Whether your family is all-in on the equestrian lifestyle or horseback riding is just one of your hobbies, there’s something for every equestrian in these South Florida towns.
Florida is more than just swimming, sunbathing, and sailing — it’s also an equestrian paradise.
With tons of sunshine, year-round riding, and endless stables, ranches, and more, if your family is all-in on living the equestrian lifestyle, be sure to check out these popular South Florida towns.
Which are the best towns for equestrian and horse riding in South Florida?
#1. Wellington
Wellington is the place for serious equestrians. This lifestyle-centric community sits on former farmland in Palm Beach County.
Considered the “winter equestrian capital of the world,” when the temperature drops thousands flock to Wellington for the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). This renowned event is the world’s longest-running horse competition and brings together amateurs, professionals, and Olympians from around the globe.
WEF isn’t the only draw in Wellington, though. The town is also home to the International Polo Club, one of the largest clubs in the world. This premiere club hosts tons of high-profile competitions throughout the season. Plus, riders have plenty of options in Wellington for equipment and feed. There’s TrackNRider, On Course Consignment Shop, and Dover Saddlery, just to name a few.
#2. Parkland
Parkland is a family-friendly town less than an hour south of Wellington. This park-like community is surrounded by several miles of equestrian trails and is home to the Equestrian Center at Temple Park. This popular riding center also includes plenty of open space and multiple equestrian rings.
The Parkland Horseman’s Association is also in town. This beloved local non-profit supports a variety of activities like clinics and shows that help locals maintain a connection to “Country Life.” Galloways Farm also offers horse training, riding classes for kids, and a full-sized dressage area. There’s also Twine Barn, a unique equestrian center that offers more than just horseback riding. Here you can combine yoga with riding or sign your kids up for their Horsey N’ Me program which helps the youngest riders learn about farm life.
#3. Davie
Twenty-four miles from Miami, and seven miles from Fort Lauderdale, Davie is more than just a quick ride to the beach. Once home to Pioneer City, a theme park inspired by Dodge City, many of the historic buildings throughout Davie resemble ranches and western storefronts.
There are more than 150 miles of horseback riding trails throughout Davie including Oak Hill Park Trail, one of the main paths on the Davie Trail System. Along this trail, you’ll find the Oak Hill Equestrian Park and its expansive playgrounds, tree-lined paths, and watering troughs. Also popular? Peaceful Ridge Trail and Linear Park Trail, to name a few.
In addition to the equestrian trials, Davie is known for its ranches and farms. HAPPI Farm is a non-profit that offers therapeutic horseback riding, and equine vaulting. HAPPI also has an onsite petting zoo with llamas, goats, and more, making it a hotspot for birthday parties. They also offer a horticulture program where you can learn to garden.
Bar-B Ranch is another go-to spot for riders. This huge farm has scenic trails for experienced riders plus lessons and camps for aspiring equestrians of all ages.
#4. Jupiter
Just west of Jupiter sits Jupiter Farms, a semi-rural neighborhood where horses have the right of way. While celebrities like Burt Reynolds have called this area “home,” more recently the community has developed into neighborhoods of single-family homes, many of which have active horse trails.
Locals can also join Jupiter’s Horseman Association, a welcoming community organization that’s been going strong for 50 years. The Horseman Association puts on hunter/jump and dressage shows, plus offers lessons for new riders.
In town, there’s also the public equestrian center in Jupiter Farms Park. Anyone is welcome to use the park’s warm-up, grass, or sand arenas, except when a show is happening.
If you’re interested in joining a private boarding facility, there’s the Riverbend Equestrian Center. This spot is located just thirty-five minutes from the Wellington Showgrounds and also features miles of riding trails.
#5. Delray Beach
Delray Beach is a coastal community with renowned beaches — but equestrians know it’s so much more than that. This family-friendly town is home to the Delray Equestrian Center, a sprawling 100-acre concierge farm that offers expert boarding and grooming services. The staff live full-time at the center and focus predominantly on preparing horses for competition.
The Equestrian Center also has tons of options for kids. During school breaks, your kids can join other young equestrians for clinics and camps. And the center is part of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, a non-profit that introduces kids to the sport. This organization even offers scholarships for top youth riders.
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