Horseback riding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and explore different parts of the Hoosier State. With many other places to go horseback riding in Indiana.
Each offers something unique, and you can be sure that you’ll find a fantastic horseback riding experience.
Whether you’re a pro or new to horseback riding, Indiana is a great state to explore. You’re sure to find the perfect place to ride with many locations.
Here are some of the best places to go horseback riding in Indiana:
- Turkey Run state park
- Natural valley ranch
- Santa’s stables
- Salt creek ranch
- Shilo ranch
Turkey Run State Park
Indiana’s second state park, Turkey Run State Park, is another excellent place to go horseback riding in Indiana.
The park offers over 2,000 acres of land to explore, and miles of bridle trails open for riding, making it the perfect place to spend a day or weekend horseback riding.
What else can I do in the park?
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Historic walks
- Camping
- Picnicking
- Ball games (2 tennis courts, two full basketball courts, and one sand volleyball court)
With all these amenities, you can enjoy pony rides and horseback rides
Helpful Information
- Riders must be eight years old
- The cost is $20 per rider
- Guided trail rides last 50 minutes
- Cash or check only
- Parent-led pony rides are available at $5 per child
- The stable is open April Through October (9 am -5 am) and closed during winter
- Reservations are needed to ride
- A $2 daily fee for kids aged five years and older entering as pedestrians on bicycles and horseback
Website: https://www.turkeyrunstatepark.com/
Address: Turkey Run State Park, 8121 E. Park Rd, Marshall, Indiana 47859
Phone: (765) 597-2635
Natural Valley Ranch
If you’re looking for the perfect place to unwind and ride horses, Natural Valley Ranch provides 78 acres of unspoiled nature in Hendricks county.
Offering guided trail rides along White Lick Creek, numerous miles are open to riders making it the perfect place to spend a day or the weekend.
Whether new to horseback riding in Indiana, the guides ensure that each rider is matched according to riding ability. The one thing that sets
Natural Valley apart is the small group of riders of 1-6 people, which mimics a private ride and gives the wrangler a better view of everyone.
Additionally, they accommodate birthday parties, pony rides, riding lessons, and summer, spring, and Fall camps.
Charges
- 30-minute guided trail ride -$30
- 60-minute guided trail ride -$45
- Lessons are at $40 per hour for any discipline.
Helpful Information
- Rides are by reservation only
- It is a recommendation that riders under 16 years wear helmets
- Closed shoes on top and back for riding
Website: https://hendrickscountytrailrides.com/
Address: 6310 East County Road 350 N, Brownsburg, IN 46112
Phone: +1 317-852-6615
Salt Creek Ranch
Located about an hour from Indianapolis and Cincinnati, Salt Creek Ranch offers an easy way for city folk to get away from the bustle of the city and get immersed in ranch life.
Home to over 100 horses, you can be sure that there’s a horse that fits your riding experience.
As the horses get saddled up and given instruction on the proper holding techniques, you will find that your worries drift away. Volunteer wranglers lead the rides and are not afraid to answer any questions.
As you ride over rolling hills and cross over the streams and waterfalls covering the 700 acres, you can rest assured that this is the beginning of an adventure.
If you’re having difficulty leaving the stables, the onsite cabin rentals and camp that can sleep up to 18 guests make for a great weekend getaway.
What do they offer?
One and 2-hour guided trail rides are charged at $30 and $50, respectively. In addition, they offer multiple camps, horse training, hay rides, tent camping for riders, scout packages, and specialty riders for different groups.
Helpful Information
- Carry cash, as the ranch is a cash-only establishment
- The maximum weight limit is 300 lbs
- Currently, they don’t have an age limit.
- Children can ride with their parents or lead by one of their guides.
Website: http://www.saltcreekhorseranch.com/
Address: 21040 US Hwy 52, Laurel, IN
Phone: 765 698 2044
Email: info@saltcreekhorseranch.com
French Lick Resort
French Lick Resort is a great place to go horseback riding if you’re looking for a place with beautiful scenery and picturesque trails. Located in Southern Indiana, there is fun for the whole family.
