Where to Ride a Horse in Dallas-Fort Worth

If you live in North Texas, you’ve probably seen people on horseback in city parks, on the side of the road, or even in the Sonic and Whataburger drive-through lines (although that may just be urban legend). Regardless, there are a lot of places to cowgirl or cowboy up in DFW. If you took riding lessons, even casually like I did, this list will make you nostalgic for the days when you could saddle up and see the world from 15 hands high.

ARLINGTON

In Arlington, Golden Gaits Stables offers 30-minute lessons for kids under age 6, and hour-long lessons for older children (and adults) who have a little more control. I love that the stable, which teaches Western-style riding, backs up to the city’s Bad Konigshofen Park (where horses are welcome). Whether you’re looking for a novel party idea or a real trail ride, they’ve got something for you.

Golden Gaits Stables; Courtesy: Golden Gaits Stables

North Texas Horse Country; Courtesy: Darrell Dodd

DENTON

Denton and the cities that surround it make up North Texas Horse Country –– a 900 mile-area with over 300 horse farms and breeders in the US! There are several stables where you can get up in a saddle and off the beaten path. Black Mustang Ranch offers everything from a simple trail ride to endurance riding, while Four Fillies provides equestrian camps and trail rides along Lake Ray Roberts. If you’re interested in breeding, Willbanks Paints ‘n‘ Pasos focuses on two specific types of horses: The beautiful American paint horse and the “people-oriented” Paso Fino.

FORT WORTH

Here in Cowtown, The Stockyards Stables in Fort Worth’s historic Northside offers rides on the Trinity River Trails –– and I can’t think of anything more Texan that riding the area where cattle and horses came to market 150 years ago. At Trinity River Farm, you’ll find riding lessons, camps for all abilities, shows, and even an arena you can rent. Benbrook Stables has been catering to horses and the people who love them for 60 years: you can take a trail ride or a lesson, or plan an event in their glorious gardens.

Stockyard Stables; Courtesy: @doitforjqc

Southfork Ranch Trail Rides; Courtesy: @kprivett09

PLANO

In Plano, Southfork Ranch Trail Rides is another facility that offers everything from trail rides to lessons to event planning on their 300 acres of cultivated ranch land. Karma Ridge Arabian Farms and Treeline Stables in nearby Parker, TX both focus on the art and practice of horseback riding. You won’t find trail rides here, but if you’re serious about learning to ride and jump, these facilities will help you with the fundamentals.

SOUTHLAKE

In Southlake, Widowmaker Trail Rides won’t teach you to jump but they will provide a fairly perfect trail riding experience around Lake Grapevine. Marshall Creek Ranch will give you a trail ride experience where the deer and the antelope play –– ok, where the deer, coyotes, and hawks play on their 39 miles worth of trails.

Finally, if you own your own horses, our friends at Texas Living have a great list of area places where you and your pony can run free (or at least trot a little). Time to grab your cowboy boots and giddy-up!