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Horseback riding for beginners in Minnesota

74 stables in Minnesota welcome beginners, out of 267 stables we list in the state. Each one is here because a customer review or its own website mentions beginners, and the proof is under each stable.

74Stables
54Cities
267All stables in MN

Top 12 by rating and reviews

Ranked by Google rating × number of reviews (10 reviews or more). The other 62 stables are listed by city below.

Open-now times come from Google; call the stable before you go.

River Valley Ranch, Inc.

16480 Jonathan Carver Pkwy

Trail ridesBoardingBeginners
4.4Rating
455Reviews
5Services

Highly recommend this ranch if you’ve been wanting to experience horse back riding as a beginner!

★★★★★ Alevtina, Jul 2026

Pine River Riding Stable

2301 40th Ave SW

Trail ridesLessonsBeginners
4.3Rating
152Reviews
5Services

As a first-time rider, I had visions of channeling my inner Rip from Yellowstone—thankfully, Hot Shot was a lot more forgiving than a wild stallion.

★★★★★ Adam, Jul 2025

The stable's website says so too.

Outback Trail Ride

12210 Pillsbury Forest Rd SW

Trail ridesLessonsBeginners
4.4Rating
147Reviews
3Services

Our guides were knowledgeable, kind, and so friendly — they made everyone feel comfortable, whether it was our first time riding or not.

★★★★★ Jena, Jun 2025

Bunker Park Stables

13175 County Parkway D entrance At, 550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW

Trail ridesLessonsBeginners
4.5Rating
135Reviews
5Services

The staff and horses are super beginner friendly.

From a Google review

Boulder Pointe Equestrian and Event Center, LLC

6612 189th Ln NW

Trail ridesLessonsBoarding
4.6Rating
116Reviews
7Services
Beginners: per the stable's website

Windfall Equestrian Center

3843 Oakgreen Ave N

LessonsBoardingBeginners
4.7Rating
86Reviews
6Services
Beginners: per the stable's website

Sunnyside Stables

15400 Emery Ave E

Trail ridesLessonsBoarding
4.6Rating
87Reviews
8Services

Would HIGHLY recommend to any beginner or advanced rider for lessons:)

From a Google review

The stable's website says so too.

Aries Farm, LLC

4550 Pioneer Trail

LessonsBoardingBeginners
4.9Rating
77Reviews
8Services

We’ve been taking lessons here for almost a year now and have grown from absolute novices to confident beginners, learning something new every day.

From a Google review

The stable's website says so too.

Skyrock Farm

2825 Willow Dr N

LessonsBeginnersPony rides
4.3Rating
78Reviews
5Services
Beginners: mentioned in a customer review

Spirit Horse Center Inc.

8386 50th Ave SW

LessonsBoardingBeginners
4.8Rating
63Reviews
5Services
Beginners: per the stable's website

Woodloch Stable, Inc.

5676 170th St N

LessonsBoardingBeginners
4.6Rating
64Reviews
7Services
Beginners: per the stable's website

Lita's Equitation

5872 65th Ave SE

LessonsBoardingBeginners
5Rating
52Reviews
6Services

I started riding at Lita’s as a complete beginner, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better place to learn.

From a Google review

The stable's website says so too.

More stables that welcome beginners in Minnesota, by city

Anoka 1 stable

Arlington 1 stable

  • Soulstice Stables40746 210th St, Arlington · ★ 5 (6)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Bethel 1 stable

  • Reins of Love1125 245th Ave NW, Bethel · ★ 4.7 (15)
    Beginners: mentioned in a customer review

Blooming Prairie 1 stable

Buffalo 1 stable

  • Enchanted Hollow Stables5164 Co Rd 33, Buffalo · ★ 4.8 (31)

    This place is awesome for beginners to experienced rider's even if it is your first time sitting on a horse they will make sure you are comfortable with the horses

    From a Google review

Cambridge 1 stable

Chisago City 1 stable

  • Sunborn Stables24036 Morgan Ave, Chisago City · ★ 4.5 (22)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Cloquet 1 stable

  • Town Line Farms and Stable6556 Morris Thomas Rd W, Cloquet · ★ 4.1 (21)

    My girls had a great time at beginner horse camp!

