Home › Trail Riding
Trail Riding on Horseback
Breathe in the fresh air and breathtaking views on our gentle horses. At the Painted Bar Stables we are proud to be able to show you the beautiful countryside that makes the Finger Lakes region so beautiful. Our experience is one that mingles the fun of horseback riding with learning about riding skills, horse behavior and general trail riding information.
Take our Interactive Questionaire to find out which ride is best for you!!
All rides are by appointment only. Because of our riding and working schedule, we are rarely near our phone. All rides must be requested through our request form or written correspondence.
As a family-owned stable, our goal is to carefully craft a trail ride lesson experience for our riders, making it as specific as possible to the group. As a result, we offer take riders through fields and woods, up mountains and over creeks. All rides are catered to each rider's pace, whether it be a beginner or advanced level or at the walk, trot or canter. Our beautiful American Quarter Horses and American Paint Horses are carefully selected and bred based on their personality, capability and beauty so that we can ensure the best match possible between horse and rider.
Trail rides are offered year round except during rifle dear hunting season in November/December. Riders of all abilities and ages welcome.
Prices updated as of 4/1/2026
$20.00per person
Do you want to meet as many horses as possible and learn about where they live and how we care for them?
Take a barn tour through our entire barn to see the horses in each and every stall.
See where we store the grain and learn how we carefully feed every horse in the barn for their unique and specific diets.
$20.00per person
If you want to meet a lovable horse and give them snuggles then this is the encounter for you.
You will get the opportunity to feed the horse some treats (and be amazed at how fast they can eat them!). You will also learn some very interesting facts about these equine beauties by our horse experts.
Horse Encounters are sold per person with a maximum of 6 people (adults or children) and are open to multiple groups of individuals.
Private Encounters (only your group!) are a flat rate of $100 for up to 6 people.
$75.00per person
Take a walk in the field with us and take in the view!
This guided walk through our large pasture will introduce you to the 40+ horses that live out back in the field. Our facility is unique on the east coast in that a majority of our horses live in one large field together. This large herd turnout gives the horses the opportunity to socialize and play, moving between different social circles at liberty.
Walking through the field is one of the most beautiful and magical experiences that our staff loves. We are excited to be able to share it with you.
After the walk through the horses, we will have a campfire in our mid-field picnic area where you can enjoy a cup of tea or hot cocoa in the potbelly mug of your choice. Take the mug home with you as a memento.
includes: a potbelly stoneware mug as a memento — hot cocoa & tea — campfire
Each ride will be roughly 30 minutes longer than the riding time to account for Instructions, Mount Up & Dismount. All trail rides include a 101 breifing session for both beginner, intermedate and advanced riders to ensure the best trail ride and give each rider the information they need about the specific horse selected for them.
All riders must pay to hold their ride. Prices are inclusive of a 20% deposit. All deposits are non-refundable, but are transferable to another ride if you reschedule prior to 24 hours before your appointment. See our FAQs for details. We do not ride in the stormy weather or slippery footing conditions. The safety of our horses is paramount. Weather related deposits are only refunded if the ride is canceled by our staff.
Additional specialty fees apply to private trail rides, solo riders (riders who cannot join a group) and same day bookings.
Most trail rides consist of 4-6 riders at one time. Private rides are available for an additional fee. We can host up to 13 novice riders on one ride. Please understand that very large parties may need to be kept at a walk only and may need to be split into multiple groups based on the number of horses available for the ride.
Trail Rides are hosted year round in every season EXCEPT during gun hunting season Mid-November through Mid-December.
Are you looking for one-time arena lesson experiences (ages 2+) instead of a trail ride?
Click here for more information on our lesson opportunities.
$100.00per person
For the safety of all and sanity of our horses, riders ages 8 and 9 are only allowed on our other trail rides if they have taken lessons at our stables and received an invitation from their instructors. More information on our FAQ page.
The Private Trail Experience is completely designed to ensure that young riders, or even nervous adult riders, are set up for success on trail.
The ride starts with an instructor led short lesson in the arena maneuvering around obstacles and practicing skillsets that will be needed on the trail. From there the rider will head out for the remainder of their ride on trail.
These Private Trail Experiences are completely designed to be flexible so that instructors can give riders the best and most memorable experience.