With an array of different amenities such as a spa, a golf course, gaming casinos, and indoor and outdoor activities, how you choose to spend your days at the resort can look however you like.
What To Expect At Salt Lick
Trail Rides
This ride is offered daily from 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm. All trail rides start with getting matched to a well-tempered horse.
Afterwhich, the ride leaves towards the most picturesque terrain you’ve ever seen, filled with deer, red tail hawks, and lots of other wildlife.
The Guided trail rides range from 45 minutes to 90 minutes with charges for the rides are as follows :
- $65 per person for 45 minutes
- $110 per person for 90 minutes
Knowledgeable Wranglers
Whether you’re a newbie or a pro at horseback riding, the guides ensure that you feel safe and answer any questions about the terrain or horse techniques.
In addition, the wranglers can handle guests with special needs, matching each rider to a horse that best suits them.
Pony Rides
For cowpokes under eight years, the ranch offers pony rides that last about 10 minutes. The ride charge is $25 per child and $35 per child with a photo keepsake.
The cowboys and cowgirls receive colorful bandanas as part of their stable experience.
Helpful Information
- Rides are by reservation only
- Kids must be eight years old to ride
- Riders under 18 years are required to wear helmets
- Their weight limit is 260 lbs
Website: https://www.frenchlick.com/activities/outdoor/horsebackriding
Address: 8670 West State Road 56 – French Lick, Indiana 47432
Phone: 889 936 9360
Brown County State Park
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to go horseback riding, look no further than Brown County State Park.
Nicknamed Little Smokies, thanks to its resemblance to the Smoky Mountains, the park has over 16,000 acres of land filled with steep slopes, scenic vistas, and rugged ridges.
This state park is perfect for those who love nature and spending time outdoors. There are miles of trails to explore, making it the ideal place to spend a day or weekend horseback riding.
Inside the park, you will also find large campgrounds, an interpretive center, a separate horseman campground, and a saddle barn.
Address: Brown County State Park 1810 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN 47448
Phone: 1-800-753-3255
Brown County Saddle Barn
One of the few locations that don’t have a weight limit, Brown County Saddle Barn is a great place to go horseback riding. If you’re looking for a place with beautiful scenery and beautiful well, trained horses, then this is the location for you.
This stable covers numerous acres of land to explore, located in the Brown County State Park. There are miles of trails to ride, making it the perfect place to spend a day or weekend horseback riding.
Offers
35-minute horseback ride -charged at $21 per adult rider
The perfect getaway for busy individuals or riders with a jam-packed schedule, see the sights of Brown County on this ride. Half of this ride is in the woods, and the other half is on the road.
However, this doesn’t take away from the majestic horses or the nature that will surround you.
One-hour trail ride -charged at $31
If you have some riding experience, this is the ride. It takes you deeper into the woods.
Take a step back and commune with nature as you pass through forested vistas and wildlife. This ride is perfect for families with kids who have some experience.
Need To Know
- Kids must be seven years old to ride on the trails.
- Children 17 and under must wear a helmet on the trails
- They don’t allow double riding
Website: http://www.browncounty-saddlebarn.com/
Address: 1801 State 46 EastNashvilleIN47448
Phone: (812) 988-8166
Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park is another excellent place to go horseback riding in Indiana. This state park offers over 2,000 acres of land to explore and is located just outside Indianapolis.
In addition, there are miles of trails to ride, making it the perfect place to spend a day or weekend horseback riding.
Website: https://www.turkeyrunstatepark.com/
Address: 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859-8882
Conclusion
Horseback riding is just one of the m
any things you can do in Gettysburg. Whether you’re a pro or new to the sport, there are plenty of places to go horseback riding in Indiana. If you’re new to horseback riding, take lessons first to enjoy the experience, and remember to tip your guide.
