Silver Valley Riding School
Currently, we are accepting very limited students, ages 7 and up.
Silver Valley Riding School offers English based instruction focusing on not only teaching a balanced foundation of riding skills, but also an emphases on horse management competence so that students learn not to just sit in a saddle, but how to properly care for horses. Rider safety and quality horsemanship are paramount. Our lesson horses are geared for beginner and intermediate riders who want to learn the basics and trail ride. Our lessons also focus on confidence building and regulating emotional well-being.
We only offer private and semi-private lessons insuring the utmost attention. We no longer offer competition or jumping, if this is what you are looking for I recommend Garwood Equestion Center in Lexington.
Staff Overview
Beth Haut: Owner/Manager, instructor
Riding from the age 8, I trained extensively through age 22 with a variety of excellent teachers. Most notably, I spent 3 years with Julie Hagan at Bascule Farm in Maryland and 3 years with Kathy Faulk in South Carolina at Farewell Farm. I was an active member of the United State Pony Club achieving my C-3 rating before turning my sites on competing at the national level in combined training with my horses Double Bogey and Case Over. We traveled across the southeast region, successfully competing through the preliminary level of eventing. I received instruction from International riders including Joe Fargis, Denny Emerson, Phyllis Dawson, and Jim Graham.
After high school, I resided in Savannah, Georgia, where I was a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design. A founding member of the school's equestrian team, I competed in Intercollegiate Riding at the Open level, as well as in various dressage competitions. I graduated with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design and moved to Lexington, NC with my husband, Noah.
Noah and I have 4 sons and 2 daughters. In between raising babies, I spent 3 years teaching and training at Rosewood Farm in Winston-Salem, and 2 years teaching at Kirkpatrick Farm in High Point. I have enjoyed watching Silver Valley Riding School grow since 2018 and sharing the joy that horses have given me.
Peyton Helscher: Assistant Manager, Instructor
Horses have been a central part of my life since the age of four. I grew up spending summers working cattle and learning the basics of horse care at my cousin's ranch. At 12, I began frequenting the local racetrack, where I gained a deep understanding of Thoroughbreds and their versatility by working alongside trainers, veterinarians, jockeys, and photographers.
I transitioned to English riding at 14, learning show jumping and dressage basics on several Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds. I later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Studies from Emory & Henry University. During my time there, I was among the first Division II athletes on the Women’s Swim Team; fifteen years of competitive swimming instilled in me the grit and determination necessary to succeed in any sport. My collegiate equestrian experience included competing at the Novice level on the IHSA team, participating on the IDA team, and placing well in various Dressage schooling shows and competitive hunter classes at Tryon.
My education provided a strong foundation in horse care, riding, and instruction. Most recently, I served as a groom and barn hand for a competitive eventing barn, where I gained experience in cross-country, teaching, and training young horses on the flat.
I am thrilled to join the Silver Valley team and look forward to sharing my passion for horses and the many lessons they teach us.