The proportion of the ride spent in the arena or on trail can be altered according to the demonstrated riding abilities, direction following skills, emotional capacity and enthusiasm of each rider. If riders are looking in control, enthusiastic to go faster, and capable of maneuvering their horse they may spend more time on trail and even have controlled trotting opportunities!
$80.00per person
Our scenic trail ride is a one hour trail ride that is kept at a slow speed and avoids the larger hill climbs and terrain based obstacles.
The route is specifically designed for riders looking for a beautiful but peaceful experience. The scenery is varied but mostly wooded with wonderful views of a spring-fed pond in woods.
The ride takes you past our pastures into the woods and meanders down to the Tug Hollow Creek. The route is kept to winding trails through the woods in order to avoid the open fields where horses tend to have more free will.
A discount of $10 from our Spirited Route!!
$90.00per person
Our spirited trail ride is perfect for riders of all levels.
The Spirited Trail Ride is safe for the first time adventurous rider, but also provides enough intrigue to keep even the most accomplished rider interested.
An expanded version of our Scenic Trail Route, the Spirited Route includes more obstacles, hill climbs and descents and short opportunities to go faster. The trail is predominantly done at a walk because of the tight and twisting trails and the creek bed footing, but there are also opportunities for riders to go faster if they are proving to the guide that they are capable.
The scenery is varied but mostly wooded with multiple creek crossings and wonderful views of our spring-fed pond, and woods.
$135.00per person
The Adventure Route is perfect those who are looking for a little bit of a longer ride but are not regular riders.
The route spends a decent amount of time in the Tug Hollow Creek bed, exploring the water way and climbing the creek banks and ridges along the shores.
From there it takes you to the edge of the Finger Lakes National Forest and up to an open field on private with the option of short distances of faster riding as skills are proving capable.
This route is perfect for those who are not regular riders but like a little bit of fun and adventure. It is the perfect length to get a nice long ride without disabling bow-legged soreness at the end!
Not Available during Bow or Rifle Deer Hunting Seasons (October 1-Mid December)
$180per person
ROUTE CLOSED CURRENTLY
A longer route that welcomes adventurous riders who do not have formal lessons and skillsets.
$175.00per person
Because Alcohol is included in this package, only those 21 and up are able to join.
READ MORE about vineyard trail rides!
The ride takes you on a peaceful scenic tour of the historic Fulkerson Farm and Vineyards. We will ride through orchards and forest, past ponds and historic barns, and even through the rows of grapes themselves. The route will take us to a breathtaking view of Seneca Lake overlooking endless rows of grapes.
Upon dismount, riders head to the winery where wine tasting and a selection of cheese and crackers awaits them as well as a bottle of wine of their choice to take home with them.
$110.00per person
Moonlight Trail Rides are only offered in the winter months and during the June/July firefly season. At all other times it there is too much leaf canopy in the woods making it too dark.
Moonlight ride times are determined based on the phase of the moon and the moonrise time. Moonlight rides are weather dependent and can only be held when there is reduced cloud coverage so that the moonlight can light the trails.
Join one of our exclusive moonlight trail rides and ride our horses by the light of the full moon.
Trail rides in the moonlight are great for riders looking for a romantic, once in a lifetime experience. These rides are reserved for adults 18+ only.
Riders are expected to dress warmly for wintertime moonlight rides. With proper cold weather gear the moonlight rides are incredibly enjoyable. Warm garments include warm socks, warm boots, long undergarments and layers, gloves, scarves, and warm jackets. Winter hats that fit under helmets are suggested instead of those adorned with pompoms. We suggest toe warmer inserts and do sell them on site if needed.
$100.00per person
READ MORE about Bachelorette Party trail rides!
Bachelorette Parties have slightly different needs than our typical trail groups so we have set up a particular package to maximize the benefits to this type of group:
Minimum group size of 4 riders
$200.00per couple
Over the years we have had many people propose to their significant other on our trail rides and over time we have devised the perfect progressive experience.
Proposal Package: $200 per Couple
Long trail routes only available Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
BEGINNERS AND NOVICES ARE NOT ALLOWED ON MASTERS RIDES. Masters route requires technical riding skills: rein control, posting at the trot and a firm seat while cantering. These rides are not safe for non-trained riders who will bounce on our horses backs at the trot and canter and cause them pain!
