Your quick online reference for USA Equestrian States. Use this page for a quick review of the various American Equestrian States.
Simply click on the heading to move through to that American state and discover boarding stables, barns, equestrian centers and riding holidays in that State.
Every American state is different and each state seems to offer more of one particular type of horseback riding than another.
Rodeo in Texas for instance is a little more popular than dressage riding.
Similarly trail riding is an experience not to be missed in Alaska, and a day at the races is a must do in Kentucky.
Browse the Equestrian States for Horseback Riding in the USA
Horseback Riding in Alabama
Alabama was the 22nd state in the USA it was admitted in 1819. The racking horse is one state symbol adopted by Alabama. The Racking Horse is horse breed derived from the Tennessee Walking Horse, recognized by the USDA in 1978. It is known for a distinctive singlefoot gait.
HorseBack Riding in Alaska
Alaska was the 49th state in the USA; it was admitted in 1959. Alaskas largest city Anchorage, has a variety of horseback experiences for the visitor, ranging from wagon and sleigh rides to rodeo events in the greater Anchorage and Mat-Su areas.
HorseBack Riding in Arizona
Arizona was the 48th state in the USA; it was admitted in 1912 (it had been part of Mexico before the Mexican War). This vast, sparsely populated Arizona landscape is ideally suited for horseback riding vacations. Film directors and artists have long recognized that the landscape here is some of the most dramatically beautiful in the world
HorseBack Riding in Arkansas
Arkansas was the 25th state in the USA; it was admitted in 1836. Arkansas has some of the Most Unique Trails in America. What better way to experience the beauty of the Ozark Mountains than by horseback? Horseback riding is becoming more and more popular in the Ozarks. You can enjoy much more scenery and backwoods by horse than by car
HorseBack Riding in California
California was the 31st state in the USA; it was admitted in 1850. There is a breath of fresh air, a mountian view and horses all rolled into a wonderful adventure just waiting to happen. California has an abundance of horse riding trails and Nnorthern California offers some wonderful opportunities for long canters
Horse Back Riding in Colorado
Colorado was the 38th state in the USA; it was admitted in 1876. Experience horse riding adventures in cowboy country and live the excitement of the real American West. Explore Colorado horseback riding in Grand County astride your trusty stead on one of many marked trails, or get your hands dirty and delve into the ranching lifestyle
HorseBack Riding in Connecticut
Connecticut was the 5th state in the USA; it became a state in 1788. Riding horseback in Connecticut makes for a great dude ranch vacation. A true family vacation on horseback at a guest ranch or dude ranch is one you’ll never forget. The Connecticut River Valley takes in New England river towns such as Middletown, Essex, Old Lyme and Old Saybrook
HorseBack Riding in Delaware
Delaware was the 1st state in the Union; it became a state in 1787. There are approximately 150 miles of trails open for horse riding on state-owned lands managed by the Division of Parks & Recreation, the Division of Fish & Wildlife, and the Forest Service. While riding, you can expect to experience a variety of environments and landscapes
HorseBack Riding in Florida
Florida was the 27th state in the USA; it was admitted in 1845. A good horse beneath you. A blue sky above. And hundreds of acres to explore on horseback. No stress. No phones. Just the thrill of nature and the smell of clean fresh air. That’s the beauty of a visit to Florida.
HorseBack Riding in Georgia
Georgia was the 4th state in the USA; it became a state in 1788. Georgia has beautiful parks, wildlife, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, coast and islands; Try the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests; the Ocmulgee River Trail ; the Hannahatchee Creek WMA and a multitude of other excellent horseback riding adventures
HorseBack Riding in Hawaii
Hawaii became the 50th state in the United States of America on August 21, 1959. Take a quiet ride on the coast or along a mountain trail. The grand panorama of the ocean stretches for miles in either direction. Riding through the surf on a Hawiian beach sounds like bliss
HorseBack Riding in Idaho
Idaho was the 43th state in the USA; it became a state in 1890. The old West is alive and well in Idaho, where guest ranches and outfitters offer miles of trails to meander, hayrides to take and cattle roundups to check out. You’ll discover that the whole world looks better from the back of a horse. The state has adopted the Appaloosa as one of its symbols
HorseBack Riding in Illinois
Illinois was the 21st state in the USA; it became a state in 1818. Ride the beautiful countryside. See the back roads and enjoy the Shawnee National forest with scenic bluffs, hardwood trees, seasonal flowers, wildlife, streams, waterfalls and rock formations. Horseback riding is a tradition in this state. Generations of equestrians have enjoyed the splendors of the forest on horseback
HorseBack Riding in Indiana
Indiana was the 19th state in the USA; it was admitted in 1816. Get a taste of the Old West in Indiana. With unforgettable dude ranch and trail riding vacations. Some of Indiana’s most beautiful scenery can be found in Brown County. Try Clark State Forest; Potato Creek State Park or many other excellent riding trails