    ★★★★★ Janie, Jul 2023

Cologne 1 stable

Columbus 1 stable

Dayton 1 stable

  • Sovereign Stables, LLC11870 W French Lake Rd, Dayton · ★ 5 (14)

    Inclusive and welcoming to both beginners and old pros.

    ★★★★★ Nicole, Jan 2024

Detroit Lakes 1 stable

  • Timberline Ranch19243 Co Hwy 25, Detroit Lakes · ★ 4.8 (32)

    As first time riders, we were a bit nervous, but Annie was able to make all of the riders comfortable before taking off on the trail ride.

    ★★★★★ Mary, Aug 2022

Duluth 3 stables

  • West Amity Stables315 Carroll St, Duluth · ★ 4.7 (13)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • 7 Stars RanchW24R+54, 5428 Lakewood Rd, Duluth · ★ 4.9 (10)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • Sweet Water Equestrian2820 Jean Duluth Rd, Duluth
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Elgin 1 stable

Elk River 1 stable

  • Pony Party Place16978 70th St NE, Elk River · ★ 4.7 (36)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Esko 1 stable

  • River Ranch Arena41 Juntunen Rd, Esko · ★ 4.7 (18)

    My level of riding before Jen's lessons was as a beginner, and now I can say that I have learned so much in this short time.

    From a Google review

Felton 1 stable

  • Red River Equestrian Center5062 120th Ave N, Felton · ★ 4.4 (37)

    I really liked taking lessons on their super sweet beginner horses, the instructors are knowledgeable, kind and give clear instructions, the horses are very well cared for.

    From a Google review

Forest Lake 1 stable

  • Shadow Creek Stables6150 202nd St N, Forest Lake · ★ 4.7 (18)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Hamel 1 stable

  • Ridesport Stables22090 Strehler Rd, Hamel · ★ 5 (25)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Hastings 5 stables

  • True North Ranch12407 80th St S, Hastings · ★ 4.8 (49)

    Great place to volunteer and learn about horses, you get to gain riding time for beginner lessons.

    From a Google review
  • Cornerstone on the Vermillion4650 200th St E, Hastings · ★ 4.4 (45)

    Not in the aspect of you shouldn't go there if you're a beginner, but that she trains you very well and you actually learn something while your on the horse.

    From a Google review
  • Sunnyside Equine8501 Lamar Ave S, Hastings · ★ 5 (22)

    I recommend Sunnyside Equine to anyone that loves to ride and especially for first time riders.

    From a Google review
  • St. Croix Knoll Stables14867 108th St S, Hastings · ★ 5 (12)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • FireLight Horses, LLCSTROHFUS STOCK FARM, 14680 90th St S, Hastings · ★ 5 (8)

    Jessie has been so patient and accommodating to me as a beginner.

    ★★★★★ Dana, Aug 2023

Heidelberg 1 stable

  • Wheatland Valley Stables10550 New Prague Blvd, Heidelberg · ★ 5 (14)

    We signed up for lessons not knowing what to expect as we have never ridden horses before.

    ★★★★★ Theresa, Aug 2025

Hugo 2 stables

Independence 1 stable

  • Copeland Farms North102 Kuntz Dr, Independence · ★ 5 (26)

    Everyone is supportive and helpful whether you’re starting as a beginner or a well experienced rider.

    From a Google review

Jordan 1 stable

Kasson 1 stable

  • Turn Crest Stable26947 County Hwy 34, Kasson · ★ 4 (21)

    My boy started here with no experience and has been doing so well.

    ★★★★★ Faith, Oct 2026

Lakeville 2 stables

  • Golden Ridge Stables Inc8315 190th St W, Lakeville · ★ 4.4 (21)
    Beginners: mentioned in 2 customer reviews
  • Complete Equestrian Company22891 Natchez Ave, Lakeville · ★ 4.3 (19)

    Awesome horses: There are horses for beginners and intermediate/advanced riders with more experience.

    From a Google review

Mankato 2 stables

Monticello 1 stable

  • Swan River Stables9209 Iffert Ave NE, Monticello · ★ 5 (7)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

New Germany 1 stable

  • The Yellow Farm8485 Vega Ave, New Germany · ★ 5 (8)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Northfield 1 stable

  • Apple Treat Stables7326 Chester Ave #4747, Northfield · ★ 4.8 (29)

    Abigail has only ever been on short pony rides at the fair and is going to remember her first time riding a horse by herself forever!

