Western / Reining in Indiana

Indiana rides differently depending on which end of the state you're standing in. The south is forested hill country; the north is glacial lakes and open farmland; and the horse operations sort themselves accordingly: guest ranches tucked into the Hoosier National Forest, trail-riding stables working the country around Brown County and Shakamak state parks, and riding academies thick in the farmland around Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. Add a network of state forests and dedicated equestrian campgrounds, and horse owners here can build a whole season without leaving the state.

The southern hills are the trail rider's Indiana. Rough terrain, dense hardwoods, and limestone karst give outfitters around Bloomington, Nashville, and French Lick something real to work with, and they use it, guided rides and multi-day pack trips through the Hoosier National Forest and the state park trail systems. The riding here runs rustic by design: deep ravines, high overlooks, and old pathways under mature timber.