Giddy on up, partner!
Saddle up for adventure and explore the Black Hills & Badlands with a relaxing horseback ride through the pines and spires and along creeks and trails, all while enjoying the sweet sunshine and bountiful wildlife.
Horseback riding has a longstanding history in the region. Native American tribes used horses to hunt buffalo - or Tatanka - travel and expand territory. The animal became a spiritual and cultural identity for the tribes. Pioneers heading West traveled to their new homes via horseback and men plowed the ground to plant with a horse-drawn plow. Cowboys herded cattle on horseback along trails, and in the late 1800s cowboys raced on horses, hoping to rope raucous livestock during rodeo.
While you won’t be wrangling and roping in the Black Hills & Badlands, a horseback ride offers an adventurous way to explore the trails and wondrous beauty of the region.
Where to Ride
There are a variety of trails that welcome equestrian exploration, including the Centennial Trail and Mickelson Trail Badlands National Park, French Creek in Custer State Park, and the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve.
While moseying along the trails, there are options to stop and take a photo, hike, eat lunch and view wildlife. While there are many places to stop for a picnic lunch along a creek, in a meadow, or at designated picnic areas, the trails also lead to several horse-friendly lodges where you can tie up your steed and grab a bite to eat.
A unique ride will allow you to tie up you horse and hike the short distance to the top of Black Elk Peak and take in the panoramic view of the Black Hills from a historic fire tower.
Take a Guided Tour
Visitors can bring their own horses to ride; however, there are guided horseback tours in the Black Hills & Badlands that will provide a memorable experience.
After a ride along the trail, enjoy a chuckwagon dining experience, just like the cowboys out on the trail! A chuckwagon offers cowboy favorites Dutch oven sides and other scrumptious bites to fill your bellies after a day on the trails. Chuckwagon dinners also include Western entertainment.
Horse Camping
After spending the day in the saddle soaking in all the beauty of the Black Hills & Badlands, set up camp with your companion in the evening. The region is filled with various areas that allow horses. Private campgrounds may also offer horse camping in the area. Specialized horse camps offer corrals water, electricity and space for trailer parking.
Horseback riders can also stop along a trail and find a dispersed campsite for you and your horse. Be sure to follow National Forest of camping at least 100-feet from creeks and water sources ant at least a half mile from a designated campsite. Dispersed campsites do not offer water, so you will need to pack your own. South Dakota also does not allow open campfires.
Wildlife
As you explore via horseback, you will share the trail with various wildlife. While your horse may be fast, the wildlife you encounter- like bison - will be faster. Enjoy the habitants in their natural environment, take photos and video, but also be alert and stay a safe distance from wildlife to ensure safety for the horse, the wildlife, and yourself.
Gear up & Be Prepared
When taking in the trails via horseback, we want to ensure you have a memorable and comfortable ride. Riders should wear long pants and sturdy, close-toed shoes. A heel of 1 to 1.5 inches thick allows your foot to stay in the strap. Gloves can be worn, and it is recommended to pack light layers. The weather can be cooler in the mornings and evenings. A rain jacket, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses also come in handy during a horseback ride. While not required, we also recommend a helmet. Horseback riding companies will offer helmets.
If you plan to bring your own horse to hit the trails, be sure that you have all your horse’s travel documents and health information available. We recommend calling stables or campgrounds prior to your trip to ensure requirements and book space early. The Black Hills National Forest also requires the use of certified weed-free hay.
Now that you’re all set, saddle up and happy trails to you!