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Nestled in the heart of Shelby County, Kentucky, Red Fern Riding Center offers an authentic equestrian experience that captures the essence of the Bluegrass State. While many visitors to Kentucky associate the state with thoroughbred racing, Red Fern Riding Center provides something different and more intimate – a hands-on horseback riding experience accessible to everyone from complete beginners to experienced riders.
Located within Shelby Trails Park in Simpsonville, this hidden gem spans 465 acres of picturesque Kentucky landscape. What makes Red Fern truly special is its commitment to providing safe, enjoyable experiences for all visitors while maintaining the highest standards of horse care. The center operates on county parkland, offering not just guided trail rides but a comprehensive equestrian program including English riding lessons, boarding services, and access to a newly developed cross-country course.
The guided trail rides have become a signature attraction, drawing visitors from across the United States and internationally. Justine and Lindsay, the passionate horsewomen behind Red Fern, have created two distinct trail experiences: the hour-long "Nature Ride" perfect for families and first-timers, and the more adventurous 90-minute "Adventure Ride" that explores the deeper reaches of the park. Both rides take visitors through open fields, wooded trails, and creek crossings, offering close encounters with the local wildlife, including deer that have grown comfortable with the horses and their riders.
What sets Red Fern apart from other equestrian experiences is their unwavering commitment to safety without compromising fun. Before riders even arrive, horses are carefully matched to them based on size, experience, and comfort level. Upon arrival, all riders watch a safety video, receive helmets, and get personalized instructions from guides who maintain visual contact throughout the ride. The mounting and dismounting process is made accessible through specialized platforms and stairs, ensuring people of all heights and physical abilities can enjoy the experience.
Behind the scenes, Red Fern has become something of a sanctuary for horses in need. Many of their trail horses were rescued from auctions, arriving malnourished and fearful before being rehabilitated through proper nutrition, exercise, and compassionate handling. Today, these same horses confidently carry visitors through the trails, having found new purpose and receiving excellent care. With approximately 40 horses on the property during peak season, the transformation stories are both heartwarming and impressive.
The center's reach extends far beyond local visitors. People from around the world – Australia, United Arab Emirates, Japan, and across Europe – make Red Fern a destination when visiting Kentucky. Many come as part of their Bourbon Trail experience, seeking to combine Kentucky's famous spirits with its equally famous equestrian heritage. One local partnership even coordinates bourbon tours with morning trail rides (wisely scheduling the riding before the bourbon tastings).
Beyond trail rides, Red Fern's "horsemanship from the ground up" lesson program teaches riders of all ages (from 5 to 85) not just riding skills but comprehensive horse care. Their boarding services allow horse owners to keep their animals in full-care board, while the park itself welcomes outside riders for a day fee or annual pass. Recent improvements include better trail signage, GPS-mapped routes, and a cross-country jumping course that has expanded programming options.
The park itself offers more than just equestrian activities. Hikers are welcome on the shared trails and on hiker-only sections, including an 80-acre annex with beautiful wildflowers and an archery range. While horses and hikers are the only permitted users (no bikes or ATVs allowed due to the park's trust status), this creates a peaceful environment for nature appreciation.
As Red Fern Riding Center continues to grow, they're expanding their community involvement through educational partnerships with local schools and more public events. With their blend of safety-conscious programming, horse rescue efforts, and genuine passion for sharing equestrian experiences, they've created more than just a riding center – they've established a Kentucky destination that offers an authentic connection to the state's horse heritage in a way that thoroughbred tracks and tourism sites cannot match.
Learn more at www.redfernridingcenter.com.
