Memphis: Horseback Trail Ride in Shelby Farms Park

Summary

Horseback riding Memphis trails with wildlife and city views

You’ll saddle up for a guided horseback trail ride through Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, passing deer, ducks, cranes, and more along quiet wooded paths. With a local guide leading the way and well-trained horses for all experience levels, you’ll get both city views and unexpected calm — plus all gear is included.

What’s the experience like?

We showed up at Shelby Farms Park and I’ll admit, I didn’t expect it to feel so wild right in the middle of Memphis. The horses were already saddled up, munching quietly, and our guide — Marcus — handed me a helmet with a grin like he’d seen plenty of nervous city folks before. He asked if we’d ever ridden before (I hadn’t since I was twelve), but the horses seemed calm enough to trust. There was this soft smell of hay and leather, mixed with something green from the trees after last night’s rain.

The trail wound through open fields and then dipped into these shady woods where it got almost silent except for hooves on dirt and birds somewhere overhead. Marcus pointed out a group of deer just standing there watching us pass — not even bothered. At one point, a crane took off from the pond and startled my horse (and me, honestly). We laughed about it after; Marcus said that bird always tries to be dramatic when there’s new riders. I liked how he knew all their little habits.

It surprised me how peaceful it felt — you could hear bits of Memphis traffic way off in the distance but mostly it was just us, the horses, and whatever animals decided to show up. Riding past the tall grass, I tried to remember my horse’s name (was it Daisy or Maisie?) but she didn’t seem to mind either way. The whole thing lasted about an hour but I kind of lost track of time out there. We finished back at the stables with muddy boots and that weirdly satisfying tired feeling you get from doing something simple but good.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback trail ride in Memphis park

• Arrive at Memphis urban park
• Saddle up on well-trained horses
• Ride trails with guide
• Observe wildlife like deer and cranes
• Complete 60-minute horseback ride

Top questions

How long is the Memphis horseback trail ride?

The horseback ride lasts about one hour through Shelby Farms Park.

Are beginners welcome on this Memphis horseback riding tour?

Yes, riders of all experience levels are welcome; horses are well-trained.

Is there a weight limit for riders?

Yes, all participants must weigh under 240 lbs each.

What animals might we see during the ride?

You may spot deer, ducks, cranes, and other local wildlife along the trails.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Children must be at least 7 years old and 50 inches tall to join.

Is equipment provided for the horseback ride?

Yes, all necessary equipment is included in your booking.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your day includes all taxes and fees covered up front, use of well-kept equipment for your ride, plus a friendly local trail guide who leads you through Shelby Farms Park’s best horse trails — just show up ready to ride either in the morning or afternoon slot you choose.