Embrace Your Inner Buckaroo

Trail riding is a multifaceted activity that offers many physical, mental, and emotional benefits, making it an excellent choice for us city folks to enhance our well-being while enjoying the outdoors.

Imagine spending quality time with family and friends, sharing an adventure and creating lasting memories in a beautiful outdoor setting. Trail riding is a versatile activity that is perfect for cooler autumn months, but it can be enjoyed year round, offering the opportunity to traverse sleepy landscapes in winter or bask under shady trails during summer.

Saddled With Benefits

Physically, horseback riding is a great form of exercise. It improves balance, coordination, and core strength while providing a low-impact workout that enhances cardiovascular health and builds muscle. Hitting the trail also immerses you in nature, where you can experience the tranquility of the great outdoors, observe wildlife, and enjoy the changing landscapes and fresh air, which can be both relaxing and rejuvenating.

In addition to turning loose your inner cowboy or -girl, some ranches provide opportunities to learn valuable lessons about animal behavior, empathy, and responsibility. Understanding horse anatomy, grooming, and the nuances of horse communication and care will add to your knowledge of and enrich your connection with these magnificent animals.

Plus, spending time in nature and with animals is known to reduce stress levels. The rhythmic motion of riding and the peaceful surroundings of a trail can be incredibly calming and therapeutic. Mentally, riding requires focus and concentration, helping to take your mind off daily worries. It also gives riders a sense of achievement and confidence as riding skills improve.

Trail riding also offers a sense of adventure and the thrill of exploring places that are, ironically, off our normal beaten paths. Each ride is a unique experience, away from suburban parks, with different trails, terrains, and new sights to discover, all of which look different from the back of a horse.

Fortunately, and like most Texans, Jarrell residents are surrounded by several beautiful spots that combine the beauty of the Central Texas landscape with the thrill of horseback riding. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner, these camps and ranches offer a variety of scenic trails that promise to create lasting memories. From ranches nestled in the rolling hills to serene riverfront paths, there's a trail ride experience waiting for everyone. Following are some great places near Jarrell to saddle up and explore.

1. P SQUARED FARM AND EQUESTRIAN CENTER: A haven for horse enthusiasts and families. P Squared Farm offers personalized horseback riding lessons, scenic trail and river rides, unique pony parties, private animal encounters, and serene camping sites by the San Gabriel River. All activities are bookable online; rides start at $65. 11188 E State Hwy 29, Georgetown • PSquaredFarm.com

2. BLORA RANCH: Located at the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area; with over 1,200 acres, riders can choose a one- or two-hour experience and private/couple rides, guided by experienced wranglers to ensure safety. The ranch emphasizes small group sizes to provide a more personal and safe experience. They also have child-size horses for children aged 10-14. Please call ahead. N Nolan Dr, Belton • HoodMWR.com/horseback_riding.htm

3. TEXAS TRAIL RIDES: An authentic horseback riding experience through the stunning landscapes of the Texas Hill Country. Located just outside Austin, the ranch provides guided trail rides for riders of all skill levels, with trails that meander through scenic hills, open meadows, and along peaceful creek beds. Known for its friendly staff and well-cared-for horses, Texas Trail Rides creates a welcoming atmosphere for families, groups, and individual riders. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, this ranch offers a memorable way to explore the natural beauty of Austin on horseback. 8601 Bluff Springs Rd. Austin • texastrailrides.com

4. TRISTAR FARM: This beautiful Coupland farm boasts over 100 acres of wooded trails and offers 1- and 2-hour rides starting at $95 and suitable for all ages and experience levels. They also provide birthday parties and riding lessons for those wanting more than just a trail ride. Additionally, their Austin location on Spicewood Springs Road offers riding lessons and summer camps, ensuring a variety of equestrian activities for everyone. 3325 Fm 1466, Coupland • TristarFarm.com

5. SOUTHERN TRAILS: Just 15 minutes from downtown Austin, this 120-acre ranch is one of the most stunning in Texas. Rides for all ages and experience levels start at $95 and take you through open green pastures and beneath large oak trees. You'll also pass by ponds, creeks, and grazing cows and you can even wave at Elon as you pass by the Tesla factory. This ranch even served as a shooting location for "Lonesome Dove".

15701 Decker Lake Rd., Manor • SouthernTrailRides.com