10 Relaxing Horse Rides Near Me

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There's nothing quite like it.

The sunshine on your back, the rustle of a cool breeze in your hair, and the gentle clopping of your horse's hooves. Yes, horseback riding is a wonderful thing—and there's no better place for horseback tours than beautiful Austin, Texas. 

So if you're looking for some great riding trails, we've got you covered. Here's our list of the most scenic and enjoyable horse rides near me. 

Horse Rides Near Me: The Top 10 Relaxing Horse Trails Around Austin, TX

Austin has many things going for it—a beautiful city, a beautiful countryside, and interesting people. 

And if you're a horseback riding enthusiast, Austin also has some of the best outdoor trails and horseback tours in the Lone Star State. So what are the best horse rides near me, you ask?  Keep on reading to find out. 

1. Dinosaur Valley

Dinosaur Valley State Park is a wonderful natural area to explore from the saddle. 

It includes numerous outdoor trails and horse riding trails, including the 100-acre South Primitive Area. The Paluxy River winds throughout this wooded area, and it's in the riverbed that you can spot the park's famed dinosaur tracks when the light is just right. 

Dinosaur Valley State Park is a great place to bring your own horse and explore. Or you can take a tour with Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Company, which offers equestrian services. 

2. Tri-Star Farms

Tri-Star Farms is located a little farther out, in Coupland to the northeast of Austin. 

The great thing about being out in the "boondocks" is that you get to enjoy the Hill Country while exploring those gorgeous horse trails. There are over 100 acres of shaded, beautiful country to adventure through on rides that can last up to two hours. 

Best of all, riders of all skill and experience levels are welcome. 

3. Hill Country Equestrian Lodge

Now, if you're looking for something a little more extensive than a simple horseback riding day trip, you might want to look into the Hill Country Equestrian Lodge. 

This is a perfect getaway for a couple of days, maybe even a long weekend. The Hill Country Equestrian Lodge features a remarkable expanse of over 6,000 acres of lovely Texas countryside. 

Plus, you get to ride the same horse during your stay at the Lodge, which helps you build a rapport with the animal during your time there. 

4. White Fences Equestrian Center

Like Tri-Star Farms, the White Fences Equestrian Center is a little way out from Austin.

This affords the enthusiastic horseback rider some excellent opportunities to explore the countryside and see some more wildlife. It's a wonderful place for a nice, quiet, relaxing ride, on well-maintained and extensive horse riding trails. 

The well-trained horses are perfect for all skill levels, and the rides can run from an hour to more than two hours, depending on what you're looking for. 

5. Miraval Wellness Resort

Now, if you're looking for something a little more therapeutic, you might want to consider the Miraval Wellness Resort. 

Located in northwest Austin, this is a great place to experience the healing properties of horseback riding. This includes mental wellness programs like Rhythmic Riding, which helps you discover balance through the rhythms of your horse. 

But if that's not your speed, Miraval also offers plenty of horse trails and horse riding lessons as well. 

6. Renegade Trail Ride

If you're looking for a somewhat more leisurely and luxurious trail ride, you can visit Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort. 

While you're there, check out the Renegade Trail Ride, which wends its way through the 1,140-acre McKinney Roughs Nature Park. Located along the lower Colorado River, this pleasant nature park has everything you need for a memorable horseback riding adventure. 

7. Southern Trails

The beauty of the famed Texas Hill Country is yours to experience and explore with horseback riding at Southern Trails. Best of all, Southern Trails offers unique riding experiences based on your skill level.  

The horseback tours at Southern Trails come in various options for different skill levels. Friendly and trained guides can take you on longer ranch rides or shorter "Little Dude Rides" for the kids. 

And you get to explore the beautiful, historic Victory Cheval Estate, which has to be one of the most scenic trail rides in the entire Lone Star State. 

8. Maverick Horseback Riding

Horseback Ranch, in the north of Austin, provides a number of diverse horse riding trails and options for many different levels of horse riding experience. 

With experienced guides and trained horses, you can explore the meadows and fields around Lockhart, just a short half-hour ride southeast of Austin. Enjoy a trip among the Texas creeks and rivers with the ranch ride. 

Or, for something different, try the BBQ Ride to complement your horseback ride with a BBQ feast. 

9. Texas Trail Rides

Texas Trail Rides is just a brief drive from downtown Austin—but it feels like worlds away. 

It's a great place to get away from the busy city life and immerse yourself in the joys of horseback riding and the serenity of a country setting. There's something for everyone, too, whether you're an experienced rider or just getting started. 

10. Switch Willo Stables

Finally, Switch Willo Stables offers a number of opportunities to experience horseback riding. 

It's a great place for group and private lessons, and it's even a wonderful venue for birthdays and holiday parties. And all this in a beautiful, scenic landscape. 

Escape the Ordinary With a Horseback Ride

If you find yourself wanting to explore and enjoy the outdoor area around you, you may want to consider referring back to this list.

There are many beautiful horse trails in the Texas countryside around Austin. They're a wonderful way to explore the majesty and beauty of the Lone Star State, and Southern Trails has everything you could want to make your next trail ride a memorable one. 

So give us a call or text us today, and book your next great Texas horseback riding adventure!

Maddy Munsee