The Best Fort Worth Horseback Riding Tours

Fort Worth is a big city, but you can still experience a bit of the county with horseback riding. Horses helped make the state what it is today, and you can get a taste of cowboy culture at a variety of places in the area. Here are some of the best choices for horse riding near Fort Worth.

Stockyards Stables

This establishment is ideal for young kids. There’s a petting zoo where visitors can feed the animals, and you can get your picture taken while riding a real Texas longhorn. In spring, you can often see baby animals.

At Stockyards Stables, several riding options are available. Arena rides last for 10 minutes, and children three and older can participate. Helmets are available. Kids 11 and older can take a 30-minute or 1-hour trail ride down the original Chisholm Trail. During the heyday of the Wild West era, cowboys used this route to drive herds north for transport on the railroads. You’ll ride along the Trinity River and get an excellent view of the Fort Worth skyline.

Stagecoach and carriage rides are available for all ages. You can choose a carriage with an open top or a replica of a 1800s Concordia stagecoach that was popular over 100 years ago. There’s a discount for kids nine and under, and those who are four and under ride for free. If you have your own horses, the stables can help you take care of them. Stockyards Stables is open every day from 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., and reservations aren’t required. However, they usually close temporarily for bad weather.

Widowmaker Trail Rides

Despite the scary name, the horses here are well-trained. All the rides last for two hours, and it’s only about 10 minutes away from the Dallas-Fort Worth airport. Guides will choose horses to fit the experience levels of the riders, and a variety of trails are available. You can ride through dense woods, meadows, creeks, the shores of Lake Grapevine, and more. Appointments are required, and many businesses host events here. All riders must be 12 or older.

Benbrook Stables

In 2018, Fort Worth Magazine called Benbrook Stables the best horseback riding in the area. In 2020, Fort Worth Weekly called it one of the best activities for kids. This family-owned stable has been open since 1957, and it covers 100 acres. You can choose an arena ride or a guided trail ride around Lake Benbrook. Trail riders must be eight or older, and kids under eight can ride in the arena with a staff member holding a lead line.

Riders with all experience levels are welcome, and reservations are required. You can take riding lessons that also teach about feeding, grooming, safety, caring for tack and equipment, and taking care of your own horse if you’re interested in buying one. Group and private lessons are available, and you can learn Western or English riding styles. You can also learn roping and other rodeo tricks.

Benbrook holds day camps for kids during summer, and they can go on hay rides, create fun crafts, and ride bareback, Western, and English. Kids can attend as many days as they want, and parents only pay for the days they use.

If your child participates in Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, they can earn badges by attending Benbrook. Benbrook Stables is a popular wedding venue, and you can even use horses in the ceremony. There’s plenty of outdoor space and a suite where the bride can get ready. Kids’ parties include petting zoos and hay rides. This place doesn’t accept checks, credit cards, or debit cards, so make sure you have some cash available. It’s open every day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Marshall Creek Ranch

Marshall Creek Ranch is in Southlake, about 25 minutes away from Fort Worth. It covers more than 12,000 acres, and you can travel over 39 miles of beautiful trails. You can see the shores of Lake Grapevine, or you can explore the Walnut Grove Trail at the Bob Jones Nature Center. Riders could see coyotes, white-tailed deer, red-headed turkey vultures, great blue herons, and more. Birthday parties are available, and the birthday kid gets to choose their own horse.

If you love horses but you can’t quite afford your own steed, you can volunteer as a Marshall Ranch Wrangler. You’ll feed, groom, and saddle the horses and go on trail rides with guests. It’s a great way to have fun, learn more about horses, and ride for free.

If you already have a horse, you can board it at Marshall Creek. All the horses get plenty of exercise, alfalfa-based pellets, and coastal hay. Riding lessons are available for people with any experience level, and you can check their website for class times. This place teaches Western riding, and they don’t teach jumping or participate in shows.

Chisholm Trail Rides

This place is in Rockwall, about an hour away from Fort Worth. It has about 1,000 acres with a variety of terrain for people with different experience levels. Trail rides can last from 2 to 12 hours, and they come with half an hour of warmup or instruction time in an arena. That way, you’ll be familiar with the horse before you head out. English or Western riding styles are available, and the guides can deal with people who have many experience levels.

Group and private lessons happen often, and members of the military and first responders get a 10% discount on trail rides and classes. For a romantic experience, try the sunset ride with your spouse. You can also buy gift certificates for friends and family members.

These excellent places can help you learn to ride or keep your skill level high. You can also enjoy nature, spend time with others, and take some great photos. Did we miss any of your favorite horse riding places? What do you think are the best trails to choose? Let us know at Hiley Subaru of Fort Worth.