HorseBack Riding in Iowa
Iowa was the 29th state in the USA; it became a state in 1846. Iowa is a place where you can enjoy the pleasure of riding English or Western. Iowa was a leading horse breeding state in the late 19th century when horses were used on all farms to pull machinery. The Iowa Quarter Horse Racing Association is an organization of devoted Quarter Horse racing owners, breeders and enthusiasts
HorseBack Riding in Kansas
Kansas was the 34th state in the USA; it became a state in 1861. Kansas is a Midwestern state in the central region of the United States of America, an area often referred to as the American Heartland. It’s named after the Kansas River which flows through it, and which was named after the Kansa tribe, who inhabited the area. Kansas has eight scenic byways, two of which are National Scenic Byways
HorseBack Riding in Kentucky
Kentucky was the 15th state in the USA; it became a state in 1792. The Thoroughbred Horse is one of the symbols of Kentucky. The Thoroughbred is a best known as a race horse. The breed was developed during the 17th century in England when English mares were bred to imported Arabian stallions. All modern Thoroughbreds can be traced back to these imported Arabian stallions
HorseBack Riding in Louisiana
Louisiana was the 18th state in the USA; it became a state in 1812. The state’s nickname happens to be Sportsman’s Paradise, with books written about the wildlife and wetlands. Louisiana has around 20 State Parks each park carefully chosen for outstanding riding. Riding the backroads of Louisiana, will allow you to savor the food, and feel the pulse of the music and people that make this State
HorseBack Riding in Maine
Maine was the 23rd state in the USA; it became a state in 1820. From the first hint of spring through the lazy days of summer, Maine is an outdoor wonderland. Ellis River Riders Horse Club is one of Maines’ largest equine organizations. Who offer a wide variety of activities including shows with both Western and English classes, Gymkhana events and an abundance of day trail rides
HorseBack Riding in Maryland
Maryland was the 7th state in the USA; it became a state in 1788. The Thoroughbred Horse is one of the state symbols of Maryland. The breed was developed during the 17th century in England when English mares were bred to imported Arabian stallions. The addition of verifiable Arabian blood coincided with the creation of the General Stud Book of England and the practice of the official registration of horses
HorseBack Riding in Massachusetts
Massachusetts was the 6th state in the USA; it became a state in 1788. The Morgan horse is one of the state symbols of Massachusetts and is one of the first horse breeds developed in the United States. Tracing back to the stallion Figure, which was later named Justin Morgan after his best-known owner, the Morgan breed excels in many disciplines
HorseBack Riding in Michigan
Michigan was the 26th state in the USA; it became a state in 1837. Surrounded by Great Lakes and rich in natural attributes, Michigan’s two peninsulas are dotted with 97 state parks, four national and numerous municipal parks. In addition, six state forests plus nature preserves and refuges provide plenty of opportunity for horseback riding through the beautiful Michigan landscapes
HorseBack Riding in Minnesota
Minnesota was the 32nd state in the USA; it became a state in 1858. The Land of 10,000 lakes; Minnesota is a recreational paradise. Watch as powerful draft horses are used to harvest a logging camps annual supply of firewood. Find picnic shelter, horse corral and picket lines, riding trails and nature trails Near Root River. Enjoy stunning scenery and even pick apples from horseback on the Orchard Apple Trail rides
HorseBack Riding in Mississippi
Mississippi was the 20th state in the USA; it was admitted in 1817. If you enjoy riding horses then there are some great outlets for you in Mississippi. Spectacular events are hosted here each year and attract thousands of participants and spectators. The Dixie National Quarter Horse Show held in February is the second largest quarter horse show in the world
HorseBack Riding in Missouri
Missouri was the 24th state in the USA; it became a state in 1821. The Missouri Fox Trotter is one of the state symbols of Missouri. It is an American bred horse with a unique four beat gait. It was bred in the Ozark Mountain foothills. The wooded bluffs and deep valleys of Missouri’s natural areas are one of its best-kept secrets, where you can enjoy great horses, great food, dude ranches, cattle drives and horse roundups
HorseBack Riding in Montana
Montana was the 41st state in the USA; it became a state in 1889. Montana is a vast and varied state of mountains, canyons, river valleys, forests, grassy plains, badlands, and caverns. Its Big Sky covers a land area of more than 147,000 square miles, making Montana the fourth largest state in the nation. The Arabian Horse Show has been an annual event in Montana for over 20 years
HorseBack Riding in Nebraska
Nebraska was the 37rd state in the USA; it became a state in 1867. The vast plains of Nebraska extend from the prairies in the east, rising up to meet the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in the west. Historic Fort Robinson, where Lakota warrior Crazy Horse was killed in 1877, offers the horse and rider many miles of trails; the National Forest on the Pine Ridge has an extensive trail system through the wooded landscape and creek bottoms
