Experience History on Horseback with Middleton!
No experience is necessary to enjoy our guided, narrated horseback riding tours through the heart of the historic Plantation District along the Ashley River—just 15 miles from downtown Charleston.Our approximately one-hour trail rides are one of the best ways to experience the Lowcountry in its natural and historic setting. You’ll ride along scenic wooded trails beside Middleton Place Plantation, circling the beautiful South Rice Pond as it borders the tranquil Ashley River.
Along the way, your guide will share a brief history of the plantation, the region’s rice culture, and other notable points of interest. Perfect for beginners, families, and anyone looking to experience Charleston’s natural beauty from horseback!
Along the way, your guide will share a brief history of the plantation, the region’s rice culture, and other notable points of interest. Perfect for beginners, families, and anyone looking to experience Charleston’s natural beauty from horseback!
Preparing for your Ride
Location: 4280 Ashley River Road, Charleston SC - adjacent to Middleton Place Gardens on the same road that goes to the Middleton Place Inn.
Booking your trail ride:
Booking your trail ride:
- Please book 24 hours in advance online, for last minute bookings please call us.
- Trail rides leave daily at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM & 4 PM ride offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
- Please note, children under the age of 8 are not permitted to ride. Children under 14 must be accommodated by an adult.
- No rider experience is necessary!
- Please wear long pants and comfortable clothing.
- No open toed shoes of any kind.
- Weight and Age restrictions (240 lbs/under 8 Years) apply.
- We offer complementary HIT-AIR vests to all riders, if you wish to wear an air-vest on the ride, please arrive early to get fitted for your vest. To learn more about air-vests, watch our video here.
- Please arrive 15-20 minutes before the ride, any rider not present 10 minutes ahead of time may be unable to participate and will not receive a refund.
- All riders must sign a waiver prior to riding and must wear a helmet (which is provided)
- The ride is approximately one hour, at the pace of walking only, and it is led and narrated by an experienced Trail Guide.
- We do not offer unsupervised horse rentals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost? $90.00 per person.
How long is the ride? Approximately one hour.
Do I need to know how to ride? No experience is necessary. The trail ride is at a walk only on well behaved, experienced horses.
What if it is raining? At Middleton Place Equestrian Center, the safety of our riders, horses, and staff is our top priority. Weather in the Lowcountry can be unpredictable, and we appreciate your flexibility and understanding.
Can my young child ride in the saddle in front of me? No. Due to our insurance’s regulations, we only take children eight years old and older and they ride on their own horse/pony. Please note, children under the age of 8 are not permitted to ride, sorry - no exceptions!
Can we just show up and ride? It is highly recommended that you pre-book your trail ride at least 24 hours in advance through the website. A trail guide is not always present at the Center nor is there always availability on a ride.
Can we rent a horse and go off on our own? No. We only offer guided historic trail rides.
Do you give military discounts? Yes. The military discount is 10%. Present your military i.d. to the Trail Guide who will arrange for the discount to be refunded to your card.
Do you offer riding lessons? No. We do not have currently have lesson program. At this time, we offer trail riding only.
What are air-vests? We offer complementary HIT-AIR vests to all riders, if you wish to wear an air-vest on the ride, please arrive early to get fitted for your vest. See video below for more information regarding the safety vests.
How long is the ride? Approximately one hour.
Do I need to know how to ride? No experience is necessary. The trail ride is at a walk only on well behaved, experienced horses.
What if it is raining? At Middleton Place Equestrian Center, the safety of our riders, horses, and staff is our top priority. Weather in the Lowcountry can be unpredictable, and we appreciate your flexibility and understanding.
- Rides Go Rain or Shine… With Exceptions. Light rain or drizzle does not cancel rides. Please dress appropriately for the weather (rain jackets, boots, etc.).
- Rides may be delayed or canceled in the event of: Thunder or lightning, Heavy rain or unsafe trail conditions (flooding, slick footing), Extreme weather conditions that may endanger horses or riders
- How We Decide: We try to make weather calls 30 minutes before your scheduled ride time. If we must cancel, you will be notified via phone call. If you do not hear from us, your ride is still on!
- Rescheduling, Refunds & Credits If your ride is canceled due to weather, you may choose to: Reschedule to a future date, Receive a full refund, If your ride begins but is cut short due to sudden weather changes, we will offer a 35% refund or reschedule for a future time. No-shows or late arrivals who miss a ride that goes out as scheduled are not eligible for a refund or credit.
Can my young child ride in the saddle in front of me? No. Due to our insurance’s regulations, we only take children eight years old and older and they ride on their own horse/pony. Please note, children under the age of 8 are not permitted to ride, sorry - no exceptions!
Can we just show up and ride? It is highly recommended that you pre-book your trail ride at least 24 hours in advance through the website. A trail guide is not always present at the Center nor is there always availability on a ride.
Can we rent a horse and go off on our own? No. We only offer guided historic trail rides.
Do you give military discounts? Yes. The military discount is 10%. Present your military i.d. to the Trail Guide who will arrange for the discount to be refunded to your card.
Do you offer riding lessons? No. We do not have currently have lesson program. At this time, we offer trail riding only.
What are air-vests? We offer complementary HIT-AIR vests to all riders, if you wish to wear an air-vest on the ride, please arrive early to get fitted for your vest. See video below for more information regarding the safety vests.
