It goes without saying that Houston is a fantastic spot to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, hiking, and golf. Regarding horseback riding, you will be surprised at the superb facilities.
Horseback riding is not something I do in my adult life. Still, as a child, I used to take lessons every weekend, and I absolutely loved everything about it, including the fantastic scenery most of the ranches were set in.
So after having a child of my own, I thought it would be a good idea to get them involved.
Houston has a lot to offer when it comes to variety in horseback riding. Whether you want to learn a unique style or ride a specific kind of horse, there is something for everyone, whether a younger child or an established rider.
My Top Picks For Horse Riding in Houston
Now, while I may not have had the chance to personally test every single center in this guide to its full potential, I have checked out everything they offer regarding horseback riding and other services.
I have only selected the highest recommended spots to ensure that you’re getting professional service from well-educated equestrians.
I have also taken a look at the pricing of the lessons so that you can weigh which center will be the best for your horseback riding lessons.
Lastly, some of these spots are a bit outside of Houston, but I have tried to pick the ones which are only a short drive away.
So, let’s take a look at some of the most popular spots in Houston to learn horseback riding.
1. Houston Polo Club
| Location | 8552 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77024 |
| Tel | 713-681-8571 |
| Price | Various prices for lessons, membership, and polo classes. Contact the center for tailored pricing. |
| Opening Hours | Monday - Sunday (Lesson times vary) |
As you may have already gathered, this club is a center dedicated to playing, teaching, and hosting polo games. So, if you’re interested in learning a new sport while you brush up on your horseback riding skill, this is the right spot.
As this is a well-established club, you will need to have your jacket, hat, and boots before attending any lessons. However, as they offer classes, you don’t have to be a qualified player or rider.
Their opening times vary, so it’s best to call them before you arrive, especially if you want to set up specific classes at regular times.
The same goes for the pricing. It depends on what you’re looking for personally, so it’s best to speak to a member of staff to see what they can offer you regarding prices.
The club was founded in 1928 and has been hosting all kinds of equestrian events in the city for many years. They also have some beautiful trails for casual riding and have some very experienced polo players on site to provide high-quality, informative polo lessons.
If you only want to spectate for the duration of the lessons and games, then there is also plenty of space for you to relax and watch the matches.
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2. The Spread
| Location | 14110 Bridgeport Road, Houston, TX 77074 |
| Tel | 832-477-6799 |
| Price | Per Hour - $40.00 Adult Lessons - $50.00 Child Lessons - $55.00 |
| Opening Hours | Monday - Sunday: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm |
Whether you’re new to horseback riding, or an established rider, you can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands with the staff here at The Spread Riding School.
While visiting this center, we spoke with all the staff, and they were all extremely knowledgeable, with years and years of experience in the horseback riding industry.
The horse riding trail here is beautiful, set down stunning and peaceful country lanes, time can get away with you, and you won’t want to return to the stables.
As well as taking horse riding lessons, you can rent the horses for personal use.
If you’ve ever watched one of those famous movies with cowboys riding their horses around a Texas ranch, this is how I can explain this place.
The ranch itself is exceptionally rustic and immediately gives off the authentic vibe of Texas. But on the flip side, it’s immaculate and well-kept, as are the fourteen horses that live here.
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3. Centerline Training, Inc
| Location | Aldine Westfield Stables, 19907 Westfield Road, Houston, TX 77338 |
| Tel | 281-798-6718 |
| Price | 30 minutes: $45.00 45 minutes: $65.00 |
| Opening Hours | Monday - Sunday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm |
Centerline training is located extremely close to Houston Medical Center, making it a super convenient spot for horseback lessons close to plenty of other amenities and the city center.
The center’s owner is a highly qualified horse rider who trains horses and teaches dressage. She offers a highly efficient class and makes the students feel relaxed and comfortable.
It’s a popular choice for horseback riding in Houston and offers classes to students of all ages and abilities, as well as one-off private lessons and ongoing training.
Suppose you’re already knowledgeable in the equine department. In that case, you will be glad to hear that this facility specializes in dressage and can teach you all you need to know, including the connection between biomechanics and horse and rider communications.
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4. Sam Houston Equestrian Center
| Location | 13551 Lew Briggs Road, Houston, TX 77047 |
| Tel | 713-256-0779 |
| Price | $60.00-$80.00 per class |
| Opening Hours | Monday - Friday: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Saturday - 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday - 9:00 am - 6:00 pm |
Only fifteen minutes drive from Downtown Houston, this equestrian center is a great spot for anyone to start learning horse riding or continue to grow their skills.
The center is set on a gorgeous 25-acre farm with plenty of pastures and trails for you to enjoy your lessons.
This is an excellent spot to bring the kids, as the trainers are very patient and understanding and have plenty of experience training a younger crowd. There are also a lot of kids usually training or practicing here, which makes it feel less intimidating if you’re a first-timer.
As well as the standard horseback training and classes, you can also hold your kids’ parties here, which I always think is an excellent idea for a birthday for younger ones. It’s unique and is something that everyone can be involved in.
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5. Magic Moments Stable
| Location | 1726 Upland Drive, Houston, TX 77043 |
| Tel | 32-499-2542 |
| Price | Contact the stables for tailored packages |
| Opening Hours | Monday - Friday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm |
Magic Moments Stables is a riding center with over thirty years of experience in the industry and is a go-to choice for beginners and established horse riders.
The stables have a variety of horses, including Arabian, and offer many different riding styles, such as Western and Equitation.
If you have any young kids, they offer great classes and packages, such as the Mummy and Me option, and other classes for birthday parties and special occasions.
They have their horses for sale here if you’re in the buying business, and I am told that they are highly reputable in this department.
On top of the regular riding lessons, they also teach other aspects of equine care, such as grooming, mucking out, tacking up horses, mounting, and dressing. This is handy for anyone who aspires to acquire their horse or work with them in the future.
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6. Houston Police Stables
| Location | 5005 Little York Road, Houston, TX 77016 |
| Tel | 832-384-0339 |
| Opening Hours | Free |
| Opening Hours | Monday - Sunday: 8:00 am 4:00 pm (subject to change) |
This is a slightly different equine experience, but I couldn’t discuss these places without mentioning the police stables. This has been one of my family’s favorite places to visit with the kids for many years, and the best part is, it’s free to visit, and you still get to have a lot of interaction with the horse, so if the main reason for your visit is a love for the ponies, then this is somewhere you must visit.
There are probably around 35-40 horses stabled here, and you have the chance to pet, stroke, and even groom every single one of them, which is an experience enough on its own. Of course, the police horses are magnificent creatures, and it’s even cooler to see them up close and personal.
If you’re visiting on the weekend, you will need to call to make a reservation. However, if you’re planning to go during the week, you can rock up anytime during their opening hours.
If you want to book something for an event or a larger group, you should enquire about the guided tour, which is highly informative and free of charge. Here you can learn about the horse’s adoption and training process and see what they go through before being ridden by the officers on the streets.
There are often events at the center, too, so check their calendar for upcoming activities.
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To Conclude
So, that’s that. Those are some of the most popular spots for horseback riding in Houston. Whether you’re looking for a refresher course after learning to ride as a child or taking the kids to discover a new hobby, I’ve provided a spot for everyone.
Suppose you have enjoyed reading about the best spots for horseback riding in Houston. Why not find out more about what this great city has to offer, such as the 5 Stunning Locations to Enjoy Paddleboarding in and Around Houston and the most Fun Stuff, Things & activities to do in Houston.