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Best Places For Horseback Riding Near OC

Los Angeles Horseback Riding header
(credit: Los Angeles Horseback Riding)

With summer around the corner, why not indulge in some horseback riding fun? Orange County offers a ton of great spots to ride and here are five of the best.

Country Trails
(credit: Country Trails And Riding School)

Country Trails and Riding School
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 538-5860
www.ctriding.com

Located in the spacious and beautiful Irvine Regional Park, Country Trails and Riding School provides one of the best places in Orange County for horseback riding. Offering one- and two-hour rides through native chaparral and woodlands habitats, your ride can be an educational, natural retreat from the day-to-day city life as you learn about the local plants and animals. Children as young as 8 years old are permitted to ride the horses, making a family daycation possible as you explore all the amenities Irvine Regional Park has to offer, including picnic areas, paddle boats and the Orange County Zoo.

sunshine and daydreams horseback riding
(credit: Sunshine & Daydreams)

Sunshine & Daydreams 
Riverside, CA 92505
(909) 645-1270
www.sunshineanddaydream.com

Experience the beauty of the Hidden Valley Wildlife Reserve as you enjoy a one- or two-hour horseback ride through some of the most scenic trails in the area. Varied landscapes include foothills, woodlands and wetlands that provide a natural habitat for native and migratory flora and fauna. The idyllic scenery is perfect for a romantic getaway or as part of a family vacation, and experience is not necessary. Beginning and advanced riders are welcome, and the ride is designed to educated guests about proper horseback riding and the possibilities of horse ownership. With over 25 miles of trails, each visit to Sunshine & Daydreams will be a new experience.

western trails horseback riding
(credit: Western Trails Horseback Riding)

Western Trails Horseback Riding
4886 California Ave.
Norco, CA 92860
(951) 403-1290
www.ridenorco.com

For a fun family activity any time of the year, Western Trails Horseback Riding is sure to satisfy. Explore the Santa Ana River basin with all its natural beauty and variety of habitats. In addition to California trees and shrubs, there are grasslands, chaparral, spacious prairies and bamboo forests to explore on these one-hour tours. All riders ages 7 and up are welcome to ride on this wilderness retreat, where hawks, coyotes, wild boars and other local fauna might make their presence known. This is a perfect ride for active, natural fun with the family.

Related: OC's Best Flying Adventures

Horse Play Rentals
(credit: Horse Play Rentals)

Horse Play Rentals
18381 Goldenwest St.
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 848-6565
www.hcpec.com

Meander through the pastoral hills of Huntington Beach as you soak in the spring sun on a quiet horseback ride. Looking down on the beautiful Huntington Central Park, the charming trails are a perfect place to spend quality family time for riders of all abilities and most ages. Starting at age 5, children can take horseback riding lessons, and children ages 7 and up are permitted to ride the trails. After your ride, stick around and watch the trained horses perform their expert maneuvers at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center.

Los Angeles Horseback Riding
(credit: Los Angeles Horseback Riding)

Los Angeles Horseback Riding
2623 Old Topanga Canyon Road
Topanga, CA 90290
(818) 591-2032
www.losangeleshorsebackriding.com

For a small group ride and a variety of packages available rain or shine, Los Angeles Horseback Riding in rustic Topanga Canyon is sure to have the right ride for your needs. Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, the trails overlooking the beautiful beaches of Malibu also provide panoramic mountain and valley vistas, with a chance to see some of the local wildlife in their natural habitat. Children ages 6 and up can ride the trails, and packages range from economy rides to high-end beach rides. There are even romantic sunset and moonlight rides to choose from. For a night to remember or an exciting family adventure, Los Angeles Horseback Riding has what you're looking for.

Related: Best Bike Shops In Orange County

David McDonald is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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