Horseback riding is a fantastic sport to build core physical and mental strength, stamina and coordination. Horseback riding in winter in the fresh snow can be an absolutely thrilling experience to have.
When winter approaches, Poconos becomes a charming snow-filled paradise. You will experience the serene tranquility of the Poconos landscapes. Horseback riding in the Poconos mountains is bound to change your horseback riding experience forever.
If you have been thinking of the best place to try out horse riding in the winter, Poconos is your go-to destination. The thrill and excitement of the sport you will experience here is on another level. Choosing to do horseback riding in Poconos mountains is the best decision you will ever make. Read on to know more about your options and what to expect in the Poconos horseback riding you are about to enjoy.
Why Should you Visit Poconos for Horseback Riding
During winter, Poconos becomes a white and frosty winter wonderland. It is a pleasurable experience to enjoy a horse riding in snow in the tranquility and serenity of winter in Poconos.
In the winter season, Poconos is highlighted with snowy woodlands, picturesque scenery and pure white landscapes. Embark on a perfect day of horseback riding with the serene and heavenly beauty you can experience in the Poconos.
Along with the beautiful atmosphere here, you will also enjoy the multitude of benefits of horseback riding that I have mentioned below.
Benefits of Winter Horseback Riding
Horseback riding, especially in the winters, offers various physical and psychological benefits. It is a great workout to incorporate in the winter. It burns extra calories than in warm seasons and stimulates the development of various muscle groups.
Cold weather exposure also provides its own health benefits like increasing the levels of good fat, reducing inflammation and improving your sleep quality. It also improves your heart health by stimulating your overall endurance.
Mental Health Benefits
Spending time with animals in general is proven to improve your moods through the release of happy hormones like serotonin in your body. Horse riding can reduce your stress and anxiety levels. Moreover, horses are widely used in therapy for ex-soldiers and children with autism.
Horse riding can improve your cognitive functions by making you think quickly, enhance your memory and coordination. The sport can also boost your confidence and self-esteem levels. In addition, the calm and snowy landscape in winter in Poconos can help you have a refreshing ride.
Physical Benefits
You might be assuming that this sport has minimal physical benefits for you since the horse does most of the work. However, that is not true. There are multiple physical benefits you can reap from horseback riding.
Balancing yourself with proper form on a horse is elegant but it is, in fact, a challenging task and engages your chest, core and back properly. Horse riding gives these muscles a thorough workout. You also get the benefit of isometric exercise when you use your muscles to stabilize yourself on top of the horse, leading to improvement in overall posture.
Horse riders have noticed a significant improvement in their breathing and cardiovascular health from horse riding. According to a few studies, you burn more calories riding a horse than playing badminton, especially when trotting during the ride.
Horse riding Poconos during winter also comes with other added advantages like there will be less crowd, snowy chills and scenery all around the region.
Choosing the perfect stable is essential to secure the right horse, good facilities, adequate amenities and safety while going on your horse riding experience. Here, I have listed a few of the best stables you can find in the Poconos.
Mountain Creek Riding Stables, Poconos
The Mountain Creek Stables Poconos is one of the best stables in Poconos for horseback riding in snow. The stable was owned and operated by Mark Ecker since 1994 until he passed away in late 2016. It is filled with fantastic wooded trails where you even encounter wildlife like deer, if you are lucky.
The trails offered here are both beginner- as well as family-friendly ones. You can choose between public group and private group trail rides. The stable is well maintained with proper feeding, grooming and training of the horses. It is open all year-round and is open in winter too. The staff and guides here are friendly and experienced enough to provide a safe and enjoyable ride to everyone.
I had been to the Mountain Creek stable last winter for a private group horse ride and I really enjoyed the scenic beauty of the trails and the accommodating and experienced staff. Below I have listed a few additional information for you to consider.
| Address | 6190 Paradise Valley Rd, Cresco, PA 18326 |
| Hours | 10 am to 4 pm daily |
| Pricing | $49 per person (public group);$79 per person (private group) |
| Beginner friendly | Yes |
| Rider lessons and programs | Public Group Trail Rides; Private Group Trail Rides |
Bushkill Riding Stables
The Bushkill Riding Stables is situated near the border of adventure-filled Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and is open year-round. In the stable, you can experience a scenic ride into the wonderful wooded forests. You can ride into the peaceful woods through either a 30 minute beginners trail ride or a 45 minute guided trail ride.
The Bushkill Stables is a beautiful place for horse back riding Poconos and can help you reconnect with nature. And in winter, you can experience the wonderful landscape filled with dusty snow all over the trails. The staff is super friendly and provides an awesome guided tour.
| Address | 124 Golf Dr, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302 |
| Hours | 9 am to 6 pm daily |
| Pricing | $40 |
| Amenities | Dining, Alcohol Servings, Wi-Fi, Kids Menu |
| Beginner friendly | Yes |
| Rider lessons and programs | Beginners Trail Ride, Guided Trail Ride |
Happy Trails Stables Waymart
Happy Trails Stables, a family-owned stable, has been operating for over 20 years in Waymart and is the perfect spot to saddle up. The stable is open year-round where you can enjoy one-hour and two-hour rides over snowy trails. You can even choose to relax back on a sleigh or carriage ride and enjoy the winter beauty of Poconos.
