Before development and residential subdivisions, what is now the Lake Highlands area consisted solely of farms and ranches. Families such as the Jacksons, Wallaces, Mosses, Goforths and Prigmores owned farms in the area, all of it accessed on horseback or by horse-drawn wagon until the advent of automobiles. The “country” feel of the area above White Rock Lake has persisted to this day through the rolling hills of Harry S. Moss Park and the presence of bridle paths and stables.
Photo courtesy of White Rock Stables
Dixie Hill Stables was located at 7919 Goforth Road, incorporating a sprawling barn built by Ira Goforth around 1900. The barn is still there, likely one of the oldest structures still standing in the Lake Highlands area. It was operated by the Stepcick family and during its run, the business had a tack shop, stables and an arena for riding lessons.
White Rock Lake doesn’t have designated bridle paths, but it’s possible to see riders along sides of Williamson and Lawther Drives.
Taken by Lloyd M. Long between 1930-40, shows the outline of the doomed Hilltop Stables racetrack. Photo courtesy of Edwin J. Foscue Map Library, Southern Methodist University.
White Rock Stables at 8949 Lanshire Drive has a storied history. In 1948, Tex Oddson Sr. purchased 14 acres at the base of Flag Pole Hill from Dallas County. For years, the Oddson family operated stables and until recent years offered horse rentals, riding lessons and horse-drawn wagon hayrides. It once had capacity for boarding up to 45 horses and has 15 pens, three riding arenas and an open jump field. While the stables are still owned by the Oddsons, they are currently operated by J. Amelita Facchiano, who brings her knowledge of equine science and the thoughtful practice of “healing with horses.”
Three stables in the White Rock Lake area are currently operating, including White Rock Stables, alongside the Rocking M Stables and the Dallas Equestrian Center.
