Historical sites are oftentimes the reason why people pick certain destinations for their vacation, and Popham Beach, Maine is one of those places. Maine is home to 33 State Parks, and the most popular of the state parks is Popham Beach. Located in Phippsburg Maine, covering 500 acres of land and close to 7 miles of sandy beach, this place was very important during the Civil War. It was home to the Fort for coast line defense and 1969 it was added to the Register of Historical Places. During your visit at Popham Beach makes sure to check out the historical lighthouse tour, take in some bird watching, explore the sea life down at the tide pools and if you are visiting Maine between October 31st and March 31st make a reservations with one of the stables listed below and head out to the beach on the back of a horse some extra special fun while horseback riding in Popham Beach.

Popham Beach is only open from October 31st thru March 31st, the beaches are less crowded and safer to be riding on with the horses. Permits are required for riding horses on the beach and those can be purchased directly through two locations in the city, but most of the stables include the permit in their beach ride service. When calling stables to make reservations be prepared to choose a time that is early morning or late evening because many of the rides will only go out 3 hours before or after the low tide.

Stables For Beach Rides in Popham Beach, Maine

Sable Oaks Equestrian Center

Sable Oaks Equestrian Center is a full service facility and is skilled in a variety of disciplines and is open to all horse breeds. They offer everything from training, showing, lessons, camps, birthday parties, weddings, trail rides, and that’s right Horseback Riding on the Beach!

Beach rides are scheduled to take an hour to an hour and a half, so all riders regardless of skill level or age can have a positive riding experience. Each group heading to the beach will have their own private guide and guests will be enjoying their adventure on a well trained Quarter Horse or a beautiful Gypsy Vanner. Riders can choose to ride in a English or Western Saddle and helmets are available upon request. Reservations and advanced registration with deposit  are required if you plan to take part in one of the rides that is offered through Sable Oaks. Sherrye is the trail guide and she is highly recommended by past riders and she is in high demand so space fills quickly.

Carousel Horse Farm

Carousel Horse Farm is lucky to be situated right next to over 5000 recreational trails, accessible directly from the ranch. This farm has everything set up perfectly for you to camp in a trailer or a tent and also provides accommodations for your horse if you’d like to vacation with your trusty partner. This facilities ideal set up is for those who have their own horses, but if you do need to rent a horse there are a few horses on the farm that are available for that also.

For the vacationers who are looking to have a fun outing guided trail rides are available with the farms rental horses. Riders must be 8 years old for the beginner rides, but children six and under are welcome to participate with a rider that has paid full price. All riders age 12 and under need to have an adult with them. For intermediate riders 13 years and older is preferred unless the rider is currently taking lessons or has ridden enough to safely trot and canter if the the guide feels it is a safe scenario.

All riders who participate in a guided ride must wear a helmet, long pants, closed toed shoes, with a heel if possible, and liability releases need to be signed prior to the departure of the ride,, showing up 10-30 min early is ideal depending on the size of your party.

Beach rides are one of the many trail rides offered by Carousel Farm, but just like all the other rides on the beach are only available during the months October 31st and March 31st. You can schedule a ride by calling the farm or on their website.

Stables offering beach rides for those who need to rent horses is limited, unlike many other states that offer beach rides. If you are planning to enjoy horseback riding in Popham Beach, remember to book reservations as soon as you can so you don’t miss out!