Trail riding is a multifaceted activity that offers many physical, mental, and emotional benefits, making it an excellent choice for us city folks to enhance our well-being while enjoying the outdoors.
Imagine spending quality time with family and friends, sharing an adventure and creating lasting memories in a beautiful outdoor setting. Trail riding is a versatile activity that is perfect for cooler autumn months, but it can be enjoyed year round, offering the opportunity to traverse sleepy landscapes in winter or bask under shady trails during summer.
Saddled with Benefits
Physically, horseback riding is a great form of exercise. It improves balance, coordination, and core strength while providing a low-impact workout that enhances cardiovascular health and builds muscle. Hitting the trail also immerses you in nature, where you can experience the tranquility of the great outdoors, observe wildlife, and enjoy the changing landscapes and fresh air, which can be both relaxing and rejuvenating.
In addition to turning loose your inner cowboy or -girl, some ranches provide opportunities to learn valuable lessons about animal behavior, empathy, and responsibility. Understanding horse anatomy, grooming, and the nuances of horse communication and care will add to your knowledge of and enrich your connection with these magnificent animals.
Plus, spending time in nature and with animals is known to reduce stress levels. The rhythmic motion of riding and the peaceful surroundings of a trail can be incredibly calming and therapeutic. Mentally, riding requires focus and concentration, helping to take your mind off daily worries. It also gives riders a sense of achievement and confidence as riding skills improve.
Trail riding also offers a sense of adventure and the thrill of exploring places that are, ironically, off our normal beaten paths. Each ride is a unique experience, away from suburban parks, with different trails, terrains, and new sights to discover, all of which look different from the back of a horse.
Fortunately, and like most Texans, Georgetown residents are surrounded by several beautiful spots that combine the beauty of the Central Texas landscape with the thrill of horseback riding. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, these camps and ranches offer a variety of scenic trails that promise to create lasting memories. From ranches nestled in the rolling hills to serene riverfront paths, there’s a trail ride experience waiting for everyone. Following are some great places near Georgetown to saddle up and explore.
Fall and spring are peak seasons so be sure to call and book early.
- 1. P Squared Farm and Equestrian Center: A haven for horse enthusiasts and families. P Squared Farm offers personalized horseback riding lessons, scenic trail and river rides, unique pony parties, private animal encounters, and serene camping sites by the San Gabriel River. All activities are bookable online; rides start at $65. • 11188 E State Hwy 29, Georgetown • PSquaredFarm.com
- 2. Maverick Horseback Riding: With headquarters in Austin, trail rides are based in Lockhart, Maverick Horseback Riding offers a variety of trail rides and horseback riding lessons for all experience levels. Their trails feature diverse terrain, including hills, creeks, and open fields.
MaverickHorsebackRiding.com - 3. Horseback Adventures of Central Texas: Gary Gayler brings 50 years of experience in horse-related business ventures to his trail ride adventures. Packages start at $215 for a group of three and include longer rides plus drinks and snacks. His background includes cattle gatherings, training, and he has even advised and instructed actors and models on horsemanship skills for their roles. With great knowledge and passion for horses, Gary is dedicated to sharing his skills and creating unforgettable experiences for clients.
6851 Fulton Ranch Rd, Wimberley • TexasHorseAdventures.com - 4. Tristar Farm: This beautiful Coupland farm boasts over 100 acres of wooded trails and offers 1- and 2-hour rides starting at $95 and suitable for all ages and experience levels. They also provide birthday parties and riding lessons for those wanting more than just a trail ride. Additionally, their Austin location on Spicewood Springs Road offers riding lessons and summer camps, ensuring a variety of equestrian activities for everyone.
3325 Fm 1466, Coupland • TristarFarm.com - 5. Southern Trails: Just 15 minutes from downtown Austin, this 120-acre ranch is one of the most stunning in Texas. Rides for all ages and experience levels start at $95 and take you through open green pastures and beneath large oak trees. You’ll also pass by ponds, creeks, and grazing cows and you can even wave at Elon as you pass by the Tesla factory. This ranch even served as a shooting location for “Lonesome Dove”.
15701 Decker Lake Rd., Manor • SouthernTrailRides.com