Horseback Riding in Williamson County: Shows, Trail Rides, Lessons, and Gear
Williamson County is a destination for all things equestrian, offering horseback riding experiences for every interest and skill level. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a guided trail ride, an aspiring competitor seeking lessons, or a spectator eager to watch thrilling horse shows and rodeos, there are plenty of options. The area is home to top-notch riding facilities, therapeutic riding programs, and some of Tennessee’s most prestigious equestrian events. Riders can also find quality tack and gear at local saddleries, making it easy to get equipped for any riding adventure. No matter how you want to experience the equestrian lifestyle, Williamson County provides the perfect setting to ride, learn, and enjoy the rich traditions of horse country.
Tractor Supply Arena
Equestrian Events in Williamson County: Horse Shows, Rodeos & More
Franklin and Williamson County offer a range of events that celebrate horseback riding and community spirit. Throughout the year, the area hosts numerous competitions, horse shows, and community events designed to appeal to both seasoned equestrians and newcomers interested in experiencing the excitement and traditions of horse sports.
Tractor Supply Co. Arena
Tractor Supply Arena serves as a versatile venue for a variety of equestrian events, competitions, and community activities. Located at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, this arena is managed in partnership with Friends of Franklin Parks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the area’s green spaces. The arena hosts events such as the Silent Run Show Series, organized by Silent Run Farm, featuring MTHJA-recognized hunter shows. Additionally, the Central Tennessee Dressage Association (CTDA) conducts schooling shows at the venue, offering classical, eventing, western, and gaited dressage competitions. It also serves as the venue for the Harlinsdale Roundup, an annual rodeo event featuring barrel racing, bull riding, and family-friendly entertainment. Events like Family Day provide opportunities for the public to engage with equestrian culture through demonstrations and pony rides.
Saddle Up!
Saddle Up!, a therapeutic riding program for children and young adults with disabilities, embodies the philosophy that “all children are equal in the saddle.” The organization hosts two annual events to showcase its riders’ progress: the SUPER Show and SUPER Week. The SUPER Show is a one-day competition highlighting the talents and abilities of Saddle Up!’s advanced riders trained through their Adaptive Riding program. SUPER Week provides an inclusive platform for all participants to demonstrate their skills to family and friends. Both events exemplify Saddle Up!’s commitment to empowering and celebrating its riders within the community.
Iroquois Steeplechase
Held annually at Percy Warner Park, Iroquois Steeplechase is one of the nation’s top horse racing events, drawing over 25,000 spectators each spring. Combining elite jump races with Southern traditions, it offers thrilling competition, tailgating, elegant attire contests, and family-friendly entertainment. Proceeds benefit local charities, making it both a premier sporting event and a valued community tradition.
Brownland Farm
Established in 1963, Brownland Farm in Franklin is a premier equestrian venue known for hosting top-level horse shows throughout the year. The facility features five all-weather rings, 400 stalls, turnout paddocks, and amenities for both competitors and spectators. With a long-standing reputation in the equestrian community, it remains a key destination for riders and events in Middle Tennessee.
Chukkers for Charity
Chukkers for Charity is an annual polo match held in Franklin benefiting the Rochelle Center and Saddle Up! Since its inception in 1996, Chukkers for Charity has raised over $2.8 million to support programs for children and adults with disabilities. The event has grown into Tennessee’s largest polo match, attracting a lively audience each year.
Creekside Riding Academy & Stables
Horseback Riding in Williamson County: No Experience Required
For those who want to experience the joy of horseback riding without the commitment of lessons or ownership, there are several options in and around Williamson County. With well-trained horses and knowledgeable guides, these destinations make it easy to enjoy the beauty of Tennessee from the saddle—no experience required!
Lucky Ladd Farms
For families with young children looking for a gentle introduction to horseback riding, Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville offers a fun and safe experience with pony rides. Designed for kids under 75 lbs., these hand-led rides provide a chance for little ones to sit in the saddle and enjoy a short ride on a well-trained pony. Staff members guide each ride to ensure safety and comfort, making it an ideal first horseback experience for young riders.
Creekside Riding Academy & Stables
Creekside Riding Academy & Stables in Franklin offers a range of equestrian services, including English and Western riding lessons, guided trail rides, and summer riding camps. In addition, they also host horse shows, providing students with opportunities to showcase their skills in a supportive environment, as well as pony parties for younger children. They cater to riders of all levels, focusing on safety, proper riding techniques, grooming, and horse care.
Fancy Forest Farm
Fancy Forest Farm, located near College Grove in Eagleville, Tennessee, offers guided horseback trail rides across its 89 acres of scenic, shaded trails. Their mission extends beyond trail rides, aiming to create a nurturing environment where both horses and riders can thrive, fostering a deep connection between humans and horses.
Natchez Trace Stables
Natchez Trace Stables in Primm Springs, TN, offers guided horseback trail rides perfect for beginners and casual riders. Guests enjoy scenic trails through wooded paths and open fields, guided by experienced staff committed to ensuring rider safety and comfort. The stable provides well-trained horses matched to each rider’s experience level.
