The Great Lone Star State of Texas is home to many stars. So to go horseback riding in Dallas. From the Dallas Cowboys and 7-Eleven to the resting place of Bonnie and Clyde, this is one place you need to be.
However, its rich cultural history does not make it such a hotspot. Dallas is home to some of the most beautiful lakes and landscapes and the most hospitable cowboys you will find yourself with.
If you’ve been planning a trip down south, here are four trail riding sites that are sure to knock the cowboy or cowgirl boots off your feet, and as we know, everything is bigger in Texas, so be prepared to ride on some jaw-dropping sites.
Widowmaker Trail Rides
Don’t let the name scare you off. Widowmaker trail rides offer one of Northeast Texas’s most exciting guided trails. You will forgo all other sites, from the cliffs overlooking Lake Grapevine to the dense forests along the Walnut Grove trails.
They are ten minutes west of Dallas Fort Worth airport. You won’t have to haul your luggage with you very far to enjoy this slice of heaven.
For first-time riders, David and Jeff, the onsite wranglers, understand that getting the right horse that fits your needs is of utmost importance, as is your safety, and as such, before the ride, you will be given instruction on rein holding and safety.
Their trails are along the scenic shores of Lake Grapevine in Southlake with views of the stunning meadows, lush forests, creeks, not forgetting the lake.
Are you looking to enjoy a ride along the water on horseback? Then this is the ride for you.
They offer a two-hour trail ride priced at $100 per person on weekdays, while the weekend and holidays ride are charged at $120 per person.
During spring break, rides start at 1-3 pm and 5-7 pm and are charged $120. They also offer photo shoots at camp Alexander at $120 per hour.
Need to know before heading out there
- They accommodate four to six people. However, they also accommodate single riders and larger groups with prior communication.
- Their weight limit is 25% of the horses’ weight, with the age limit being 12 years old.
- All rides are by appointment, no walk-in.
- They require a $100 deposit at the time of booking and are only refundable due to rain or 48 hours cancellation before riding.
- You are required to arrive 10-30 minutes before departure to allow enough time for saddling and paperwork.
- They only accept cash.
Address: the address is provided after a confirmed reservation.
Website: https://www.dallashorseback.com/index.html
Phone: David 817 528 8069 Jeff 214 478 2448
Marshall Creek Ranch
Located four minutes west of Grapevine, Marshall Creek ranch is fun for the whole family. You will not be disappointed in their ride alongs to their more advanced rides catering to the western cowboy in all of us. With over 12000 acres of riding trails and views of Lake Grapevine, it has never been this easy to connect with nature.
Their lake trails are located on 2200 acres of pristine trails. You will find yourself on a new adventure every time. They offer an adult-only ride for riders seeking alone time in nature. Riders should be 14 and over.
With various activities spanning from riding lessons in the summer for kids aged 6-15 to catering birthday parties, you will thank us once you head down to Marshall.
Marshall is one of a few ranches that cater to folks who are 230lbs and higher. However, the height to weight ratio is considered. Their rides are one and a half hours, and they have four riding levels.
Ride Alongs
This ride is perfect for families with younger kids ages 3- 6 years. The horses are fitted with a double saddle, where your little one is saddled up with one of the female wranglers, or with you, if you are an advanced rider checked out by MCR.
Greenhorn
Just as the name suggests, this ride is best suited for small children, older adults, or riders looking to take in the scenery on a walk-only ride. As you ride on one of the well-behaved horses, it will feel like second nature in no time as you learn about the local flora and fauna.
Intermediate
This ride is suited for riders who have more experience riding but are advanced. They will guide you along the wooded trails and into the beautiful creeks. The ride can go up to a trot, with the necessary instruction from one of the friendly wranglers.
Advanced
For riders looking for a challenge or an adventure, this is the ride for you. You will go into full cantors for more extended periods and climb extreme verticals quickly. Before you can ride, you must demonstrate that your riding experience is higher than intermediate.
