Looking for a horseback adventure? South Dakota's varied terrain and scenic trails are favorable for all types of horseback riding, from open prairies to rugged, winding trails. Several parks and recreation areas designate trails for horseback riding, including Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Black Hills National Forest, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, Sica Hollow State Park and Bear Butte State Park, Palmer Gulch in the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, and around the Crazy Horse Memorial. (Click here for a complete list of Black Hills horse trails.)
Even the least experienced riders will have opportunities to ride, with beginner and kid-friendly lessons available with experienced riders on trained horses. Horse accommodations at more than a dozen bed and breakfasts, horse camps and lodges in South Dakota include horse barns, feed and water, open pastures and horse trailer parking, making it a comfortable stay for everyone.
Whether you're looking for a short 1-hour ride, or an extended horseback trail ride, South Dakota has all the riding tours that you could ever want.
South Dakota Brand Laws
For those transporting their own animals, all cattle, horses and mules are required by South Dakota law to be brand inspected prior to leaving the South Dakota Ownership Inspection Area. This requirement applies whether or not the horse or mule is branded. The South Dakota Ownership Inspection Area is comprised of all counties located west of the Missouri River in South Dakota. Failure to obtain a brand inspection prior to leaving the Ownership Inspection Area is a Class 1 Misdemeanor.