Can beginners participate?

Yes, our guided trail rides are perfect for first-time riders and beginners.

Wear comfortable, long pants and closed-toe shoes such as boots for safety.

How long is the ride?

Rides typically last between 1 to 2 hours, depending on your choice.

Are there age restrictions?

Children aged 7 and up can participate when accompanied by an adult.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes, riders should be under 250 pounds for safety reasons.

Do I need experience?

No experience necessary; guides will instruct you through the process.

Land Adventures at Jester Park Equestrian Center | Guided Tour

Jester Park, located just outside Des Moines in Polk County, Iowa, offers a chance to saddle up for an authentic horseback experience amidst scenic woods and open meadows. Known for its sprawling green spaces and peaceful trails, Jester Park provides a backdrop that’s ideal for riders of all experience levels, making it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a gentle yet exhilarating adventure.

The Guided Trail Rides at Jester Park Equestrian Center are the highlight for many visitors. As you mount your trusted steed, you’ll wind through shaded timberlands and along the shores of Saylorville Lake, absorbing the sights and sounds of nature without leaving the buzz of the city behind. The wranglers, friendly and knowledgeable, ensure a smooth ride while sharing insights about local flora and fauna. The terrain is accessible for beginners yet sufficiently engaging for seasoned riders looking to enjoy a relaxed pace.

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of quality horses, well-maintained trails, and a welcoming atmosphere. The center emphasizes safety and education, making it a perfect outing for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting to connect with Iowa’s rural side. Trails vary in length, typically lasting around one to two hours, offering plenty of opportunity for photos, wildlife sightings, and a break from everyday stress.

Jester Park also features other outdoor activities, but the horseback rides remain a unique way to explore this natural refuge. Whether spring’s bloom, summer’s vivid greenery, fall’s vibrant leaf colors, or winter’s snow-dusted silence, each season offers a different riding perspective.

If you’re looking to add a touch of adventure to your Iowa visit, don’t miss this chance to ride through some of the state’s most tranquil landscapes. It’s a memorable, family-friendly trip that gets you close to Iowa’s natural beauty while providing a fun, educational experience.

About Jester Park Equestrian Center

Jester Park Equestrian Center in Granger, Iowa, operates as a public equestrian facility offering a variety of horse-related experiences for visitors of all ages. The center presents guided trail rides through Jester Park’s timber overlooking Saylorville Lake, seasonal horse-drawn rides and holiday wagon or sleigh outings, and special programs such as Pony Tales story-and-meet sessions and field trips designed for educational groups. Women’s workshops use horse interaction for personal growth on a waitlist basis, and several popular activities maintain waitlists to manage capacity. The facility also offers a John Thomas Poppy Tower plaque program that allows individuals to purchase a stainless steel plaque mounted on decorative poppy tower leaves along the Brandon Lay Challenge Trail as a lasting tribute.

Field trips run from spring through fall and include hands-on opportunities to learn about horse care, picnic areas, and guided interaction. Guided trail rides provide wrangler-led instruction for beginners and families. Holiday horse-drawn rides last approximately 30 minutes and operate on sleighs or wagons when available. The center emphasizes guest safety, pre-registration for select workshops, and organized waitlist management to accommodate demand. As a feature within Jester Park, the equestrian center connects visitors to the park landscape and lake views while offering structured equine experiences, educational outreach for groups, and commemorative plaque placement along a public trail. Programs are scheduled seasonally and require reservations for many offerings; staff manage group logistics, safety briefings, and horse handling instruction to ensure a well-organized visit for schools, families, and private groups and community partners.