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| Photo: Michael Ives |
From Gene Autry crooning about riding his pony in the Oklahoma hills to Toby Keith belting out his wishes to be a cowboy riding on a cattle drive, horseback riding has been a celebrated part of the Oklahoma culture for generations. It's also a great way to build family ties and make lasting memories while seeing some of the most beautiful outdoor treasures Oklahoma has to offer.
Whether you're a newcomer to the saddle or a seasoned rider with your own horses, Oklahoma has hundreds of miles of equestrian trails and outfitters waiting to help you explore the diverse terrain on horseback. Several facilities allow horse owners to trailer their horses in and camp with them in equestrian campsites while exploring the trails. If you're just a casual fan of horseback riding, or have yet to experience the thrill of riding, you'll find plenty of stables that will take you on a guided trail ride or guest ranches that will help you release your inner cowboy. Here are just a few of the places you might consider:
Stables Providing Trail Rides
Beavers Bend Depot & Stables, Broken Bow
Beavers Bend Depot & Stables, located in Beavers Bend State Park, offers a family-friendly environment with guided trail rides that last about 45 minutes. Children age six and above may ride alone and they allow younger children to double up with an adult. The same facility offers one-hour hayrides and has a narrow-gauge railroad that makes 15-minute trips around the river bend area. There are ice cream and candy concessions as well as a gift shop. Nearby activities include paddle boat and canoe rentals, and miniature golf. The beautiful Beavers Bend State Park with its tall pine trees, rolling hills and crystal clear lake and streams offers a gorgeous backdrop for your horseback ride in southeast Oklahoma.
Sequoyah Riding Stables, Hulbert
Sequoyah Riding Stables is an important part of the lodge experience at Sequoyah State Park in northeast Oklahoma. There are more than 300 acres of trails for guided rides, which are available on varying seasonal schedules from April through December. Children as young as six years may ride on their own; younger children may ride double with an adult on guided one- or two-hour trips. Pony rides are also available for young children, as are hayrides for the whole family.
Thunderbird Riding Stables, Norman
You’re welcome to trailer in your own horse and enjoy more than 500 acres of trails or you can rent one of the 30 horses suitable for riders of any skill level. Trails are well-marked, and the stable does not require that a guide accompany you. The facility is on the south side of Lake Thunderbird State Park just south of the metro Oklahoma City area in central Oklahoma. Some of the trails lead riders alongside the 6,000-acre lake while others wind through wooded areas. Wildlife abounds, and riders are likely to see numerous deer, rabbits, squirrels and wild turkeys. The lake is a common stop for migrating eagles, too. The stable is open year round, weather permitting. Rental rates are hourly.
D Bar T Stables, Wilburton
D Bar T Stables offers guided trail rides at Robbers Cave State Park that help you explore the San Bois Mountains and ride to the top of Robbers Cave the same way that outlaws Jesse James and Belle Starr did. The experienced staff at D Bar T Stables will match horses to any skill level and ensure a fun ride for the whole family. Pony rides are available for very young children and hayrides are also offered on Saturday nights during peak season. The shaded trails and outstanding vistas of this southeast Oklahoma area will make this experience a treasured memory.
Arbuckle Trail Rides, Davis
Enjoy a scenic trail ride in the magnificent Turner Falls Park in Davis where you'll ride on trails through wooded areas, across streams, and to the top of the cliffs overlooking the 77-foot Turner Falls. At Arbuckle Trail Rides you can also elect to take a half-day or full-day recreational ride in the Arbuckle Mountains on some of the largest and most historic ranches in the south central Oklahoma area. The trail rides are available year round, but reservations are required.
Gloss Mountain Outfitters, Waynoka
What makes the Newton Ranch and Gloss Mountain Outfitters special is the variety of adventure levels available. Bring your own horse and grab a map to find your way or have a guide accompany you. Guided trail rides for all experience levels are also available on rented horses and can be set up to suit your interests with stops for photos or a side trip to check out one of the ranch’s caves. Groups are small, with a minimum of two participants and a maximum of six. Terrain runs from meadows to valleys and rugged mesas, and those with their own horses can arrange overnight adventures to the north or south camping areas.
Equestrian Camps and Trails for Horse Owners
Bell Cow Lake & Equestrian Campground, Chandler
If you have your own horse, Bell Cow Lake & Equestrian Campground in Chandler has an equestrian campground that will accommodate large trailers. There are RV hookups and primitive campsites, showers, a manure dump, an area to wash your horse and a lighted pavilion for gatherings. Most trails run alongside the lake. Flat Rock Trail is 12.4 miles while Red Bud Trail is 22 miles. Trails are shared with hikers and some bicyclists. And beware, there’s no way to ride all the way around the lake as you’ll encounter bogs and fences.
Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp, Hodgen
Located in the Ouachita National Forest of southeast Oklahoma, Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp is the most popular starting point for the Winding Stair Mountain Equestrian Trails, a 70-mile trail system of marked equestrian trails. The network of trail loops winds over hills and mountains through a variety of vegetation ranging from tall majestic pines to stately hardwoods and lush river bottoms. The camp offers 130 campsites for equestrians with amenities including corrals, restrooms with flush toilets and warm showers, curbside manure removal, horse wash racks, swim areas, fishing dock, boat ramps and more.
Walnut Creek State Park, Prue
Located on Keystone Lake, Walnut Creek State Park offers equestrian enthusiasts the 15-mile Sand Plum Trail which features flat to rolling terrain and several premier vistas of the lake. The state park which is near Tulsa also offers an equestrian campground with amenities such as picket posts, electrical hookups, water, picnic areas, grills and comfort stations.
Indian Mounds Horse Camp, Clayton
Featuring miles of well-marked and maintained horse trails in the scenic Kiamichi Mountains of southeast Oklahoma, the Indian Mounds Horse Camp near Clayton offers all the creature comforts for your equestrian camping adventure. With shady campsites for horsetrailers and full hookups for RVs as well as showers and plenty of recreational opportunities, there's plenty to do here when you aren't on horseback. When you hit the saddle, you'll enjoy the mountain trails that are appropriate for all skill levels.
Wood Guest Ranch & Equestrian Center, Boswell
Camp with your horses at Wood Guest Ranch & Equestrian Center where you'll find 25 miles of horse trails on the 3,500-acre ranch that features hills, rivers and pastures. There are 28 full-hookup campsites as well as corrals and wash racks for horses. When you're not riding there are other recreational diversions such as wagon rides, paddle boats and hiking trails.
Foss State Park, Foss
Foss State Park offers an equestrian campground and multi-use trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. In addition to the equestrian facilities, Foss Lake offers water sports of all types and outdoor recreation facilities.
Guest Ranches
Tatanka Ranch, Stroud
The Tatanka Ranch is located on 1,000 acres of pristine countryside in Stroud, about halfway between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. It offers the opportunity for the whole family to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get back to Western-style basics without giving up your modern conveniences. Tatanka Ranch offers 10 cabins and a two-bedroom guest house as well as a saltwater swimming pool and a game room. Spend part of each day in the saddle riding trails around the lake or through the woods and tall grass meadows.
Mossy Rock Guest Ranch & Horse Motel, Claremore
If you travel with your own horses, the Mossy Rock Guest Ranch & Horse Motel is a delightful place to stay together. Located on 44 beautiful, wooded acres near Claremore, the ranch offers a luxurious and relaxing stay in the northeast Oklahoma countryside. You'll enjoy the one-bedroom Western-style bedroom and gourmet breakfast while your equine friend will love the large show-style barn stalls. Relax in the hot tub and luxuriate in the plush terry cloth robes or get outside for a ride together and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
Hitching Post Guest Ranch, Kenton
Enjoy a stay in the Cimarron River Valley surrounded by rugged mesas on this 100+ year old working ranch in Kenton. The ranch that is today known as the Hitching Post Guest Ranch has been in Bob and Jane Apple's family since the day it was first settled. Stay in a log cabin, cottage or mobile home and enjoy ranch meals with the family. Enjoy western activities such as stage coach rides, trail rides and exploring the ranch, or saddle up and help with the ranch chores.
A to Z Guest Ranch, Smithville
The A to Z Guest Ranch features over 150 miles of trails for horseback riders to roam among flowing creeks, lush pine forests and an abundance of wildlife in southeast Oklahoma. Stay in a cabin and enjoy riding the trails while dining on chef-prepared meals during your stay. If you own your own mounts, bring them along and stay at the ranch's campgrounds with your horses. The ranch is near outdoor recreation hotspots including Beavers Bend State Park.
More information
If you’re a novice, note that long pants are a good idea when riding horses, no matter the season. If you don’t own a pair of western boots, at least try to wear a shoe with a heel, such as a hiking boot, which will help keep your foot from slipping through the stirrup.
Find more information on our Equestrian and Horseback Riding page.
