DAY TRIPPING Experience Fall Foliage in a New Way: On Horseback

Day trips and fall foliage go hand in hand, but if you are looking to change it up a little bit and do something more adventurous, give horseback riding tours a try. &emsp;&emsp;With a day trip to enjoy a scenic horseback ride, you will find yourself getting a first glimpse of the fall foliage on your drive there, and then YOU will really be able to take in the autumn sights, sounds and smells while you get outside on horseback. It is a unique way to experience the season. &emsp;&emsp;Horseback riding can be a positive and enriching experience for all, and many horseback riding tours require no experience. Riders are fitted and adjusted to the horses, shown how to steer, and led by professionals who will help them along the way. &emsp;&emsp;Below are some stables that offer horseback riding tours in Vermont and New Hampshire. Many also offer rides in other seasons, so don't feel limited to autumn riding. NEW HAMPSHIRE Franconia Notch Stables offers horseback trail rides just north of Franconia Notch with amazing foliage views of Mount Lafayette, Cannon Mountain and the Kinsman Rindge. No hiking involved; views are right from the saddle of the horse. Tours are one hour long and beginner-friendly. Riders must be at least 10 years old. Four people maximum per tour. The weight capacity for each horse is 210 pounds. Franconia Notch Stables are located at The Franconia Inn, 1172 Easton Road, Franconia. For more information or to make a reservation, call 603-823-5542 at franconianotchstables.com. Lucky 7 Stables in Londonderry has many beginner-friendly, mild-mannered horses available for guided trail riding in Southern New Hampshire. They offer five-mile scenic guided horseback trail rides. No experience is necessary. Riders must be eight and older, with parent or guardian authorization for all riders under 18. Lucky 7 Stables is located at 154 Litchfield Road, Londonderry. For more information or reservations, call 603-431-3076, info@lucky7stables.com, or lucky7stables.com. If horseback riding sounds like it might be too challenging, check out Silver Ranch Stables in Jaffrey. They offer sleighs and hayrides year-round. Enjoy a two-and-a-half-mile ride through the woods, perfect for large groups. Rides generally last 45 minutes to an hour. Silver Ranch Stables is located at 183 Turnpike Road, Jaffrey. For more information or to make a reservation, 603-532-7363; silverranchstables.com. VERMONT Lajoie Stables in Jeffersonville offers year-round horseback trail rides. The stables are nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains. Follow their hand-cut trails through woods and a Christmas tree grove, take in the mountain views of Mount Mansfield and Smugglers' Notch and cross over the Black Creek. You may even get a chance to see some wildlife along the way. No experience is necessary. Lajoie Stables is located at 984 Pollander Road, Jeffersonville. For more information or to make a reservation, call 802-644-5347 or visit lajoiestables.com. Mount Mansfield Equestrian Center in Stowe offers trail rides on horseback through the beautiful town of Stowe. Ride horses over a covered bridge, across the brook, through the woods and meadow and enjoy and take in the colorful view of Mount Mansfield. Their rides take approximately one hour and are available for ages six and older. Mount Mansfield Equestrian Center is located at 4081 Mountain Road, Stowe. For more information or to make a reservation, contact 802-798-9769 or mountmansfieldec@gmail.com or visit mountmansfieldequestriancenter.com.