Trails Open to Horseback Riding. . .

The Shelby Farms Equestrian Alliance is very excited about receiving the permission of Tim Martin, Park Administrator, to open the White trail for horseback riding. This trail intersects with the Blue and Yellow trails that meander through the lush hardwood greenbelt along the southern edge of the Park and skirts around the Lucius Burch Jr. Natural Area that is open only to hikers. It is a four mile trail that takes approximately three hours to ride. While most of the trail must be done at a walk there are some areas where you can trot or canter.

While the Alliance wants everyone to enjoy the new trail there are some precautions that need to be followed by riders. The White trail is not for young inexperienced horses. Riders should be warned that because this is a multi-use trail joggers, bicycles, and hikers, sometimes with dogs, also use the trails. Horses may be surprised by someone coming up suddenly from behind or in front because the trails are narrow and there is a lot of undergrowth. Be aware of your surroundings. Trail etiquette is very important for the safety of all concerned. If possible move off of the trail with your horse's tail away from the trail to allow someone to pass. There are several narrow bridges that have to be crossed and during wet weather the trails become quite slippery. If you are an inexperienced rider we strongly recommend riding with someone with trail experience on a quiet horse. You may not ride in the Lucius Burch Jr. Natural Area. Doing so may result in a citation and a fine. Having said that, members of the Alliance who have ridden the trail have had a great time and no problems.

You must have a permit to ride in the Park. Permits can be obtained at the Visitor Center. You will need to show a 12 month negative coggins. The permits are free and are good for one year or until the coggins expires. If you have any questions please call (662) 851-7122.

If you plan on starting at the Germantown Road end it is recommended that you Park in the large parking lot in front of the Show Place Arena as the gravel road down to the start of the trails is very rough and there is little turn around room if the parking lot is full. To get to the trails from the parking lot simply head south across the open field and follow the asphalt multi-use trail to the entrance at the trailhead. The entrance is narrow so watch your knees! Unfortunatly, the bridges on the Blue Trail are unsafe for horses at this time. Please use the Yellow Trail until further notice.

At the Walnut Grove trailhead you should turn into the parking lot in front of the soccer fields south of Walnut Grove. You may park there or follow the road west to parking under the bridge. This parking is very close to Walnut Grove and very noisy. It is recommended that you not leave valuables in your car, as some have been broken into.

Once in the entrance gates to the trails you may follow the Yellow Trail to where it connects with the White trail. Do not go in the Lucius Burch Jr. Nature Area. A trail brochure may be obtained at the Visitor Center, this website, or by calling (662) 851-7122 and requesting one.

In the future members of the Shelby Farms Equestrian Alliance will be working with Shelby Farms to open up and develop trails north of Walnut Grove that will end at a new trailhead on Shelby Oaks. If you would like to help the Alliance in developing trails in the Shelby County Area contact Peggy Hart at (662) 851-7122. The Alliance would love to have you become a member.