Horseback Riding in Kelowna: Stables and Tips to Know
Every year many families choose to visit Kelowna for their family vacation and trips. With the huge variety of things to do, everyone will find something they enjoy here. Take time to visit an animal farm, enjoy some great food at fabulous restaurants, hike and enjoy the outdoors, or be a bit more adventurous and enjoy what horseback riding in Kelowna has to offer while enjoying this beautiful city on Okanagan Lake in the Okanagan Valley.
Horseback Riding Stables in Kelowna Offering Trail Rides and Riding Lessons
Broken Rail Ranch
A short 15 minute drive from downtown Kelowna will take you to Broken Rail Ranch. Broken Rail is a family run operation and provides riders one of the best horseback riding experiences available. All rides take you through forested areas, with views of Okanagan Lake and Kelowna City. The owners Jeff and Crystal Findlay will match you with one of their sweet and gentle horses and customize each ride based on the rider's experience and comfort level.
They allow 2-8 riders per ride and ages 6 and over are welcome. Rides last anywhere from 60-90 minutes which includes set up, orientation, and end of ride good byes. Rates vary starting at $65 per rider and increase based on certain criteria. You will not be disappointed if you choose to take a ride at Broken Rail Ranch.
Kelowna Stables at Myra Canyon Ranch
A bit short 25 minute drive from downtown Kelowna you will arrive at Myra Canyon Ranch and the home of Kelowna Stables. Kelowna Stables allows children ages 3 and over to join in on the trail riding fun. They also offer large draft horses crosses so they are able to accommodate guests up to 275 pounds.
Rides are offered year round and they ride in all weather conditions. The ranch has access to a network of over 500 trails that show off the beautiful land sakes and lake. Kelowna Stables is family owned and has been running strong since 2011.
Rides ranch in price starting at $75 per rider and in length starting with one hour and increasing from there. Wearing long pants and sturdy shoes, with a heel if possible is ideal, no opened toed shoes or sandals. All riders are asked to wear a helmet, and are supplied by the stable. A bike helmet is acceptable if you would prefer to bring your one along to ride in.
Sun Hills Riding Centre
Sun Hills Riding Centre offers guided trail rides that wind through the beautiful Osoyoos hills, giving riders spectacular views of the local vineyards, mountain ranges, and of Lake Osoyoos.
Riders must be a minimum of 8 years old to ride and rides are available at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, and 6:00 pm and rides last anywhere from one hour to one and ½ hours. All rides are done in small groups of 1-6 riders so everyone can have an enjoyable riding experience.
Horses at Sun Hills are mainly ridden in treeless saddles so movement of the horses spinal column and rib cage are not restricted. Horses are also ridden in hackamores. A hackamore does not have a bit that goes into the horse's mouth. Many studies have shown that when bits are in the hands of inexperienced riders, they can cause pain and harm to the horse's sensitive mouth.
They also use rubber hoof boots instead of steel horseshoes. Sun Hills feels very strongly about bonding with a horse before you ride them. So before every ride they spend time letting horse and rider bond with one another. Some wonder why Sun Hills feels so strongly about the bonding between horse and rider and that is because all of the horses that are used for the guided rides are rescue horses.
All of their horses came to them in various states of neglect. So with proper care and training all of the horses are happy, healthy, and enjoy life at Sunny Hills. All of the horses that come to Sunny Hills will have forever homes there, and when it is time for them to retire they go out to the Sunny Hill retirement pasture where they will live out their lives. This is a spectacular place with wonderful people and horses.
Okanagan Stables
This stable is one that many families enjoy but it is temporarily closed so check back when you visit to see if they have reopened.
If you have ever wanted to ride through a creek on horseback this is the place for you. Roundabout offers a one hour trail ride down the Mission Creek Trail. The price for the hour is $65 per person. Riders 18 and under must wear a helmet, while riders over 18 can sign a waiver so they can go without one. Reservations are required and can be set up via phone or email.
You will have a great time horseback riding in Kelowna at any of these stables. The well trained horses and knowledgeable guides will take you on a ride where you will make memories that will last a lifetime. Take a look at other horseback riding locations in Canada to see what this amazing country offers for equestrians!
Happy trails to you!