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Horseback riding in Des Moines, IA

We list 4 stables in Des Moines, Iowa. Per their reviews or their own websites, 2 give riding lessons and 2 board horses. Stables are ordered by Google rating times review count.

Irish Run Farms

3800 Water Works Pkwy

LessonsBoardingBeginners
4.8Rating
32Reviews
5Services

Hunters Glen Farms

3660 Water Works Pkwy

Boarding
4.7Rating
26Reviews
1Services

Valley Park Stables Ltd

2901 Seniomsed Ave

Lessons
4.8Rating
18Reviews
1Services

River Oak Ranch, Horse Boarding and Foaling

3111 Hartford Ave

4.4Rating
7Reviews
—Services

The "Local fave" rosette marks the Des Moines stable with the highest Google rating times review count. It's a ranking of public numbers, not an endorsement.

What Des Moines stables offer

Trail rides, lessons and boarding are listed apart. A service shows here only when the stable's Google reviews or its own website mention it.

Trail rides

None of the 4 Des Moines stables we list mention guided trail rides in their reviews or on their websites. That doesn't mean it isn't offered: call and ask. 11 stables across Iowa do.

Trail rides in Iowa

Riding lessons in Des Moines

2 of the 4 stables here mention riding lessons:

Also mentioned here: beginner riders (1), English riding (1), Western riding (1).

“Take advantage of lessons taught by experienced trainers, trail rides through Waterworks Park, Fox and Hound and about every type of competition imaginable.”

★★★★★ Aaron, Jan 2018 · Google review of Irish Run Farms
Riding lessons in Iowa

Horse boarding in Des Moines

2 of the 4 stables here mention boarding:

“The hay is good, I provide my own grain on pasture board, indoor arena and direct access to trails in Water Works are my favorite parts to this place!”

Google review of Hunters Glen Farms
Horse boarding in Des Moines

Compare Des Moines stables

StableRatingReviewsRidesLessons and programsBoarding
Irish Run Farms3800 Water Works Pkwy 4.8★ 32 — Lessons, Beginners, English, Western Boarding
Hunters Glen Farms3660 Water Works Pkwy 4.7★ 26 — — Boarding
Valley Park Stables Ltd2901 Seniomsed Ave 4.8★ 18 — Lessons —
River Oak Ranch, Horse Boarding and Foaling3111 Hartford Ave 4.4★ 7 — — —

A service shows only when the stable's Google reviews or its own website mention it; the review sentence or website note is on each stable's page. A dash doesn't mean a stable lacks it, so ask.

What riders say about Des Moines stables

Irish Run Farms

Irish Run Farms has provided an amazing opportunity for my daughter to take riding lessons. It feels like a little slice of farm heaven in the middle of the city. It's amazing!

★★★★★ Rachael, Oct 2024

Hunters Glen Farms

Were took our nieces riding over Christmas and New Year's break. Jim Smith personally took time to make sure we were well taken care of, and the kids had a wonderful time

★★★★★ Pat, Jan 2019

Valley Park Stables Ltd

Absolutely beautiful & well maintained. Very positive, kind, friendly atmosphere with talented trainers & riders!

★★★★★ Emilie, Oct 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews.

Top-rated in Iowa

Up to 10 Iowa stables ranked by Google rating times review count, each with 10 or more Google reviews.

Top-rated stables in Iowa

Horseback riding near Des Moines

Stable count and straight-line distance between city centers.

Des Moines horseback riding FAQ

How many riding stables are in Des Moines?
We list 4 stables in Des Moines, out of 128 stables in 71 cities across Iowa.
Which Des Moines stable ranks first on Google numbers?
By Google rating times review count, Irish Run Farms comes first, with 4.8★ from 32 reviews.
Where can I go on a guided trail ride in Des Moines?
None of the 4 Des Moines stables we list mention guided trail rides in their reviews or on their websites. 11 stables across Iowa do: see trail rides in Iowa.
Where can I take horseback riding lessons in Des Moines?
2 of the 4 Des Moines stables give riding lessons, per their reviews or their own websites: Irish Run Farms and Valley Park Stables Ltd. Ask each about English or Western, private or group, and openings.
Where can I board a horse in Des Moines?
2 of the 4 Des Moines stables board horses, per their reviews or their own websites: Irish Run Farms and Hunters Glen Farms. Compare horse boarding in Des Moines.
Are Des Moines stables open today?
Each stable's page shows its Google hours where Google has them, and the cards above show whether a stable is open now. Stables change hours with the season and the weather, so call before you go.
How much does horseback riding cost in Des Moines, and are there age or weight limits?
We don't list prices or rider limits. Each stable sets its own rates and rules for riders, so ask the stable when you book.
What other towns near Des Moines have riding stables?
Norwalk (4 stables, 7 mi), Pleasant Hill (1 stable, 8 mi) and Cumming (4 stables, 8 mi).

All horseback riding in Iowa