HorseBack Riding in Nevada
Nevada was the 36th state in the USA; it became a state in 1864. See the beautiful Red Rock Canyon on horseback with spectacular trail rides. Ride the range like the Cowboys of Old did and experience the beauty and culture of the desert. Nevada offers majestic canyon peaks, rare wildlife and breathtaking sunsets. Some of the best horseback riding areas are near Las Vegas and the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
HorseBack Riding in New Hampshire
New Hampshire was the 9th state in the USA it became a state in 1788. New Hampshire is a wonderful state to enjoying horseback riding
or a winter horse-drawn sleigh ride. The equestrian community and pleasure horses are an important aspect of New Hampshire outdoor recreation. Both thoroughbreds and standardbreds are raised and trained in the state. New Hampshire horse farms contribute more than $50 million dollars a year to the states economy
HorseBack Riding in New Jersey
New Jersey was the 3rd state in the USA; it became a state in 1787. New Jersey has the horse as its animal symbol. The spectacular 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area allows you to enjoy the 40 miles of Delaware River landscape, waterfalls, rugged mountain scenery and horse back riding activities. New Jersey is called the Garden State and you can explore over one million acres of farms, forests and wetlands
HorseBack Riding in New Mexico
New Mexico was the 47th state in the USA; it was admitted in 1912. The opportunities for outdoor sports and recreation in New Mexico are as varied as the state’s terrain. Few states can boast six of the earth’s seven climatic zones, nor are they blessed with the towering mountains that rise above New Mexico’s high desert plains. With thirteen National Monuments and Parks, 29 State Parks, and five National Forests, New Mexico is a horse riders dream
HorseBack Riding in New York
New York was the 11th state in the USA; it became a state in 1788. Horseback riding is all about fresh air, scenic views and having a great time year-round in New York State. In the Hudson Valley and Catskill Regions, there are many horseback riding farms and stables to choose from. A little further south in New York City, you can ride through the parks on horseback or even summon a horse-drawn carriage for a ride
HorseBack Riding in North Carolina
North Carolina was the 12th state in the USA; it became a state in 1789. North Carolina’s natural scenic beauty, rich history and culture, award-winning wines and top-notch sports facilities have distinguished it as a major destination for horseback riding. Trail ride in the Nantahala National Forest and in Hazel Creek in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer fresh mountain air, breath-taking scenery and an old fashioned down-home friendliness on the many Trail Rides
HorseBack Riding in North Dakota
North Dakota was the 39th state in the USA; it became a state in 1889. The Nokota Horse is one of the symbols representing North Dakota. The Nokota horse is a distinct type of horse that once ran wild in the Little Missouri Badlands in Southwestern North Dakota. Enjoy an American Indian powwow, a cowboy rodeo or take part in the living history that invites you to relive the spirit of legends such as Theodore Roosevelt, General George Armstrong Custer, or the Indian Chief Sitting Bull
HorseBack Riding in Ohio
Ohio was the 17th state in the USA; it was admitted in 1803. Appalachian Ohio has 33 state parks, 21 state forests, 11 state nature preserves, one national park, one national forest and some of the country’s most beautiful land. Discover Ohios’ Appalachian Country, a truly authentic American experience. Known for its’ natural beauty, unique cultures and regard for the past. Appalachian Ohio is the home of 24 sites on the National Geographic Appalachian Trail Map Guide
HorseBack Riding in Oklahoma
Oklahoma was the 46th state in the USA; it became a state in 1907. Oklahoma’s recorded history began in 1541 when Spanish explorer Coronado ventured through the area on his quest for the Lost City of Gold. The land that would eventually be known as Oklahoma was part of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. American Indians from more than 67 tribes, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek,
Seminole, Osage, Cheyenne, Sac and Fox, Delaware, Apache, and Pawnee, call Oklahoma their home today
HorseBack Riding in Oregon
Oregon was the 33rd state in the USA; it became a state in 1859. Choose to horseback ride in high mountain old growth forest trails with ice cold bubbling springs and streams. Oregon has thousands of square miles of secluded deciduous and old growth forests with hundreds of miles of trail riding. Much of it is high country, however coastal and ocean beach trails are also numerous, some with stunning Pacific Ocean vistas
HorseBack Riding in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania was the 2nd state in the USA; it became a state in 1787. Central Pennsylvania is classic Americana: small Victorian towns and close-knit communities. Pennsylvania’s 4.5 million acres of public lands include the finest woodlands and natural areas in America. The name itself means "Penn’s Woods," and public estate is often mountainous and filled with a myriad of creatures, plants, and natural wonders
HorseBack Riding in Rhode Island
