Saddling Up for Success at Balsam Mountain Preserve

By Tim Cotroneo

Lila Kilby remembers her first ride like it was yesterday. At six years old, a family friend with a farm helped her on to a horse named Sonny. She proceeded to ride through the fields atop the gentle Tennessee Walker. That experience was all it took for Kilby to realize she was hooked on horses.

Today, Kilby is the Equestrian Director at Balsam Mountain Preserve in Sylva, NC. Kilby’s job responsibilities include the care of 12 horses, leading residents and guests on epic trail rides, and orchestrating an eclectic calendar of horse related events at this sprawling 4,400-acre luxury community surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains.

The 29-year-old Kilby’s career path to her present position arrived after responding to a mysterious email showing a photo of business card and a message proposing an interview. “A friend of a friend knew the person who was the Balsam Mountain General Manager back in 2016. I received an email that simply said to call about a job. At the time I was employed as a Vet Tech at Palm Beach Equine, working on the show horse circuit and traveling almost constantly. I thought if the Balsam Mountain position allowed me to stay in one place for awhile, it was worth exploring,” Kilby recalled.

Live Above the Barn and Spin a Yarn

For Kilby, home-sweet-home at Balsam Mountain includes living quarters on the upper level of the barn housing the Equine Center’s stable of horses. Day or night, Kilby’s tenants receive top billing. “The horses eat before I eat in the morning,” Kilby said.

Kilby’s close quarters existence has helped forge a symbiotic relationship with her four-legged friends. “Darcie, she’s my girl. She is constantly talking to me and calling me out if I leave the barn. As for Sky, she’s a good one. In fact, Sky is currently our Employee of the Month,” Kilby said with a smile.

This native of Greenville, SC, also has a soft spot in her heart for a white horse with a black mullet who inherited a name that conjures images of a Chicago mobster. Kilby confessed, “I must admit that Al Capony isn’t original. I latched on to that name from a horse show I attended years ago. Al Capony is our go-to horse for children learning how to ride.”

Happy Trails and Stunning View

The residents of Balsam Mountain Preserve go to Kilby when they want to get up close and personal when it comes to nature. The community is known for featuring some of the highest elevations in North Carolina. These ups and downs deliver amazing trail rides for community home owners and guests.

“My two favorite trail rides are sooo different. One covers the Cashie Branch Trail, which features a creek throughout the ride. The wildflowers that flank this trail add to a stunningly beautiful ride. The journey is only about three miles, start to finish, but the views are as good as they get,” Kilby said.

Kilby’s next favorite is called the Dark Ridge Ride. “This trail circles our Dark Ridge campsite, and your route is relatively flat. If you’re a decent rider, this is the trail to let it out and really boogie if you so desire. Many riders enjoy this trail because you can access Nantahala National Park. Balsam Mountain Preserve has so much to offer when you love nature,” Kilby said.

Dogs, Ponies and Ireland

When visiting Kilby at the Equestrian Center barn, a dog named Goose is always at her side. Goose is an equal opportunity canine when it comes to delivering affection, a fact new visitors learn quickly. Goose has a habit of nuzzling any newcomer who strikes up a conversation with Kilby. “He’s a leaner,” Kilby explains to the guest who finds Goose wedged between his legs.

The Dog Olympics are one of the favorite events for members of the Balsam Mountain Preserve community. The requirements for participating are fairly loose. “We have a clean your plate event involving peanut butter, a tennis ball event for all dogs who can fetch, and a hula hoop competition for pups who swivel to music. We hand out gold, silver, and bronze medals. The dogs don’t really have to be talented. They just have to be cute,” Kilby explained.

The Equine Center’s biggest event comes in the fall, and it’s a definite hit. “Last year we had 80 people participate in Boo at the Barn. We served spooky hors d’oeuvers and the horses are in full costume. Last year we had Dr. Suess, zebras, Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and Cruella Deville with her dalmation,” Kilby said.

Kilby’s daily interaction with Balsam Mountain residents, their children, grandchildren, and horses has led to some pretty close friendships. Equine activities like Kids Camp, Pinot and Ponies, and even international riding vacations to places like Ireland has cemented the Equestrian Center as a popular amenity within the community.

A Great Ride

As you may have guessed, Kilby’s sense of humor has played a major role in her Balsam Mountain Preserve road to success. After seven years working at what she considers her dream job, this Clemson grad can also turn serious when talking about the relationships she’s nutured with her employers, residents, and horses. “We have residents who’ve ridden horses all over the world. I’m told over and over what a wonderful environment we have here at Balsam Mountain. I can tell you that working here has been literally a great ride,” Kilby said. https://balsammountainpreserve.com/