Take a vacation in the Midwest and experience horseback riding in Ohio. You'll improve your riding skills as you explore miles and miles of bridle trails located throughout the state's regions. Test your skills in different terrains and expect to see views along the way such as the rugged hills of Belmont County or the prairies and wetlands of Buck Creek State Park in Clark County.
Geography
Ohio has Lake Erie to its north providing 312 miles of coastline and the Ohio River to the south defining the southern border. Aside from horseback riding trails near the waters, Ohio also encompasses scenic trails surrounded by woodlands, rugged hills, forested areas and numerous ranches for horseback riding.
Types
You have many options when it comes to choosing a place to enjoy riding in Ohio. Private ranches, stables, resorts and state-owned parks offer trails where you can take your horse for a ride. Ranches offer many amenities and services, while state parks maintain trails for horseback riding.
Try the horseback riding trails of West Branch State Park, Mosquito Lake State Park and Huntington Stables in the northeast part of the state or Behind the Pines Horse Ranch and Alum Creek State Park in central Ohio. In the southwestern part of the state, you can ride trails surrounded by farm fields, wetlands and prairies in Sycamore and Little Miami state parks.
Function
Typically, ranches and stables offer more amenities compared with state parks, which mostly offer only riding trails for those who own horses. Ranches and stables provide horses, riding instructions and seasonal camps and other services for guests. Visit Summer Wind Stables in Chesterland and practice your skills by signing up for horse riding clinics, riding and tack lessons and by participating in shows. Summer Wind also offers riding camps, horse boarding and pony rides. Riding camps are offered throughout the year, including the summer, spring and holiday seasons.
Trails
Take your horse to West Branch State Park in Ravenna and experience riding through 20 miles of bridle trails surrounded by beech-maple forests, woodland wildflowers and water views of the Michael J. Kirwan Dam and Reservoir. The area is abundant with wildlife such as songbirds, white waterfowl, fox and opossums.
If you're visiting the southwest region, stop by the Sycamore State Park in Trotwood. The state park offers horseback riders 15 miles of bridle trail surrounded by huge sycamore trees, Wolf Creek, forests and meadows. Other activities and facilities include picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing, tent and cabin camping. A primitive 15-site horseman camp is also available in the park.
Accommodations
Camping accommodations are available in horse ranches, state parks and stables throughout the state. Bring your horse or rent one at Smoke Rise Ranch in Glouster and stay in a variety of lodging accommodations such as tent camping, ranch-style units and cabin camping. Activities within camp include guided horseback trail riding, cattle drives, team penning and cow cutting.
The Bear Creek Ranch Resort in East Sparta has a horseback riding day camp. The ranch also offers other activities including fishing, boating and hiking. Types of lodging include RV and tent camping, lodge rooms, cottages and cabins.
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