Horseless Trail Rider in Philadelphia

[Abberlaze]

I moved to West Philly for veterinary school and have been going insane without any horse time. I don’t have enough time to own or full-lease a horse, but that’s the only way I know of to get saddle time on trails. I would love to just have a fun horse to trail ride once a week or so… but that seems to be impossible .

I would classify myself as an intermediate-level rider. I took lessons for many years and competed occasionally to measure my progress, but my heart is in the woods.

Anyone have a good suggestion near Philly for a way to get out on the trails again?

[Katie81]

I would check with either Courtesy Stables (Roxbourgh) or Monastery Stables (W. Mt. Airy) to see if any of the horses there are available for shareboarding. Both have direct access to the Fairmount Park trails. Monastery is also home to the Philadelphia Saddle Club. This group collectively owns about 5 horses which members share for riding. There is an initatition fee, and a monthly fee.
http://philadelphiasaddleclub.blogspot.com/
You could also check with Northwestern in Chestnut Hill, which is more of a lesson barn or Chamounix Stables in the Belmont section (this is the stable with the inner city riding and polo program). They might have boarders looking for a shareboarder or someone to half lease. Because of liability, there aren’t any places to rent or just pay for a guided trail ride.
Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

[Dispatcher]

Gateway Stables in Kennett Square has guided trail rides. Also Cloverleaf in North Wilmington/Chadds Ford area offers trail rides.

[Abberlaze]

These are great suggestions, thanks!

I prefer not to do the guided trail ride thing because I prefer to ride alone or in small groups. I will definitely check out the Philly saddle club!