Summer is here—finally!
For horse lovers, this season is glorious.
It’s a time to get out and ride with no cold weather to deter us.
And as a team of longtime riders and horse lovers, we here at Blue Ridge Trailers know that heading out in search of new trails is half of the fun.
So we wanted to share with you four exciting horseback riding vacations on the East Coast that we discovered through our summer research.
We hope they inspire a wonderful vacation for you and your horse this summer!
Remember, if you’ve always dreamed of traveling with your horse but need the right trailer, contact Blue Ridge Trailers online or at (434) 985-4151 for personalized guidance.
You can also explore our horse trailer inventory here or our horse trailer rental options here.
All of the destinations on this list are on the East Coast and have not been visited by Blue Ridge Trailers owners Rob or Donna Martin. Feel free to let us know what you think of these destinations in the comments, should you visit!
4 Irresistible Horseback Riding Vacations on the East Coast
1. Shangrila Guest Ranch, South Boston, VA
Photo source: Facebook
We wanted to start right here in our wonderful state of Virginia.
Shangrila Guest Ranch is known for its personal service, down-to-earth atmosphere and year-round trail riding opportunities. You can choose from an all-inclusive horseback riding vacation package, wagon rides or hourly and day trail rides. You can bring your horse or ride with one of their great horses.
The ranch is ideal for a family vacation, girl’s weekend, or business retreat. There are plenty of activities to keep the kiddos happy, from gathering chicken eggs, to feeding ducks and other farm animals, to gathering by the campfire for s’mores!
Learn more about Shangrila Guest Ranch here.
2. Rocking Horse Ranch Resort, Highland, NY
Photo source: Facebook
WOW! Rocking Horse Ranch Resort was voted a Trip Advisor U.S. Top 10 Family Resort so it’s definitely a place to put on your bucket list. The list of activities and family fun is unending, plus there are horses. What could be better?
For the family you can enjoy: children’s programs, award-winning gardens, an exotic wildlife exhibit, free wi-fi, and all-you-can-eat meal packages.
Of course, there are miles of trails and beautiful scenery to ride, barn tours, horse-drawn and tractor-drawn wagon rides, and horse shoe demonstrations. We’ve also heard that the indoor water park is summer all year long at 85 degrees.
Need we say more?
Check out Rocking Horse Ranch Resort here.
3. Southern Cross Guest Ranch, Madison, GA
Photo: Charlotte Detienne Photography, via Facebook
Travel + Leisure Magazine voted Southern Cross Guest Ranch one of America’s Best Dude Ranches. One of our staffers visited there a few years back and really enjoyed it.
It’s nestled just outside of Atlanta in beautiful Madison, GA. The sunsets there and the horseback riding is stunning. You’ll feel relaxed and well-fed at Southern Cross, that’s for certain!
You’ll find nothing but quality Paint and Quarter Horses at this Georgia ranch, which is known best for its hands-on riding program, comfortable settings, and the ability to ride out on your own.
After a long day in the saddle, the rooms at Southern Cross are all furnished beautifully and are decorated uniquely. You’ll feel right at home and the kitchen is just a few seconds from your room. Fresh cookies and milk, too!
The horses at Southern Cross are outstanding and the hospitality is second to none! If you are looking for an affordable, relaxing getaway look no further!
Learn more about Southern Cross Guest Ranch here.
4. Marriott Ranch, Hume, VA
Photo source: Marriott Ranch Gallery
Last but not least, we finish up our list right in our backyard—the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
You can load your horse up or ride one of theirs over the beautiful 4,200 acre working cattle ranch. It’s trail riding at its best as you experience hills, creeks, woods, and pass along grazing cattle.
You have the option of many horse-related activities, from guided trail rides to private rides, group rides, vacation packages, and cattle drives. The sky’s the limit here with the amount of fun you can have with your horse!
The accommodations won’t let you down either. Each room is unique and the dining options will blow your socks off!
Read more about the Marriott Ranch here.
These horseback riding vacations on the East Coast are just the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds of unique riding destinations for you, your horse and your family. We’d love to learn about the places you’ve visited that your family enjoyed the most! Please feel free to share in the comments or on our Facebook page.
Summer would probably be too buggy but this spring at Longleaf Lodge Hoffman ,n.c. Was fabulous!!!check it out !!! My new wonderful trailer has already been there for 4 days. I tried to sen photos-did you get them? Ronnie
I like horseback riding, this special communication with nature and the horse creates the impression of some other epoch
I’ve ridden at the Marriott Ranch quite a few times, years ago. Great riding and beautiful trails. It is in the mountains so be aware of that if you bring your horse. The hills are long and high. It can be hard on a flat land horse. Nevertheless, if you take care of your horse, you’ll have a great ride.
I highly recommend a vacation riding Icelandic horses in Vermont. Stay at an inn and ride twice per day. The horses are easy to ride and well-behaved. The only thing I wasn’t keen on was riding on the road a little too long. It wasn’t scary but not as scenic.