Meet the Amazing Animals at Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge

• Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge features 32 beautiful horses, plus a herd of buffalo, longhorn, fan-favorite pig races, and chickens.
• Don’t miss Butterfly Dreams: an immersive, butterfly-inspired spectacle with aerialists and stunning effects, debuting in Pigeon Forge in 2024.
• Arrive early for the Horse Walk to meet the horses in their stalls and snap photos before the show.
• Animals receive 24/7 professional care, daily grooming, and veterinary oversight through the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine; the show is USDA-licensed.

Picture this: The arena lights dim, and a thundering rhythm fills the 35,000-square-foot theater as 32 magnificent horses take the floor in Pigeon Forge. Moments later, a breathtaking cascade of “butterflies” fills the air as riders and aerialists transform the space into a dreamscape of color and motion. This is Butterfly Dreams, one of Dolly Parton’s Stampede’s most enchanting moments.

Whether it’s your first visit or your family tradition, Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge blends world-class horsemanship, larger-than-life animal moments, and a hearty dinner into one unforgettable Smoky Mountain experience.

What Animals Will You See in Pigeon Forge?

At Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge, you’ll see:

• 32 horses performing trick riding and choreographed routines in a 35,000-square-foot arena.
• A herd of buffalo and longhorn cattle storming across the arena.
• Crowd-pleasing pig races that add a burst of laughter and friendly competition.
• Chickens that scurry across the arena as a few chosen audience members try to corral them.

Summary: The Pigeon Forge lineup centers on 32 horses and Western wildlife, with buffalo, longhorns, pigs, and chickens creating a dynamic, family-friendly show.

Signature Spectacle: Butterfly Dreams

Butterfly Dreams celebrates Dolly Parton’s lifelong fascination with butterflies, unfolding as an immersive, visual story:

• Horses appear with whimsical butterfly wings, gliding in precise, choreographed formations.
• Special effects, brilliant costuming, and immersive lighting create a dreamlike atmosphere as flowers bloom in the arena and petals descend from above.
• A soaring aerial performance mirrors the graceful flight of butterflies, drawing gasps from the crowd.
• The segment debuted in Pigeon Forge in 2024 and expands the show’s emotional heart with themes of wonder and following your dreams.

Summary: Butterfly Dreams is the must-see moment that’s equal parts visual art and horsemanship, premiering in our 2024 season.

Get Up Close: The Pre-Show Horse Walk

Arrive early for the Horse Walk to meet the equine stars in their stalls. It’s the perfect time for photos and to see the horses up close before they take the arena.

• Open to all ages
• Staff available for questions and guidance
• A great way to add a behind-the-scenes layer to your evening

Summary: The Horse Walk turns your visit into a backstage experience. Plan to get there early for a relaxed, up-close look at the horses.

World-Class Animal Care (USDA-Licensed)

Dolly Parton’s Stampede emphasizes care, comfort, and professional oversight for its animal performers:

• Daily grooming before and after each show; horses are bathed and brushed before bedding down at night.
• Horses rotate across tricks for rest. They’re also rotated to off-site facilities where they’re turned out to pasture for additional space and relaxation.
• On-site stables and barns are staffed around the clock by animal care specialists to maintain a safe, comfortable environment.
• 24/7 veterinary access, including a partnership with the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Regular health screenings and preventative care are standard practice.
• We are a USDA-licensed facility and exceed all USDA regulations and guidelines.

Tip: Learn more about how we care for our animals at Dolly Parton’s Stampede before your visit!

Summary: Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge pairs daily grooming and rest with 24/7 veterinary access and USDA licensing, supporting the welfare of every animal on stage.

Planning Tips for Animal Lovers

• Arrive early to enjoy the Horse Walk and photo ops with the horses.
• Let the kids cheer when the pigs and chickens enter the arena.
• If animal care is top of mind, check out our Animal Care page before you visit us.

Summary: A little planning, especially arriving early, maximizes your time with the horses and the animal highlights of the show.

FAQs

Can we meet the horses before the show?
Yes. The Horse Walk lets guests see the horses in their stalls and take photos before the show in Pigeon Forge.

What animals will we see at Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge?
You’ll see horses, a herd of buffalo, longhorn cattle, adorable pigs, chickens, and more.

What is Butterfly Dreams, and when can we see it?
Butterfly Dreams is a butterfly-themed segment with special effects, immersive lighting, and a soaring aerial performance. It debuted in Pigeon Forge in 2024.

How are the animals cared for?
Animals receive daily grooming, rest rotation (including off-site pasture time in Pigeon Forge), 24/7 on-site care, and veterinary oversight through the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine. We are USDA-licensed.

Come See the Animals at Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge

Bring the family, arrive early, and get ready to cheer! Your animal-filled Smoky Mountain evening awaits at Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge. Get your tickets today.