Saddle Up on 83 Private Acres: A Quiet, Family-Friendly Guided Ride at Wickham Ranch

Wickham Ranch Guided Trail Ride offers a one-hour private horseback ride across 83 acres at the end of Count Road 700 E, between the Indiana Pike State Forest and Patoka Nation Wildlife Refuge near Velpen, Indiana. Owners Greg and Shellie host small private groups—maximum five riders—on groomed trails that thread rolling pasture, oak-hickory woods, and patches of wetland where red-winged blackbirds call. The herd at Wickham Ranch is the trip’s heart: steady mounts chosen for temperament, with wranglers who tailor the horse to your experience. Beginner riders get hands-on instruction and gentle pacing; families with young children can book the double saddle option for ages four to seven, which secures a cushioned child seat to an adult saddle with stirrups and handles. Private rides mean you won’t be paired with strangers—perfect if you want a relaxed introduction to riding, a romantic hour on the trail, or a confident child’s first trot. The property’s geology is unglaciated upland: shallow sandstone and siltstone soils, low ridges and intermittent creek bottoms that yield big sky views and close-up look at region flora—native oak, hickory, and patches of sumac and milkweed that feed pollinators. Birdlife is abundant near seasonal wetlands; in early spring and late summer you’ll hear warblers and spot osprey over nearby reservoirs. Practical details make Wickham Ranch easy to fit into a day trip. Check-in is at Velpen (Wickham Ranch) Location — 7112 E Sunset Dr Velpen, IN 47590-9004. The operators place a premium on safety and horse welfare: trails are maintained for comfortable gaits, and rides are private so the horses aren’t pushed into large, noisy string rides. Greg and Shellie’s stated goals are simple: provide a relaxing, memorable ride and keep the herd happy doing the work they enjoy. Families, beginner riders, and travelers seeking a calm outdoor hour will find this experience especially appealing. The short, private format is suited to travelers based in Petersburg or Jasper who want to escape the highway and spend time outdoors without a major time commitment. If you’re combining this with visits to Indiana Pike State Forest or the Patoka Nation Wildlife Refuge, the ranch makes an accessible, scenic stop. Booking notes: rides are offered in Eastern Time; cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable but can be rescheduled. Maximum five riders per session keeps the experience intimate. Bring closed-toe shoes, a lightweight jacket, and a camera; the ranch’s golden light at late afternoon frames the horses and woodland edges beautifully. Reservations are recommended, especially weekends and holiday periods; calls or booking via the referral link handle small-group scheduling. The ranch welcomes riders seven and older (double-saddle for 4–7), and staff will match you with a mount that fits your comfort and confidence.