The staff here are friendly and accommodating and the tour guides are very informative. The Happy Trails also offers an indoor lesson for beginners to make it easier to enjoy horse back riding in the Poconos.
| Address | 613 Honesdale Rd, Waymart, PA 18472 |
| Hours | 9 am to 5 pm daily |
| Pricing | $34 |
| Beginner friendly | Yes |
| Rider lessons and programs | Trail Rides, Pony Rides, Hay Rides, Sleigh Rides, Carriage Rides, Private Lessons |
DeerPath Stables
The DeerPath Stables is one of the best horseback riding in Poconos for beginners. The stable is open all year and offers one hour rides to enjoy the scenic trails.
The trail here stretches through different terrains like forest, hills and open fields.The horseriding in DeerPath will be slightly challenging as the rides include a little jog or trot pace. However, the guides are really helpful and will take care of your comfort.
| Address | 95 PA-940, White Haven, PA 18661 |
| Hours | 10:30 am to 3:00 pm daily |
| Pricing | $45 |
| Amenities | Free parking |
| Beginner friendly | Yes |
| Rider lessons and programs | Beginner Guides Trail Rides, Pony Rides For Kids |
How to Prepare Yourself
Horse rides usually last for about 45 minutes and to ensure you have a seamless experience, it is essential to be prepared for the ride. You can prepare for the ride by getting a basic understanding about the right posture.
Correct posture is one of the crucial aspects of having a rewarding horse riding experience. You must keep your head up and your chin parallel to the ground. Your ears, shoulders, hips and heels must be in alignment with each other. Your hands and forearms should be held to make a straight line with the horse’s mouth, along with the reins. Your thumbs must be under the reins like when riding a bike.
Safety is also an important aspect in addition to correct posture. Always wear a riding helmet with a cap to provide warmth and protection to your head. Dress up in layers and wear a high-quality insulated, waterproof jacket to protect from harsh winds and snowfalls.
You are advised to wear thin layers below the waist to reduce the overall weight and have a comfortable ride. You can wear thermal breeches if you worry about excess cold. Wear good quality gloves and use waterproof boots to keep your feet warm and dry. You can also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright snow.
There is no need to panic though as the horses are very well-trained and can respond to humans appropriately.
Rules and Safety Guidelines
There are a few rules and safety guidelines to keep in mind before you hop on a horse for riding.
- Horses easily startle leading to kicks or bites. Always alert your horse to your presence by speaking to him. Touch his neck or shoulder with a firm, gentle stroke. Approach your horse from his side instead of his front or back.
- There is no upper age limit for riding a horse as long as you are fit. However, children need to be 4 years or above to be able to reach the stirrups to control the horse.
- Horses can carry about 10-20% of their total bodyweight safely, which includes the weight of the rider as well as the tack.
- You must avoid being loud or noisy around your horse as that can make him jumpy and nervous.
- Broken bones, head injuries and bruises are the common horseback riding injuries people can encounter. Traumatic head injury is one of the most serious horse riding injuries.
- Equipment malfunctions are another cause of injuries. It is a good idea to inspect your equipment before beginning the ride.
- You also risk being thrown down by your horse. Be gentle with your horse at all times.
- Do not attempt the ride in case you are exhausted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Be mindful of other people and treat them in the same manner that you want to be treated.
Conclusion
Horse back riding in the winter can be a thrilling and wonderful experience that you can have, especially if you enjoy getting on a horse. With its amazing white and snowy landscapes in winter and beginner-friendly horse riding trails, Poconos is the best option for this exciting activity.
Make a trip to the Poconos to enjoy a wonderful session of horseback riding in your next vacation.
If you are looking for a place to stay in the Poconos as you enjoy the winter in style, look no further. The luxurious vacation rentals you can get at HolidayKeepers can make your winter escapes a pleasant experience. Contact us for more details.
FAQs
Q1: What type of trails can be taken while winter horse riding in Poconos?
The Poconos provides a number of trails you can choose for horseriding. They include mountain trails, wooden trails and scenic trails, all of which give a splendid view of the winter landscape. Always check with local parks and trail associations as some trails can be closed during winter.
Q2: What type of gear am I expected to carry for the winter Poconos horse riding?
For winter horseback riding, you are expected to dress in layers to keep you warm and dry. Wear warm and waterproof boots with a good heel, thick woolen socks and insulated gloves. A face mask along with a warm cap and a scarf will protect you against the cold winds. Wear insulated riding pants and a warm, waterproof jacket to give extra protection against the cold. Additionally, bring hand and food warmers along with blankets for extra warmth.
Q3: Name some of the best stables for horseback riding in Poconos.
Mountain Laurel Riding Stables, Fernwood Horseback Riding, Why-Not Riding Stable, and Daisy Field Farm are few of the best stables for horse riding in the Poconos.
