Best Places For Horseback Riding In Pittsburgh
Another Pittsburgh summer is here. With blooming flowers and fresh cut grass, there's no time like the present to get outside and experience nature. If you're looking for a fresh perspective from which to view the season, try the one from atop a horse. A ride along some of the scenic trails and nearby parks throughout the Pittsburgh area can be romantic, excitingand fun for nature lovers of all ages. Saddle up — here are the best the places in Pittsburgh to go horseback riding.
Blue Ribbon Farms
384 Cowpath Road
Aliquippa, PA 15001
(412) 974-1650
www.blueribbonfarmsinc.com
With international acclaim, Blue Ribbon Farms is one of the premiere training facilities in the Pittsburgh area. Everyone from first time riders to advanced equestrians is welcome at the Aliquippa area facility. English, Western, Jumping, Poles and Barrels are some of the many riding styles covered at Blue Ribbon Farms. The lesson horses, many of them past World and National champions, provide the intangible factor that keeps many riders coming back.
Rolling Hills Ranch
677 Hickory Grade Road
Bridgeville, PA 15017
(412) 221-9926
www.rolling-hills-ranch.com
The Rolling Hills Ranch has been a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh area horseback riding scene for 50 years. The ranch's secret to longevity is simple: the staff provides everyone that visits the ranch with a first-rate experience. The Moonlight Rides are a particular favorite. They begin with a western-style horseback ride and finish with a fireside, catered dinner. The Moonlight rides are available in both adults only (21 and over) and family-friendly (are 8 and over) varieties.
Classic Equestrians
150 Neiman Lane
Sewickley, PA 15143
(724) 467-0530
www.classicequestrians.com
Classic Equestrians has established itself as the preeminent training facility for hunter/jumper style riding over the past 20 years. The riding school and boarding facility, located in nearby Sewickley, welcomes riders of all skill levels. All lessons are conducted under the expert supervision of Sara Dooney, owner and head trainer. To find out more, contact the stables by phone or by email at dooneysl@hotmail.com.
Horses Unlimited
1875 Stoltz Road
South Park Township, PA
(412) 835-7726
www.horsesunlimitedstables.com
Located in South Park, Horses Unlimited specializes in English Riding Lessons, Horseback Riding Birthday Parties and "Pony" Camps. The English Riding lessons are designed for young riders. Half hour lessons are available by appointment to children ages 4 to 7 and hour long instruction is available to kids 8 and over. Pony Parties are a particular delight for many children. Horses Unlimited provides everything: ponies, pop and pizza all in the safe confines of their indoor South Park facility.
Silver Crest Equestrian Center
332 Overbrook Road
Valencia, PA 16059
(724) 898-0003
www.silvercrestequestriancenter.com
The Silver Crest Equestrian Center is one of the most renowned training facilities in the Southwest PA area. Disciplines covered there include jumping, cross-country and dressage and Silver Crest has an exceptional staff of trainers to meet the needs of even the most serious competitors. But training and instruction are only a part of what makes this a premiere equestrian center. Many of the programs and activities are dedicated to simply having fun. There are summer camps, family friendly events and adult programs that attract riders that range in age from 5 to 85.
Marcel Tourdot is a freelance writer from Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
