Horseback Riding / Trail Rides

Horseback Riding in The Black Hills

*Please note our prices are seasonal. We have pre-season and summer rates.

Palmer Gulch Stables is the ONLY barn of this kind to hold a riding permit in the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. The most beautiful trails in the Black Hills National Forest are found in this wildlife sanctuary!

We offer 1hr and 1 1/2hr customized trail riding tours tailored to our guests.

The rides are small groups, typically 5-8 people per tour. A larger party can be requested. Choose the ride length that best suits you and your family, then proceed to the book now page and secure your horseback adventure.

Pricing
*Please note our prices are seasonal.

Summer Rates

1hr Trail Ride $58 per rider age 6+
1hr 30min Trail Ride $78 per rider ages 6+

Book Online Now

Plan Your Ride

What can/can't I bring?

NO backpacks, fanny packs, water bottles, or clothes tied around your waist for the ride.

This policy is implemented to keep our guests safe and reduce the chance of getting hung up or tangled.

We can make accommodations for those needing to bring medical supplies along. Speak with us at check-in regarding this.

Horseback riders *are* allowed to bring a cell phone. We recommend tucking it somewhere that is not your back pocket.

What should I wear?

Riders should wear closed-toed shoes. We recommend long pants. We do not provide helmets so you are welcome to bring a well-fitted hat if you’d like!

How Soon Should I Book My Trail Ride?

These rides routinely fill up on a daily basis during the summer. Securing your horseback tour now secures this important vacation activity.

This is especially true if you have a large party. The best way to book is online. Simply click “Book Now,” and follow the online instructions and you’re done!

Otherwise, you can call us to book a reservation. The barn office opens May 26th for phone-in reservations. (605)574-3412

What Is The Minimum Age and Can We Double Ride?

Minimum Age = 6 yrs. old. NO DOUBLE RIDING!

Small children need to be at least 45 lbs. and must be willing and able to follow instructions. Most 6-year-olds are led by a guide.

Is There A Weight Limit?

Yes. The Maximum Weight of a horseback rider is 230 lbs.

To ensure the health and safety of both riders and horses, anyone that signs in at 200 pounds or more are subject to being weighed on a scale at the check-in window.

Note: trail riding can be more difficult for people with poor height to weight ratios.

Will I need to arrive early?

Yes! We’re glad you asked. Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. We do have some paperwork for each member of your group to fill out. All participants must complete a liability waiver and verify age, height, and weight.

You will be introduced to a guide and a detailed orientation will precede each ride departure.

Ride times are posted as DEPARTURE TIMES. Riders that miss their departure times will not be refunded. * See cancellation policy

Are the ride time lengths exact?

No. Just like people, horses do not all walk at the same speed. Some are fast walkers and some are slow walkers. So, each ride can vary by several minutes.

Is it ok if I spend a little time with the horses first?

Yes! We encourage you to stop by anytime to see the barn, ask questions, and let the kids pet a few of our amazing horses!

The barn is open:

Memorial Day to Labor Day
Open 7am-7pm
7 Days a week