Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where so many soldiers fought and died in the 1863 Civil War battle, happens to sit in the middle of lush horse country. You can experience Gettysburg National Military Park and the surrounding countryside via horseback.
History
Horses were nearly as integral to the Battle of Gettysburg as their riders, and equestrian culture still infuses the town as well as the battlefield park. According to the 2006 book and documentary "Horses of Gettysburg" an estimated 70,000 horses and donkeys were present at the battle and nearly 5,000 horses died in combat. Photos of the battlefield carnage show horse carcasses along with the human dead, illustrating the harsh toll of the day's events on animals as well as humans.
Significance
A popular antique store in Gettysburg in 2010 calls itself "The Horse Soldier," and statues, photographs and artwork portraying the battle and its participants portray horses nearly as often as humans.
Additionally, horse culture thrives throughout the region. Horse farms pepper the countryside near the town, and many visitors come to Gettysburg with their own horses, either to tour the park or to participate in historical re-enactments.
Another popular local attraction is Land of Little Horses, a miniature horse farm and museum that offers tours and shows. In addition to battlefield tours, all the local riding concerns offer trail rides through the countryside.
Geography
Gettysburg National Military Park is very horse-friendly, and its many trails will take riders past all the most significant historic sights, such as Little Round Top, where the 20th Maine made its famous charge, Warfield Ridge where Longstreet's assaults began and Soldier's National Cemetery, where President Lincoln gave his famous address. The Gettysburg Equestrian Historical Society and other organizations have raised private funds and donated labor to help improve horse trails.
Considerations
The park itself does not provide guided horse tours, but local businesses like Artillery Ridge, Hickory Hollow Farm, Narrows Valley Ranch and Cornerstone Farm Bed and Breakfast all offer guided historic tours. Most of these take about two hours. Some of the companies allow visitors to use their own horses, but all of them have horses for rent.
The non-profit Gettysburg Equestrian Historical Society organizes several historical trail rides a year, but you must bring your own horse. You can also tour the park on your own, with your own horse.
Regulations
Whether you are with a tour or on your own, you must stay on the designated horse trails within the park and the park reserves the right to close trails for safety reasons. There are designated trailer parking sites and any commercial riding endeavor requires a permit.
Accomodations
As of 2010, nearby Artillery Ridge offers camping for people traveling with horses as well as box stalls and a riding arena. Cornerstone Farm Bed and Breakfast serves as both a horse farm and B&B, with horses available for riding for guests and non-guests.
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