Horseback Riding

You're a Western rider and you believe it's the only way -- or you ride English and believe Western riders are missing something.

In New York State we just like to ride -- Western or English. So no matter what boots you wear, we have plenty of dude ranches, farms and trails to enjoy your passion.

Dude ranches offer a variety of choices, from low-cost to deluxe, for the horse-loving family, couple or single vacationer. Each has its specialty -- crossing the Hudson River on horseback, cookouts on the trail, moonlight hayrides, bass and trout fishing, polo, guest participation rodeos, square dancing or trap shooting.

Traditionally New York's dude ranch season is from May through November, although an increasing number operate year-round and offer ice-skating, snowmobiling and both alpine and cross-country skiing.

If you own a horse we have abundant trail systems. The Department of Environmental Conservation, Preserve Protection and Management (518/457-7433) will provide information and guide books to trail systems throughout the state. Several state park facilities (518/474-0456) include horse trails, ranging from short bridle paths at Clermont and John Jay Homestead site to sophisticated horse trail networks at Connetquot State Park Preserve, Allegany State Park and the Rockefeller State Preserve.