    From a Google review

Orono 1 stable

Prior Lake 1 stable

  • Wilking Stables4300 182nd St E, Prior Lake · ★ 5 (5)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Rice 1 stable

  • Up Front Horses14870 75th Ave NE, Rice · ★ 4.5 (8)

    Fabulous place to start you riding lessons and for beginners to get use to horses.

    ★★★★★ Derek, Jun 2021

Rochester 2 stables

  • Red Gate Riding2000 County Rd 121 NE, Rochester · ★ 4.7 (29)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • Stables Equestrian Center6489 51st St NE, Rochester · ★ 4.4 (12)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Rogers 1 stable

  • Regent Arabians26125 Tucker Rd, Rogers · ★ 4.5 (21)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Rosemount 1 stable

  • EverRain Stables LLC17690 Clayton Ave E, Rosemount · ★ 5 (10)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Sabin 1 stable

South Haven 1 stable

  • Sunset Ridge18036 Co Rd 145, South Haven · ★ 4.5 (10)

    I would highly recommend Leigh and Sunset Ridge for beginners to advanced students, as a trainer, and for boarding.

    From a Google review

St Cloud 1 stable

  • Salt Grass Stables10551 26th St SE, St Cloud · ★ 5 (10)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

St Francis 1 stable

  • Manahan Stables LLC6599 261st Ave NW, St Francis · ★ 5 (7)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

St Peter 1 stable

  • Pinewood Stables44910 Golf Course Rd, St Peter · ★ 5 (9)

    From beginner lessons to western games they have something for every rider.

    ★★★★★ Matthew, Aug 2020

Stacy 1 stable

  • Timberlein Ranch9455 Fawn Lake Dr NE, Stacy · ★ 4.8 (17)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Stewartville 1 stable

Stillwater 3 stables

  • Spark Equestrian Academy13850 30th St N, Stillwater · ★ 4.8 (24)

    The horses are well trained and easy to work with for her as a beginner.

    From a Google review
  • Painted Sky Stables8324 60th St N, Stillwater · ★ 4.7 (23)

    We had a wide range of experience from those who used to compete in horseback riding to those who have never ridden a horse before.

    ★★★★★ Danielle, Sep 2025
  • Idylwood Equestrian Center11490 Julianne Ave N, Stillwater · ★ 3.1 (31)

    I have also taken lessons and highly recommend Idylwood for beginners and experts.

    From a Google review

Watertown 3 stables

  • Luce Line Stables2586 Hutchinson Rd, Watertown · ★ 4.7 (15)

    As a beginner I was welcomed to the barn without judgment.

    ★★★★★ Ashley, Jun 2019
  • Buck Lake Stables10680 MN-7, Watertown · ★ 4.1 (11)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • Hill Ranch2590 Hutchinson Rd, Watertown · ★ 5 (1)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Waverly 1 stable

  • Freedom Farm11500 Ferman Ave SW, Waverly · ★ 4.9 (53)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Winona 1 stable

  • Big Valley Ranch Inc./LLC22076 E Burns Valley Rd, Winona · ★ 4.7 (24)

    The facilities are great for beginners or more advanced riders.

    ★★★★★ Duane, Mar 2021

Woodbury 1 stable

  • Windy Ridge Ranch, LLC2700 Manning Ave S, Woodbury · ★ 4.5 (44)

    My first lesson was on Prince a wonderful dark bay quarter horse and now i'm in advanced beginner lessons, ride Bingo (the only pony) and lease Prince.

    ★★★★★ Rem, Jun 2017

Beginner checklist

  1. Wear long pants and boots with a small heel. Flat sneakers can slip through a stirrup, and shorts let the saddle rub.
  2. Ask about helmets. Many stables lend riding helmets. Ask whether they have one that fits, or bring your own riding helmet.
  3. Tell them you are new. It gets you the right horse and the right pace.

Your first time on a horse →

Beginners in Minnesota, by city

The number counts the stables on this page; each city link opens every riding stable we list there.

More in Minnesota