Surrounded by sweeping farmlands with sprawling hills of open fields, London is home to some of the best horseback riding stables in southern Ontario, ranging from private training complexes to acres of ranch riding trails open to the public.
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Whether a competitive equestrian or never seen the back of a horse, the London area promises a horseback riding experience perfect for all experience levels. Whether looking for an easy jaunt along an arena lesson or a more demanding adventure along an extended horseback trail, these are the best stables for horseback riding in London, Ontario.
A Quick Look At The 8 Best Stables For Horseback Riding In London, Ontario
The 8 Best Stables For Horseback Riding In London, Ontario
1. Texas Longhorn Ranch
Riding Trails, Guest Ranch, Camping | Website | Google Maps
Located about a 45-minute drive from central London, the Texas Longhorn Ranch offers perhaps the best traditional horseback riding near London, Ontario.Â
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Open from the end of May until November, the Texas Longhorn Ranch brings the country lifestyle of the south along breathtaking riding trails that weave their way along the Sydenham River, through rolling hills, and across crackling creeks that accentuate some of the most beautiful landscapes of southwestern Ontario.
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While the one-hour trail rides are open to day visitors, the best way to immerse in the Texas Longhorn experience is by staying onsite at the complex’s guest ranch, where you can stay in your own private covered wagon.
2. Horseshoe J Dude Ranch
Riding Trails, Riding Lessons, Summer Camps | Website | Google Maps
Opened in 1957, Horseshoe J Dude Ranch has been providing some of the best horseback tours near London, Ontario for nearly 70 years. While the ranch’s indoor arena is open year-round, the complex’s seasonal outdoor horseback trail rides open between May and November for the best experience.
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Each of Horseshoe J Dude Ranch’s riding trails are designed for 1-hour sessions. The ranch is also open to group rides, field trips, birthday parties, and riding lessons both within its indoor and outdoor arena.
3. Circle R Ranch
Riding Trails, Riding Lessons, Summer Camps & Programs | Website | Google Maps
Set within 220 acres of Carolinian forest, fields, and ponds just a 20-minute drive from downtown, Circle R Ranch is one of the best horseback riding ranches near London, Ontario, and promises visitors a beautiful exploration of the region’s natural countryside.
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Offering camps throughout the summer, the main experience at Circle R Ranch is their horseback trail riding. Guests can follow scenic trails through the extensive property along 1-hour sessions, or they can learn the basics along a riding lesson hosted in the controlled arena.
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Beyond its horseback riding experiences, Circle R Ranch also offers plenty of outdoor recreation for reconnecting with the natural environment, including canoeing, archer, farm animal care, swimming, campfires, and team-building exercises.
4. West Meadow Stables
Riding Lessons, Boarding, Day & Summer Camps | Website | Google Maps
A private coaching centre, West Meadow Stables does not offer public trail rides but is the perfect stable for learning Western riding style and general maintenance and husbandry that goes into owning a horse.
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West Meadow Stables offers five instructional classes, ranging from introductory courses for kids 6+ to teen/adult classes focusing on advanced riding practices and maneuvers.
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Private rides are also available during the stable’s summer, school holidays, and day camps or for booking for a birthday party and are available throughout the year within the complex’s indoor arena. The stables also offer boarding services, with full, semi, or outdoor care for maintaining your own horse.
5. Twin Streams Equestrian Centre
Riding Lessons, Boarding, Day Camps | Website | Google Maps
Like West Meadow Stables, Twin Streams Equestrian Centre is a private boarding, training, and schooling facility near London. So, while the complex may not offer any public trail rides, it is a fantastic spot for learning the finer details of equestrianism through a series of day camps or riding lessons.
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The complex features both a large indoor arena for year-round riding and an outdoor sand arena for the warmer months. Additionally, the centre also offers boarding services for a space to maintain your own horse.
6. Sari Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic Rides, Day Camps | Website | Google Maps
Paving the way for therapeutic riding, the Sari Therapeutic Riding Institute first opened in 1978 in memory of Sari Greenberg, a girl born with Down syndrome who found solace in the love and compassion of the beautiful animals on her parent’s farm.
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For nearly 50 years, Sari Therapeutic Riding has provided a therapeutic space near London for riders to meet their physical, social, communication, and independence goals through its therapeutic horse or pony rides.
7. Shadowlane Stables
Riding Programs, Boarding, Horse Training, Day Camps | Website | Google Maps
Located less than a 20-minute drive from downtown, Shadowland Stables is a private equestrian complex set within 50 acres of property and offers a safe facility for riding lessons, with programs ranging from complete beginner-friendly to advanced riders.
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While Shadowlane Stables is a place to hone your equestrian skills, with riders that compete in trillium shows and A circuit shows, it also offers full-service boarding and livery services for horse owners and day camps for kids and teens interested in learning about the craft.
8. Four Corners Equestrian
Riding Lessons, Boarding | Website | Google Maps
Offering boarding and horse riding lessons near London, Ontario, Four Corner’s Equestrian is a great spot for riders of all ages and skill levels to learn various riding techniques, including English, western, vaulting, and trick riding, through group or private lessons.
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Along with learning best riding practices, beginners are also taught how to groom, tack up, general stable management, and horse care etiquette. Four Corners Equestrian welcomes riders looking for a spot to connect with their horses, but they also provide the opportunity to compete in local circuits with all of their students, although this is optional.
