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Horseback Trail Rides in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania - Lancaster

Horseback Trail Rides in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania

Elizabethtowneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1.5–2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; basic riding stamina recommended.

Overview

Enjoy a serene horseback trail ride at Stone Gables Estate, exploring scenic forests and historic landmarks near Elizabethtown, PA. Perfect for all skill levels, this private adventure connects you with nature and local history.

Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania

Horseback Trail Rides

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About This Adventure

Experience a serene guided horseback ride through the picturesque Ironstone Ranch at Stone Gables Estate. Traverse shady forest trails and open pastures, with sights like the historic Star Barn Village and Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge. Perfect for all skill levels, this adventure promises a memorable connection with nature and history.

Rates

  • Monday-Thursday $79/rider, Friday-Saturday $89/rider

  • Riders must be 8 years or older and weigh less than 225lbs.

  • Date Night Trail Rides $189.00 per couple Monday-Friday 5:30p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (call to book)


Available Times

  • Monday through Saturday
  • 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm
  • Date Night Trail Rides Monday-Friday 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.(Please call to book Date Night Trail Ride bookings)
  • This experience typically takes 60 min and includes a safety briefing and mounting.

What to Wear

  • Long Pants
  • Closed-Toed Shoes
  • Weather Appropriate Attire

Check-In Information

Please arrive promptly 20 minutes before your ride's start time to check-in. Detailed directions will be included in your confirmation email.


About

Enjoy a relaxing guided horseback ride through one of Lancaster County’s hidden treasures—the Ironstone Ranch at Stone Gables Estate. You and your horse will travel through shady forest trails and trek across open pastures. Trails may pass through the iconic Star Barn Village, ride over the original railroad bed where Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train and the Liberty Bell once traversed or pass the fully restored Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge on your peaceful journey over 280 acres of forests & fields. Trail experience may not be the same every time due to Estate events.


General Rules, Rescheduling, and Cancellation

General Rules:

  • When riding, we require all guests to wear closed-toe shoes. Boots & sneakers are fine. We do not allow flip-flops, sandals, or other open-toed shoes.
  • We only walk our horses through the 280 acres of wooded and farmland on the ranch. For your own safety and the safety of the horses, we do not trot or gallop through the trails. 
  • Tips are appreciated by your trail guides. 
  • No experience is necessary. However, children must be 8 years or older. 
  • Let us know in advance if there are any riders with special needs.
  • Helmets are required for anyone under 18 years old. Adults may choose to wear a helmet if they want. We offer sizes: S, M, and L
  • Our maximum weight limit is 225 pounds. Larger horses are used for riders who weigh between 180-225.
  • We suggest long pants for comfort and protection from bushes & thorns. However, shorts or capris are allowed.
  • Because we are also an events venue, trail riding guests are requested to stay around the Hitching Post or restroom area and not walk around the property. (There might be private events going on.)
  • Even though pre-scheduled tril rides are available on Mondays, please note that the office is closed. Sunday and Monday phone messages will be responded to on Tuesday.
  • We still ride when there are spotty or light showers, so come prepared with appropriate gear.  However, if the rain is heavy, continuous, or stormy, we will call you to reschedule. 
  • Arrive 20 minutes early. This will allow time for signing waivers, restroom breaks, etc. Also, this gives our trail guide time to start our demonstration.
  • We do have a supply of Ironstone Ranch t-shirts & hoodies that we sell.
  • We also sell water bottles.

Rescheduling / Cancellation:

Please carefully read our cancellation policy: (This cancellation policy has been created because our trail rides are very desired and fill quickly. We do have to turn other guests away that would have wanted to ride.)

· If you need to cancel or reschedule, please call: us. Phone call messages will be returned within 24 hours. We can’t always call you right back since our staff is out doing trail rides or caring for the property animals. (Please remember that our office is closed on Sundays and Mondays.)

· Cancellations made 4 days or more in advance of the trail ride will receive a 100% refund.

· Cancellations made within 2-3 days will receive a 70% refund.

· Cancellations made within 24 hours will receive a 50% refund.

· If a rider shows up on the day of the ride and chooses not to ride, a 50% refund will be processed for that rider.

· If a rider shows up and is clearly not within the weigh restriction or seems unfit to ride, a 50% refund will be processed. This is for the safety of our riders and horses.

· If you show up for your ride with fewer riders, a 50% refund will be processed for the rider(s) who did not show up.

· If a rider shows up wearing open-toed shoes, they will not be able to ride and you will receive a 50% refund.

· If you arrive late and the trail ride has to start without you, a 50% refund will be processed for your group. This is because we need to keep our rides on schedule for the rest of the day and to keep our other guests happy.

· If we contact you to cancel the ride because of severe weather or circumstances out of our control, you will receive a 100% refund.

· Office is closed on Sundays & Mondays, if you need to cancel for the upcoming Monday, please email emily@stonegablesestate.com asap to cancel.

· Stone Gables Estate will initiate the refund within 48 hours of cancellation. Financial institutions may take additional days to complete the process

Adventure Tips

Wear long pants

Long pants protect your legs from brush and saddle friction during the ride.

Bring water

Staying hydrated is key, especially on warmer days along the trails.

Listen to your guide

Follow instructions carefully for safety and the best riding experience.

Arrive early for prep

Arriving 15 minutes early allows time to get comfortable with your horse before the ride.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer
  • Eastern bluebirds

History

The Star Barn Village dates back to the 19th century and reflects the agricultural heritage of Lancaster County.

Conservation

Stone Gables Estate actively maintains trails to minimize erosion and protect the local ecosystem.

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Adventure Hotspots in Lancaster

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Helmet

Essential

Provides crucial head protection during horseback riding.

Closed-toe boots

Essential

Helps protect feet and provides proper support in stirrups.

Insect repellent

Keeps bugs away during warmer months.

summer specific

Layered clothing

Essential

Allows you to adjust to variable temperatures during spring rides.

spring specific