Colorado Springs Horseback Riding
Horseback riding was one of the first things we did on our initial visit to Colorado Springs. And the experience on that ride was a big reason we ended up moving to Colorado. Because we got a huge dose of the Colorado experience all in one hour. Horses. Trails. Sunshine. Fresh, dry air. The Garden of the Gods. The foothills rolling in the background. And Pikes Peak shining above it all. What a great day. We chose to ride with Academy Riding Stables, and, obviously, had a great time. They are unique in that they are located very close to the Garden of the Gods, so their tours take you on back trails where hikers and cars dont go. And, their guides are real cowboys. You start off at their stables, getting your horse and learning the necessary safety tips about riding. You gently wind through some forests, and then for a brief time you are on a residential road as you make your way to the horseback riding trails. 
The houses in these neighborhoods are fun to see, as many of them have huge red boulders in their yards instead of green lawns.You can tell youre getting near the Garden of the Gods! As you wind through the scrub oak and over the soft, red soil, your guide tells you some history about the area, and even manages to sneak in a few jokes. These horses take their time, and the easy pace lets you look around at all the stunning scenery. Soon enough, the orange and white monoliths that are the stars of the famous city park begin to show themselves on the horizon. Make sure you have your camera ready for this unique angle of the rocks. Colorado Springs Horseback Riding
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Keep a look-out for Sleeping Giant, Snakehead Rock, Kissing Camels and Siamese Twins. Your guides will point these out.
Overall, its a relaxing, old-school cowboy way to connect with Colorados nature and animals. Keep your eyes peeled for foxes and mountain lions.
Riding your own horse is also allowed on many of the local hiking trails, and at least once a week we see folks horseback riding alongside the hikers and mountain bikers.
If you own your own horse, or know someone in town who does, see if theyll take you out on the trails.
But in the meantime, check out:
Academy Riding Stables
4 El Paso Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Toll Free: (888) 700-0410
Phone (719) 633-5667
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