Riverside Stables is a fun, family friendly place to enjoy the outdoors and experience what it is like to ride and care for horses!

Riverside is located on the North side of Springfield, near Sherman, and is easily accessible to all people and vehicles.

Riverside Stables and their employees are highly experienced with horses and are there to help every step of the way with your encounter with the animals! Safety is a top priority for them as well as ensuring all visitors have a wonderful experience with horses. They accept riders of all experience whether you have never even seen a horse in real life or have a family farm of your own, they will welcome you with open arms. Activities related to horses include:

Horse Camp:

Horse Camp is offered every summer for children and is full of hands on experiences in a controlled environment. Kids will participate in activities such as horse care, riding lessons, crafts, hay rack rides, nature hikes, and daily trail rides. This camp has been offered for over nineteen years. For more information on 2019 Horse Camp at Riverside Stables click here.

Trail Rides:

Trail Rides are offered year round at Riverside Stables. Rides are $50 per  person for an hour long trail ride with a guide, and each ride must have a minimum of two horses and a maximum of ten. If you wish to ride by yourself you may call to see if there are available spots with another set of riders. All riders under 16 years of age are required to wear a helmet, which is provided for you by Riverside or you may bring your own. It is also recommended that riders wear boots with heals.  A release form must be filled out before the start of the ride, and in case of a cancellation you must call at least 24 hours in advance. 

Field Trips:

Field trips serve as a great introduction to the equine industry as they include a lot of information and hands on experience. Within a field trip participants will go on a tour of the barn, engage in a group lesson, groom a horse, ride the horses, go on a hay rack ride, and leave with something to take home. Typical participants include Scouts, as they are able to earn badges, schools, as it is informative, and any other individuals interested in learning more about horses and their care.  The cost of a  field trip is $250 minimum which includes up to 25 people, and every additional person is an extra $5. At the time of booking, a $75 deposit is required and is non-refundable but counts towards your total for the trip.  Each participant is required to complete a release form prior to any participation and riders under 16 years old must wear a helmet either from home or one that is provided by the facility. No open toed shoes are allowed and boots with heels are recommended. 

Private Parties:

The private parties offered by Riverside provides two options regarding location. They can bring a pony or horse to your desired location, or they have a pavilion which a suitable for up to 250 people and is available to rent. For more information on the details of each party, click here.

Riding Lessons:

The riding lessons offered at Riverside Stables teach riders how to ride Western style.  The different types of lessons are private (one on one), semi-private (two students with an instructor, and group lessons (average of 5, minimum of three). To participate in a group lesson riders must have one private lesson first for evaluation purposes. Private lessons are $50 per person for each hour, semi-private lessons are $40 per person each hour, and group lessons are $40 a person for every two hours. Each lesson includes 30 minutes of ground work and 30 minutes of riding. A 24 hour cancellation notice is required and a release form must be filled out before participation. 

Complete Boarding:

For those of you interested in owning a horse, but do not have a place to keep it, Riverside will board your horse for you. For a complete stall board it is $400 a month and for just a pasture board, which includes no stall benefits, it is $275 a month. Separate tack locations are available for each type of boarding. For new horses, they must have a stall for the first month and go through quarantine for 14 days prior to being released with the heard. Prior to coming on the premises, horses must have current coggins and be up to date on all shots. De-worming and routine times in not included in the boarding cost but will take place at the facility. For information on the spaces available click here. 

Lead Pony:

Counselor led pony rides are provided to young horse lovers who have an interest in horses. Kids will be safely introduced to the horses and then led around by a counselor. Camera's are welcomed and highly encouraged to capture these fun, unique moments. Rides are $50 per hour. 

Riverside also has activities which are seasonal, meaning that they are only offered at certain times of the year. These activities include:

Canoe & Kayak Rentals:

Aside from horseback riding, Riverside also rents out canoes and kayaks. Canoe rentals are $40 for up to 4 hours and $60 for anything between 4 and 8 hours. Kayak rentals are $35 for up to 4 hours and anything between 4 and 8 hours is $45. The prices include drop off/pick-up, life jackets, seat cushions, and oars. Prior to the trip, all participants must sign a release form. 

Haunted Hayrides and Zombie Paintball:

Haunted Hayrides and Zombie Paintball are also offered at Riverside Stables, but is not year around. During the month of October on Friday and Saturday nights the rides begin at 7p.m. It is a cash only event and for each hayride ticket is $15, or $20 for an express pass.  Paintball ride tickets are $20 per person, which includes 300 paint balls. Combination tickets, which include both the extreme haunted hayride and the zombie paintball ride are $30. For more information, visit their website here.

For more information on the activities provided by Riverside Stables contact them through their website, email, or phone number that can be found at the top of the page.