Yes, we ride all winter. Sage & Saddle is open year-round, and a guided trail ride across snowy fields is one of the quietest, prettiest ways to spend a winter afternoon in Michigan. Dress in warm layers, wear boots with a small heel, and know that we reschedule when ice or storms make the footing unsafe.
Why ride in winter?
Winter is the season most people skip, and that is a big part of its charm. The trails are quiet. Bare trees open up long views across the fields. Snow muffles everything, so you hear the horse's footsteps and not much else.
The horses look their best too. By December they have grown thick, fluffy winter coats, and they tend to be bright and alert in the cold.
What a winter trail ride is like
It starts the same way as any ride: helmet, a short safety briefing, and a horse matched to your size and comfort level. Then you head out at a walk with your guide alongside you.
Your legs sit against a large, warm animal, so they stay warmer than you might expect. Your hands and feet are what get cold, which is why the clothing list below focuses on them.
How to dress for a winter ride
Feet
Wear warm, waterproof boots with a small heel and a slim sole. Bulky snow boots with wide toes can be hard to fit in a stirrup. Wool socks help more than a second pair of cotton ones.
Legs
Jeans or riding pants over thermal leggings. Skip snow pants that are thick and slippery; you want to sit comfortably in a saddle.
Body
Layers. A base layer that wicks sweat, a warm mid-layer like fleece, and a jacket that blocks wind. You can always unzip.
Hands
Gloves you can still grip with. Thin insulated gloves beat big ski mittens, because you need to hold the reins.
Head and neck
We provide the helmet. A thin hat or headband fits underneath. Choose a neck gaiter over a long scarf, since loose ends can catch.
When we ride, and when we don't
We ride in light snow and light rain. If heavy weather, ice or unsafe footing is in the forecast, we will contact you to reschedule. Our trails and arena are outdoors, so the call always comes down to what is safe for you and the horses on the day.
Not ready to ride in the cold?
Book a horse hangout instead. You spend 30 or 60 minutes grooming, brushing and hand-feeding the horses with a handler, and you can stay close to them the whole time. Hangouts are $45 for 30 minutes or $60 for 60 minutes, with lower prices for kids under 10.
Snow makes the best photos
A horse in a snowy field is hard to beat. Our photoshoots are $150 per person per hour. Add $250 and our photographer will shoot and edit your photos for you. Winter family photos, couples and holiday cards all work beautifully here.
Winter riding FAQ
Is it too cold for the horses?
Horses handle cold well. Their winter coats trap heat, and they are built for Michigan weather. We keep rides at a walk and watch the footing closely.
What happens if it snows the day of my ride?
Light snow, we ride. If conditions are unsafe, we contact you to move your booking to another day.
Do you have an indoor arena?
No. All of our riding is outdoors, which is what makes a winter ride here feel special. It is also why we are careful about weather calls.
Can kids ride in winter?
Yes, with the same rules as the rest of the year: trail riders 10 and older, and kids under 10 can do a Kids Pasture Ride or a horse hangout. Dress them warmer than you think they need.
Sage & Saddle
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