Horseback riding and rodeos in the Lake George area bring a western streak to the southern Adirondacks. Visitors can take a guided trail ride through mountain forests, ride to a summit for a meal with a view, or spend an evening in the stands watching professional cowboys and cowgirls compete. Most stables and arenas sit a short drive from the lake in towns like Lake Luzerne and Chestertown, and several welcome first-time riders and young kids.
Guided Trail Rides Near Lake George
Guided trail rides are the most common way to experience the Adirondacks on horseback. Stables in the region pair riders with horses suited to their experience level, and rides follow wooded trails, fields, and mountain paths that are hard to reach otherwise.
Southwest of Lake George in Lake Luzerne, Mountain View Rocking B Ranch has been family operated since 1942, when it was known as Bennett's Riding Stable. The ranch offers western trail rides year-round, from 10-minute junior rides for ages 2 to 8 to one-hour rides and two-hour mountain rides. Call ahead for current pricing.
North of the lake in Chestertown, Circle B Ranch features trails that wind across more than 500 acres of forest and open fields with mountain views, including the Beaver Dam Trail and the two-hour Mountain & Valley Trail. Guides give instructions before each ride, pony rides are available for younger children, and rides can be booked online.
Breakfast, Dinner, and Sunset Rides
Some rides add a meal to the trip. At Mountain View Rocking B Ranch, the "Good Mornin'" Breakfast Ride heads to a scenic spot in the Adirondacks for an outdoor breakfast, while the three-hour Dinner Ride climbs to the top of Beech Mountain for a meal overlooking the area. Both require reservations.
A dinner ride makes a memorable date night or anniversary outing. The Lake George Romance Guide has more ideas for couples.
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides in Winter
Horses stay part of the season after the snow falls. Circle B Ranch offers group and private horse-drawn sleigh rides through its winter landscape, suited to families, friends, or couples.
Rodeo Nights in Lake Luzerne
Also in Lake Luzerne, Painted Pony Championship Rodeo traces its history to 1953, when it was founded by Don "Wild Horse" Baxter, and describes itself as the oldest continuous weekly rodeo in the U.S. Professional cowboys and cowgirls compete for nightly cash prizes in events like bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.
Evenings start with slow-smoked Southern BBQ, served before the rodeo along with sides like Western baked beans. The schedule includes evening shows several nights a week plus a Thursday afternoon matinee. After the arena clears, the Longhorn Saloon keeps the night going with country music and dancing, and a gift shop on site sells souvenirs for the ride home.
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