Equestrian Riding Trails

Riding Trails in New England

Say this three times fast: different horses and riders react differently on different terrain. Know which trails are right for you, your riding level, and horse. Equestrian trails typically range from:

• Easy, with gently sloping or level terrain; groomed or wide open; shallow or no creek crossings
• Moderate, with light hills over consistent surface; possibly some narrow trails and short steeper slopes
• Rigorous, physically challenging for horse such as on a level surface through deep sand, rocky terrain, mud patches, creeks
• Challenging, with rocky, uneven surface, steep slopes, uncleared trails, faster flowing streams and other obstacles that lead to more difficult riding for rider and horse

Horse Trail Riding in Brimfield, MA

Massachusetts has many nice horse trail riding areas. One of them is in Brimfield State Forest, a public camping and hiking park off of Dean Pond Road in Western Massachusetts. There are many areas to easily pull in and park the trailer at no cost. The 20 miles, or so, of rolling trails are basically walking trails that are fairly groomed, but there are areas that are rocky with some gravel areas, so boots or shoes for the horses are a good idea. We rode through an area of heavily wooded trails, along some swampy areas, and crossed a couple wooden bridges that were the same width of the gravel road and for most trail horses this should be no problem at all. Some people were there fishing and we ran into a couple hikers with a dog.

We rate these trails quiet, easy, and pleasant; easily accessible, and ideal for trail horse riders of all levels.

Horse Trail Riding in Southampton, MA

While riding the private fields and trails directly adjacent to theWhite Loaf Farm nestled in the scenic country setting at 32 While Loaf Road, in Southampton, Massachusetts you will see beautifully manicured farms and stunning country meadows. We enjoyed miles of trails & fields galore! We crossed nine large, well groomed, grassy fields, and encountered just one quiet dirt road at the far end, leading to wooded trails. The fields are interconnected and provide miles, and miles of beautiful, wide open, level terrain that beginners to advanced riders and horses will truly enjoy. Expect an occasional helicopter, or air craft to fly overhead heading to and from the distant Westfield-Barnes Airport. The associated noise will briefly interrupt the absolute serenity and silence, and may grab a rider's, and horse's attention.

We rate these trails quiet, easy, and pleasant; ideal for young and old(er) horse year round.

Twin Orchard Farm - Southampton, MA

This is a private farm owned and operated by the Kaniecki family from Southampton, MA. They sponsor several horse trail rides during the year. This farm is beautiful with semi-groomed wooded trails leading to open hay fields that wind around the property. The terrain has slopes and hills with some rocky areas and water crossing and provides a good workout for your horse. All trails are connected and marked for a leisurely ride. You will encounter some wildlife; deer, fox and wild turkey. The total time on the trail will vary between two to three hours depending on your route. Twin Orchard Farm sponsors Canter Against Cancer which will be held this year on September 18, 2010.

We rate this an easy to moderate trail ride with hills and slopes along with rocky areas, and semi-groomed trails.

Horse Trail Riding in Ware, MA

While riding in the densely wooded trails directly adjacent to the Domnarski Farm, on Bacon Road in Ware, Massachusetts, we enjoyed a great variety of terrain and footing. We rode for hours, and hours on public trails! Some sections were wide enough for two riders to pass side by side, others turned quite narrow and led to short, steep slopes, challenging horses and riders.

Before heading out make sure your horse is accustomed to pedestrians, bicycles, ATVs, dirt bikes and any other traffic you may encounter. In some places you may run into intersecting gravel and paved roads, so be prepared for the occasional car or truck. You may also run into an occasional hiker (with dogs), ATV, dirt bike, mountain bike, or snow mobile in the middle of the trails.

We frequently encountered extensive ruts, and tire grooves with standing water from 4x4 vehicles that made their way through. This can be bothersome during the bug season, while creating extensive ice patches in winter. Expect to deal with irregular footing that can turn rigorous at times, or slippery. Gravel and rocks are pretty much everywhere, so barefoot horses might fare better with boots if they have sensitive hooves. From time to time, expect a fallen tree across the trail, and several muddy bogs that cannot be avoided. Since they must be crossed, be cautious of pulled shoes, or stuck boots.

Also, because of the close proximity to the Nenameseck Sportsmen's Club and their outdoor rifle and pistol range you will hear gun and rifle blasts echoing through the woods, which may momentarily startle a horse. We noticed cell phones and GPS do not always work because of the thick tree foliage, which seems to interfere with reception. Wild life encounters are highly possible (we saw fox, deer, porcupine, beavers, ducks, and other birds) so make sure you wear all appropriate safety gear in case the horse spooks, and protect your horse from bugs, and ticks.

We rate these trails from moderate to rigorous, and very challenging at times. Ideally, they should be ridden in pairs, or a group, and never alone beyond dusk.

Horse Trail Riding in Broad Brook, CT

Dr. John E. Flaherty Field Trial Areais located in Broad Brook, Connecticut, off of Route 5. This trail riding area is an enclosed acreage surround by farmlands and urban housing. The area is utilized from March through December on weekends by the Hunting Dog Clubs in New England and across the country for field trials. During the Field Trials, the property is closed to the public. When available, this enclosed area has lovely flat groomed trails with sloping hills. Riding the surrounding area of the fields takes approximately two to three hours with trails weaving in and out of trees, brush, and marsh areas. During the week, it is quiet and tranquil and can be an enjoyable trail ride. You will run across some wildlife especially birds that will fly from bushes and because of standing water and marsh area, summer can be quite buggy! REMEMBER: Check forField Trial dates before heading out.

We rate these trails quiet and easy, but not always accessible.

Horse Trail Riding in Stafford Springs, CT

Shenipsit State Forest entrance is located in Stafford Springs, CT off of Route 190 and passes through the following Connecticut towns from south to north: East Hampton, Portland, Glastonbury, Manchester, Bolton, Vernon, Rockville, Tolland, Ellington, Stafford, and Somers. There are almost 7000 acres with over 41 miles of trails in Shenipsit State Forest.

A small and accommodating mountain with special views to the west, north and northeast; forested with oak, gray birch, maple and hemlock, and laced by trails. There are many miles of rocky trails, some single track. The most popular riding area is around Case Mountain, but there are plenty of other riders along the remainder of the trail. Beware of the southern section of trail as it is heavily used by ATV's.

The trails used most commonly by horses are patrolled by the Connecticut Horse Council Volunteer Horse Patrol and they are always willing to lend a hand (CT Horse Council). The park offers a parking lot, pit toilets, an observation tower, some interpretive signs, and no water. It is open from 8 a.m. to sunset.

We rate these trails as moderate with some challenging, rocky areas.

Massachusetts Forest and Parks

617-626-1250

www.state.ma.us/dem/forparks

Connecticut Forest and Parks
860-424-3000
www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2716&Q=325086

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