20+ places to go Horseback Riding Dallas has to offer North Texas

Looking for a great horseback riding Dallas spot nearby? Look no further.

In this blog post, we will list 20+ of the best horseback riding spots in the area and if your child shows some interest, you’ll need a lot of patience and time.

These are the most important things to consider!

Whether you or your kids are beginners or experienced riders, there is something for everyone here. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start riding!

Thanks to local Mom, Dresden for her tips for new starters.

Top Tips for Parents of New Riders

Step one is to identify a barn that has a lesson program in the discipline your child wants to learn. In North Texas the most common are English and Western. (I’ve had difficulty finding a dressage barn in this area.)

Once you have identified a few barns that teach the discipline your child wants to learn, begin your research. Most barns do not update their websites very well,  that is just not their skill set, so you will likely need to call them or email them.

Barn managers will take at least a day to get back to you. Keep in mind they don’t normally have office staff, so there isn’t someone sitting at a desk answering phones and emails. They are all out taking care of horses, teaching lessons, and working in the barn so getting an answer does take a little time.

When you do get to speak with someone, one of the first things you’re going to need to ask is if they have availability in their lesson program for the level your child is riding at.

Beginners are usually the lessons that are hardest to find because there are so many kids interested at this level it may take you a few tries to find a barn with availability.

If your child is taking lessons, what do they need?

You will also want to ask the barn or riding school, if you need to have your own helmet or if they have loaners available. Some barns may also require riding breeches and paddock boots but many just ask that your kid wears long pants and boots with a heel. You can buy better equipment after your child has committed to a program.

If you do need to buy your own helmet, I recommend going to Dover Saddlery in Richardson. They can help fit your child with the right helmet. Expect to spend at least $100.

I do not recommend buying a used helmet unless it is from someone you trust. If you need breeches and boots, you can pick them up there as well. Expect about $75-100 for breeches and $40 for boots retail, but breeches and boots are great to buy used.

How does an evaluation lesson work?

Once you find a barn that you’re happy with that has availability your next step will be to schedule an evaluation lesson. This is when the trainer will assess the level of skill your child currently rides at and determine the best plan for them.

The evaluation lesson will probably be 30 minutes long and you will need to arrive 30 minutes early to tack up the horse. You will also need to stay 20-30 minutes after to untack the horse. If you have never tacked up before, there may be an extra charge for a “tack up lesson.”

If your child has never ridden before, the trainer will likely keep a lead rope on the horse and stay close to your child throughout the session. If your child is a little further along you can expect a test at their level – walk, trot, canter, jumping etcetera. 

The evaluation lesson will likely cost anywhere from $80 to $150.

Lesson programs can range quite a bit in price. For example, once a week private lessons average about $350.00 a month. Group lessons are a little bit less, around $250 a month. Some places charge by lesson, which can range from $55 to $85 per lesson. When your kid wants to compete – horse shows, show clothing, tack and horse leases are very expensive.

You will almost always need cash, check or Venmo for everything.

What child doesn’t dream of horseback riding? In North Texas and Oklahoma, there are stables that offer guided trail riding and riding lessons you can take.

Are you wondering, ‘Where is the closest horseback riding near me?’ Well here are 20+ places to go Horseback Riding in North Texas, so you can earn your Barn Mom status!

More: Things to do in Dallas

Did we miss your favorite? Let us know.

Horseback Riding Dallas: Places to Go for a Trail Ride

Be sure to call ahead and make an appointment. Although some of these places do accept walk-ups, there are also many that take reservations only.

Be sure to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing ahead of your ride.

South Fork Ranch, Parker

Location: 3700 Hogge Dr, Parker, TX 75002

Their trail riding is really close to us! Their age limit is 8 and up or at least 48″ tall and you can ride with up to 6 riders in one session.

Open 7 days a week, weather permitted and based on availability. They request bookings 48 hours in advance.

You can ride at 10 am, 11.30, 1 pm, 2.30, and 4 pm

Four Fillies Farm

Location: 11242 Friendship Road, Pilot Point, TX 76528

Even if you’ve never been on a horse, Chuck and Tiffany will provide tips and ensure you feel comfortable. They offer Summer camps and lessons in addition to trail rides too.

Widowmaker Trail rides in Southlake

You could combine your trail ride and horseback riding Dallas lessons with a photoshoot here and it’s only 10 minutes west of Dallas Fort Worth airport.

Riding slots are 2 hours long, $100 per person Monday – Friday, $120 per person at the weekend, ages 12 and up only. This might be a good option for a date night or with teens.

Marshall Creek Ranch, Southlake

Just 4 minutes west of Grapevine, maybe a 30-minute drive from West Plano, the ranch is situated on 2200 acres of 39 miles of beautiful equestrian trails on the shores of Lake Grapevine.

They have different levels from beginner to advanced. Be sure to check their Calendar for registration options

Heritage Hill Stables, Princeton, TX

Trail rides are about $40 per person. They also offer lessons at $120 for 6.

Broken Bow: if you’re heading up there for a vacation, be sure to check out the many options they have for Horseback riding and beautiful trails.

These are the most popular places for Horse Riding Lessons

Mill-Again Stables

3116 E Parker Road, Plano 75074

They offer summer camps too, so you can dip your toe in the water and try it out before committing to horseback riding Dallas lessons.

