Top Trail Rides
Think of it as nature's transportation – utilitarian or recreational. It's the horse. Legends have been spun around this regal animal. Early man's desire to fly even gave life to "Winged Pegasus", the majestic flying horse. The horse was central to America's most enduring movie genre, the western.
Today, getting into the saddle doesn't mean you have to actually own a horse. Renting one for an hour or so will do just fine as you head off into nature on one the many trail ride adventures, available less than a tank of fuel away. Here's where you'll find them. - Jay Lloyd
RED BUFFALO RANCH
1106 Anders Rd.
Collegeville, PA 19426
http://www.redbuffaloranch.com/
The Red Buffalo Ranch in the heart of Montgomery County has the advantage of also being in the heart of the Evansburg State Park which is criss-crossed by ideal riding trails, creeks, fields and pristine wooded settings. Moving along at an easy gait on horses of a friendly disposition, a rider can easily lose track of time and place. Civilization is far behind. Red Buffalo operator, former Montgomery County D.A. Mike Marino is a veteran horseman who has traveled the globe, riding his personal Arabians in challenging endurance races. His hand picked staff guides a variety of trail rides over paths that are chosen to match the experience level of the rider, from novice to advanced. The rides range from an hour to a 3 hour lunch ride. Explore Evansburg, stop and picket the horses for lunch, then move on to finish the adventure. Call for reservations: 610-489-9707.
What it costs: Trail rides are $35 an hour. The lunch ride gallops in at $100 including the lunch which often consists of Mike's own Venison Chili.
Getting there: From Philadelphia take the Schuylkill Expressway west to 422 west. Exit at Trooper Rd. Follow Trooper Rd. north to Ridge Ave. west. Turn right at Rt. 363 Valley Forge Rd. Turn left onto Stump Hall Rd. Then make a slight left onto Kratz Rd. The second left is Anders Rd. Follow it to the ranch on your right.
HAPPY TRAILS STABLES
Rte 611
Mt. Pocono, PA 18344
http://www.happytrailsriding.com/mtpocono.htm
With the Pocono Mountains as a backdrop, the Happy Trails Stable takes riders over trails once blazed by Native Americans and settlers. From high atop a horse in the Pocono elevations, the vista can be spectacular. Rides are geared to the level of the rider on horses that are trained for their patience with novices. Before the group heads out, basic instruction designed to eliminate those first-time-in-the-saddle butterflies is provided by professional horsemen and women, For those who would rather stay a bit closer to the ground and still enjoy the frontier experience, Happy Trails trots out pony and hay rides. And for those who want to expand their horsemanship abilities, a lesson program can be arranged during a Pocono getaway. For reservations call: 1-570-839-8340.
What it costs: A 45 minute to 1 hour trail ride saddles up for $34. Two hour rides are $62. It is customary to tip the guide.
Getting there: Take the Northeast extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the Pocono Exit and pick up I-80 East. Exit at Tannersville and take route 611 north, approximately 1 mile north of Mt. Pocono. There are shorter routes, but I've found this the fastest.
FERNWOOD STABLES
Route 209 & River Rd.
Bushkill, PA 18324
http://www.fernwoodhotel.com/horseback_riding.php
The Fernwood Stables are part of the total resort complex at Fernwood that was detailed in our Guide to Summer in the Pocono Mountains. http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/06/22/guide-to-summer-in-the-pocono-mountains/ . The stables put a unique twist on a Pocono visit by integrating the riding experience into a weekend getaway or family vacation. Packages are available that include trail rides through the pristine mountain countryside, along with golf, water sports, meals and entertainment. Rides created for beginners run about 45 minutes and ease the novice into an experience that provides a new and unique perspective on nature. It's amazing how much more and farther you see, high in the saddle.
What it costs: Beginner rides for Non-guests rein in at $28. Walk and Trot trail rides are $33.
Getting there: From Philadelphia (2 Hours) Take Interstate 476 North to Route 22 East exit in Allentown. Follow Route 22 East to Route 33 North to Route 209 North into I-80 East to PA Exit 309 into Route 209 North and follow Route 209 North 9.5 miles. Fernwood Stables are at the golf entrance.
HAYCOCK STABLES
1035 Old Bethlehem Rd.
Perkasie, PA 18944
http://www.haycockstables.com/
Mount up and ride through the Nockamixon State Park on trails that skirt the expansive lake. It's an exercise in exhilaration. Haycock Stables enjoy an enviable location alongside more than 5,000 acres of protected state parkland. It's a family run affair that has an equestrian history dating to the heyday of "riding to the hounds" in the Philadelphia suburbs. Today, the trail rides offered by Haycock are less of a chase and more of a ramble through nature. There's an emphasis on family trail rides. All of the rides are guided and on horses chosen to match the ability of the rider over trails that fit a variety of comfort levels. One to two hour trail rides are offered on Tuesdays through Sundays and riders are asked to call a day ahead for mid-week reservations and in the morning of the ride on weekends. Phone: 215-257-6271.
What it costs: Trail rides are $30 an hour per person. Couples and family rides are $45 an hour per person.
Getting there: From Philadelphia take I-95 north to the Street Rd. exit. Turn left onto Street Rd. and go 12.6 miles to York Rd (rte 263). Turn right on York to route 313. Turn left on 313 and follow it to Old Bethlehem Rd. Haycock Stables will be on the right.
FAIRWINDS FARM AND STABLES
41 Tailwinds Lane
North East, MD 21901
http://www.fairwindsstables.com/
Nearby northern Maryland is a land of wide open spaces. And that means room for horses and riders to roam. Driving through Cecil County, you'll see acres and acres of land behind post and rail fencing, cradling stables that have turned out Olympic quality horses and riders. Fairwinds Farm is among the closest to home and is a total equestrian center. Yes, you can take an enjoyable hour or two trail ride here. But if you're already a horse owner, Fairwinds boasts and on-premises bed and breakfast where you can get a room and stall to keep your own mount while enjoying a Maryland riding experience. This family owned farm and stables offers a full range of equestrian services including lessons and boarding. A trail ride here for novices includes a confidence building instruction session in an indoor arena before heading out on a guided ride through scenic woods and countryside.
What it costs: Trail rides are $30 per hour per person.
Getting there: From Philadelphia take I-95 south to Exit 100 (Rising Sun, Rt 272N, same exit as Cecil College.) Go nearly 4 miles: Fairwinds Farm is on the right, marked by two large lighted signs on either side of the driveway.
Beach trails rides on the South Jersey shore are unfortunately no longer available, but when traveling to shore points, either north or south, ask around.
A few tips: Most stables do not take credit or debit cards. It's cash or check only. Call first to determine the policy.
If you feel you would like to wear a helmet or have one for a child, call the stable to find out if they are provided. If not a bicycle helmet will be fine.
Wear long pants or be prepared for chafed knees. Anyone who has ever had toes stepped on by a horse will tell you it's better to wear western or English riding boots than sneakers. If you don't have them, and most people don't, a leather shoe is your best bet.
Until it really cools off, carry a good insect repellant.
Now, just let your imagination take care of the rest. Enjoy.
