NEW PLYMOUTH HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Hilltops & Hollers: Navigating New Plymouth’s Steep Ridges and Secret Valleys on Horseback
A roughly 1.5‑hour horseback outing from Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary that pairs a short lesson with narrow, steep wooded trails and hidden vistas—essential for riders preparing for a weather‑dependent, terrain‑challenging ride.
Hilltops & Hollers: Navigating New Plymouth’s Steep Ridges and Secret Valleys on Horseback.
Adventure brief
Hilltops & Hollers: Navigating New Plymouth’s Steep Ridges and Secret Valleys on Horseback
Embark on an exhilarating horseback excursion that begins with a brief instructional lesson and moves into a landscape of wooded hillsides, hollers and deep‑woods vistas. Tailored for adventurous beginners and experienced riders alike, the route threads narrow trails and steep slopes through some of Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary’s most untamed and scenic terrain.
Experience the thrill of horseback riding with Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary’s Hilltops & Hollers adventure in New Plymouth, Ohio. Perfect for both beginners and experienced riders, this private outdoor trip starts with a mini riding lesson, ensuring everyone gains confidence and comfort before hitting the trails. You will traverse rolling hills and hidden forest paths, encountering breathtaking views and rugged terrain that highlight the natural beauty of Ohio’s countryside. The varied landscape offers a refreshing escape from everyday life, combining the calm of quiet woods with the exhilaration of panoramic hilltop vistas. Along the way, you'll connect deeply with your horse and the wild surroundings, enjoying moments of peaceful solitude and the occasional sighting of local wildlife. This experience offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and nature immersion, making it an unforgettable activity for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a genuine outdoor connection. Pumpkin Ridge’s commitment to animal care adds an extra layer of meaning, as you contribute to supporting the sanctuary while creating lasting memories.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
A typical outing progresses from instruction to a series of wooded ridges, hollers and forested stretches; below are the typical stops you’ll encounter.
Sanctuary Mounting & Mini Lesson
An introductory session to meet your horse and cover basics before leaving stable ground.
Tree‑Covered Hillsides
Narrow trails climb wooded slopes, offering framed views of ridgelines and the hollers between them.
Holler Crossings and Deep Woods
You’ll descend into hollers—small valleys often containing creeks—and thread through deeper, seldom‑seen forest sections, especially in summer.
Return and Dismount
The ride concludes back at the sanctuary after traversing the final wooded slopes and hollers.
Safety: the outing is not suitable for children under 10 and enforces a minimum weight of 60 lbs and an operator limit of about 200 lbs for these smaller horses; the ride is weather‑dependent and cannot operate in wet conditions because of steep, narrow terrain.
What the day feels like
What the Ride Feels Like
You meet the horse, run through a concise lesson, then move into a sequence of climbs and dips: the compact power of smaller mounts carrying you up tree‑lined ridges and down into secluded hollers. The pace and exact route vary with season and weather—summer trips push deeper into rugged forests—while the terrain’s steep, narrow character keeps the ride focused and decidedly outdoorsy.
THE LANDSCAPE
Wooded Hillsides and Hidden Vistas
The ride delivers repeated views of tree‑covered slopes and sudden hollows—small rising valleys between hills where creeks may run—creating a pattern of concealment and reveal as you move through the woods.
THE ROUTE
Mini Lesson, Then Rugged Riding
Each outing begins with an introductory lesson before riders head out onto narrow, steep trails to climb ridgelines and drop into hollers—terrain that makes the ride adaptable to conditions and season.
THE EQUINE TEAM
Smaller, Agile Horses for Untamed Terrain
Because the trail runs through often‑untamed sections, the operator uses smaller, more nimble horses suited to steep, narrow woods—a choice that informs participant weight limits and the ride’s overall feel.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ride works for — and who should sit this one out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The route is seasonal and weather dependent; summer outings spend more time in rugged, wooded sections, and the ride cannot run in wet conditions due to terrain.
Dress for narrow, steep, wooded trails and variable conditions—sturdy footwear and layers are implied by the terrain and seasonal changes.
Because much of the terrain is untamed and often narrow, the operator deploys smaller, agile horses suited to these sections; plan for a hands‑on riding experience rather than a flat, leisurely hack.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ride?
The outing includes a mini lesson plus riding and lasts about 1.5 hours in total.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes—this ride is suitable for adventurous beginners; it begins with an introductory lesson but soon moves into narrow, steep wooded terrain.
Are there age or weight restrictions?
Yes—this experience is not suitable for children under age 10; there is a minimum rider weight of 60 lbs and the smaller horses used have an approximate 200 lb maximum.
Can the ride operate in wet weather?
No—the ride is weather dependent and cannot go out in wet conditions because the terrain becomes unsafe.
What kind of terrain will we cover?
Expect narrow trails, steep hillsides, tree‑covered ridges, hollers (small valleys between hills), and deep woods vistas—summer trips typically put you deeper into forested sections.
What is a 'holler'?
A holler is a small rising valley between two hills, often containing a creek.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T12:58:32.599Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.