Seeing Vermont’s backcountry from the saddle offers a perspective you simply don’t get from the road. The Green Mountain National Forest features nearly 100 miles of equestrian trails, which, as Horse Journals notes, wind through meadows, hardwood forests, and past sugar houses where maple syrup is still made the old-fashioned way.
Within an hour of Killington you’ll find experienced outfitters ready to match riders of all skill levels with the right horse.
Lajoie Stables: Scenic Forest Trails and 50 Well-Matched Horses
Lajoie Stables in Jeffersonville is Vermont’s largest year-round riding operation. The family has been at it for two generations—they started in 1988 and moved to their current location, a former Christmas tree farm, over 20 years ago. Today they run around 50 horses across 100 acres of pine forest and open fields.
The ride takes you through hand-cut woodland trails into a Christmas tree grove of Blue Spruce and Pine, then opens up to views of Mount Mansfield and Smugglers’ Notch. On clear days, you can see the ski slopes. Wildlife sightings are common—white-tailed deer, foxes and wild turkeys regularly crash the party.
Here’s the kicker: it currently costs $50 per person for a one-hour guided ride. No experience necessary. The staff pairs each guest with a compatible horse. One reviewer on TripAdvisor put it bluntly: “I’ve never seen such well-cared for, content horses at a trail-riding facility before.”
Pro tip from the reviews: Call ahead for reservations. With only 50 horses, they book up fast, though they “try their absolute best to never say no to anyone wanting to ride.”
Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm: The “Tölt” Changes Everything
If you want something different than your standard trail plod, head to Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm in Waitsfield. The Icelandic Horse isn’t a pony, but a full-sized breed that Vikings brought to Iceland over 1,000 years ago. These horses have a unique gait called the “tölt”, a four-beat lateral gait that’s smoother than a trot and faster than a walk. As a rider described on TripAdvisor, “You are just flying forward, free and easy! Whoo hoo!”
The farm offers daily rides ranging from single outings to 2-5 day riding packages on their 4 and 5-gaited horses. All rides are by advance reservation. The horses are bred for sure-footedness on rough terrain, making them ideal for Vermont’s variable trail conditions.
Chipman Stables: 40 Years in “God’s Country”
Chipman Stables has been operating in Danby Four Corners for over 40 years. Their tagline isn’t subtle: they claim their trails run through “the most spectacular views in the world (Known as God’s Country)”.
Located just minutes from the Equinox Hotel in Manchester, Chipman offers trail rides 7 days a week (weather permitting), and all rides are private. They cater to kids of all ages and specialize in beginners. The stable also runs summer camps for children ages 7-15, with sessions from late June through mid-August.
Reviews consistently mention the patient instructors and well-trained horses. One guest noted: “The staff was friendly, very patient and knowledgeable. This was all our first time riding horses on a trail.”
Kedron Valley Stables & Mountain View Ranch: Sleigh Rides and Cowboy Games
Kedron Valley Stables in South Woodstock has been around since the 1800s. They offer horseback riding lessons, boarding, and—crucially for winter visitors—horse-drawn carriage rides in summer and sleigh rides in winter. Their sleigh rides last about 45 minutes and start at $150 for 1-3 people. They provide blankets. You provide the hot chocolate.
Then there’s Mountain View Ranch in Danby, run by the Sisters family for 30 years. Their 1-hour trail rides currently run $65 for groups, $75 for private. But the standout offering is their “Cowboy Up Ride”—a 2-hour experience that includes a trail ride followed by rodeo-style games: barrel racing, keyhole, and stakes. Some earn bragging rights, many get funny anecdotes. Everyone gets ribbons. The experience currently costs $100.
The Ranch sits at the base of Dorset Peak (the seventh-tallest mountain in Vermont) and faces Mount Tabor and the Green Mountain National Forest. They also offer sunset rides and—yes—proposal packages where you can pop the question in a meadow overlooking the mountains.
What to Know Before You Go
First-time riders often make the same mistakes. Here’s the practical advice from Hooves Around the World and C Lazy U Ranch:
Check the weather. Vermont mountain weather shifts fast. That sunny morning can turn into a 40-degree afternoon with zero warning. Layer up.
Bring at least two pairs of socks per riding day. Your feet will thank you. Danish Endurance socks get mentioned repeatedly by experienced riders.
Wear long pants and shoes with a heel. Sneakers slide out of stirrups. Helmets are provided by all the stables listed above.
Prepare your body. Riding works your core, thighs, and lower back. As C Lazy U Ranch notes: “Horseback riding is more than just sitting on a horse—it’s a full-body workout.” Do some planks before your trip. Your back will survive the first day better.
Don’t skip the bum protection. Bike shorts with padding can save you from the “saddle soreness” that hits first-timers after hour two. Vaseline or Sudocrem works in a pinch.
Tip your guides. Guides are often volunteers who work for the joy of riding free. A tip isn’t just appreciated—it’s expected.
An important note: Vermont asks riders to stick to trails between June 1 and October 31 during dry conditions. Riding wet trails damages them. Be a responsible rider and avoid the mud.
Make It a Full Killington Getaway
After a day on the trails, come back to comfort. Our Killington home and condo rentals give you the space to unwind, whether that means soaking tired legs in the hot tub under the stars, a glass of wine on the deck, or settling in for a movie night after dinner at a nearby restaurant.
If you’re visiting in autumn, the timing couldn’t be better: the forests transform into a kaleidoscope of brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows, turning every trail ride into a front-row seat to Vermont’s fall foliage.
Saddle up by day. Relax in Killington by night.
