ARIZONA

Arizona is a top state for horse lovers. Here's where to go horseback riding

Laura Daniella Sepulveda Shanti Lerner
Arizona Republic

Arizona was named in a recent study as one of the best states for enjoying horse activities.

The study, conducted by Mad Barn, a website specializing in equine nutrition, aimed to determine the best states for horse lovers by analyzing what each state offers across different metrics including horse boarding facilities, horseback riding trails, veterinarians and organizations offering horse custodial services, among other factors.

Arizona ranked among the top states at No. 7, outshining most states with its more than 300 horseback riding trails, 125 horse rental facilities, and around 25 competition events planned for 2025. The state also stood out as "leader in horse custodial care" with 41 organizations offering these services and five colleges offering equine studies, according to the report.

Here's everything you need to know about the best horse activities across Arizona, as well as a roundup of the best states for horse lovers.

The best states for horse lovers

Here are the top 10 horse-loving states, according to Mad Barn.

  1. California
  2. Texas
  3. Florida
  4. Colorado
  5. Virginia
  6. Pennsylvania
  7. Arizona
  8. North Carolina
  9. Washington
  10. Ohio

7 places to try horse riding in Arizona

Here are some of the best horse trails, shows and competition events you can find in Arizona.

  • Saguaro Lake Ranch Stable: This ranch stable located northeast of Mesa offers trail rides with beautiful views of the Goldfield Mountains and Saguaro Lake. It opens every day except Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is located at 13050 N. Bush Highway in Mesa. Prices range from $55-$75. For more information, you can call 480-984-0335, or visit the ranch's website at saguarolakeranchstable.com.
  • Western Destinations Canyon Creek Ranch: Sitting at the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains, trail rides at this ranch explore the Agua Fria National Monument, which has more than 450 known Native American structures that are thousands of years old. Guests also can take part in cowboy games and other activities. To make an appointment and inquire about pricing, people can call the ranch at 623-374-1976. The address is 22100 E. Tara Springs Road in Black Canyon City and the website is westerndesti6nations.com.
  • Cave Creek Trail Rides: North of Phoenix, this horse trail ride will take you through the Sonoran Desert, and you can learn about Cave Creek’s history as a mining town. It opens 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. and is located at 37019 N. 32nd St. in Cave Creek. Prices range from $47-$62. For more information, call 623-742-6700 or visit cavecreektrailrides.com.
  • Betty's Trail Rides: Riders who visit can enjoy views of historic ranching areas and Lake Pleasant while learning about the history, culture, native plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. Rides are by reservation only and range from $50-$80. Betty's Trail Rides is off Castle Hot Springs Road in Morristown. For more information, call 928-925-2488 or find @bettys_trail_rides on Instagram.
  • Arizona Horseback Adventures: Sitting on the edge of Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area north of Cave Creek, Arizona Horseback Adventures offers visitors a variety of rides led by professional wranglers through the Sonoran Desert. The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Customized and overnight rides are available. Prices range between $53-$138. The site is located at 44029 N. Spur Cross Road, Cave Creek. For more information, call 480-488-9117 or visit arizonahorsebackadventures.com.
  • Arizona National Horse Show: This annual free-admission event includes activities like ranch riding, reining, halter and rail classes. This year, the show will take place from Dec. 12-15 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, located at 16601 N. Pima Road.
  • Ponderosa Stables at South Mountain: You can experience Western riding within city limits at South Mountain Park in Phoenix. Rides vary from one hour to a full day and prices range between $40 and $225. Ponderosa Stables opens from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. It is located at 10215 S. Central Ave. Call 602-268-1261 or visit Arizona-horses.com for more information.