Experience the High Country by Horseback
As part of its varied riding programs, the area provides everything from short trail rides to multi-day group packhorse treks – providing guests with unique riding experiences and memorable culinary adventures at charming restaurants or unique boutiques. Don’t forget about sampling local cuisine at one of its delicious dining establishments and unique shopping boutiques while you’re here too!
Explore rushing rivers, high mountain lakes and wildflower meadows on horseback for an unparalleled way to take in the scenery while getting to know your horse better. It is the ultimate experience and way to deepen the connection with him or her!
Trails
North Carolina’s High Country provides the ideal setting for an unforgettable equestrian adventure. Mile after mile of scenic carriage and equestrian trails wind their way through lush forests, tranquil lakes, meadows of flowers and breathtaking vistas – ensuring that even novice riders will find something suitable here! With stables providing rental mounts available nearby.
Horseback riding is one of the premier ways to discover the beautiful Eastern Sierra backcountry, as these incredible horses helped shape it over centuries. Spend an hour or more riding for yourself or with someone else and you’ll soon understand why this region holds such an extraordinary beauty.
Experience an unforgettable mountain landscape on the back of a strong and sturdy Tahoe horse! Enjoy trotting through scenic meadows and forests while bonding with one of nature’s gentle giants – it makes an excellent first-rider activity! Tour guides provide helpful instruction, making this experience worthwhile.
Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit offers family-friendly horseback riding adventures on scenic mountaintop trails with breathtaking vistas. Their horses have been specially trained for alpine terrain, giving you confidence that you’re safe while experiencing a thrilling adventure!
Visit Grandfather Mountain State Park and venture out onto its peaceful trails. Bring your own horse if they have proof of negative equine infectious anemia test results; or rent one from Grandfather Stables; these stables also provide horseback riding lessons for all ages!
The annual Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show draws top horse enthusiasts from across the United States and beyond each year from late June into early August. This classic event honors over 100 years of luxury travel to the High Country during summer travel season; while its equestrian events showcase its world-renowned horseback riding opportunities. This year the show will also be broadcasted live on RFD-TV featuring hunter/jumper and saddlebred divisions.
Stables
Irish Unicorn Stables in Boone NC provides trail rides of various lengths, while Yonahlossee Stables near Lake George offers scenic rides through hemlock and pine forests; Circle B Ranch Mountain View Rocking B Ranch Adirondack Saddle Tours also provide horseback experiences in this region.
Millerton, New York’s historic Hudson Valley village that dates back over one hundred years of upscale summer travel draws hunters, jumpers, and saddlebred competitors from all around the world each June into early August for its premier equestrian destination: Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show. This event honors both its natural surroundings as well as over one century of equestrian tradition within this community.
O’Carrolls Breed their own Horses of Classic Station Cross Thoroughbred-Clydesdale Mares for breeding purposes, mustering and riding them themselves on horseback for mustering and mustering purposes. In addition to guided horseback rides, their family-run farm also teaches students about working with cattle and livestock, offering guided rides as well as teaching cattle work lessons to guests with own horses if their equine infectious anemia test is negative and stable stays on property for guests bringing their own horses or stable stays for their horses’ own protection.
Experience an awe-inspiring mountain experience like Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir did, on one- or two-hour trail rides from Wawona Stable! These rides travel along a historic wagon road through lush forests with views of Wawona Hotel. Or for something truly remarkable and unique, embark on an exciting full-day ride and visit Giant Sequoias and Mariposa Grove just as these great men did–in ways that are unforgettable and extraordinary!
Though riding may appear effortless, staying upright requires balance, strong legs and core muscles and stretching pre and post ride. So make sure your muscles get stretched prior and post ride for optimal performance!
Fees
Have you experienced Truckee-Tahoe area’s world-class singletrack yet? Hiking its Donner Lake Rim Trail or scaling California granite at Donner Summit are great experiences, but have you tried horseback riding yet? It can be an amazingly enjoyable way to immerse oneself in nature and the Truckee-Tahoe area offers numerous horseback riding opportunities perfect for novice to expert horsemen and women.
Rides are guided by trained, compassionate staff and each ride offers its own special experience. Trails pass through forests of Jeffrey pines and across mountain streams. In the wild regrowth caused by 2003 fire, you’ll witness nature restoring itself with breathtaking beauty in this magnificent wilderness setting.
Piping Rock Equestrian Center provides stables that offer peaceful afternoon strolls or more exciting sunset rides suitable for riders of all abilities, providing both quiet and more stimulating options for leisure riding alike. Their knowledgeable instructors will assist with becoming comfortable riding their horse(s).
Glenorchy, New Zealand isn’t complete without experiencing its breathtaking mountain horse trek. You’ll cherish every memory from this once-in-a-lifetime ride as the landscape presents you with stunning turquoise glacial river crossings and millions of purple and pink lupin flowers (in December).
Take a step back in time as you ride an old wagon road leading past the historic Wawona Hotel or join Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir’s pack trip tradition: these trips use well-trained horses and donkeys as luggage carriers for multi-day excursions into Sierra high country.
Best of America by Horseback is a weekly series on RFD-TV which highlights scenic locations throughout America where visitors can ride horseback. Each episode highlights trails, camping and lodging facilities, amenities, history, additional activities to engage in while visiting, quality equine related products available there and quality horse related services offered there. Keep an eye out for Dutch Creek Trails to feature in an upcoming episode!
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Since European settlers first entered this unspoiled backcountry, horseback riding has been the only way to experience its undisturbed beauty. You don’t need to saddle up for hours; there is something perfect for every taste and ability available on horseback – witnessing how these sure-footed mounts navigate mountain slopes without misstep is truly exhilarating and breathtaking!
High Country Horses in Glenorchy, New Zealand offers an unforgettable guided horseback tour experience in their picturesque high country surroundings, which are both visually captivating and surreal with mountain ranges, turquoise glacial-fed river crossings and millions of purple and pink lupin flowers in December – features that have even been used as the set for various films such as Lord of the Rings!
Boone Area is one of the premier equestrian travel destinations, featuring numerous stables and riding programs as well as miles of nationally significant bridle trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Contact local Chambers of Commerce as well as horseback outfitters in order to discover your riding options.
An afternoon spent riding can be physically taxing for both man and horse! Maintaining balance requires strong legs and an unshakeable core, so make sure to stretch out before and after each ride, bring plenty of water and make time for stretching!
Piping Rock Equestrian Center near Truckee offers trail rides for riders of all experience levels, from newcomers to veteran horsemen and women. Amble through Jeffrey pines and cross mountain streams while taking in the Sierra landscape. Or challenge yourself on centuries old tradition with a pack trip; these unique adventures pair you with well-trained pack animals such as horses or donkeys to carry all your gear for multi-day expeditions into John Muir Wilderness or beyond.