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Whether it’s riding equestrian trails or taking riding lessons at stables with indoor and outdoor facilities, horseback riding is an activity for kids and adults of all ages, say staff of stables and parks located in the Metro St. Louis region and on both sides of the Mississippi River.
When planning an equestrian outing at a state park, research the park online, including the trail status, at mostateparks.com, recommends David Meeker, park superintendent of Castlewood State Park near Ballwin. Trails could be temporarily closed, Meeker notes, due to weather, maintenance, or hunting season. If you’d like to try horseback riding in Illinois state parks, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources notes, in part, on its website: “The general statewide season is April 15 to October 31. Horseback riding may be open year-around at some sites depending on terrain. Users should call ahead for exact trail status and availability of equestrian facilities.”
Below, find a sampling of the many equestrian trails and opportunities for riding lessons, as well as equine therapy programs, on both sides of the Mississippi River in the greater St. Louis area.
Castlewood Stables, Ballwin
Riding instruction, “Parent and Me” activities, a petting zoo, and trail rides are among the offerings at Castlewood Stables, in Ballwin, which is open year-round and has indoor and outdoor facilities. For more information, e-mail owner Kevin Kerber at kkerber@castlewoodstables.com or call 314-323-3440. 15811 Jedberg.
Castlewood State Park, Ballwin
Castlewood State Park offers three multi-use trails that cater to equestrian use: Grotpeter, Castlewood Loop, and Chubb. Beginning January 1, 2023, Castlewood and Chubb will be the two trails for horseback riding, according to Superintendent Meeker. For information, call the park’s main office at 636-227-4433. 1401 Kiefer Creek.
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, Wildwood
The Equestrian Trail, open year-round and spanning 6.1 miles, is limited to horseback riders and pedestrians. No dogs or bicycles are allowed in order to prevent horses from startling. “People need to bring their own horses to ride,” says Dawn Lockey, a visitors center representative. “It is a wide trail, and picnic grounds are available if people want to stop. We have a large parking lot with room for horse trailers.” For more information, call the park office at 636-458-3813. 800 Guy Park.
Equine Assisted Therapy, Wildwood and St. Louis
Lulu Bobolin, executive director of Equine Assisted Therapy, which has facilities in Wildwood and St. Louis, says the mission of the nonprofit is “to provide horsemanship experiences to people—adults and children—with mental, physical, or psychological challenges or disabilities in order to promote their healing and enhance the quality and productivity of their lives.” Staff include certified equine therapy instructors, a physical therapist, speech pathologist, and licensed practicing counselor, and more than 200 volunteers, according to Bobolin. Riders’ diagnoses include anxiety, depression, autism, cerebral palsy, and stroke. “We are strictly self-pay, but we don’t turn anyone away because of an inability to pay,” Bobolin says. “We have an incredible scholarship program.” Information is available at 314-971-0605 or info@eatherapy.org. 3369 MO-109.
Equus Rescue and Therapy, Milstadt, Illinois
This nonprofit uses support horses—the equine have been rescued from sickness and neglect, rehabilitated, and re-trained—as therapy for at-risk youth, veterans, and others. The mission of Warriors H.E.A.L (Horses Elevating Acceptance and Learning) is to “help service men and women who experience PTSD heal from their emotional trauma,”say staff. Equine Angels Youth programs are designed for youth 8 to 16 and include discussion of horsemanship principles like learning, empathy, kindness and respect, as well as discussion of leadership and attainment of hopes and dreams. For more information, call 618-520-3700. 8743 Le Pere Road, Millstadt, Illinois.
Kraus Farms Equestrian Center, High Ridge
Trail rides, classes, camps, and boarding are available through Kraus Farms Equestrian Center, which maintains indoor and outdoor facilities and offers year-round equestrian instruction. Trail rides are scheduled March 1 through November 30. For more information, reservations, and payments, call 636-225-9513. 333 Hillsboro.
Noonan Farms, Chesterfield
Horse riding lessons and camps are among the activities at Noonan Farms, an equestrian riding and boarding facility. For more information, call 314-914-2160, or e-mail noonanfarms13@gmail.com. 2315 Baxter.
Pere Marquette Stables, Grafton, Illinois
Pere Marquette Stables, located about two miles north of Grafton on the Great River Road, offers trail rides with horses provided for ages 8 and older, Wednesday through Monday, May through October. Reservations are recommended. Call 618-786-2156 for more information. 15780 IL-100, Grafton, Illinois.
Pony Pals at Kennedy Farms, Chesterfield
Pony Pals, for children ages 4–8, includes instruction in basic riding and horsemanship, safety at the stables, and care and grooming of equine. Kennedy Farms offers riding lessons year-round. Pony Pals has concluded its fall session and will resume in spring 2023. E-mail kennedyfarms@kennedyfarms.com for more information. 1122 Deep Forest.
Royale Ranch, O’Fallon, Illinois
Royale Ranch, in O’Fallon, Illinois, is open year-round and offers lessons, trail rides, and boarding. The ranch provides horses and gear, but reservations are required. Information is available by calling 618-972-5043. 1801 Lemen Road, O'Fallon, Illinois.
