Horseback Riding in Las Vegas: Trails, Shows, Boarding, and Smart Prep
- Alan Shugarman
- Sep 30, 2025
- 5 min read
Horseback riding in Las Vegas is active year round. You have in-town boarding, lighted arenas, and quick access to desert trails. If you are planning a show week, a clinic, or steady training rides, this guide helps you prep your horse and choose the right setup. When you need stalls or an overnight layover inside the city, use Las Vegas Horse Ranch. See our facilities and sizes here. For long stays, see monthly boarding. For travel days and events, see overnight boarding. Questions? Call 775-296-5847 or email LVHorseRanch@gmail.com or submit a Contact Form.
Where to ride in Las Vegas
Horseback riding las vegas searches show three practical options.
In-town arenas for weekday training. Las Vegas Horse Ranch has lighted arenas and round pens so you ride early or late on hot days.
Trail access in the south valley and Blue Diamond areas. You get desert views, packed footing, and sunrise shade near the hills. Check posted rules and stay on marked routes.
Henderson paths and the MacDonald Ranch area. Neighborhood paths connect to desert edges. If you look up macdonald ranch horseback riding, you will see why many riders stage from the southeast part of town.
Tip for summer rides
Start before sunrise or after dusk. Bring water for you and a spare for the horse. Cool down in the shade. Ask our staff for arena drag and watering times so you hit the best footing.
Plan a clean show week
Las Vegas hosts clinics and horse show events across the calendar. Keep routines tight.
Book stalls close to your venue. Our two in-town sites are freeway close. Reserve overnight stalls here.
Keep the same feed you use at home. Pack enough hay for the full trip.
Ride early or late under lights. Save hard work for the coolest hours.
Paperwork protects every horse. Bring a current Coggins and a health certificate dated within 45 days. We check temps at arrival. See our intake rules on monthly boarding and overnight boarding.
Feed basics in the desert: alfalfa, bermuda, orchard hay
Most barns in town use alfalfa or bermuda. Some riders like orchard hay for softer energy.
Alfalfa: Higher protein and calcium. Useful for work and weight.
Bermuda: Steady calories for day-to-day needs.
Orchard hay: Often a calm-energy choice. Good in blends.
Switch slowly: Mix new hay into the old over 7 to 10 days. Watch manure, appetite, and attitude. If you haul in, bring enough hay bales for the full stay so the diet stays steady.
Stall comfort: sand systems and rubber horse stall matting
Stall footing shapes hoof health, drainage, and cleaning time.
Sand systems: Coarse, well-draining sand allows urine to flow down, while manure remains on top. It dries fast in heat and makes daily mucking simple.
Rubber horse stall matting: Adds cushion and traction. Works well over concrete with shavings on top. Lift and disinfect on a schedule.
What to watch: With sand, feed from tubs, and use a hay mat to cut waste and reduce sand intake. With mats, keep the edges tight and dry to prevent ammonia from building up.
Recovery after rides: when to use horse liniment gel
After longer rides, a few simple steps help recovery.
Cold hose or ice boots first.
Light massage with horse liniment gel or a veterinary liniment gel on large muscle groups. Test a small area first and follow the label.
Hand walk until the back and hindquarters relax.
Log the session. Note what works and how the horse felt the next day.
What to pack for a clinic, trail day, or show
Use this checklist and adjust to your program.
Documents: Current Coggins. Health certificate within 45 days.
Water plan: Clean buckets. A soaked hay cube with your home water helps picky drinkers.
Feed: Enough hay bales or pellets for the whole trip—salt source.
Health kit: Thermometer, electrolytes, liniment gel, fly spray, basic bandage kit.
Tack and tools: Spare halter and lead. Labeled muck tools. Grooming kit.
Sun and heat: Light sheet or fly mask if needed. Electrolytes if your vet approves.
Trailer gear: Jack, spare tire, chocks, duct tape, zip ties, headlamp.
On-site Feed & Tact Store available.
Arena etiquette that keeps barns calm
Small rules make a big difference.
Call your line before a transition. Pass left shoulder to left shoulder.
Lunge in the round pen when possible. Keep arena time for riding.
Close gates. Coil hoses. Sweep shared areas.
Keep dogs leashed in parking areas only if the property allows them at all.
Ask staff where to stage for water and tie-ups.
Learn more about Our Facilities.
Las Vegas, NV 89123
Why board in town at Las Vegas Horse Ranch
If you search for a horse ranch near me from the Strip or the South Valley, you will find us fast. Two in-town sites. Staff on site day and night. Lighted arenas and round pens. 20 x 20 or larger shaded corrals. Three feedings daily. Clean stalls two to three times a day. Overnight stalls for events and travel. Simple rules that keep barns healthy. See details here. For long stays, go to monthly boarding. For layovers, book overnight boarding. For directions and contact information, please visit our contact page.
Sample summer schedule
5:30 am. First feed and water check.
6:30 am. Tack up. School under lights before sunrise.
7:30 am. Cool down. Cold hose. Light liniment if needed.
8:00 am. Hand graze in shade. Reset stalls.
Evening. Groundwork or a short hack after sunset.
Simple safety in desert conditions
Check footing after winds or monsoon rain.
Use fly control around dusk. Bring your spray and a spare bottle.
Watch salt and water intake in heat. Offer water often.
Keep a thermometer in your kit. Know your horse’s normal.
FAQ | Most Frequently Asked Questions
Is horseback riding in Las Vegas beginner-friendly?
Yes. Start in arenas on weekdays to build comfort. Add short trail loops on cooler days. Our lighted arenas help you avoid heat. See facility details here.
Where can I ride near MacDonald Ranch?
Henderson paths connect to desert edges in several spots. Stay on marked routes and follow posted signs. Stage rides during cooler hours.
What hay should I bring for a show week?
Bring what your horse eats at home. Alfalfa, bermuda, or orchard hay are all fine when the diet stays consistent. Pack enough for the whole stay.
Do I need rubber stall mats if I use a sand-based stall?
No. Sand systems are designed to drain fast. Feed from tubs and use a hay mat to reduce waste and sand intake.
When should I use a veterinary liniment gel?
After more complex work, clinics, or show days, follow the directions and avoid tight wraps unless the label specifically states it is safe.
Do you offer boarding horses by the month and overnights?
Yes. Monthly and overnight stalls are available at both locations. See monthly boarding here. See overnights boarding here.
How do I reserve or ask a question?
Call 775-296-5847 or email LVHorseRanch@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can use the contact page.
Learn More About Las Vegas Horse Ranch
Facilities: Tour our arenas, round pens, stall sizes, and parking.
Monthly boarding: Reserve a long-term stall
Overnight boarding: Book a show layover or travel night.
Contact and Directions: Discover our contact information and addresses.
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