Are you planning an equine adventure and don’t know where to go horseback riding in Austin? No worries. Did you know that Texas is the leading state in the US with the highest number of horses?
According to AHC, there are 978,822 horses on the land. That means most horse owners in Austin have barns, hence a variety of horseback riding vacations.
So, where can you go horseback riding in Austin? This article will be your guide for popular horseback riding tours and stables in Austin with the best services and where to find them.
5 Top Rated Horseback Riding Stables And Tours
The best way to explore the Texas Hill Country is by horseback riding. You don’t have to drive far to get the best of this experience if you are in Austin, thanks to its geographic location.
Here are five of the best places in Austin where you can ride for pleasure and learn to ride.
Texas Trail Rides
If you want to get a conclusive Texas experience, Texas Trail Rides has you covered. Friendly wranglers will take you through the ranch trail rides across the city limits of Austin. The beautiful nature you will encounter in the scenic creek is a not-to-miss adventure.
Plus, you don’t need to worry about your safety. The wranglers will provide you with every safety gear you will need for your horseback riding adventure.
As for the little cowgirls and cowboys, there are several fun activities for all experience levels. There’s everything a kid would die to do, from birthday parties, riding lessons, and petting zoos. The adventures are all fun, led by experienced wranglers to ensure safety for the little riders.
Are you planning a special event? Consider making it more special by hosting events with horses. Texas Trail Rides will make a blast: corporate retreats, incentive trips, family reunions, weddings, etc.
Note Before Reservation
- Texas Trail Rides only allow proper wear for horseback riding. You would want to carry bottled water and sunglasses along.
- Arrive half an hour early for checking and to be introduced to the horses.
- Only cash is allowed, and the ranch has no option for vending or ATM options. However, you can carry some extra to tip the wranglers, though it isn’t needed.
Address: Austin, Texas
Website: https://www.texastrailrides.com/
Phone: +1 512-697-9722
Tri-Star Farm
Horseback riding in Tri-Star Farm is like leaving in history, experiencing the real Texas cowboy ride. Ride along the scenic Brushy Creek and across the magnificent rolling hills. Any experience level is welcome, as there are experienced and accommodative wranglers, very helpful if you are a beginner.
Offers
- One hour rides – $95 per head
- Two-hour rides – $145 per head
Riding Lessons
If you prefer learning to leisure, Tri-Star Farm is for passionate riders who want to further their horseback riding skills: adults and children, novice and experienced, can learn to create a solid foundation to the preferred level.
Some of the riding basics and practices offered include:
- Horse tacking
- Western and English riding
- Horse grooming
- Dressage
- Jumper
- Hunter
- Horse catching
Address: 6648 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759, United States
Website: https://www.tristarfarm.com/
Phone: +1 512-956-1662
Maverick Horseback Riding
Anyone who has visited Maverick can’t get enough of the notoriously crafted experience. Guests appreciate the comfortable trail rides and the beautiful and well-cared-for horses.
The ranch doesn’t take horsemanship adventures lightly. The wranglers will take a moment to take you through the basics, including taking care of the horse and yourself while riding.
You will undoubtedly get the excitement of horseback riding and the environment set up on your arrival.
In addition, any rider level is welcomed and appreciated to understand the levels and enjoy riding horses as much as possible.
If you want to share a horse connection, learn horsemanship, and have the freedom to ride and experience the Texas wild hunt, this is just the most incredible place you can miss.
Offers
- Trail rides
- Horse riding training
- Food and catering
- Photography
- Petting zoo
- Horse boarding
- Longhorn photos
- Yoga
- Roping lessons
- Bull riding
- Unicorn appearances
- Horse selling
Limitations
Maverick has limits for horseback riding depending on trail condition, horse’s work use, weight to height ratio of the rider, activity, and rider’s experience level.
For instance, the fixed weight limit is between 200 and 248 lbs. However, Maverick may not consider taking in a rider weighing 200 lbs and 5ft tall to participate in the adventures.
Address: 5766 Balcones Drive, Austin, TX
Website: https://maverickhorsebackriding.com/
Phone: +1 512-230-8413
Switch Willo Stables
The experience of riding a horse in Switch Willo Stables is unsurpassed. There are also Jumper and Hunter competitions, open for all rider levels. Kids have much fun riding the friendly and calm horses assigned to an equally warm and experienced wrangler.
