HORSING AROUND THE VALLEY! Family Fun Adventures

Horseback riding is a popular pastime for residents and visitors alike to explore another perspective of the Valley’s “farms to factories” heritage. From the rustic North-South Trail in Burrillville to the lush pines of the George Washington Management Area in Glocester and the serene settings of Lincoln Woods, there are many venues to enjoy this leisurely interest.

Sunset Stables at Lincoln Woods State Park, located just off Route 146 on Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI.is nestled between Routes 146 and 123. Lincoln Woods State Park is one of Blackstone Valley's great treasures. A short ride from Providence, Pawtucket, and Cumberland, it is a popular get away for springtime day trips, trout fishing, playing ball, hiking, jogging, horseback riding, or just relaxing under a shade tree.
 
Near the Frank Moody Beach on Olney Pond, visitors can also enjoy a relaxing kayak paddle with rentals from the Eastern Mountain Sports kayak center
  
On the Route 123 (Great Road) entrance to the park is a new covered bridge built in 2005, and one of only two in existence in Rhode Island.
 
At the Twin River road entrance to Lincoln Woods is the 24.5-acre Sunset Stables The site includes a riding ring, stables, a residence, trails and backlands, and was one of the last large properties available to expand Lincoln Woods State Park.
 
For more information about Lincoln Woods, contact the RI Parks Division at 401-222-2632 or visit their website at www.riparks.com
 
Ride a “painted pony”
Another kind of horse riding of a historic nature, on exquisitely carved wooden horses, is on the famous Looff Carousel at Slater Memorial Park, located off Armistice Boulevard (Route 15) Pawtucket, RI.
 
This free standing carousel was built by Charles Looff in 1894 and originally located at Lee Funland in New York. In 1910 the carousel was moved to its present location inside Slater Park and is fastest Looff carousel made. The building and horses were first restored in 1978 and the Looff Carousel is listed on National Register of Historic Places
 
For springtime hours and information call the Pawtucket Parks & Recreation Department at 401-728-0500 extension 252 or go online at www.pawtucketri.com
 
Horse drawn hayrides on the farm
In northwestern RI one of the popular spots to enjoy horses on the farm and a horse drawn hayride is at Chepachet Farms & Carriage Works, 226 Tourtellot Hill Road, Glocester, RI
 
Horse drawn hayrides are available year round. Wagons accommodate up to 25 children & adults comfortably. Rides last approximately 45 minutes.

There is also a gift shop, a petting zoo with farm animals and other seasonal and special events.
 
Call for directions and farm details at 401-568-9996 or visit the web at www.chepachetfarms.com