Horseback Riding

Also known as Equestrianism, horseback riding is truly an essential part of human history as well as being a really fun outdoor activity. Dating back to perhaps 4500 BC, man’s relationship with the horse has been critical as a means of transportation, farming, industry and warfare.

Today, horses are trained and ridden for a variety of reasons, and in the face of looming fuel shortages and rising process we may see their use increase. Horse are used for work, competition and leisure. People who love to get outside and also enjoy riding horses love this webpage because we offer descriptions and directions to parks that offer Horseback Riding Trails. (see below)

Here are links to our main article pages dedicated to Horses:

First Horse

Outgrown Horse

Quarter Horse

Practical uses for horses can include, herding animals, police work, transportation, along with pulling buggies and plows (don’t forget the Amish). Horse can even serve as our friends, because there definitely seems to be communication between a horse and its caretaker, rider, and/or owner. Imagine relying on each other for survival: You would grow to trust your horse, and it, you!

Horses are also used in competitive sports like dressage, driving, endurance riding, eventing, horse racing, polo, reining, rodeo, show jumping, tent pegging, and vaulting.

Horses along with mules and donkeys are used for non-competitive recreational riding such as fox hunting, trail riding or hacking. You can find public access to horse trails in almost every part of the world. Many parks, ranches, and public stables listed in our Destinations Section offer both guided and independent riding. You will find the parks listed which offer the best Horseback Riding Trails if you go to our destinations section and then click the selection on the right hand side of the screen for Horseback Riding. Enjoy the trails and getting outside, as you experience the great outdoors—on Horseback!

We invite you to become a member and share your favorite horseback riding / equestrian activities and outdoor destinations with our growing community. Your opinions, experience and participation are vital to our shared outdoor adventure.

Or you're welcome to go back to GettingOutside.com's Activities Section to learn about even more Outdoor Activities!