Happy Trails at Three Rhode Island Stables

Saddle up and learn to ride at one of these local stables.

Explore more than 800 acres at Sunset Stables, located near the entrance of Lincoln Woods State Park on beautifully landscaped grounds. Owner Lin Oliveira suggests I wear a helmet on my ride. “Safety is first,” she says. “Sit up straight, push your heels down and grab the reins.” Follow the trail through the dense woods for a forty-five-minute ride.
1 Twin River Rd., Lincoln, 722-3033, sunsetstablesri.com

Stepping Stone Ranch has been in business for fifty years with one-hour private lessons available by appointment. The ranch is 112 acres, but riders have access to 14,000 acres of Arcadia State Park. Intimate trail lessons are limited to five riders; whether you are a novice or expert, they will cater to your experience level. Camps are also available for cowboys and cowgirls in training. The ranch is home to the Cowboy Rendezvous, October 9 to 12.
201 Escoheag Hill Rd., West Greenwich, 397-3725, steppingstoneranch.com

C and L Stables is located on an old estate that has more than eighteen miles of old carriage trails running through Goddard Park. The Bay Side Beach Path wanders along an inlet on the harbor. The family-friendly stable’s mother and daughter trail guides have more than fifty years of combined experience. Like John Wayne, get ready to ride off into the sunset.
1095 Ives Rd., Warwick, 886-5246, candlstables.info