Horseback riding is one of those magical activities that everyone should try at least once – that’s at least the motto of most Austinites. But it can seem daunting. Fortunately, even in the heart of Austin, you can find welcoming places to trail ride and give horseback riding a go! Here are some of the best places around Austin, TX for horseback riding and more.
Texas Trail Rides at Lone Star Ranch
8601 Bluff Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78744
Only a short drive from downtown, riding at Lone Star Ranch is sure to be an unforgettable experience. The scenery and quiet will make you feel as if you’ve gone miles away from the city, but really, you’ll just be in South Austin. They have Horse of all shapes and sizes including mini ponies for kids. Their horses are very well cared for, ridden daily, and trail rides are tailored to experience level! It’s the perfect place to ride whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider looking to have some fun and relax.
Maverick Horseback Riding
5766 Balcones Dr, Austin, TX 78731
Heading into North Austin, you’ll find Maverick Ranch offering some of the most diverse horseback riding experiences for riders of all ages and skill levels. Their approach to trail riding is much more instructional. These horses don’t just follow the one in front of them – you’ll really have to ride, but don’t let that scare you off! The guides will teach you everything you need to know to have a safe, and of course, super fun ride. It is good to note that with more depth of instruction and longer ride times, Maverick is more expensive. But it’s such an amazing place, we just had to talk about it.
White Fences Equestrian Center
10908 Jones Rd, Manor, TX 78653
Heading just slightly out of Austin, White Fences offers some awesome trail rides. They offer shorter hour-long rides to longer 2.5-hour rides, depending on how much riding you want to do. They also have a bunch of different trails throughout the property. Being a little bit out of the city, you’ll also get to see more unique birds and other wildlife. Their horses are exceptionally well trained, and the fastest you’ll go to is a trot. It’s a great place to have a truly relaxing ride, and everyone is sure to feel safe and comfortable.
Southern Trails
3220 Rolling Oaks Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78132
At Southern Trails, you’ll get to experience a uniquely tailored horseback riding experience fitted to your skill level. They are located further outside Austin, but that also means more of those beautiful Texas Hill Country views. There are a few different options for trail rides here. For the kids, they offer an hour-long ride both in their arena and on the trail. Their other two options both offer a gorgeous hour-long ride, but one includes 30 minutes of instructional time in the arena for something a little bit more. Regardless of the ride you’re hoping to have, the guides can make it happen.
Tri-Star Farms
3325 Fm 1466, Coupland, TX 78615
The Tri-Star Farms location near Austin, TX does not offer horseback riding, but its Coupland location does. It’s not so far out that you’ll feel like you’re having to do a road trip, but just far enough to get those Hill Country views. Riders of all levels of experience are welcome here. Starting in the arena they teach steering and, more importantly, stopping. Once you’re able to stop and steer you can head off to the trails! They have over 100 acres of lovely, shaded, trails and the rides can last from 1-2 hours.
Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Co. at Dinosaur Valley
1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043
We’ve mentioned Dinosaur Valley State Park previously, as they have an amazing area to explore with your horse. But what if you don’t have a horse of your own? That’s where Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Company comes in! They offer a few different trail riding opportunities including assisted rides for little kids, short rides for beginners, and hour-long rides for everyone ages 8 and up. On the rides, you’ll get to see beautiful views of the whole valley, all sorts of native plants and animals, and the potential for dinosaur footprints!Prefer to go on foot? View our list of the best hiking trails near the city.
Hill Country Equestrian Lodge
1580 Hay Hollar Rd, Bandera, TX 78003
Hill Country Equestrian Lodge near Austin, Texas is unlike any other horseback riding place we’ve mentioned so far. It’s definitely not a day trip, more of a horseback riding vacation, and we’d recommend staying more than just one night. The groups are kept small and you’ll ride the same horse the whole time you’re there. Not to mention there over 6000 acres full of trails to explore. Visiting here, you’ll have a truly personal experience and build not only your skills but also a relationship with your horse.
