The one place you should visit to try horseback riding in Dayton

Sunshine, cooler temperatures and a colorful canopy of leaves make fall an ideal time to take to the trails.

While the Dayton area has miles of cycling and hiking trails, there is also a trail-less-traveled that’s ideal for a weekend adventure — an equestrian trail.

Carriage Hill MetroPark Riding Center offers a variety of opportunities to take the reins from relaxing guided trail rides to advanced adult and youth lessons.

“It’s a great opportunity to get out and experience something new,” said Elizabeth Britton, Carriage Hill MetroPark equestrian technician. “You can’t go wrong, you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the horse does most of the work.”

While the horses do carry the load — so to speak — equestrian activities do have physical benefits for the riders as well. While a single trail ride won’t propel you to your fitness goals, over time, riders develop better reflexes and sense of balance as well as improved coordination.

Riding can also have a positive impact on core strength as riders use their entire body to guide the horse. Horseback riding also increases the confidence and self-esteem of the riders and has been shown to positively impact mood and reduce stress. Riders who work with a specific horse also build a relationship with their four-legged companion.

Britton knows how meaningful those relationships can be as she has been working with horses for as long as she can remember.

“I grew up in a 4-H family, so we were always around horses,” she said. “I missed horses after I moved to Dayton, so when I saw the job opening at Carriage Hill, I applied. It’s a great place to work. Being with the horses isn’t like work at all.”

Britton knows, however, that not everyone has the same level of comfort when it comes to horses. The Carriage Hill trail rides are designed with beginners and first-timers in mind and are open to riders 8 and older.

“The horses follow each other — nose to tail. They know what they’re doing,” she said. “They stay on the trail and can’t go their own direction. The worst thing they might do is try to get a snack while they’re walking.”

Long pants and closed-toe shoes — preferably with a heel — are recommended for trail rides. Helmets are required but supplied by the riding center.

For some, a trail ride might be the beginning of a lifelong love affair with horses.

“If they realize when they come back from their ride that they want more, we have lessons for children and adults, as well as summer horse camps,” Britton said.

There are also volunteer opportunities at Carriage Hill Riding Center. Starting as barn aides, volunteers can progress to become leaders on the trail rides as well as assist with the lesson program.

Those too young for the trail rides don’t need to miss out on the fun, as there are pony rides for little equestrians, 2-8 years old.

GETTING STARTED

Trail rides at the Carriage Hill Riding Center are geared toward beginners and are open to eager equestrians ages 8 and older.

Little ones can also get a feel for the saddle with pony rides. And those who want to continue their equestrian experience can register for summer camps or lessons.


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WEEKEND TRAIL RIDES

WHAT: One-hour, walk-only, guided trail rides through the woods

WHO: Riders 8 and older

WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays (9:30 and 11:30 a.m.) through Oct. 28

COST: $30, reservations required

INFORMATION: 937-275-7275 | Website

PONY RIDES 

WHAT: Hand-led pony rides

WHO: Riders 2-8 years old

WHEN: Saturdays (2-4 p.m.) through Oct. 28

COST: $5

HOW TO VOLUNTEER

WHAT: Learn how to get involved as a volunteer. Volunteers begin as barn aides and can train to assist with pony rides, trail rides and lessons.

WHO: 14 and older

WHEN: Nov. 8, 6-7 p.m.; Dec. 8, 10-11 a.m.

WHERE: Carriage Hill Riding Center

INFORMATION: 937-275-7275

MORE: Volunteer applications are available online at www.metroparks.org 

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