Carriage Hill MetroPark
Riding Center
Connect with nature on horseback
The Riding Center at Carriage Hill MetroPark provides opportunities for children and adults to experience and connect with nature on horseback. This public horseback riding facility offers horseback riding activities for beginner through intermediate riders focusing on safety, balanced position and proper horsemanship skills.
The Riding Center has more than 20 horses representing a variety of breeds. It has one outdoor arena, one indoor arena with an observation area and access to more than 7 miles of bridle trails.
Riding Activities
Lesson Programs
Lessons are a great way to learn how to ride a horse or brush up on your riding skills. Participants will attend once a week during the program. Each lesson will last for approximately one hour. Curriculum includes English riding as well as before and after care for your horse. Participants must be at least 8 years old. Adult-only classes are offered, as well. Please contact the Riding Center office at (937) 275-7275 to inquire about openings for riding lessons. You may also view our program calendar for posted upcoming lessons.
Horse Camps
Horse camps are an opportunity to experience riding in a fun group setting. Campers ride English and Western, learn safety while handling horses and develop proper horsemanship skills. Youth summer camps are available from June through August. Riders must be between the ages of 8 and 17. Check our program calendar for upcoming camps.
Weekend Trail Rides
Weekend trail rides are offered Saturdays and Sundays, June through October, at the park’s Riding Center. Rides are one hour and walk-only on guided trails through the woods at Carriage Hill MetroPark. Western tack is used. Please plan to wear long pants and shoes with a low heel. Helmets are required and are provided by the Riding Center. Reservations for the trail rides are required and can be completed by using our program calendar for upcoming rides.
Pony Rides
Do you have a little wrangler who is too young for horse camp but can’t wait to ride? For those 2-8 years of age, hand-led pony rides are offered seasonally in summer and fall from June through October on Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. Bring your camera to capture this unforgettable moment. Reservations are not required.
Vaulting
Vaulting is a sport of gymnastics/dance on horseback in harmony with the horse’s movement. This amazing sport is open to everyone ages 8 and above, whether it’s your first-time riding or if you have years of experience. Vaulting will help riders become more flexible, enhance their riding ability and improve their balance and relationship with their horse through trust and respect. Check our program calendar for upcoming lessons.
horseback riding