My children are absolutely amazed by horses. My son in particular is horse obsessed. We have books, toys, coloring books, stickers, and more dedicated to the animals. Any time we can ride or even just observe horses, the kids are over the moon excited! Do you have a horse lover of your own? Here are some Central Indiana locations for horseback riding.
Trail Rides and Pony Rides in Central Indiana
Crooked Creek Trails
7187 W Co Rd 250 N, Royal Center
With over 150 acres of scenic trails, woods, ponds, and wildlife, Crooked Creek Trails provides an amazing horseback riding service in the Lafayette and Kokomo area. Horseback riding is offered for all ages. You can choose from half-hour rides or hour-long rides. Pony rides are available for younger children.
Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides
5889 S Skinner Rd, Morgantown
Grandpa Jeff wants to share the love of horseback riding with everyone. He has been a horse enthusiast since he was a kid and now offers relaxing trail rides through the woods, up hills, and across creeks. He has an amazing group of horses and plenty of space to go riding. Morgantown is a great place to stop if you are on your way to Brown County and Nashville.
Natural Valley Ranch
6310 E. County Road 350 N, Brownsburg
Riders must be at least 4 years old.
Located in Hendricks County, Natural Valley Ranch offers a variety of trail rides and experiences with horses. You can choose from 30 or 60-minute guided trail rides that take you along the banks of White Lick Creek. Weather permitting, you can ride year-round. Lessons, birthday parties, pony rides, and camp programming are available throughout the year. Natural Valley Ranch also has an Animal Interaction Area where kids can visit all sorts of other farm animals. Pony rides are $5 per person per ride. Be sure to call ahead and make reservations!
Prancing Ponies
17873 Joliet Rd, Sheridan
Prancing Ponies has been around since 2013 and provides pony rides with outstanding hospitality. They offer so many events throughout the year. In the spring, they check out $5 Fridays. Come hang out on the farm, ride ponies, and play in the Fun Zone. Summer Camps are offered for multiple age groups where children learn how to properly care for horses and ponies and get to experience farm life. Fall brings the Pumpkin Fest each weekend with wonderful fall activities planned. One of the most amazing things they do is Santa Grams. Prancing Ponies will bring one of their ponies to your door! What a way to create memories with your children!
Salt Creek Ranch
21040 US Hwy 52, Laurel
Head an hour south of Indy to find Salt Creek Ranch. Nestled within 700 acres, the horses are saddled and ready for a trail ride through the beautiful southern Indiana landscape. They have over 100 horses and kids of all ages may ride. Young ones can share the saddle with a grown-up.
Indiana State Parks with Saddle Barns
The Indiana State Park Saddle Barns offer options for trail riding and pony rides. These saddle barns are typically open on weekends in April and May, open daily from Memorial Day Weekend until mid-August, and then resume weekend operation through October. Each park provides a variety of activities including lessons, scout badges, gift certificates, birthday parties, corporate outings, and more. There are 5 locations around Indiana to check out.
Brown County State Park
18801 IN-46, Nashville
Open March 12-November 13 (daily) from 9-5 pm.
Take trail rides of 3.3 miles or 2.2 miles. Pony rides are available. Children must be 7 years or older to ride the trails.
Fort Harrison State Park
6000 N. Post Rd, Indianapolis
Open March 19-October 30 (daily) from 9-5 pm.
Choose from a 1.5-mile or 2.5-mile trail ride at Fort Harrison. Pony rides and riding lessons are also available. All trail riders must be at least 8 years old.
McCormick’s Creek State Park
250 McCormick Creek Park Rd, Spencer
Open April 2-October 30 (daily) from 9-5 pm.
A 3-mile trail ride is available along with pony rides. Reservations are recommended for groups.
Pokagon State Park
450 Ln 100 Lakes James, Angola
Open April 2-October 30, times vary. Check the website for up-to-date offerings.
Trail riders must be at least 8 years old and 52 inches tall. Pony rides are also available.
Turkey Run State Park
8121 Park Rd, Marshall
Open April 2-October 30 (daily) from 9-5 pm.
Each trail ride is approximately 3 miles long. Turkey Run also offers pony rides. Reservations are recommended for groups.
Wherever you decide to go, your family is sure to have a wonderful time taking a ride and enjoying a slower pace of life. Take time to appreciate the horse, get to know its personality, and take in all of Indiana’s beauty along these trails. If your kids discover they love horses, lessons are available at multiple locations on all sides of town.
Check out more places where you can interact with farm animals in Central Indiana.
