What is the minimum age to ride?

Riders must be at least eight years old; children should be comfortable following instructions and able to sit in a saddle for an hour.

Do I need prior riding experience?

No—this one-hour guided ride is beginner-friendly and designed for people with little or no prior experience.

How do I book and are spots limited?

Reservations are recommended; spaces are limited, especially on weekends and during the Barefoot & Free event. Use the provided referral link to view availability and book.

Is a helmet provided?

Helmets are typically provided or required—confirm the helmet policy when you book to be sure.

Are there weight or mobility restrictions?

Policies on weight limits and mobility considerations vary by operator; confirm with High Vibes Trail Rides when booking so staff can match riders to appropriate horses.

Long pants, closed-toe shoes, and layers are recommended. Avoid loose scarves or jewelry that could catch, and tie back long hair.

Proud Lake Horseback Rides: Barefoot and Free Trail Ride with High Vibes in Milford, MI

At Proud Lake Recreation Area, just outside Milford, Michigan, bareback fantasies give way to one of the region’s most approachable outdoor experiences: the Barefoot and Free Trail Ride. For an hour, riders age eight and up mount calm, trained horses from High Vibes Trail Rides and follow equestrian tracks that thread through oak‑hickory woods, riverine meadows, and the Huron River’s slow bends. The pace is unhurried, the instruction direct, and no previous riding experience is required—making this a rare, low‑commitment way to connect with animals and waterside scenery without needing a whole day. What distinguishes this offering is its local partnership and small scale. High Vibes Trail Rides brings seasoned guides and school‑broke mounts; the Barefoot & Free event frames rides around community energy and limited slots, so groups stay intimate and conversation feels personal. Trails in Proud Lake reveal glacially influenced topography: gentle ridges, wetland edges, and sandier soils that support sparse pine and dense undergrowth. You’ll cross rooty singletrack, skirt open meadows, and ride alongside riparian corridors where heron and white‑tailed deer are frequent observers. The route is short but rich—one hour translates to easy canters and many stretches of walking pace that let riders absorb the setting and listen to hooffall on leaf litter. Guides cover basics at the start: mounting, rein use, and safe spacing. Because the terrain is primarily natural surface and can include mud after rain, solid footwear and long pants make the ride more comfortable. Helmets are typically provided or required—ask when booking. This is an ideal choice for families, mixed‑ability groups, and anyone curious about horses but not ready to commit to a lesson series. Photographers will enjoy low trailside banks for reflective shots of the Huron River and framed vistas through mature oaks. For conservation-minded visitors, the experience models responsible riding: staying on designated equestrian paths helps protect wetland vegetation and trailside nesting habitat. Practical notes: rides last about 60 minutes and accept riders eight years and older; spaces are limited and reservations are encouraged. Meeting point details are supplied at booking. The partnership between Barefoot & Free and High Vibes Trail Rides makes this more than a commercial outing—it’s a short, well‑run immersion into Milford’s outdoors with a focus on access, animal care, and quiet enjoyment. Book early, bring layers, and plan to leave your phone in a pocket to really feel the rhythm of horse and river. When you book, confirm helmet policy, weight limits, and any mobility considerations; staff will match horses to riders and brief newcomers. The referral link lists available dates and time slots—reserve quickly during weekend events where capacity is small and rides often sell out. Bring cash for gratuities and snack purchases afterwards too.