Many people long to feel the wind in their face and hear the hoofbeats of a valiant steed as they thunder through the woods and across open prairies. But for a lot of people, owning a horse to ride is just not practical. But if all you dream about is horses, come check out some of the great equine stables and opportunities for riding in Branson!
Shepherd of the Hills Baldknobber Trail Rides
For a real Ozarks adventure, come ride the historic trails atop a horse here at Shepherd of the Hills! It’s an authentic experience you won’t want to miss. The horses used for the trail rides are the very same horses used in the Shepherd of the Hills theater production – so in a way, you’ll be partnered with a star! Trail rides at Shepherd of the Hills last around half an hour; the trails you’ll ride on meanders through the historic homestead, wooded hollers and on some of the very same terrain the Baldknobbers rode. Riders must be at least seven years old, four feet tall and weigh no more than two hundred-fifty pounds. Riders age seventeen and under are required to wear a riding helmet – safety is a top priority on the Shepherd of the Hills Trail Rides! For more information or to book a ride call 417-334-4191.
Bear Creek Trail Rides
Bear Creek Trail Rides, located seven miles north of Branson directly off of Highway 65, is a horse-centered, family owned and operated business nestled in the Ozark Mountain country. If you are looking for a quality horseback riding experience on beautiful trails, this operation is a prime choice for riding in Branson. The trails here wind through lush oak forests characteristic of the Ozarks, and offer riders lovely bluff views. Trail rides at Bear Creek last for one hour or two hours – one hour rides are $25 per person and two hour rides are $40 per person. (NOTE: two hour rides are for experienced riders only) All horses are equipped with Western tack, and Bear Creek prides themselves on providing gentle, well trained horses for guests to ride. Riders must be at least seven years old and weigh no more than two hundred-fifty pounds. You can find Bear Creek Trail Rides on Facebook or call 417-337-7708.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park Trail Rides
For a variety of fun horseback experiences, come visit the stables at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park! Folks of all ages and riding levels will find something to enjoy here. The Straight Shooter Trail Ride is an excellent choice for novice riders. A leisurely, ‘nose to tail’ ramble through Dogwood Canyon will delight riders on this fun, nature packed trail ride. Riders on the Straight Shooter must be at least eight years old, forty-eight inches tall and less than two hundred-sixty pounds. The Little Indian Advanced Trail Ride is a challenging five to six hour ride that will take riders through forests, open pastures and across Little Indian Creek. Lunch is provided! Riders for this adventure must be at least twelve years old, forty-eight inches tall and less than two hundred-forty pounds. The Raw Hide! Cattle Drive provides riders with an authentic cattle drive experience moving Texas Longhorns across open fields to new pastures. After the herd has been driven to a new site, cowhands will receive a hearty chuckwagon meal! Cattle drivers must be at least ten years old, forty-eight inches tall and weigh less than two hundred-fifty pounds. Visit Dogwood Canyon on the web at www.dogwoodcanyon.org.
If a thrilling (or leisurely!) ride across the Ozarks is what you seek, look no further than these great locations for riding in Branson!