Pricing
- Private ride -$100 per person
- Ride alongs -$ 500 per child
- One and one and a half hours excursions at $65 per person
- Custom wedding proposals at $ 250 per couple
Their riding schedule is as follows
Monday |Tuesday| Thursday |Friday| – 10 am, 2 pm
Saturday |Sunday |holidays – 9:30 am 12:30 pm, and 3:30 pm (adults only).
Need to know before the reservation
Rides are by appointment only.
Long pants and full socks are a must.
Their rides are one and a half hours.
Address: 4401 T W King Rd Southlake texas
Website: http://www.marshallcreekranch.com/
Phone: 817 490 8796
Ascend Camp And Retreat Center
If you’ve been looking for a fun adventure with a little something extra on the side, Ascend Camp And Retreat Center offers you and your loved ones the ultimate fun-packed filled pack.
Here you can enjoy an array of different activities like paintballing, a camp for the young ones, swimming, a live petting zoo, an outdoor movie screen, and hiking trails for morning hikes throughout their property.
If one member of your party doesn’t want to do one activity, they are sure to find something that will tickle their fancy if they look hard enough. People looking to enjoy some alone time with horses and nature offer three rides depending on individual riders’ needs.
A typical trail ride is suited for all experienced riders. The wranglers guide you through the dense woods, where you connect with your equine friend and the two other accompanying riders.
Duration is one hour and is charged at $65 per person.
Corral ride occurs inside a fenced area where riders will have the opportunity to bond with their well-chosen horses while still having plenty of time to take photos. It’s charged at $35 per person.
For single private lessons or groups (3 people max), they are offered at a rate of $85 per person.
Need to know before heading out:
- A weight limit of 220 lbs.
- You should complete a liability waiver for all riders before riding.
- Like many riding stables, they require a prior booking which can be done through their website.
Address: 5218 Kiwanis Rd Dallas TX 75236
Website: https://www.ascendtexas.com/horses
Phone: 469 998 2267
Email: [email protected]
Broken Bow Ranch
Open Monday through Saturday; Broken Bow Ranch is perfect for families looking for an intimate, slow-paced riding experience. Located on 117 acres, being on one of the well-cared and gentle as you take in the more excellent Seagoville scenery will be the highlight of your trip.
The owner Bob and the wranglers make sure that every rider is paired up with the “right” horse according to experience, and as you slowly walk your horse, this will become something that you will always want to do.
They offer a 50-minute trail ride at $70 per person with eight people maximum in each tour, so you know you will hear all the puns without interruption.
If your child is younger than five or feels uncomfortable riding alone, they can ride with a guide, ensuring you and your little one enjoy yourself to the fullest without having to worry.
Two other activities available on the ranch include:
Private horse lessons are available at $50 per person for 30 minutes, and group lessons (2-5 people) at $50 per person for 45 minutes.
A 5-day summer horse camp charged at $ 400 is available for kids looking to either refresh or learn ground and riding skills, including saddling their horse, grooming, feeding, horse anatomy, and balance.
Need to know before going:
- A reservation beforehand is required.
- The ranch accommodates riders who weigh upto 300 lbs.
- They accept all forms of payment.
- You must pay all fees by the scheduled time of riding.
- They only offer summer rides in the morning.
- Helmets aren’t mandatory; however, you can bring one if you wish.
- They have a cut-off for ride reservations at 11:59 the day before the ride.
Address: 1001 Alto Road, Seagoville, Texas, 75159
Website: http://brokenbowranch.net/contact-us/
Phone: 208 572 0875
Conclusion
Texas is a must-visit for every equine lover. Not only do they have gorgeous trails, but the Texan weather is perfect for horseback riding, and nothing beats that western-style hospitality that all Texans seem to possess.
If you find yourself in one of these sites, dont forget to carry some treats for your horse, enough sunscreen, a visor, and dont forget to carry an “I Love Texas” t-shirt on your way out.
