Horse Trails Unlimited

Top 20 U.S. Horse Trial Rides as complied by Horseman Magazine

While there is the glory of the Olympics or Kentucky Derby, or the outstanding performance of a horse in the show ring there is another horse that is much more numerous and valued. This is the trail horse.

The trail horse takes us to another world, into the brush country or where the stars are brighter than any movie set. They help build memories. Horseback riding gets us out of the day to day grind that is so easy to get into. There are outstanding places to ride at parks and private lands from coast to coast and border to border. They can be a part of a bigger trail system or an independent system of itself.

An example of a long horse trail is the one that runs from the Continental Divide across Idaho and Washington to the coast. If someone was ambitious enough it is possible to do this just as when horses were involved in the westward push of the masses. Another runs in the northeast down the Appalachian trail. Although it’s possible to do these trails start to finish most people have a less lofty view of trail riding – that of getting out for a weekend or a few days or even a vacation and enjoying the sunrises and sunsets that we don’t normally get to see. It’s a chance to observe wildlife from the back of a horse or get so far off the “civilized path” that they are curious without being fearful.

In compiling a list of the top places to trail ride with a horse there are some organized rides and some not. Some are more challenging than others but all will build memories and are a chance to get out of the normal daily routine with your horse and family. As with the selection these vary in location, as well as in the ruggedness of the experience.

Wherever you choose to ride there are different challenges for different horses and riders. Be it a day, a weekend or a vacation these are some places to try!