An Intentionally Unhurried Destination for Equestrian Excellence at Lake Oconee

This month, Stroll Inside The Gates would like to spotlight Lake Oconee Equestrian Center (LOE), a private equestrian retreat nestled in the heart of Georgia’s Lake Country. This gorgeous property boasts 155 acres of serene, rideable land, where guests can enjoy a safe environment to share in their love and appreciation of these majestic creatures. Whether you are visiting to enjoy a horseback riding experience, explore club membership, board a horse, or host a wedding or private event, every experience at Lake Oconee Equestrian is shaped by the joy of riding and a deep love of horses (loe.center).

Lake Oconee Equestrian was founded by Renee and Till von Ruexleben in 2024, inspired by their desire to create something lasting, beautiful, and deeply connected to the land. Both Till and Renee are originally from Germany; Till was born and raised in Munich, while Renee hails from Cologne. The couple first came to America for their work, but they quickly fell in love with the beautiful land and decided to make a home here. 

 “We lived in Naples Florida for ten years and shared time in Breckenridge, Colorado,” recounts Renee. “As we were driving from the mountains to the beach, we found Lake Oconee and fell in love with it. We kept coming back, bought a little cottage and discovered Jesse and Kaye Copelan’s Farm as we bought our first horse, Mrs. Promise.”

Renee and Till’s love for horses has been culminating for years. “We always enjoyed rides, especially in Colorado on the wide-open fields,” Renee explains. “We never had the right setting to have horses ourselves. When we moved to the lake, we finally were in a place to follow this passion, and we did.” 

“Ever since Promise joined our lives, we have been enjoying horses and their magic and learning everything we can about them,” adds Renee. “Working with horses has been incredibly fulfilling, blessing our lives with grace, joy, hard work, and a very special feeling of belonging. This is what we hope to offer this community as well.” 

A Partnership

Renee’s best advice for anyone who wants to become more involved with horses is to begin by learning to understand them. A true partnership is built by being fully present, taking your time, and paying attention to what each horse is communicating. Trust cannot be rushed. It develops through patience, consistency, and careful observation. Every horse is different, and understanding their individual needs is the foundation of every successful relationship.

“Your dedication to their needs and well-being leads to trust, both on the ground and in the saddle,” Renee says. “You develop riding skills over time, but the partnership you build with your horse becomes your greatest strength.”

She recalls a recent ride with Wish, a horse named for his desire to please. During an unexpected moment on the ride, Wish remained calm and responsive, trusting Renee’s guidance every step of the way. For her, moments like these reflect the confidence that grows between horse and rider over time. She believes this kind of trust is a gift horses grant when they know you care holistically about them, not just for them. A strong partnership means they will do everything in their power to keep both horse and rider safe.

What to Expect at LOE

At Lake Oconee Equestrian, the pace is intentionally unhurried. Every detail on the property reflects a commitment to exceptional horsemanship and has been designed to create a warm yet elevated experience for every member and guest, all while honoring the natural rhythm of the land. For many members, LOE has become a safe haven, a place to reconnect with nature, spend time with horses, and enjoy the quiet beauty of Lake Oconee.

Memberships – Membership is at the heart of Lake Oconee Equestrian. Members enjoy exclusive access to English and Western riding lessons, scenic trail riding, member events, and a welcoming equestrian community centered around a shared appreciation for horses, nature, and the outdoors.

Horseback Riding – Guests are invited to enjoy private guided rides and curated dining experiences that showcase the beauty of the property from horseback.

Horse Boarding – LOE offers full-service horse boarding in a peaceful environment where horses can thrive. Boarding members enjoy exceptional care for their horses along with access to the club's amenities, riding facilities, scenic trails, and member community.

Weddings & Events – Host intimate celebrations, equestrian weddings, rehearsal dinners, and private events in a distinctive countryside setting. With multiple venues across the property, Lake Oconee Equestrian provides a memorable backdrop for weddings and gatherings surrounded by natural beauty and horses.

In addition to serving as a gathering place for our members and guests with reserved experiences, Lake Oconee Equestrian also utilizes their resources to give back to the community in many other ways. So far, they have hosted fundraisers for Lake Oconee Academy and Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and they look forward to continuing to use the property for fundraisers and other community events. LOE has also made donations to Make a Wish and the Lake Oconee Humane Society.

To learn more about Lake Oconee Equestrian, including membership opportunities, signature experiences, weddings, and events, visit www.loe.center. Private tours are available by appointment. The gorgeous property is located at 300 Copelan Farm Rd, Eatonton, Georgia 31024.