Horse Riding · THE USA
This is the shortlist you would send a friend who has never been up: 15 ranch and farm horse rides in the USA worth the money, each with its price, its rider verdict and the one thing to check before you commit.
Explore Lexington’s thoroughbred farms and Keeneland on a small-group tour with expert guides, horse access, history, and practical tips.
“It was a very personalized and interactive tour. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and personable. The farms we visited were very welcoming and the tour was very well organized. We learned so much about the horses and culture.”
Meet Kentucky thoroughbreds, visit private farms, feed horses peppermints, and explore Lexington horse country on a small-group tour.
“Very informative. A little redundant. Keeneland Park closed, as it was Thanksgiving Eve, but good considering close to holiday and a little distraction. There’s always a right time for horses for me!”
Ride with Maui paniolos at Circle M Ranch for ocean views, rain forest trails, gentle horses, and a genuine Hawaiian ranch experience.
“this experience was truly wonderful! so beautiful and scenic and the staff was absolutely amazing! would absolutely recommend to anyone who loves animals and adventure!”
Review of Waco horseback riding at Brazos Bluffs Ranch, with beginner lessons, river views, friendly guides, pricing, and practical tips.
“Fantastic time! Guides were very helpful and would definitely do it again. Thank you for a wonderful experience.”
Explore Gypsy Gold Horse Farm near Ocala with founder Dennis Thompson, meet Gypsy Vanner horses, and enjoy a peaceful two-hour tour.
“Amazing experience with the man who discovered a new breed of horse, the Gypsy Vanner. Beautiful time exploring the farm, petting the horses, giant donkeys and parrots. If you want to see the real Ocala, I highly recommend this horse farm tour. The owner shares his super interesting life history with the group. He needs to write a book!”
Tour Lexington’s bluegrass country, Keeneland, and working Thoroughbred farms in a 3.5-hour guided experience for horse lovers and curious visitors.
“John was so knowledgeable and gave us so much history. Even though caught in pouring rain it was well worth the money”
Review of Waipio on Horseback, a beginner-friendly Big Island ranch ride with ocean views, fruit tasting, Hawaiian history, and small groups.
“Wonderful tour! Beautiful grounds, wonderful guides Nia and Micah. Lovely horses. My son and I had a blast.”
Ride through Dead Horse Ranch State Park near Sedona, cross the river on horseback, and enjoy red-rock views with a friendly guide.
“Scenery was beautiful, guide was very friendly and helpful on the trail. Will definitely go back the next time we want to ride.”
Review of Louisville’s private bourbon and horse farm tour, with three distilleries, lunch, pickup, tastings, costs, tips, and practical advice.
“The tour was a great value — the guide, Mr Young, was very knowledgable and prompt. We enjoyed the fam and distillery visits. I would highly recommend this adventure.”
Ride through Kualoa Ranch’s movie valleys, forests, and mountain views on a gentle two-hour horseback tour with a local guide.
“I booked a horseback riding excursion at Kualoa Ranch through the Viator app, and one of the main reasons I felt comfortable booking was because the listing specifically stated that this excursion requires good weather and that if it was canceled due to weather, guests would receive either a full refund or the option to rebook. The day of our scheduled ride, there were severe weather warnings issued all day for high winds and flooding. Based on the safety concerns and the language in the listing, I reasonably believed the excursion would be canceled. Instead, when I reached out to Kualoa Ranch for a refund they stated the rides go…”
Escape Las Vegas for a ranch breakfast, gentle horseback ride, mountain views, and a friendly taste of cowboy life.
“An absolutely unforgettable sunrise horseback ride — truly the highlight of our trip to Vegas! It was the most magical way to start the morning after our wedding. From beginning to end, the experience was fun, peaceful, and so beautifully put together. Our hosts were incredibly warm and welcoming, and the breakfast was delicious. We even got to cuddle some adorable baby goats and try our hand at lassoing before setting off on a scenic drive through the Valley of Fire, as recommended. Whether you’re a first-time rider or experienced, this is an experience you won’t regret. We’re already looking forward to coming back the next time we’re in Vegas!”
Trade the Las Vegas Strip for Hoover Dam, Joshua trees, buffalo, horseback riding, wagon trails, cowboy songs, and a hearty ranch lunch.
“Our driver Kevin was fabulous! A lot of great information shared and he was accommodating to our requirements for bathroom breaks. Our trail guide was also Kevin and he was full of great stories and very patient. The food was great and cowboy Dave was entertaining. Such a lovely adventure. Highly recommend it!”
Meet Gypsy Vanner horses at Gypsy Gold Farm near Ocala, learn their story, and enjoy a friendly one-hour walking tour for $30.
“Such a great experience. Got to see some beautiful horses. Learned alot and helped out a farm that deserves it!”
Meet Gypsy Vanner horses, learn their British Gypsy roots, and tour a 40-acre Ocala farm with the people who brought the breed to America.
“it was not at all what we thought it was going to be , definitely not for children, they were bored”
Meet Gypsy Vanner horses, donkeys, mules, and parrots on a friendly 90-minute walking tour at Ocala’s Gypsy Gold Farm.
“Really neat farm with a lot of dear animals. The owners were great and their story was interesting and cool. Beautiful horses! No sooner did Eileen say that there was one particular donkey who always gets out of the enclosure when we were joined by that donkey who helped guide the rest of the tour. He was pretty pleased with himself!”
Sand, desert, mountain, jungle or ranch.
