Arkansas might be known for its diamond mines and rich history; however, that is not all this natural state has to offer. With over 514000 acres of lakes and numerous state parks, there are many great places to go horseback riding in Arkansas.
Not only is horseback riding in Arkansas a great way to experience the state’s natural beauty, but horseback riding in Arkansas offers many different trails and companies to choose from, meaning that you can easily find a perfect tour for your skill level.
Whether you want to ride in the mountains or on the plains, finding a trail that works for you becomes easy and offers a great time. So saddle up and explore all that this beautiful state has to offer.
Sunshine Acres
Located on 127 acres of sprawling meadows and forests in Northwest Arkansas, Sunshine Acres ranch is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful horseback ride.
With an incredible lineup of quality horses, matching each rider to a perfectly fitted horse becomes easier for a smooth and fun ride.
They offer various trails, ranging from gentle nature hikes to more challenging and extreme training trails on 7 acres of land fitted with over three obstacles for training or competition.
Trail riding is done on 18 different trails and is charged $40 per rider for an hour.
Sunshine Acres provides the perfect space for you. Their other services include horse boarding, breeding, training, and sales. They also offer horse camps for the little ones.
Note
- There are no charges for kids riding double with parents.
Website: https://www.sunshineacresranch.com/
Address: 804 Wayne Walker Rd, Romance, AR 72136
Phone: (501)230-1875 , (501)288-0470
Email: sandy@sunshineacresranch.com
Mountain Harbor Riding Stable
Family-owned and operated Mountain Harbor Riding Stable offers a fun and safe place for families to head out and enjoy a trail ride experience unlike any other.
Offering scenic trail rides through Ouachita National Forest, led by John, co-owner of the ranch, take you from the stable to some of the most beautiful paths on this side of Arkansas.
Whether you’re an experienced rider or new to horse riding, you can be sure of safety and fun at the center of it all.
In addition, they offer carriage rides through the mountain Habor resort for guests looking to add a touch of elegance to their visit.
Need To Know
- Trail rides last between 50-60 minutes
- Reservation for riding
- There is no age limit for riding. However, kids under five can double-ride with a parent.
Website: https://mountainharborridingstable.com/
Address: 722 Mountain Harbor Road | Mount Ida, Arkansas 71957
Phone: 870-867-3022
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch
Horseshoe canyon ranch is great for beginner and experienced riders to begin their next outdoor adventure. In an all-inclusive dude ranch, guests can choose to explore the 640 acres of land on foot or horseback.
With over 25 miles of trails, you can be sure that you will discover a new trail every time you visit.
This Arkansas horseback riding destination offers a variety of activities, including rock climbing, skeet shooting, swimming, canoeing, and zip lining on the highest, longest and fastest zipline in the state.
For horseback riding, they offer a variety of trails, ranging from easy to challenging, lasting anywhere from 1 -1.5 hours.
If going on trail rides doesn’t interest you, they offer the arena early in the week for instruction and later in the week for games, barrel races, or controlled loping.
In addition, they also offer a breakfast ride, an adults-only evening ride, and a steak fry ride, thus making it easy to find the perfect ride for your skill level.
Need To Know
- Children must be six years old to ride on the trails.
- The trail rides are single files divided into groups of 8-10 riders.
- Children 12 years and younger are required to wear helmets.
- Pony rides are available for younger kids.
- The maximum weight limit is 250 lbs.
- A 30% deposit is required to confirm reservations.
- During summer, the minimum stay is three days; during spring and fall, the minimum stay is two.
- The charges for stays at the ranch range from $282 per day for adults per cabin to $1353 per adult for a week stay with activities.
Website: https://horseshoecanyonduderanch.com/
Address: HC 70261, Jasper, Arkansas 72641
Phone: (800) 480-9635
Rimrock Cove Ranch
Southern hospitality, sunrises through the mountain peaks, scenic views, comfort, and lots of relaxation are what you can expect at Rimrock Cove Ranch.
Located in the upper Buffalo National River area and surrounded by scenic vistas on 180 acres of private lands, Rimrock Cove Ranch is the perfect place to enjoy a day of horseback riding and horse-drawn hayrides.