Due to the fast paced nature of this route, we keep the Masters Rides small and never combine parties to groups larger than 4 riders (unless all riders are members of the same party).
$180.00per person
The Hilltop Boogie route is our flagship route for masterful and trained riders who already have experience cantering for long stretches. This ride takes you to beautiful views of Seneca Lake.
The trails on this ride cater towards riders that can ride at speed and contain many long straightaways through and uphill climbs that are perfect for cantering. Because we cross through a working farm, complete with farm animals and machinery it is imperative that riders know how to steer and control their horses. No first time or beginner riders are allowed on this route.
The ride is predominantly in the sun.
Not Available during Bow or Rifle Deer Hunting Seasons (October 1-Mid December)
$270.00per person
This 3 hour route is intended for riders that are fit and comfortable in the saddle for long periods of time.
The trails on this ride cater towards riders that can ride at speed and contain many long straightaways on seasonal dirt roads or historic 1900s roadway trails perfect for a canter, wooded trails and open grazing fields.
from $350per person per day
An immersive, rugged and intense horse experience, our full-day trail ride take you on a long distance journey through the Finger Lakes National Forest.
The ride goes through single track trails, trotting through the woods, cantering along 1900s roadway trails, and galloping across rolling pastures.
BRINGING YOUR OWN HORSE: We welcome people to bring their own horse, however any ride with a non-Painted Bar mount will need to be booked as a private ride.
Riders on personal horses pay the same price as other riders and must carry liability insurance for their horse and riding (we can recommend programs for $50 or less). We will provide hay and pack water. Owner must provide grain as needed.
Ask us about joining a pre-existing trip for a lesser rate.
Long trail routes only available Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
Equitrekking is a journey on horseback.
EquiTreks are all-day and overnight riding opportunities that offer a special experience for groups of riders to truly enjoy the Finger Lakes. Each day we will explore parts of the Finger Lakes National Forest, dine on campfire food and camp overnight with the horses.
We furnish horses, tack, food, beverages, and all camping supplies. While we do have sleeping bags available, we recommend that you bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.
We reserve the right to alter your trip at any point based on our observations of your riding skills, group competency, safety concerns or weather conditions.
Each Equitrek requires a 2 rider minimum. If a smaller group would like to ride, we can combine groups to reach the minimum requirement when possible. EquiTreks only Available Memorial Day until Columbus Day.
$280.00per person
UNAVAILABLE — CAMPSITE CURRENTLY CLOSED
Ride horses two days back to back and camp in our camping picnic area as 40 horses munch on hay in the fields surrounding camp!
This is an amazing opportunity for riders of all levels to really dive into the riding experience and camp overnight with the horses.
Adventure Trail Ride
Horse Grooming and Tack Care Lesson
Campfire Supper: Kabobs
& S'Mores
Camping in our Picnic Area Enclosure
Campfire Breakfast: Eggs and Hash
Tack Up Lesson
Scenic or Spirited Trail Ride
from $350per person per day
An immersive, rugged and intense horse experience, our full-day and multi-day Masters EquiTreks take you on a long distance journey from one end of the Finger Lakes National Forest to the other.
Each day we will ride 10 to 20 miles meandering through single track trails, trotting through the woods, cantering along 1900s roadway trails, and galloping across rolling pastures.
Camping will be in the Finger Lakes National Forest at the Backbone Horse Campground or rough camping in our private fields Elkins Road pastures.
BRINGING YOUR OWN HORSE: We welcome people to bring their own horse, however any ride with a non-Painted Bar mount will need to be booked as a private ride.
Riders on personal horses pay the same price as other riders and carry liability insurance for their horse and riding (we can recommend programs for $50 or less). We will provide hay and pack water. Owner must provide grain as needed.
Ask us about joining a pre-existing trip for a lesser rate.
Sometimes our riders would just like to keep the riding group to themselves. Because our trail rides average 4-6 people, we require that an extra fee be paid for the right to these private rides in order to exclude other riders requesting a trail ride at the same time.
*Not available for Specialty Adult Trail Rides.
Sometimes we have a rider that wants to go but they can't find any friends to join. If another group cannot be found and the rider still would like to go out alone, we charge a solo trail ride fee for the one person who would like to have a group but cannot join one.