Rhode Island was the 13th state in the USA; it became a state in 1790. Rhode Island is located in the southeastern corner of New England within easy traveling distance of several major northeast cities. Just 60 miles from Boston, Mass., 180 miles from New York City and under 350 miles from Montreal. Rhode Island is virtually a living museum. The state boasts one of the USA’s largest concentrations of historic landmarks
HorseBack Riding in South Carolina
South Carolina was the 8th state in the USA; it became a state in 1788. From the most beautiful mountain lake in the nation to the white sand beaches and islands of the South Carolina coast, the remarkable natural beauty of South Carolina outdoors is extraordinary. Horseback riding in South Carolina packs some amazingly diverse terrain into a relatively small region. There are over 120 miles of publicly accessible horseback riding trails in South Carolina and more private horseback areas than you can count
HorseBack Riding in South Dakota
South Dakota was the 40th state in the USA; it became a state in 1889. The state adopted Rodeo as it’s official sport in 2003. South Dakota’s unique national treasures include national parks and monuments, like Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Custer State Park. South Dakota has millions of land acres designated as state recreation areas
HorseBack Riding in Tennessee
Tennessee was the 16th state in the USA; it was admitted in 1796. The three stars on Tennessee’s state flag represent the three glorious regions in this beautiful state. The Tennessee Walker or Tennessee Walking Horse is one of the state symbols of Tennessee. It is a gentle and comfortable riding horse. West Tennessee is host to the second most visited home in the United States, Graceland, home to Elvis Presley
HorseBack Riding in Texas
Texas was the 28th state in the USA; it was admitted in 1845. The state adopted Rodeo as it’s official sport in 1997. Texas has nearly as many cities as stars in the sky as well as distinct regions that will take your breath away. If you’re looking for a real Texas vacation, Saddle up and head to one of the state’s many working ranches complete with cattle, chuckwagons and cowpokes
HorseBack Riding in Utah
Utah was the 45th state in the USA; it became a state in 1896. The state of Utah is unique and most of Utah lies on a plateau higher than 4,000 feet above sea level. The geology of this region takes on an amazing variety of shapes and colors. Horseback Riding in Utah let’s you discover the spires and brilliantly colored amphitheaters of Bryce Canyon National Park; explore the world-famous canyons of the Colorado Plateau just west of the Colorado River and retrace trails taken by the infamous Butch Cassidy
HorseBack Riding in Vermont
Vermont was the 14th state in the USA; it became a state in 1791. Vermont has four distinct seasons with daytime temperatures averaging in the mid-70s during the summer months and in the low 20’s during winter. On January 17, 1777, Vermont was declared an independent republic in a meeting held at Westminster. This independent little republic minted its own coinage and provided a postal service until 1791 when Vermont was admitted to the union
Horse Back Riding in Virginia
Virginia was the 10th state in the USA; it became a state in 1788. Located midway between New York and Florida, Virginia is the gateway to the South. Virginia is horse country for all equestrian sports, such as polo, steeplechase and track racing as well as the perfect place for horseback-riding trails that stretch through hunt country and meander through woodlands and along the beach
Horse Back Riding in Washington
Washington was the 42th state in the USA; it became a state in 1889. Washington is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The state is named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. It is the only U.S. state named after a president. Riding opportunities are endless and there three national parks in Washington, Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Olympic National Park
Horse Back Riding in West Virginia
West Virginia was the 35th state in the USA; it became a state in 1863. West Virginia the Mountain State is called wild and wonderful because most of the state is covered in forests where you can camp, hike, climb and explore. There are more than 200,000 acres of state parks, forests and wildlife management areas scattered throughout. West Virginia is rich with riding opportunities, most notably the Appalachian Trail and Allegheny Trail
Horse Back Riding in Wisconsin
Wisconsin was the 30th state in the USA; it became a state in 1848. Horseback riders can explore more than 800 miles of trails in Wisconsin state parks. Trail rides like the Military Ridge State Trail, originally built in 1835 as a road to transport supplies between Fort Crawford in Prairie du Chien and Fort Howard in Green Bay, the trail now runs 40 miles between Dodgeville and Fitchburg allowing you to enjoy a ride along farm fields and wetlands
Horse Back Riding in Wyoming
Wyoming was the 44th state in the USA; it became a state in 1890. The state adopted Rodeo as it’s official sport in 2003. Wyoming is often called the first state in outdoor America and is known for its herds of wild horses. Wyoming is as about as American West as you can get. Whether it’s a half-day trail ride or a overnight trek, riding in Wyoming is unforgettable with wide open prairies, high country trails and meandering rivers