Anderson, South Carolina

Penn's Woods
Stable

Hunter-Jumper riding lessons, horse training, and full-care boarding — taught the right way, for over 45 years. Minutes from Clemson University. Halfway between Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA.

Book a Lesson Our Services

Call Bill directly: (864) 634-8502

Hours of Operation
Mon–Wed 8am–5pm Thu–Sat 9am–5pm Sun 9am–6pm

The fastest way to reach Bill is to call the stable directly. Walk-ins welcome during barn hours.

Who We Are

A Hunter-Jumper Stable Built on Tradition


Penn's Woods Stable has been part of Anderson, SC since July 1978. Owner-trainer Bill Payne has spent nearly six decades in the saddle, and every lesson at Penn's Woods reflects that depth of experience — patient, precise, and genuinely fun.

The stable sits conveniently halfway between Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA, and just 30 minutes from Clemson University — drawing riders from across the Upstate and beyond. Whether you're a complete beginner or prepping for USEF competition, this is a place where horses and riders are taken seriously.

"If high performance English horsemanship is your game — or your aim — you belong at Penn's Woods Stable."

Lessons blend classical dressage principles with natural horsemanship, producing riders who are correct, confident, and competitive. Full-care boarding is also available for those who want their horse close to home in a dedicated, experienced environment.

1978
Est. in Anderson
60
Years Riding
2×
BRHJA Horseperson
Penn's Woods Stable — Bill Payne working with a horse and rider
Rider at Penn's Woods Stable
Horse training at Penn's Woods

What We Offer

Everything You Need to Ride Well


From your very first lesson to the show ring, Penn's Woods has the instruction, facilities, and experience to take you there. Call for current pricing — Bill is happy to answer any questions.

01

Riding Lessons

Private and group lessons for all levels, from beginners to experienced competitors. On-farm lessons available daily. Bill tailors every session to the individual horse and rider — there's no one-size-fits-all here.

02

Horse Training

From green horses to fine-tuning experienced mounts, Bill's training philosophy combines classical dressage fundamentals with natural horsemanship — producing calm, responsive, and brave horses.

03

Full-Care Boarding

Keep your horse at Penn's Woods and know they're in good hands. Full-care boarding means your horse is managed by the same person teaching you — consistent, knowledgeable care every day. Call for availability.

04

Show Preparation

Penn's Woods horses and riders have earned year-end honors at BRHJA, Progressive Show Jumping, and USEF recognized shows. If your goal is the ribbon rack, this is the right barn.

05

Clinics (On & Off Farm)

Bill travels to give clinics — including his popular Western New York sessions at Valley Equine Center in Olean. Adult and Pony Club riders have both benefited from his cross-country and stadium work.

06

Trailer Loading Lessons

A problem many horse owners struggle with alone. Bill has the patience and technique to make trailer loading safe and stress-free for both horse and handler. Standalone sessions available.

College Students Welcome

Right Around the Corner from Clemson


Penn's Woods is about 30 minutes from Clemson University — making it one of the most convenient places for Clemson students, staff, and faculty to ride. Whether you grew up riding or you're picking it up for the first time in college, Bill has worked with riders at every level and every stage of life.

Anderson is also home to Anderson University and Tri-County Technical College, and within an easy drive of Furman University, Bob Jones University, Southern Wesleyan University, North Greenville University, Lander University, and Erskine College. If you're a student looking for something active, social, and genuinely rewarding outside the classroom, this is it.

Lessons are flexible and can be scheduled around class and work. No horse required. Beginner-friendly, patient instruction is what Penn's Woods is built on.

Clemson University ~30 min Anderson University — in town Tri-County Technical College — Pendleton Furman University ~45 min Southern Wesleyan University — Central Bob Jones University ~45 min North Greenville University ~45 min Lander University — Greenwood Erskine College — Due West
Ask About Student Scheduling

New to Riding?

No experience needed. Bill has been teaching beginners for over 40 years and knows how to make your first time in the saddle feel natural and safe. Many of his best students started with zero background.

Coming Back After a Break?

College is a great time to reconnect with horses. Whether it's been two years or ten, Bill will meet you exactly where you are and help you build back up at the right pace.

Competitive Riders

Penn's Woods has a long history of producing IHSA and USEF competitors. If you rode seriously before college and want to keep your edge, Bill's instruction can take you there.

Flexible Scheduling

Lessons can be worked around your class schedule. Call Bill to talk through what days and times work for you — the stable is open seven days a week.

Horses for Sale & Lease

Find Your Perfect Match


When Penn's Woods has horses available for sale or lease, they'll be listed here. Each horse that passes through this barn has been evaluated, trained, and handled by Bill  so you know exactly what you're getting! Check back, or call to ask if anything is coming available soon.

🐴

No Horses Listed at This Time

We don't have any horses available for sale or lease right now. Call or email to be notified when something becomes available — horses move quickly.

Call (864) 634-8502

Your Trainer

Bill Payne


Bill Payne started riding in 1962 on the family farm in western New York, beginning with western trail riding before being drawn into saddleseat competition on American Saddlebreds under Marvin Lane of Harmony Farm and Dorothy Riley.

His introduction to hunter-jumper came at an ASHA show — and it stuck. He went on to train with Joel Potter at Brentwood Riding Center, and while at Hamilton College worked under Peggy Carpenter Evans (a student of Gordon Wright and Vladimir Litauer) and Edward J. Huber, who mentored David Raposa.

In July 1978, Bill opened Penn's Woods Stable in Anderson, SC and has been there ever since. He has been honored twice as the Blue Ridge Hunter Jumper Association Horseperson of the Year and has produced champions at BRHJA, PSJ, and USEF shows across many years.

From 2000 to 2007 he coached the Anderson University IHSA team, developing regional and zone champions both on the flat and over fences. He has also served as a staff foxhunter with the Abbeville-McCormick County Hounds and the Greenville County Hounds of South Carolina.

With nearly 60 years in the saddle, Bill brings a depth of practical knowledge that simply cannot be replicated — and a genuine love of teaching that comes through in every lesson.

Career Highlights

  • Started riding 1962, Western New York
  • Saddleseat training under Marvin Lane & Dorothy Riley
  • Hunter-jumper training with Joel Potter, Brentwood Riding Center
  • Hamilton College — worked under Peggy Carpenter Evans & Ed Huber
  • Opened Penn's Woods Stable, July 1978
  • BRHJA Horseperson of the Year — twice honored
  • Anderson University IHSA Coach, 2000–2007
  • Multiple IHSA regional & zone champions produced
  • Year-end champion honors at BRHJA & PSJ circuits
  • Staff foxhunter — Abbeville-McCormick & Greenville County Hounds
Penn's Woods Stable

Get In Touch

Come Find Us


The best way to schedule a lesson or ask about boarding is to call Bill directly at the stable. He's happy to talk through what you're looking for and find the right fit.

📞
(864) 634-8502
Call the stable — fastest way to reach Bill
✉️
hirampayne@yahoo.com
📍
110 George McClain Lane
Anderson, SC 29625
Near intersection of George McClain Ln & Denver Rd
🗓️
Mon–Wed 8am–5pm  |  Thu–Sat 9am–5pm
Sunday 9am–6pm
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Penn's Woods Stable
110 George McClain Lane
Anderson, SC 29625

Halfway between
Charlotte, NC & Atlanta, GA
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Book a Lesson or Ask a Question

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