*Fee does not apply if we can add the solo rider to another riding group. If we book the ride as a solo rider and another rider joins, we would refund the solo rider fee.
Same day bookings and walk-up riders are charged at a higher hourly rate. Because of the surprise of walk-up riders and same day bookings and the impact that they have in the planning and routine running of our stables, there is an extra fee per rider without 24 hour notice.
Our trail rides are scheduled ahead of time by appointment only, however sometimes we are able to accommodate same day bookings and walk-up trail riders in our schedule. Please understand that we may not always be able to accomodate same day requests or walk-up riders.
For regularly riding Painted Bar Stables students and current members. To be eligible for this discount riders must have a current package on record or have taken 6 lessons in the past 6 months. Not to be applied to friends and family joining student.
Student discount is for OUR RIDING STUDENTS not for students of schools colleges and universities.
Not-for-Profits including universities recieve a group discount for any group that is paid for in entired by the not-for-profit. Payment must be submitted by check, not credit card, and be paid upfront in order to receive the discount.
Students at the Cornell University Veterinary School recieve 10% off of Trail Rides and limited types of clinics and lessons. This discount ONLY applies to veterinary students and not Cornell students at large and does not apply to the entire group - only to the specific vet student.
Unfortunatelywe can no longer offer large group discounts because of the financial strain of extra staffing required for large groups .
Visit our FAQ Section
| Beginner | A rider who has limited experience, can steer but lacks finesse with the reins and is unable to post the trot and does not canter. |
|---|---|
| Novice | A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of applying basic aids and has finesse with the reins, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting trots, and short canters. |
| Intermediate | A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces (including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| Strong Intermediate | An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. |
| Advanced | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handling a spirited horse in open country. |
Not Suggested: Capris, Windbreakers, Snowpants Not Allowed: shorts of any kind
Preferred: stiff soled shoes and shoes with a heel such as Accepted: Rubber boots, Hiking boots, Work boots, Dress boots Not Suggested but Allowed: Sneakers Not Allowed: Canvas Shoes or Keds, Shoes that do not cover the entire foot, sandals, KEEN sandals
bug spray sunscreen
Only Bring with you what you need and pack light. Ask yourself: "Will I really need this? Is there a chance I could drop it and lose it?
Visit our FAQ Section
In the event that a rider needs to miss a trail ride a minimum of 36 hours notice is required to reschedule.
Please come 5-10 minutes before your ride. If you are late, it cuts into your time of the ride or your ride may leave without you.
All rides will begin promptly on time and end on time in order to maintain schedule for previous and following lessons and rides.
For your safety and the well-being of our horses the weight limit is 250 lbs. Any rider weighing more than 200 lbs. is required to give advance notice so that a suitable horse may be arranged.
We are strict about our weight limit. Please be up front, honest and realistic about the weight of each member of your party for their own safety. Our restrictions are not a matter of prejudice against heavy persons. When a rider is heavy it can be VERY dangerous for the rider for many reasons. Our limits are set to ensure the safety of both the rider and the longevity of our horses.
For further explanation of this policy click here.
Trail rides will not take place in inclimate or threatening weather. Horses do not behave well before or during severe storms.
If the weather appears inclimate please text the staff at 607-216-8141 to confirm whether the ride will still take place. Unless communicated, riders should expect to ride.
Please see our FAQs regarding our Weather Related Cancellation policies and refunds.
All riders are required to wear long pants to avoid bruising. Pants should be comfortable and either loose fitting or stretch material to allow for leg and hip flexibility.
More about Clothing Requirements on our FAQs
It is suggested that all riders wear boots or closed toed shows with a small heel. Sandals, clogs and open-toed shoes are not allowed.
All trail riders must be must be 10 years of age or older for our normal trail rides and 8 years or older for our Trail Experience Lesson.
Riders under 12 years old must have an adult accompany them on the ride (on their own horse).
No double riding allowed.
For 2023, there is a maximum of 13 riders per ride for 1 hour minute rides, and 6 riders for longer rides.
A riding waiver must be completed in order to ride. Being around horses is inherently dangerous. Helmets must be worn at all times by minors and anyone that is beginner or novice in level while riding. Helmets can be provided by Painted Bar Stables.
Painted Bar Stables is a smoke free, alcohol free and drug free environment. We reserve the right to refuse any potential rider.