Horse Riding in North Dakota can be a sedate relaxing hobby or it can be an adrenaline pumping competitive sport.
It all depends on the speed you ride your horse and the degree of difficulty imposed by your chosen trail ride or equestrian event.
Horse riding is something that can be enjoyed by any visitor or local in North Dakota, at any age. It offers fun and adventure for everyone that loves equines and all local horse riders.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend out on a trail ride, or to compete in a local equestrian competition, North Dakota has something to offer.
From the many horse trails to the equestrian friendly campgrounds and equestrian centers offering riding lessons, barn stables and trekking.
North Dakota Facts
The state of North Dakota is located along the Canadian border, in the Midwestern area of the United States.
North Dakota is often referred to as the ‘High Plains’ being the 19th largest state in the United States.
North Dakota has the third lowest population and has a typical continental climate.
Horse riders can experience very diverse weather, with each of the four seasons providing very different weather. Summers can be extremely hot and winters can be brutally cold. As a result horse riding in North Dakota can test the novice rider and provide the more experienced with unique challenges.
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If you plan to go horse riding in North Dakota, miles of riding trails await at the Cheyenne National Grasslands, the Fort Lincoln State Park and the Little Missouri State Park.
Horse Breeds & Types of Horses in North Dakota
There are many horse breeds available in North Dakota for sale or to lease. A distinct horse breed associated with North Dakota is the Nokota horse, which runs freely in the Little Missouri Badlands situated in the Southwestern area of North Dakota.
It wasn’t until the end of the 19th century that the non-Indian people first spotted wild horses living within the North Dakota region.
Horse Riding Events in North Dakota
One of the most popular horse riding events in North Dakota is the Roughriders days Fair and Expo/Rodeo that is held every summer in Dickinson. Ending with the Fourth of July celebration, the rodeo reaches a whole new level with parades, fireworks and live music.
Rodeo is enjoyed by many of the locals and equestrian tourists alike, but If you aren’t much of a rodeo fan then exploring the Dakota countryside for other horse riding facilities will definitely lead you to some other more traditional equestrian events and horse shows.
All the equestrian centers in North Dakota state offer great opportunities to experience all types of equestrian disciplines or trekking and trail riding for the equestrian enthusiast.
Top Trail Rides, Campgrounds & Equestrian Centers in North Dakota
Providing the best for both riders and horses, the Breezy Manor Equestrian Center is a mandatory destination for all horse lovers travelling through Fargo.
The RK Arena is the perfect place to enjoy a wide range of equestrian facilities, horse shows and equestrian events, dedicated for the enjoyment of all people practicing or eager to start horse riding in North Dakota. A visit to this popular equestrian center will suit the needs of the novice or experienced rider, and can provide some of the best boarding livery stables near the beautiful Kiser Lake State Park.
General George Custer’s last home is reconstructed, as are the central barracks, granary, commissary and a stable.
701-667-6340
Fort Ransom State Park: 2 miles north of Fort Ransom, Fort Ransom, ND 58033
Fort Ransom State Park, which takes its name from an 1860s military fort, is located in the midst of the scenic and heavily wooded Sheyenne River v…
701-973-4331
Killdeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Byway: Killdeer, Killdeer, ND 58640
From the Killdeer Mountains to the deeply entrenched Little Missouri River Breaks and Badlands, this 64 mile byway provides a unique and enchanting la…
701-764-6092
Lewis and Clark State Park: 19 miles southeast on Highway 1804, Epping, ND 58843
Situated on one of the upper bays of Lake Sakakawea, the rugged buttes of the North Dakota Badlands display a towering backdrop to one of the state…
701-859-3071
Little Missouri State Park: 19 miles north of Killdeer, Killdeer, ND 58502
Little Missouri State Park contains some of the most rugged, picturesque Badlands terrain in North Dakota. Most of the park is accessible only by h…
701-794-3731
Maah Daah Hey Trail: Little Missouri National Grassland, Medora, ND 58601
The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a 144-mile non-motorized single track through the Badlands of North Dakota. It is recognized as one of the top mountain …
701-227-7800
The Pembina Gorge: Rendezvous Region, Walhalla, ND
The Pembina Gorge extends from the Canadian border west of Walhalla and encompasses one of the largest uninterrupted blocks of woodlands in North Dakota
701-549-2707
Theodore Roosevelt National Park – South Unit, Medora, ND 58645
Scenic splendor in beautiful ND Badlands. The South Unit includes a scenic loop drive, wildlife viewing, hiking, camping and ranger activities. A v…
701-623-4466
Buffalo Gap Guest Ranch and Trailhead: Medora, ND
10 cabin-style rooms, full-service bar and restaurant, trail access, outfitting and guide service available, horse accommodations….
701-623-4200
The Bunkhouse: 12942 Beicegel Creek Road, Grassy Butte, ND 58634
Breathtaking views of the Badlands await you during your stay at the “Bunkhouse,” located near the Maah Daah Hey Trail. Two fully furnished cabins, in…
701-863-6721
Dakota Hills Hideaway: Robinson, Robinson, ND 58478
Voted “Top 50 Ecotourism Site in the Great Plains.” Clean, quiet, scenic and peaceful. Sleeps up to nine guests. Complete kitchen and laundry. Smok…
701-392-8351
Gentle Wind Stables: 4143 153rd Av. SE, Durbin, ND 58059
Gentle Wind Stables is your destination for experiencing horseback riding of North Dakota. Rich with agricultural history, Gentle Wind Stables is y…
701-491-8841
King Ranch: 14625 Plumely Draw Road, Medora, ND 58645
King Ranch is a great place to stay with or without horses. We offer a private experience for our guests as we only allow one group at a time so ou…
701-623-5364
Magpie Campground: 14 miles west of Highway 85 on FDR #712, Medora, ND 58601
Eleven scenic shaded campsites; 2 hitching rails, fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilet, potable water. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding ac…
701-227-7800
Medora Riding Stables (tel: 701 623 4444): 1/2 mile east of Medora, Medora, ND 58645
Friendly trail guides and well-trained horses will take you on a Badlands adventure along buttes and canyons. Riders must be seven years of age or …
Horse riding in North Dakota can offer something different for every equestrian.
Some riders enjoy a relaxing trail ride while others will seek out the thrill of equestrian competition.
North Dakota offers a wide variety of venues for horse riders and the novice horse rider will find good training at some of the best equestrian centers in the state, while the more experienced rider can ride some of the most beautiful trails in the USA.
For that reason Horse riding in North Dakota is a definite must-do.