Summer Hill Farms

Location: 1757 Bridle Bit Road, Flower Mound, TX 75022

They have well-trained professional coaches offering a riding school for new riders to help them move into competition if they wish. They have a unique horsemanship camp and also do parent and child rides too!

Woodhaven Stable

Location: 3670 Orr Road, Allen TX 75002

Woodhaven has two covered arenas and offers outdoor riding areas and trails. We also love that they have Spring Break and Summer Camps (including camps for young kids (aged 4-6) and offer parents night out.

Windmill Stables

Location: 2029 N Cliffe, Richardson, TX 75082

This family-owned stable is a firm favorite for parents whose kids want to learn a variety of English riding styles and the chance to do an intro session for one hour or take advantage of their beginner basics package (4 hours for $340 per student)

Minimum age of 7 years. Kids must be able to ride a bicycle without training wheels. Intermediate and advanced students can participate in group lessons.

Shenanigan Stables

Location: 836 State Hwy 205, Rockwall, TX 75032

Providing lessons and training for all levels, including for tiny tots under the age of 5, for just $30 a lesson! They do discounted packages for monthly fees, with weekly lessons.

Skyview Stables

Location: 300 Bevans Circle, Heath, TX 75032

Also, a great place for the smallest riders, offering lessons for 4-6year-olds, all the way up in age range to adults.

North Dallas Equestrian

Location: 615 Highridge Ln, McKinney, TX 75069

Right on our doorstep just outside McKinney, this is very popular for ongoing lessons for kids, as well as Summer camps and parties for kids.

Whispering Farms

Location: 3310 East Prosper Trail, Prosper, TX 75078

For our Northern dwellers, this Prosper option is open every day and has a great set-up for riders and horses.

They also offer a great Summer Camp for kids who want to try horseriding for the first time.

Rockwall Hills Equestrian Center

Location: 339 Shenandoah Lane, Rockwall, TX 75087

Anyone ages 5-85 can take lessons, they find the right horse for you to ride and learn with.

Four Fillies Farm

Location: 11242 Friendship Road, Pilot Point, TX 76528

Lessons available, along with trail rides and Summer camp opportunities.

Merriwood Ranch, Garland

Location: 2110 E Miller Rd, Garland, TX 75041

One of the oldest horseback riding ranches in the DFW area, this one has been around since 1956 and is renowned for its facilities, friendliness, and lesson options.

Kepler Equestrian

Location: 3681 FM 546, Princeton, TX

Just outside of McKinney, in Princeton, you can try a Summer Camp there, or just jump straight into their beginner to advanced riding lessons.

Capricorn Equestrian

Location: 17619 Soman Dr, Nevada, Texas 75173

Head out towards Farmersville to get out with the horses. This facility offers a monthly membership for those who want consistency with their riding lessons and training.

Heritage Hills Equestrian Center

Location: 8882 County Road 392, Princeton, Texas 75407

Located in Princeton, TX, for riders age 7+, they offer horseback riding summer camp, horseback riding lessons and trail rides.

Southfork Ranch

Southfork Ranch also offers riding lessons 7 days a week. Lessons must be booked 48 hours in advance. Daily Riding Lesson times are 8:00, 10:00, 11:30, 1:00, 2:30, and 4:00 and are approximately 1 hour in length. Tickets must be purchased 48 hours in advance of the lesson. 

Please print your confirmation and present it to your wrangler at check-in. Confirmation is sent to your email address when booking. Riders MUST arrive 45 minutes prior to the lesson. Age/height requirements are at the wrangler’s discretion.

• Riders must not exceed 240 pounds
• Closed-toe shoes required
• Lessons are available for all skill levels

What to Know Before You Go Horseback Riding in the DFW Area.

Before you book a horseback riding adventure, here are a few things you should know.

Check the different types of riding offered:

Western: Riding with a Saddle, with one hand on the reins – usually intended to work with cattle.

English: Smaller and lighter saddle with no horn and formal riding with both reins in hands for better control of your horse. Often this style or riding is used in Jumping, Events and Fox Hunting. You’ll need to wear breeches, tall boots and helmets.

Dressage: A specific saddle with a deep seat, for balance and control of the horse. This is a highly disciplined type of riding with specific cues and movements, including walk to canter and pirouetttes and piaffes. You’ll need formal attire: jacket, breeches, gloves and helmets with top hats for competitions.

Call ahead. Most of the horseback riding places listed above would usually prefer you make a reservation. 

Ask About Ages. Age restrictions are common. A few will let your child ride with an adult — but some don’t. Ask before you go since everyone is different.

Know Your Child. Even if your child is old enough to go horseback riding, think about whether it will be too much for them. Many of them offer a short lesson or experience to help them get over any initial fears or overcome the unknown and get them familiar with the horses.

Ask about Weight. All the horseback riding stables and ranches will have a weight limit, I saw 220 for a few places, and others were a bit higher. Make sure you ask before you go. You don’t want to get there and not have a horse you can ride.

Check the directions on their website or call them first. Several horseback riding stables may be on farm roads and the GPS may not direct you to the exact right place. Be sure before you head out to get directions directly from the site of the stables vs. relying on GPS.