Offers
- Horse boarding
- English horseback riding and training
- Jumper/ hunter training
- Competition shows
- Summer camps (persons aged 6 to 13 years)
Address: 4829 Switch Willo, Austin, TX 78727, United States
Website: https://www.switchwillostable.com/
Phone: +1 512-920-2776
Spicewood Farms
Horseback riding in Spicewood Farms is a thrilling experience. Located near Spicewood Springs Road in the Arboretum area.
You can glimpse the Texas landscape, and the scenic wildlife like it was in the old West. You will appreciate exploring the farms on horseback at the ranch than driving in heavy traffic.
Spicewood Farms provides horseback riding lessons in both Western and English styles if you need more than leisure.
The classes are fully customized to cater to those riding for pleasure and those for competition. Plus, you can lease a horse if you want to further your skills and board a horse if you own one.
Offers
- Horse training
- Birthday parties for kids
- Overnight boarding
- Horseback riding
- Summer camps
- Horse leasing
Address: 6607 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759, United States
Website: http://www.spicewoodfarms.com/
Phone: +1 512-343-6220
Horseback Riding Trails
When it comes to horse riding, Texas limits no one who owns a horse and wishes to ride on the trails of Austin. Here are some of the best trails around Austin:
Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls
This out and back trail is the most visited in Austin. It is a 5.1 km trail popular for trail walking, running, and hiking, surrounded by beautiful sceneries out of the busy town.
You can bring a dog along, as long as it is on a leash. Since the trails are easy, an average rider can take one hour to complete the trails.
Characteristics
- Easy out and back route type
- Kid-friendly route
- 5.1 km long trail
- 38 meters elevation gain
- Completion time is approximately one hour
- No fee required
Managed by: Barton Greek Greenbelt
Address: Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX 78746, United States
Phone: +1 512-974-6700
Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail
This 22.2 km long is considered to have moderate challenges. Its completion time is approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes. Activities include horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking. In addition, dogs are allowed and may be off-leash, though some areas are restricted to off-leash pets.
Characteristics
- Kid-friendly trails
- Moderate out and back route
- 22.2 km long route
- 185 meters of elevation gain
- Views include forests, rivers, waterfalls, wildflowers, wildlife, and caves.
- Dog-friendly
- Fee charged
Managed by: Barton Greek Greenbelt
Address: 3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Phone: +1 512-974-6700
Lady Bird Lake Trail
If you are looking for a trail ride around the lake fit for your family, Lady Bird trails are perfect for you.
It entails the paved trails going around the Lady Bird Lake shores, where there are plenty of beautiful sceneries that connect you to Austin.
This trail is considered easy and can take you an average time of three hours to complete. It is a 16.1 km long loop trail fit for horseback riding, walking, running, and road biking. However, only dogs on leash are welcome.
Characteristics
- Loop rout type
- 66 meters elevation gain
- 16.1 km long trail
- Stroller friendly
- The paved trails are wheelchair friendly
- Views include rivers and forests
- Kid-friendly
- Leashed dogs allowed
- No fee required
Managed by: Butler Park
Address: Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Phone: +1 512-974-6700
River Place Nature Trail
Explore this 8.7 km trail ride for an average of 2 hours and 24 minutes. Its moderately challenging and popular for horseback riding, trail running, hiking, and birding. Dog owners are advised to leash their dogs before taking the adventures.
Characteristics
- Out and back route type
- 8.7 km long trail
- 247 meters of elevation gain
- Views include forests, rivers, lakes, wildlife, and birds
- Dogs on leashes allowed
- Fee charged
Managed by: Nature Preserve at River Place
Address: 8820 Big View Dr, Austin, TX 78730, United States
Phone: +1 512-246-0498
Trail Riding Tips
Now that you know where to spend your next trail ride, it’s time to master these four all-time tips for trail riding. With that, you will have an easy time with the trails.
- Ensure you can trust the horse you ride. Most of the time, trail rides involve new places with obstacles you can’t predict. It would be best if you had a horse you could trust with your command and are comfortable riding.
- Be careful not to tailgate. Horses get nervous if you ride them too close to each other, especially if they are not familiar.
- Ride a leader. For trails, don’t ride a nervous horse!
- Ensure your safety. Don’t assume nothing will happen. Wear a helmet and bring along a first aid kit.
Conclusion
In Texas, equine is like a rite of passage. Everything is in a serene equine setup, from the surrounding quiet to the Wild West culture. If you plan to go horseback riding in Austin, there is an inexhaustible horseback ride ranches and trail rides. As for the trails, be careful when riding. You may encounter snakes, strollers, bicycles, and even people who may scare horses away.
