Some say there’s nothing more relaxing than traversing forested trails from a seat in the saddle atop your favorite horse. If you can relate, register at the new Geauga Park District or 440-286-9516 to bring your horse out for a Geauga Park District naturalist-led ride this spring.
Maple Highlands Horse Ride – Saturday, May 5th, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Headwaters Park, Rt. 608 Parking Lot
Spend the morning on a leisurely Amish-countryside ride along the bike and buggy path, including two covered bridges. This 6-7 mile ride on the newly opened Maple Highlands Trail-South provides a peaceful tour of parks, farms and village. Road crossings, gravel, bridges, bikes and/or buggies may be anticipated. A different ride takes place in the afternoon; participants may register for one or both rides and bring lunch to eat in between.
Headwaters Horse Ride – Saturday, May 5th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Headwaters Park, Rt. 608 Parking Lot
Spend the afternoon on a leisurely ride enjoying wildflowers, an eagle nest, migratory birds and scenic lake views. This 4-mile ride on the Buckeye and Maple Bridle Trails includes gravel and bridges with the possibility of bikes. A different ride takes place in the morning; participants may register for one or both rides and bring lunch to eat in between.
Horseback Trail Ride (Walk, Trot & Canter) – Saturday, June 23rd, Observatory Park
Walk, Trot & Canter: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Walk Only: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Enjoy the summer woodland from a seat in the saddle at your preferred pace. Participants may register for one or both rides and bring lunch to eat in between.
Riders must trailer their own horses to the park. Helmets are encouraged.
Park patrons who sometimes encounter horses – including children, stroller-pushers and dogs – are also encouraged to attend Sharing Trails with Horses (For Hikers, Bikers & Other Trail Users) on Saturday, April 21st from 10:00 a.m.to 12:00 p.m. at The West Woods’ Turkey Ridge Shelter. Participants will learn how to safely approach horseback riders sharing park trails, as well as meet horses and riders from Rich Bradshaw Training Stables of Burton, who will demonstrate trail etiquette and how to get “inside the brain” of a horse. No additional horses, please.
And if you love going out on your horse, have you checked out the new Geauga Park District? Visit Horseback Riding page under Activities for everything you’ll need to plan your next riding adventure in Geauga Park District: links to all our parks where riding is permitted, rules for riding in the parks, total trail mileages, trailer parking addresses and upcoming equine programming.
For more on Geauga Park District offerings, please call 440-286-9516 or visit Geauga Park District online via Geauga Park District, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.
