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Best Places For Horseback Riding In Sacramento

There are plenty of places in the Sacramento Valley and the nearby Sierra to ride your horse. If you don't actually own one, fear not. Throughout our wonderful area, there are stables that will accommodate you and your family. It doesn't matter if you are just starting out or are in need of lessons to sharpen your skills, there is a stable and horse just waiting for you and your boots to show up.

(credit: shadowglenstables.com) (credit: shadowglenstables.com)
Shadow Glen Family Stables
4854 Main Ave.
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 989-1826
www.shadowglenstables.com

Shadow Glen has been in the horse-riding business for over 35 years. Its location gives riders access to miles of riding. On the bluffs above Lake Natoma or on the trails that lace their way around the lake, riders can saddle up and enjoy a day in the beautiful outdoors. The riparian wetlands are a joy to see throughout the year. Doing it from atop one of Shadow Glens' well-trained horses is a fantastic way to experience it all. Bring your camera to record your memories.

(credit: leoneequestrians.com) (credit: leoneequestrians.com)
Leone Equestrians, Inc.
6213 Excelsior Road
Sacramento, CA 95829
(916) 689-4820
www.leoneequestrians.com

If your goal is to sharpen your horse skills, Leone Equestrians is where you want to ride. It specializes in hunters and jumpers and matching riders to the right horse. For 30 years, this has been the company's specialty. Learn from the pros about horsemanship with a bonus of learning what there is to know regarding grooming, taking care of the tack and caring for the horse that you partner with. If you have your own steed, board it and ride it here. Horse lovers will really appreciate the care offered at Leone Equestrians.

(credit: blackbayequestrians.com) (credit: blackbayequestrians.com)
Black Bay Equestrians, LLC
6802 Laird Road
Loomis, CA 95650
(916) 798-3907
www.blackbayequestrian.com

Going over jumps on a horse is extremely fun. It's also a very necessary skill out on the trails. Black Bay has been training horses and riders to jump for over 15 years. It is a full-service equestrian facility. Beginning riding programs are followed by full Jumper and Equitation programs. Anyone whose interests include competing in locally sanctioned shows will want to spend a bit of time in the saddle here. If you want to enhance your trail skills, take part in Black Bay's programs.

Related: Best Pet-Friendly Getaways Near Sacramento

(credit: ptranch.com) (credit: ptranch.com)
Pine Trails Ranch
35270 County Road 31
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 753-5310
www.ptranch.com

Way back in 1990, Pine Trails Ranch came into being. The focus here is on anything that has to do with riding horses. Your little ones, seven years and up, can take part in one of several offerings of summer camp, learning about horses and riding in an age- and skill-appropriate group. Adults can also extend their skills or learn new ones. If you are new to horses and riding, relax here with very supportive instruction and well-trained horses. Bring your boots and prepare for a great time.

Camp Richardson Corral (Credit, Charles Ferris)

Camp Richardson Corral
4 Emerald Bay Road
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96158
(530) 541-3113
www.camprichardsoncorral.com

Since 1934, the Camp Richardson Corral has been bringing smiles to horse lovers though its many family friendly rides. From pony rides for the kiddies, to guided scenic trail rides, to steak dinner rides, hay rides and winter sleigh rides, the smiles are constant. Trips into the back country for the more adventuresome are on the menu too. In addition to the great horses and rides, there is a beautiful lake for your viewing pleasure. Lake Tahoe is just across Highway 89 and Fallen Leaf Lake is just up the road. A camera is required to record your memories but boots and cowboy hat are optional.

Related: Best Gifts For Pets In Sacramento

Charles Ferris is a freelance writer who has lived in the Sierra, halfway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, for the last 37 years. In 2010 he retired from teaching after 36 years . He and his wife hike, kayak, cross country ski, snow shoe, ride mountain bikes and road bikes, year round. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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