What happens if there isn’t enough snow for the sleigh?

In the absence of sufficient snow, rides are conducted with horse-drawn wagons instead of sleighs to maintain the experience.

Are refreshments provided during the ride?

Hot cocoa, coffee, and tea are available for guests to take on their rides; you may also bring hand-held snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.

Can I bring my dog or other pets on the ride?

No, pets are not allowed on holiday horse-drawn rides for safety and comfort reasons.

How many guests can fit in one ride?

Each horse-drawn ride accommodates up to 12 guests comfortably.

Is there an age limit for riders?

There is no specified age limit; however, children who can sit comfortably on an adult's lap do not need to be separately counted.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the ride receive a full refund or rebooking option; cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.

Holiday Horse-Drawn Rides at Jester Park Equestrian Center | Attraction

Jester Park Equestrian Center in Granger, Iowa, offers a nostalgic gateway into winter's quiet beauty with its Holiday Horse-Drawn Rides. This 30-minute journey takes guests along the park’s scenic timber trails, either pulled by draft horses in a traditional sleigh or a wagon, depending on the season’s snow conditions. Located just outside Des Moines, Jester Park sits on rolling prairie lands dotted with oak groves and mature hardwoods, providing a peaceful contrast to the urban hustle.

What sets this experience apart is its grounding in simplicity and the natural rhythm of the outdoors. When packed snow blankets the trails with at least six inches, the sleigh glides through the park’s contours, the horses' steady breath visible in the chilly air. Without sufficient snow, the wagons offer a sturdy alternative, rolling easily over dirt and gravel paths lined with frost-tipped grasses and native prairie wildflowers. This adaptability means guests can rely on a magical ride regardless of weather uncertainties.

The trails wind through areas inhabited by white-tailed deer and occasional hawks, bringing a chance to see local wildlife up close from the warmth of your blankets. The center encourages guests to bring snacks and warm layers, converting the ride into a cozy outdoor gathering. Hot cocoa, coffee, and tea are available for added comfort.

Jester Park Equestrian Center holds a unique position within the local recreational landscape by preserving equestrian traditions and offering a family-friendly experience that connects riders with Iowa’s natural heritage. The horse-drawn rides create a tangible link to the region’s agricultural past while providing an accessible winter-time adventure, making it a distinctive draw for holiday memories and nature appreciation near Des Moines.

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.