Cornerstone Equestrian
Learn to Ride: Horseback Riding Lessons in Franklin & Williamson County
Williamson County offers a variety of equestrian training facilities suitable for riders of all ages and experience levels. Local farms provide instruction in hunter/jumper, western, English, natural horsemanship, therapeutic riding, and more. Whether you’re looking for casual riding lessons, competitive training, or comprehensive riding programs, these facilities offer professional guidance and experienced instructors.
Hunter/Jumper Riding Lessons
Franklin is home to several top-tier equestrian training facilities specializing in hunter/jumper riding. Beechcreek Equestrian Services, located in Franklin, offers a European-inspired approach, focusing on biomechanics, balance, and effective rider communication. Camwood Farm provides lessons for all skill levels, with opportunities for students to compete in both local and national horse shows. Also in Franklin, Cornerstone Equestrian caters to riders from beginner to advanced levels, offering hunter/jumper instruction as well as seasonal summer camps. Gaitkeeper Farm emphasizes expert instruction in hunter/jumper riding, with a strong focus on horsemanship and competition preparation. Silent Run Farm, another Franklin-based facility, offers lessons for all ages and skill levels, with additional opportunities to compete through their Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team.
Western & All-Around Riding Lessons
Williamson County offers excellent options for riders interested in Western and all-around riding disciplines. Kiger Show Horses, located in Franklin, specializes in training for All Around Paint and Pinto horse disciplines, including western pleasure, trail, halter, and showmanship. In Thompson’s Station, Schuster Show Horses provides both private and group lessons in English and Western riding, along with specialized clinics focused on competition. Just south in Spring Hill, Trish Franks Riding School offers lessons in both English and Western riding, emphasizing safe horsemanship for adults, adolescents, children, and toddlers. Though not a riding school, the 4-H Horse Project provides youth in grades 3 through 12 with opportunities to engage in various equine activities. Participants can explore areas such as Hippology (the study of horses), horse judging, and horse shows.
Holistic & Natural Horsemanship
For those interested in a more holistic approach to horseback riding, Williamson County offers several options focused on natural horsemanship and foundational riding skills. Crossroads Ranch, located in Nolensville, emphasizes holistic horsemanship for both adults and children through its T.R.U.E. Success curriculum, which includes clinics and camps designed to build confidence and connection with horses. In Franklin, Tap Root Farm provides lessons, clinics, and summer camps that focus on foundational riding skills and horsemanship education. Cornerstone Horse Farm, situated in College Grove, specializes in natural horsemanship lessons, helping riders develop strong communication and partnerships with their horses.
Special Needs Riders
Several nonprofit organizations in Williamson County provide equine-assisted therapy and specialized programs for children and adults. Saddle Up!, based in Franklin, has offered therapeutic, educational, and recreational riding programs for children and youth with disabilities since 1991. Its services include Adaptive Riding, Therapy Services incorporating equine movement for physical and speech therapy, and Adaptive Horsemanship, which builds confidence and problem-solving skills. Summer programs like Fun on the Farm introduce younger riders to nature and horsemanship, while the Equestrian Club provides advanced training. Volunteers and donations help support its mission.
In College Grove, Angel Heart Farm offers free equine-assisted therapy for children battling chronic or life-threatening illnesses, working closely with medical professionals to tailor each child’s experience. The farm also integrates art and music therapy and maintains a library to promote literacy and learning. Nearby, Hillview Farm South specializes in equine-assisted psychotherapy through its Leg Up program, using the EAGALA model for mental health support. Their Neighmaste sessions combine yoga and horse interactions to foster mindfulness and well-being, led by a licensed counselor and equine therapist.
Franklin Saddlery
Tack Shops in Franklin and Williamson County, TN: Equestrian Gear and Riding Essentials
Every rider needs quality gear, and Williamson County has excellent tack shops for beginners and pros alike. Franklin Saddlery specializes in Hunter/Jumper equipment, custom saddles, helmet fittings, and a mobile shop for horse shows. Dover Saddlery provides comprehensive riding apparel, custom saddle fittings, and horse care products. Wilker’s Custom Horse Products offers decades of expertise in saddle pads, leg wraps, and tailored tack solutions. These trusted local shops ensure riders are fully equipped for any equestrian activity.
Horseback Riding & Equestrian Events in Franklin and Williamson County, TN
Whether you’re stepping into the saddle for the first time, enjoying leisurely guided trail rides, or exploring the vibrant local equestrian events, Williamson County provides ample opportunities to experience the joy and community of horseback riding. With inclusive therapeutic riding programs, competitive horse shows, and convenient access to quality equestrian gear, beginners and casual riders alike will find plenty of ways to enjoy this Tennessee horse country.
Explore Williamson County’s Western Lifestyle
For more ways to immerse yourself in Williamson County’s equestrian and Western culture, check out Get to Know Franklin, Tennessee’s Harlinsdale Farm, which explores the history and current offerings of this iconic horse farm. If you’re looking to embrace the country lifestyle beyond the saddle, Where to Go Line Dancing Around Williamson County, Tennessee highlights the best spots to dance the night away. And for those in need of the right gear, Where to Find Western Wear in Franklin and Brentwood, TN: Boots, Hats, and Apparel will point you to the best places for boots, hats, and everything Western.
