Saddle Up for the Best Horseback Rides in Michigan from the Beach to the Backwoods
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Some of Michigan’s best scenery is best experienced from the saddle. Horseback rides in Michigan take riders through quiet forests, along winding rivers, over rolling hills, and even across the state’s iconic sand dunes.
Whether you’re looking for a quaint trail ride, a family-friendly adventure, a Wild West cowboy experience, or something a little more unexpected, like a glow ride after dark, the best horseback rides in Michigan are sure to rein you in.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to know anything about horses to enjoy the experience. Horseback rides in Michigan are designed for beginners, but also cater to the more experienced crowd. Here are the destinations that deserve a spot on your riding bucket list.
Stony Lake Stables | New Era
Just 30 minutes north of Muskegon in West Michigan, Stony Lake Stables has been horsing around for almost 80 years. You’ll be riding a horse, but expect to see plenty of deer along the way. Choose from a trail ride up to 90 minutes long. Children are welcome, and horses of all sizes and experience levels, along with trained guides, will help keep everyone safe. For more animal fun in New Era, try Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo.
Rise and Ride Ranch | Allegan
A year-round horse adventure awaits at Rise and Ride Ranch in Allegan, about an hour southeast of Muskegon. No matter what the season, a horse specialty ride means options like glow-in-the-dark, trick or treating, or trotting through a winter wonderland of holiday decorations. Plus, for an extra fee, ask to meet the “unicorns” of the Rise and Ride Ranch.
Wild West Ranch | Fennville
Not too far from there, the Wild West Ranch gives tour options that include horseback, in a sleigh, or being pulled in a carriage. If you time it right in winter, a sleigh ride can have you humming Walking in a Winter Wonderland for days. Horses and ponies are available for all horse ride options.
High Vibes Trail Rides | Milford
Heading over to Southeast Michigan, High Vibes Riding Trail sits less than an hour outside of Detroit. Here you’ll get so many more options than the typical trail ride through the forest. Gallop under the full moon, put on your cowboy hat for a cookout by campfire, take a meditative horse ride, or enjoy the winter igloo and hot cocoa bar. The options just keep going High Vibes Trail Rides.
Maple Ridge Stables | Vanderbilt
Take a horseback ride through Mackinaw State Forest with the team at Maple Ridge Stables in Northern Michigan. Rides run from one to two hours, with the longer options giving more time to trot, canter, and tackle rougher terrain. Groups of up to 10 are welcome per ride, with options for birthday party or special event rentals on site.
Coppler Farm | Pelkie
If you’re in the Upper Peninsula, head west until you find Coppler Farm. If the cold never bothered you anyway, you’ll love the winter rides in one of the snowiest places in the country. Rides run up to two hours, with plenty of horsing around activities available on-site.
Knoblock Riding Stable | Port Austin
At the top of the thumb, Knob Lock Stable offers horseback rides from summer through fall foliage. With more than 50 horses, there’s one to match your personality and skill level. Plus, this is one of the more budget-friendly horseback ride experiences in Michigan.
Cindy’s Riding Stable | Mackinac Island
When visiting Mackinac Island, you’ll have two horseback ride options, and we’ll tackle them both, ladies first. On the car-free island, you’ll appreciate a chance to get off your feet and see the scenery by horseback. The one-hour ride covers about three miles, with the two-hour option expanding to more remote areas of the island. Available mid-May through mid-October.
Jack’s Livery Stable | Mackinac Island
If you like the “horse” but not the “back” part of a horseback ride in Michigan, Jack’s Livery Stable, for the win! While they offer horseback riding as part of their services, they are best known for carriage rides. Shorter rides last an hour and cover the interior part of the island, with a 2.5-hour option that covers most of the island.
Ranch Rudolf | Traverse City
Ranch Rudolf leans heavily into horseback riding adventures in the Traverse City area. Trail rides weave through the Boardman River Valley, with water crossings possible. Choose from three types of trail rides, but don’t miss the sleigh ride menu or the options for horse camp, birthday parties on horseback, or trying your skills as a horse wrangler.
Double R Ranch | Belding
Just 40 minutes northwest of Grand Rapids, Double RR Ranch offers horseback riding and other activities where you could make a whole day of it. Explore the woods and Flat River on horseback, and even if someone in your group doesn’t want to ride, they can opt to float the river, play a round of golf, or go gushing.
Pine River Stables | St. Clair
The Thumb Region makes this list of best horseback riding options in Michigan, with Pine River Stables getting a thumbs-up for creativity. Yeah, they offer the regular trail rides, but there’s also a s’mores trail ride around a campfire and glow-in-the-dark rides that depart as the sun sets and then turn into a neon nighttime experience you’ll never forget.
Tails and Trails Farm | Adrian
Tails and Trails Farm might be the best place to bring kids who might be a little hesitant about riding (or being near) horses. Located near the Irish Hills in Southeast Michigan, this farm caters to experiences for children, like the Tiny Tots Class, Summer Pony Camp, and birthday parties. Plus, the Date with a Donkey option might be the most fun you’ll have on date night ever.
Jordan Valley Trail Riding | East Jordan
Heading back up to Northern Michigan, Jordan Valley Trail Riding is just 40 minutes south of Petosky. Choose a group trail ride or splurge on a private lesson. First-timers can also get a lesson separate from the rest of the group. Plus, with a trauma-informed equine therapy option, there’s something for everyone at Jordan Valley Trail Riding.
BYOH (Bring Your Own Horse) Trails
Michigan offers plenty of places where you can bring your own horse and hit the trail. Some campgrounds are designed specifically for horse owners, making it easy to spend a weekend or even a full week exploring the trails together.
Popular places to connect with if you want to BYOH include:
- Silver Lake State Park: One of Michigan’s most unique equestrian destinations, Silver Lake State Park lets riders explore miles of wooded trails and designated horse-friendly dunes. It’s a rare chance to experience Michigan’s famous sand dunes from the saddle.
- Michigan Trail Riders Assn: If you’re looking for fellow horse enthusiasts, organized trail rides, and multi-day camping adventures, the Michigan Trail Riders Association is a great place to start. The nonprofit hosts rides throughout the year.
- Michigan Shore-to-Shore Trail: Stretching more than 220 miles from Empire on Lake Michigan to Oscoda on Lake Huron, the Shore-to-Shore Trail winds through state forests, follows portions of the Au Sable River, and connects numerous equestrian campgrounds along the way. It’s considered one of the premier horseback riding trails in the Midwest.
Add Horseback Riding to Your Next Michigan Adventure
When planning a horseback ride in Michigan, you should know a few things that are pretty standard across all ranches:
- Make a reservation. Most require a deposit or full payment at least 24 hours in advance.
- Wear closed-toed shoes. Boots with a small heel are ideal because they help keep your foot from sliding through the stirrup. Avoid sandals, Crocs, and flip-flops.
- Many Michigan stables have rider weight limits, often between 250 and 275 pounds, to protect the horses. Check your preferred vendor for specifics.
- Helmets are often provided. Some stables require them for children, while others require or strongly recommend them for all riders.
- Age restrictions are common. Many Michigan trail rides have minimum age requirements, often around 6 to 8 years old, though it varies by stable.
Most Michigan trail rides are beginner-friendly, so you don’t need previous horseback riding experience. Just wear the right clothing, follow your guide’s instructions, and enjoy the ride through forests, dunes, meadows, or along scenic countryside trails.
Also, there are plenty of other animal encounters across the state to check out if you’d rather keep your feet on the ground.