If you own a horse in the Hudson Valley chances are you aren't keeping him or her in your backyard. You most likely are boarding at one of the many equestrian facilities in the area. The nice thing about having your horse at a local barn is they probably have a nice riding ring and maybe even an indoor arena you can enjoy during bad weather.

Truth be told though all of us who ride love to take the opportunity to leave the organized ring and head for open space. If you have a horse you may not even know about some of the great places you can take your horse to enjoy a ride "off the grid". Whether you board your horse or keep him at home riding on an open trail can be fun for both you and your horse.

Most of the Hudson Valley Rail Trails welcome horse and rider. There are also a lot of parks that offer horse trails as well. A great open space place to ride locally is the Mohonk Preserve just west of New Paltz. There is a fee if you are not a member of the preserve but it is worth the day pass.

They describe the trails as cool and forested with sweeping views. The trails includes 19th century carriage roads. The carriage trails are wide, they have less foot traffic and they are car free. There is also trailer parking at the front of the trail head but you should call ahead to plan your ride 845-255-0919.

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