Horseback Riding in Texas 2024

Feel like a cowboy from a western movie. Be free and enjoy your ride

Best time: April–June | September–November

You can't get a full Texas experience without riding a horse. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy this traditional activity. You can rent a horse for a day-trip, or take a guided tour for several days, or even become a participant at an equestrian camp and feel the complete unity with these beautiful animals. State parks offer riders some of the best scenery, unique trails, and safe and pleasant rides. Horses are chosen according to the experience level, size, and age of the rider, thus the trip will be comfortable for all. Private ranches organize horseriding as well. So, you'll have hundreds of places to choose from. Spring and autumn are the best time to practice horse riding, as there is no heat.

One of the best horseback riding tours is at Brazos Bluffs Ranch—a working ranch with horseback riding for people of all ages. Also, we would like to recommend you check Bandera Historical Rides with climbs and vast meadows at Hill Country State Natural Area. The owners offer private tours beyond the regular nose-to-tail ride. Palo Duro Riding Stables is another great tour offering a chance to ride under some of the oldest and largest cottonwoods in the panhandle.

Practical info

When is the best time of year to go horseback riding in Texas?

The most comfortable time of year to go horseback riding in Texas is not during the summer months due to the hot and humid weather temperatures, but rather from April to June or September to November when the weather conditions are mild and pleasant with stunning scenery. The state parks are a popular location to go horse riding in Texas and have unique trails that provide riders with breath-taking landscapes and a horseback-riding experience to remember.

Where are the best places to go horseback riding in Texas?

Looking for a unique horseback riding experience? Texas has numerous parks and ranches that offer this traditional activity. A few of the best places to go horseback riding are the Brazos Bluffs Ranch, known for its working ranch experience that offers horse riding for people of all levels, the Bandera Historical Rides, featuring vast meadows that are perfect for exploring and offering private tours that go beyond regular nose-to-tail rides. Lastly, there is the Palo Duro Riding Stables, known for providing the opportunity to ride under the oldest and largest cottonwood trees in the panhandle.

What is the experience level required for horseback riding in Texas?

Texas has something to offer for all levels of experience when it comes to horseback riding. Horseback riding services can accommodate beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders by providing well-trained horses according to their skill level, age, and size. Guided tours and camps also assess the riders and match horses to their riders' ability to ensure an enjoyable and comfortable experience for all.

How long are the guided tours available at Brazos Bluffs Ranch?

Brazos Bluffs Ranch is known for its horseback riding tours, offering rides for all ages and levels of experience. Guided tours are available for various durations, ranging from one-hour rides to multi-day packages that include a night stay at the ranch. The multi-day tours offer an immersive western experience for riders, including campfires, BBQs, and other cowboy activities that make for a memorable and unforgettable experience.

Are children allowed to participate in horseback riding tours in Texas?

Children are allowed to participate in horseback riding tours in Texas, but the minimum age requirements vary by location. Some ranches and parks require children to be at least four or five years old, while others have no age restrictions. It's recommended that children ride accompanied by adults or authorized chaperones to ensure safety. Plus, the horses assigned to children are well-trained, safe, and appropriate for their experience level.