-tail” style with no freedom or much interaction. Nothing particularly special. The girl giving the trail ride was nice.

What really soured the experience was how my husband was treated at check in. Before we left for our trip, he weighed 235 lbs at home. When we arrived at the stable, their scale showed 243 lbs with his clothes and shoes on. We completely understand weight limits for the safety of the horses, but the way it was handled lacked any compassion or customer service. The staff member immediately told us we had to make a decision, either ride without him or go get ready for ride, but either way, there would be no refund for our decision. No offer of alternatives, no kindness, no acknowledgment that weight can easily fluctuate by a few pounds depending on clothes, food, and hydration. Or any understanding other than NO 240 is limited and their strict on that. Period.

We arrived early and weren’t holding up the group. Still, we felt like just a number. My husband had to sit alone on the porch while the rest of us went on the ride, not exactly the kind of memory we hoped to make together. It was frustrating and honestly a bit humiliating. A more understanding or flexible approach, or even just a respectful tone...would have gone a long way. Instead, it felt cold, dismissive, and transactional.

If you’re considering this as a special family activity, just know the experience may not be as welcoming or accommodating as you'd expect if its not a perfect easy check in. At the end of the day you get reminded you're always...

I found out about Lawton Stables through Instagram, and I’m so glad I did! It was the perfect way to spend a morning and such a fun change of pace from our usual beach and pool routine—especially for our toddler.

The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the setting is peaceful and inviting. Since we came with a 2-year-old, adult horseback riding wasn’t on our agenda this time, but the horses we saw heading out for the trail rides looked absolutely beautiful. I’d love to come back and try that myself on a future visit.

We were there for the farm animals and pony rides, and it did not disappoint! The petting area was a huge hit—goats, alpacas, mini horses, pigs, and more. Our daughter especially loved meeting their newest member, Jovie the baby pig. Feeding and petting the animals brought her so much joy.

The highlight, though, was the pony ride. She rode a sweet pony named Bella and got to go around twice. At just 2 years old, it was the perfect little adventure for her. Jackie, the guide who led the ride, was incredibly kind and gentle—such great energy. My husband walked alongside our daughter, but I would’ve felt completely comfortable letting Jackie take the lead on her own. She was that wonderful.

I also want to shout out the lovely woman working in the gift shop—so welcoming and genuinely kind. Between her and Jackie, it was clear the people at Lawton Stables really care about the animals and the families who visit. It made me want to support them even more.

We had such a great experience and will absolutely return. If you’re visiting Hilton Head with kids, Lawton Stables...