For roughly five years, the barn at Cedars of Lebanon State Park sat empty. The stalls were silent, the riding paths stood overgrown, and a long-standing tradition of guided horse trail rides had quietly vanished from Middle Tennessee.
When the state opened the bidding process to bring an equestrian operation back to the park in 2023, the goal was simple — fill the void with an approachable, reliable stable that welcomed anyone, regardless of riding experience.
What started as an idea for a modest 14-horse outpost has quickly grown into a full-scale operation caring for 25 horses, supported by a dedicated staff and volunteer crew who have revitalized one of the region’s most distinctive outdoor experiences.
A QUIET FIRST STEP
At Cedars of Lebanon Stables, the focus is never on advanced horsemanship or fast-paced riding. It is built entirely around comfort and accessibility. The stable’s daily schedule features 45-minute family excursions, 90-minute scenic rides, and private evening outings — all strictly walking trail rides designed to put cautious, first-time riders at ease.
“Our rides are very basic beginner rides — no running, all walking,” said owner Eric Beene, who brought over a decade of stable management experience to the park. “That’s what we cater to, and that’s what we want people to know.”
The workday starts at 7:30 a.m. for the guides and volunteers, who round up the herd, feed and groom each horse, and check every piece of tack before guests arrive. The team’s primary mission is to create an environment where nervousness turns into confidence the moment a rider steps into the saddle.
GENTLE MOUNTS WITH A SECOND PURPOSE
The foundation of any beginner-friendly stable is the herd itself, and finding horses patient enough for first-time riders requires a careful, unconventional approach.
Rather than sourcing horses from commercial livestock auctions, the stable has developed a partnership that gives retired service horses from state correctional programs in Arkansas and Texas a meaningful second chapter.
Purchased around age 16 after years of calm, steady service in agricultural fields, these horses arrive with the exact temperament needed for first-time riders.
“Just because an experienced person can ride a horse doesn’t mean a beginner can ride it,” Beene explained. “These horses need to be babysitters. The ones coming from the prison systems are ready instantly, and they make wonderful kid horses.”
To protect that trust, every horse is ridden 50 times by guides to evaluate its personality before ever carrying a paying guest. This safety standard has earned the stables recognition as one of the safest trail operations in the country.
MEETING MIDDLE TENNESSEE’S DEMAND
The park’s rare cedar glades and shallow limestone terrain create a trail environment found nowhere else in the country, and the community response to the stable’s return has been swift.
In its first year back, the stable guided 1,500 riders through the park. That number jumped to 5,000 the following year, and the barn is currently on pace to welcome between 7,000 and 8,000 guests this season alone.
While local families and youth summer camps make up a cherished core of riders, the trails have also become a major draw for regional tourists — including weekend road-trippers and bachelorette groups fresh off Broadway, exploring outside Nashville.
With more than 1,400 five-star reviews, the excitement coming off the trails proves that reopening the barn doors was just what the park needed.
“Just seeing people and their fascination with the horses makes you proud,” Beene said. “They’re so happy to have had this experience.” GN
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
The Stables at Cedars of Lebanon offers guided walking trail rides through Cedars of Lebanon State Park, with 45-minute and 90-minute options, plus pony rides, private rides, and a beginner horse camp for kids. Weekend time slots, especially the 45-minute trail ride, sell out regularly, so riders are encouraged to reserve online in advance at ridecedars.com rather than plan to walk up.
WHAT TO WEAR
Closed-toe shoes and long pants are required for every rider. Helmets are provided on-site at no extra charge, so there’s no need to bring your own.
WHO CAN RIDE
Each ride is matched to an age range and rider weight to keep things safe and comfortable. The 10-minute pony ride welcomes riders ages 4 and up; the 45-minute trail ride and 1.5-hour private ride are open to riders ages 7 and up; the 1.5-hour trail ride is for riders ages 13 and older; and the beginner horse camp is for kids ages 7 to 15. All rides have a 240-pound weight limit.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Rides move at a walking pace and are led by an instructor for the entire ride, making them a good fit for both first-time and experienced riders. Shorter rides and pony rides stay close to the stable, while the longer trail rides move deeper into the park.
