Swim alongside horses in the stunning San Marcos River with Maverick Horseback Riding. Experience a refreshing, gentle equine adventure just outside Austin, Texas.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly gentle swimming and walking involved
Wildlife
History
The San Marcos River has a rich history as one of the oldest continuously flowing rivers in Texas and holds cultural significance for indigenous peoples.
Conservation
Maverick Horseback Riding follows eco-friendly practices to protect water quality and maintain the health of the river ecosystem.
Maverick Horseback Riding
Swim alongside horses in the stunning San Marcos River with Maverick Horseback Riding. Experience a refreshing, gentle equine adventure just outside Austin, Texas.
Maverick Horseback Riding is a ranch-based equestrian outfitter operating near Austin, Texas. The business offers guided trail rides, private horsemanship lessons, river swims with horses, and ranch experiences that appeal to beginners, families, and experienced riders.
Rides range from short bluff-top introductions to extended multi-hour excursions on scenic routes such as Onion Creek, the San Marcos River, Pace Bend Park, and Lockhart surrounding trails. Private options and horsemanship-focused rides provide individualized coaching, trotting and canter opportunities, and a safety-conscious environment supervised by trained staff.
Maverick Horseback Riding emphasizes hands-on interaction and responsible animal care. Several experiences include light instruction, animal feeding, and behind-the-scenes observation of public riding sessions, allowing guests to learn horsemanship fundamentals and basic handling techniques. Water-based experiences feature supervised swims and photo opportunities with well-trained horses in the San Marcos River.
The operation accommodates mixed groups and family riders with specific trails suited for novices and young participants. Booking options include public group rides and private reservations for couples or small groups seeking a customized pace. Located approximately 20 minutes from Austin, the ranch combines accessibility with scenic Central Texas landscapes, including wooded trails, wetlands, and panoramic bluff views.
For safety and guest satisfaction, Maverick Horseback Riding maintains experienced guides, structured ride lengths, and varied trail selections. The ranch’s mix of instructional rides, private horsemanship sessions, river experiences, and sunset excursions provides a broad palette of equestrian outings near Austin. Reservations are recommended year-round and staff can accommodate varied experience levels and special requests. Book online today.
Location
Austin, TX
20 minutes from Austin
Tours Offered
10
Trail rides and river experiences
Ride Lengths
45 min–4 hrs
Short introductions to multi-hour adventures
Book a guided trail ride, private horsemanship session, or river swim near Austin — limited spots available.
Wear Quick-Dry Swimwear
Bring swimwear that dries fast to stay comfortable during and after the river swim.
Use Waterproof Sunscreen
Protect your skin from the Texas sun with waterproof sunscreen to prevent sunburn while in the water.
Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds
Early arrivals enjoy a quieter experience and better river access before it gets busy.
Secure Your Valuables
Bring a waterproof bag or lock valuables securely as you’ll be in and around water.
Quick-Dry Swimsuit
Allows you to enjoy the water comfortably and dries quickly after the swim.
summer
Waterproof Sunscreen
Protects skin from strong UV rays, especially during extended outdoor exposure.
spring
Water Shoes
Protects feet from rocky or slippery riverbed surfaces.
summer
Dry Bag
Keeps your belongings safe and dry while you swim with the horses.
Private Rides
Available
Custom pacing for couples or groups