Horseback riding in Wisconsin: Interact with a herd at liberty

Walk into a pasture, stand among the herd, hike the forest, warm up at the fire

A 3.5-hour activity in Westboro, Wisconsin where you move among a herd of horses and donkeys living at liberty in their pasture, observing their natural behavior up close without saddles or reins. The day includes a guided forest hike and ends at a campfire with drinks and s'mores. Children are welcome from age 8, and a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

The experience

What makes this different from a typical riding lesson or farm tour is that you're not directing the animals. You're entering their world. You'll step into the pasture and move among the herd as they live naturally, watching how they interact with each other and respond to your presence. There are no saddles, no reins, no instruction on how to ride. Instead, you get to observe and connect with curious animals in their own space, which is what makes the experience grounding rather than performative.

After your time with the herd, a guide leads you through the surrounding forest on foot. The hike takes you through the trails of northern Wisconsin, and the pace is built around observation and breathing rather than exertion. Once you're back at the barn, the day winds down at a cozy campfire where you can reflect on what you've seen, share stories, and enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, water and s'mores supplies included.

What’s included

• Guided interaction with the herd in the pasture.
• guided forest hike.
• campfire gathering.
• drinks including water, hot cocoa and coffee.
• s'mores supplies.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Equine Forest Experience & Campfire

Is this one for you?The farm is located in Westboro, Wisconsin, and operates as a private experience, so you'll need to arrange your own transportation to the site. If you're staying in the area without a car, confirm the pickup options when you book. The 3.5-hour day is built around the farm location and works best for travelers who can reach it independently or arrange transport ahead of time.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between this and a regular horseback riding lesson?

This activity has no saddles, reins or instruction. You're not learning to ride. Instead, you move freely among the horses and donkeys as they live in their pasture, observing their natural behavior and interacting with them on their terms rather than directing them.

How much walking and hiking is involved?

After your time in the pasture, you take a guided hike through the forest, but the pace is built around enjoying the trails rather than covering distance. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for the full 3.5 hours.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience runs rain or shine. You'll be outdoors in the pasture and forest, so dress for the conditions. The campfire at the end provides warmth and shelter.

Is this a private group or will there be other people?

This is a private experience, so it's just your group with the guide. The herd size and group size mean you'll have space to move and observe without crowding.