4081 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT
A beautiful day for horseback riding near Stowe VT.
Mount Mansfield Equestrian Center: A Summer Horseback Riding Adventure
For a classic Vermont summer experience, head to Mount Mansfield Equestrian Center in Stowe, where families can explore the Green Mountains on horseback.
Trail Rides with a View
Secure a spot on a 1-hour guided trail ride and soak in Vermontโs natural beauty.
Along the way, youโll cross a covered bridge, follow a babbling brook, and ride through the woods before reaching open fields with stunning views of Mount Mansfield.
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- Who Can Ride? Ages 6+ who can get on and off a horse (with a little help if needed). Riders must be under 250 lbs.
- When? Daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Cost: $60 per rider for a group ride (up to 8 people), or $80 per rider for a private family ride.
- Important: Cash onlyโno credit cards accepted.
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๐ Visit Mount Mansfield Equestrian Center’s website for reservations and more details.
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Staying at Topnotch Resort?
If you’re a Topnotch Resort guest, booking is even easierโyou can reserve directly through the hotel!
For the Horse-Loving Kids
If your little ones are obsessed with horses, consider the Pony Day Camp at Mount Mansfield.
- Kids will learn horse care, grooming, and riding basics, plus get to ride Strawberry Shortcake through the meadow.
- Runs weekdays in summer, 10:30 am โ 3:30 pm.
- Call ahead to check availability and the latest schedule. (1-802-798-9769)
๐ Check out their website for camp details and sign-ups.
Ready to saddle up for an unforgettable ride? This Stowe adventure is one your family wonโt forget!
From covered bridges to charming main streets, these Day Trips from Burlington offer even more ways to soak up Vermontโs beauty.
984 Pollander Road,ย Jeffersonville, VT
Photo Credit: Lajoie Stables
Lajoie Stables: Year-Round Horseback Riding & Winter Sleigh Rides
For a true Vermont horse adventure, head to Lajoie Stables, the stateโs largest horse barn! J
ust 40 minutes from Stowe, this family-run stable (now in its second generation!) offers guided trail rides through the scenic Green Mountain foothills.
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Scenic Trail Rides
Ride through rolling landscapes, past a Christmas tree grove, and soak in stunning views of Mount Mansfield and Smugglersโ Notch.
Your one-hour guided trail ride even includes a Black Creek crossing, where you might spot some local wildlife along the way.
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- Who Can Ride? Riders of all skill levels are welcome, from young beginners to experienced equestrians.
- When? Open year-round, though winter conditions may limit trail options.
- Special Requests? They can curate a VIP riding experience just for your family.
๐ Visit Lajoie Stables’ website for details.
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Winter Sleigh Rides
Visiting in the winter? Swap the saddle for a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride!
- Cozy up under wool blankets as two horses lead your family through a snowy Vermont wonderlandโcomplete with the festive sound of jingle bells.
- Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Reservations required for sleigh rides.
๐ Call (802)-644-5347 to book your rideโreservations can only be made over the phone.
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After a day on horseback, youโll need a great meal.
Hereโs where to find the Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Stowe!
3061 North Fayston Road,ย Fayston, VT
Photo: Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm
Ride Icelandic Horses at Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm
Looking for a one-of-a-kind family adventure on a beautiful day near Stowe?
At Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm, youโll get to experience one of the worldโs oldest horse breeds while riding through Vermontโs stunning countryside.
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Trail Rides & Multi-Day Adventures
Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm offers daily trail rides year-round, plus multi-day riding packages for those who want to extend the adventure.
- What Makes Icelandic Horses Special? These sturdy, compact horses are known for their smooth gait and friendly nature.
- Scenic Ride Highlights: Youโll travel along the back roads of the Mad River Valley and through the Green Mountain foothills.
- Full-Day Ride Bonus: Choose a full-day ride and enjoy a picnic lunch at the farm!
๐ Visit their website for booking and more details.
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Who Can Ride?
- Riders must be 10+ years old and should have some previous riding experience.
- Group sizes are limited to 4-8 riders, keeping the experience intimate and personal.
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More Than Just Trail Rides
Beyond guided rides, Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm also offers:
โ Private horseback riding lessons
โ Horse boarding & training services
โ Tack sales for equestrian gear
Ready to discover the magic of Icelandic horses in Vermont? This is one riding experience your family wonโt forget!
Horseback riding is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Vermontโs stunning fall foliage.
For even more autumn adventures, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Vermont in the Fall.
182 VT Route 100C, Johnson, VT
Horse-Drawn Rides at Sterling Mountain Farm
If your little ones arenโt quite ready for a full trail ride, Sterling Mountain Farm offers a magical alternative with horse-drawn sleigh and carriage ridesโperfect for a Vermont adventure at any time of year!
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Winter Sleigh Rides
Experience the magic of winter as two beautiful horses pull your family through 1.5 miles of serene snowy trails.
Each 30-minute ride is the perfect way to soak in Vermontโs winter wonderland.
- Capacity: 4 adults OR 2 adults + 3 kids
- Non-Holiday Prices: $50/adult, $20/child (4-12)
- Holiday Prices (Dec 19โ31 & Feb 14): $60/adult, $26/child (4-12)
- Kids under 4 ride free! (Minimum booking: 2 adults)
๐ Visit Sterling Mountain Farm’s website to book your ride.
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Spring, Summer & Fall Carriage Rides
Trade in the sleigh for a vintage horse-drawn carriage and enjoy 30 minutes of scenic Vermont countryside during the warmer months.
- Capacity: Same as the winter sleighโbut no need for extra blankets (hopefully).
- Summer Prices: $85 per couple (min. charge), $18/child (4-12)
- Fall Prices: $100 per couple (min. charge), $20/child (4-12)
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Add a Sweet Stop at the Sugar House
Visiting in summer or fall? Extend your ride with a Sugar House stop, where youโll learn how authentic Vermont maple syrup is madeโstraight from the farm owners!
- Bonus: A complimentary maple syrup tasting
- Cost: $15 per group (summer) / $20 per group (fall)
- Heads up: The Sugar House is not ADA-accessible and is open seasonally
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๐ Sterling Mountain Farm is a must-visit for families looking for a unique, horse-drawn experience in Vermont!
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Dreaming of the ultimate Vermont getaway?
Pair your trail ride with a stay at one of these Cozy Vermont Retreats.
Experience Horseback Riding Near Stowe For Yourself!
Horseback riding near Stowe is more than just a fun activityโitโs a chance to slow down, take in Vermontโs stunning scenery, and make unforgettable family memories.
Whether you’re trotting through mountain trails, crossing covered bridges, or bundling up for a winter sleigh ride, these experiences bring a whole new perspective to the Green Mountains.
Ready to ride? Book one of these amazing horseback riding adventures near Stowe, VT, and let the fun begin!
Happy Travels…
