Ceremony at Sea Pines' Lawton Stables

A true jewel of Sea Pines Resort is Lawton Stables. Located just off Greenwood Drive and across from the Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Heritage Gardens, it is a full service equestrian center whose amazing history begins over a hundred years ago when, in January 1867, two New York school teachers arrived on the Island at Lawton Plantation (now Sea Pines Plantation). At that time, there was a main house and 50 cabins for freed slaves. These teachers taught the freed slaves various skills to lead independent and productive lives.  Lawton Stables as it was aptly named was positioned, of all placed, in what was today known as Harbour Town.  In 1969 the stables moved to its current location, making way for the world-famous candy-striped lighthouse, yacht basin and Harbour Town Golf Links. 

A complete renovation program began in 2008, whereby two arenas were constructed and built with championship footing. The paddocks and grounds were irrigated and the animal farm was rebuilt and relocated as well. Harley, one of the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales makes his home at the stables.   A new welcome center and hay bar have been built and a beautiful boarding barn has just been completed. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on March 29^th from 5 to 7 p.m. in celebration.

Trail rides, which depart several times a day, meander through the 606-acre preserve. Lawton Stables specializes in horse boarding, training, and English and Western riding lessons. For the little ones, or just the young at heart, there is also a small animal farm.