Offering beautiful views of the Ozarks while you ride, they have a variety of trails to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your riding level.
Whether a beginner or an experienced rider, you’ll love exploring this little slice of Ozarks on horseback, either on the 1 hour or two-hour ride.
Their charges are $50 per hour, per person, and double occupancy.
Need To Know
- Horseback riding isn’t available to the general public. However, limited slots are available for cabin guests.
Website: http://www.rimrockcoveranch.com/
Address: Highway 103, Newton County Rd 1762, Green Forest, AR 72638, United States
Phone: 870-553-2556
Email: rimrockcove@gmail.com
Barnyard Friends And Stables
First, opening its doors in 2006, Barnyard Friends and Stables offer something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a place that provides fun, hands-on experiences with barn animals for your little ones or short pony rides in the barn, or looking to enjoy a leisurely trail ride, Barnyard Friends is the perfect spot.
Rates
- 30-minute trail ride – $21
- 50-minute trail ride $32
- Pony rides are $5
- Admission to the barn is $5.75
- Animal feed cups $ 0.75
- Hay rides are $2.00
Website: https://barnyardfriendsandstables.weebly.com/
Address: 110 Jones Ln, Morrilton, AR 72110, United States
Phone: (501) 208-7287
Email: h.charton@hotmail.com
Flying Q Ranch
Flying Q Ranch is the perfect place to enjoy a day of horseback riding. Located in a serene and calm environment, you can expect supportive, helpful, and informed staff who make sure that each ride set out is fun and safe for you and your horse.
Whether you’re a beginner with zero experience or an avid horse rider, the abundant wildlife inside Lake Sequoyah Park and meandering trails make for an enjoyable riding experience.
In addition to guided trail riding, they also offer riding lessons catered to all level riders and summer camps, where kids get exposed to necessary skills and riding styles for successful interactions with horses.
The charge for the 1-hour guided ride is $75 per rider and $95 for the 1.5-hour ride. Horse camps charges are $300
Need To Know
- Ride times are Tuesday – Friday, 4 pm
- Saturday and Sundays rides are at 1 pm and 2:30 pm
- Rides are available for kids aged five and up
- Their weight limit is 225 lbs
- Trail rides require a $25 deposit and are refundable if cancellation occurs 24 hours before riding.
Website: https://www.flyingqfarms.com/
Address: 201 S Lake Sequoyah Spur, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States
Phone: 479 283-6788
Email: susan@flyingQfarms.com
Lake Catherine State Park
Lake Catherine State Park offers just that if you’re looking for the perfect place filled with babbling brooks, wildlife, and trails as far as the eye can see.
Located on Lake Catherine, the park also features a launch ramp, equipped cabins, picnic sites, a playground, and a waterfall.
Although they offer guided horseback riding seasonally, the park makes for great riding for riders looking for unique scenery and challenges. The ride charge is $45 per person plus tax, and reservations are required.
Note: You make payments at the stables
Website: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/lake-catherine-state-park
Address: 1200 Catherine Park Road, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Phone: 501 262 0777
Arkansas Equine Adventure
From special occasions to scenic rides through hidden trails inside Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas Equine Adventure is the perfect place to begin a relationship with horses. With a friendly and knowledgeable staff, you can rest and ride assured that you’re getting some of the most gentle and beautiful horses.
Crossing the Maumelle River and exploring the beautiful woods will create a deeper, more intentional connection with your horse and your friends or family.
The trail rides last about an hour, depending on the season. Charges are $45 per rider. In addition, the farm also offers pony rides for the kiddos and farm animals for interactive sessions. They also offer beginner to intermediate lessons at $55 per hour.
Note: Rides are by reservation only
Website: https://www.arkansasequineadventures.com/
Address: 11621 Barrett Rd, Roland, AR 72135, United States
Phone: 501.687.7433
Conclusion
Horseback riding in Arkansas makes for a memorable experience. Not only are you surrounded by numerous mountains and wooded forests; half of the state is forested, lakes, and rivers, but you get to see and enjoy firsthand incredible horses and horsemanship and commune with nature.
We hope this list has helped you on your adventure quest, so get out there and explore all that Arkansas has to offer.
