Dig Deeper Blog

When you think of horses on a farm, your mind might drift to the days when they powered nearly every task from pulling plows, hauling harvests, even dragging logs down steep hillsides for forestry work. While tractors have taken over most of the chores, plenty of farms still have horses, but for entirely different reasons these days. Today, farms with horses fall into a few categories. Some focus on breeding, creating champion bloodlines and training equestrian athletes. Others cater to horse-and-rider travelers, offering a unique twist on “bed and breakfast” for both two- and four-legged guests. Then there are farms where horseback riding is all about fun and relaxation, with trail rides and riding lessons designed for visitors to experience the land from the saddle. And let’s not forget the working ranches, where livestock and wide-open spaces mean horseback work is a way of life (here at Farmstay we identify ranches as farms by another name, determined by location and the lifestyle of the folks who run them). To find farms that offer horseback riding, you can use the Farm Stay USA activity search tool: Horseback Riding, but let's get you started here with a few farms that are ready to help you saddle up and hit the trail. Fairwinds Farm, North East MD: Relax in country comfort in a restored Victorian home on this working horse farm in the heart of Maryland horse country. After a hearty farm breakfast, you may choose to take a riding lesson, carriage ride or trail ride. Bring your horses along! They offer overnight stall space or turnout (or both), and access to their rings, cross country course and trails. Trail riding at Fairwinds Farm in Maryland Willet Ponds Horse Farm, Todd NC: For a true Appalachian farm experience you are welcome to join in on daily chores. Want to ride? While not a riding stable open to the public, the farm offers guests guided custom trail rides and/or riding lessons. For those who really want to get their hands on the herd, there are “horse spa” sessions. Spend an extra hour after barn chores and help groom the horses. You'll learn about care and safety, different breed attributes, and fun facts about horses. Grace Note Farm, Pascoug RI: Known as the Benjamin Smith homestead farm c. 1730, the farm is nestled in the northwest corner of Rhode Island. Horses are welcome, as are group rides with space for 50 trailers. Riders can enjoy over six hours of riding on wide, mostly sandy trails that connect to Connecticut and Massachusetts. Families can enjoy the farm animals, including a Shetland pony that kids under 80 lbs can sit and participate in chores if they wish. Learn to ride at Rockn Rowdy Ranch in Texas Rockn Rowdy Ranch, Leona TX: Located equal distance between Dallas and Houston, come experience a Texas ranch the way it was intended – on horseback! Their cowboys will help you saddle your horse and you will be given as much instruction or assistance needed for you to have a comfortable, safe and memorable ride. They cater to all skill levels. Once mounted your adventure begins as you are guided throughout the beautiful, 100-acre ranch. Wilson Ranches Retreat, Fossil OR: This ranch retreat offers guests a unique opportunity to go horseback riding in Oregon. Immerse yourself on this authentic working cattle ranch by joining the Wilson family on a scenic horseback ride, cattle drive, pasture move, riding for strays or checking fence lines as the family done has for seven generations. Bar SZ Ranch, Paicines CA: Set on 2200 acres in its own valley and with a barn manager responsible for the care and training of guest trail riding horses, the ranch not only offers riding but also enjoys hosting clinics where guests, students, and 4-H members learn all about horses and other ranch animals. Montana Bunkhouses Working Ranches, Livingston MT: Representing 20+ cattle ranches that host overnight guests, Karen will find you just the right ranch for your interest and skills level. Guests may participate in seasonal ranch operations while learning about conservation practices and sustainable ranching in the Rocky Mountains.  If you are looking for a hands-on working ranch that is old-time, real, and authentic, these ranches invite you into their lifestyle. Ride through the pastures at Bar SZ Ranch in California There were so many great choices, it was hard to select just a few. Take a look through the Horseback Riding filter on Farmstay and you are sure to find just the right farm or ranch riding experience you are looking for. We get it. We like to view landscapes from horseback too. Enjoy!