I have always loved horses. As a child, I always wanted one (I had no idea how much work one would be) and grew even fonder after covering the Kentucky Derby when I was a journalist in Louisville.
But I must confess, I had never ridden a horse until a recent visit to Natural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg, Indiana. My 5-year-old daughter has ridden a pony at a zoo before and loved it, so she was excited to join me.
Natural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg, Indiana
We arrived at Natural Valley about 30 minutes before our ride. We were greeted as soon as we stepped out of the car and were taken to the barn to get fitted for helmets.
Since we had time before our ride, we were shown some of the horses, including a miniature horse. We were then given a horse to ride.
I opted for a 30-minute ride, since we are inexperienced. We even have a 30-minute ride for up to four people to give away to one of our readers. I will have more information on that in a minute.
My daughter set behind me in a buddy seat. We were the only ones on the trail, besides the two girls guiding us. They were really good about making sure my daughter was sitting properly and giving me instructions on riding.
We had a horse in front of us and behind us. The girl behind us kept an eye out on my daughter to make sure she was safe. We even stopped a couple of times to readjust her in the saddle. The trail took us on an enjoyable ride through the woods and along White Lick Creek.
This Hendricks County horse farm is a great place to spend time with the family. Besides horse back riding, Natural Valley also hosts Family Fun Nights.
The next one is 6-9 p.m. Sept. 8. If you can’t make that one, you can take part in one from 5-8 p.m., Oct. 6 to benefit the B&O Trail and another one from 5-8 p.m., Oct. 27 (wear your costume for Halloween fun!).
Family Nights are $35 per family(up to 6 people) and $5 for each additional person. The evenings include a bonfire (bring your own food and beverages), hay ride, petting zoo, pony rides and fishing (catch and release only with your own bait and tackle).
Horses saddled and ready to go.
Natural Valley is open every day, but closed most holidays. Horses are available for 30-, 60- and 90-minute guided trail rides by reservation only.
Half-hour trail rides are available at 4 p.m. every Saturday. One-hour trail rides depart at 10 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sundays. 90-minute trail rides are available at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturdays. Other ride times may be available upon request. For reservations, call (317) 852-4815.
For a chance to win a free 30-minute trail ride at Natural Valley Ranch for up to four people, simply submit your first and last name and tell us why you would like a free guided tour at Natural Valley Ranch in the comment section below by 5 p.m. Aug. 31. We will contact the winner next week. Good luck!
Even if you don’t win our giveaway, you need to check out this family-friendly Hendricks County attraction that is perfect for the fall and caters to any riding level.
- Location: 6310 E. County Road 350 North, Brownsburg.
- Reservations: (317) 852-4815.
- Rates: 30-minute trail rides — $15 per person; 60-minute trail rides — $30 per person; 90-minute trail rides — $40 per person. Group rates available for parties of 6 or more, discount rates do not apply to 30-minute trail rides.
I haven’t rode a horse since I was a kid!
My six year old daughter, Haley, loves horses, but has never been around one. I would love the opportunity to surprise her with a ride there. A friend told me great things about it, but I have not had a chance to go yet. Thanks for considering!!
My daughter would love this! How old to ride alone?
Leanne,
Children must be 6 years old to ride alone. Also, if you want to enter the giveaway, you must send a comment with your first and last name. Thanks and good luck!
I always wanted a horse as a young girl! I used to “gallop” through our field riding my imaginary horse “Midnight”.
Now, my daughter always wishes we had a horse, so it would be very nice to take her to this farm for a ride!
Oh my! My 2 year old would flip.out! He loves animals, but especially horses. Of course all we would hear the entire ride is “Wook! Da orse, da orse! Mama da orse!”
There’s a huge horse population in Hendricks County, but no place to go just for the fun of riding. I’m excited there is one and would love to visit!
I grew up with horses and riding is one of my passions. I feel a bit of a failure as a mom that I can’t provide that same great experience for my boys, but winning a trip to Natural Valley Ranch would be a great experience for all of us to ride together. Thanks for this great article. I will put the family fun nights on our calendar!
My daughter had her 7th birthday party there on a freezing Friday in December of 2010. My friend and I brought our daughters on an excruciating 100 degree night for a Mother’s/Daughter’s event and actually cooked marshmallows around the fire. Both events were fun and I can’t imagine how much more fun we could have riding at a more comfortable temperature where we could actually see the beauty of the land. I would LOVE to be able to take my daughter for a trail ride.
I didn’t know there was a place like this in Hendricks County! Would love to take my daughter!
I have never even heard of this place, sounds great! My kids have never been on a horse and I haven’t rode one since I was a teen. So I/we would love to won this! Please pick us!!!!
I would love to take my husband and older kids on an afternoon date to do this! We pass this place all the time in Brownsburg, and always wonder about going there. I haven’t ridden in awhile and my kids would love the experience!
My husband and I both grew up within bike riding distance of the farm and drive by it frequently. We have two daughters that always love to peek out the window to catch a glimpse of the horses everytime we drive by the farm on our way to the grandparents house. I rode for many years as a child and was by all merits ‘horse crazy’…still am! I think the second my girls would be able to ride a horse they would be as smitten as I am! The area is beautiful and so close to home I’m surprised we haven’t been out there yet…
Natural Valley Ranch is, as my 9 yr. old granddaughter puts it…the bomb! I haven’t ridden for several years and was just nose’in around on the internet and stumbled across NVR’s web page. I immediately called to reserve an hour ride for myself, my daughter and granddaughter for the coming Sunday afternoon. We arrived about 15 minutes early and were met by Anna, our trail guide. She was so friendly and helpful. There was a total of 6 people on our ride and we had the best time. The trails ranged from easy to a little challenging; up and down hills and riding through the creek bed! Had an absolutely fabulous time and we would LOVE to go again!
We live in Hendricks County and have not been to Natural Valley Ranch. I would like to win tickets to Natural Valley Ranch to bring my 13 year old daughter on her first trail ride and allow her to share it with a couple of friends.
I have heard great things about Natural Valley Ranch and my oldest daughter went to a party there – but the rest of us have not had a chance to go. I try to do lots of family activities…as a single mom, it would be great them to a free horse-riding experience – they love horses!
oops! noticed my typo…It would be great to treat them to a FREE horse-riding experience!
Congratulations to Chanda Boyden who won a 30-minute horseback ride for two to Natural Valley Ranch. Hopefully all of you will take the time to visit the ranch this fall as it is a great time for horseback riding. Thanks again to everyone who entered, and keep watching our blog for more contest giveaways!