C'mon and ride with the Sierra Club! The Sierra Club Military Outdoors, the Sierra Club GA Chapter, The Vet Space, and Higher Ground invite all servicemembers, veterans, and military families to spend a day on horseback at FDR State Park in Pine Mountain, GA. Enjoy horseback riding, explore hiking trails, and meet some friendly horses. Our first group starts at 9:30-45 am on Saturday, April 25th, 2026.
We’re excited to offer three chances to go horseback riding with our friends at Roosevelt Stables in FDR State Park on this day. Each group can have up to ten people, so spots are limited. Sign up soon, and if the event fills up, you can join our waitlist. Roosevelt Stables will provide all the gear you need for the ride, like saddles and helmets. They also have adaptive options for anyone with mobility challenges, disabilities, or recent injuries. If you need special accommodations, please get in touch with the outings leader, Lornett B. Vestal, before the event. Everyone is welcome to register, regardless of ability level or horse riding experience.
The outing leader suggests wearing closed-toe shoes or low-heeled boots for horse riding. Sneakers or hiking boots are also good choices if they support your ankles and have a small heel. For pants, choose something stretchy and comfortable so you can move easily. Fitted jeans work too, as long as they don’t bunch up under your knees. It’s a good idea to dress in layers, especially if the weather might change. Start with a fitted T-shirt or tank top, then add a light jacket or sweater. If you have gardening gloves or any lightweight gloves, bring them along to help you grip the reins and avoid blisters.
Guests will need to pay the $5 Georgia State Park fee, and folks are encouraged to bring cash to tip their guides for the day, since the stable guides are all volunteers. Please get in touch with the event outings leader if you need to discuss this state park fee or anything else.
At 9:30 am - The Creek Trail - up to 10 people
The Creek Trail meanders alongside the creek under a wooded canopy. As this ride is calm and relaxing, it is a great choice for first-time riders or families with small children. This ride lasts about 45 minutes. - This is for ages 6 years old and up (Families with children are encouraged to sign up for this one)
At 11:00 am - Mountain Overlook Trail - up to 10 people
Our most popular ride! Come ride along the creek and then up to the top of the mountain along the switchbacks. Enjoy the view from the Overlook, which faces Pine Mountain Valley and Lake Franklin. Spectacular views! This scenic ride takes almost 2 hours. (ages 14 and up)
At 1:00 pm - Cowboy Trail
This trail will make you feel like a real cowboy! You will explore every aspect of our trails from the mountain overlook to the creek bottom. This ride takes roughly 3 - 3.5 hours. Suggested for the more adventurous rider. (ages 14 and up)
We’ll be providing a nice breakfast in the morning, and for those who want to hang out at the park and wait for those on the Cowboy Trail, we’ll be grabbing an earlier dinner with our guests and participants. We’ll offer scenic hikes for those who want to stick around. Also, for those in the first group with little kids, it will be an opportunity for the kids to meet and greet our four-legged friends.
This event is made possible by our good friends at the PenFed Foundation. The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes empowers Veterans through strategic partnerships that support entrepreneurship, wellness, and community impact. They collaborate with organizations to help Veterans thrive personally and professionally.
Higher Ground helps bridge the gap between disability and belonging, using therapeutic recreation to build independence and empowerment.
The Vet Space focuses on creating joyful, nature-based experiences that are specifically designed for women veterans, offering safe, inclusive spaces where they can connect, heal, and thrive.
Cost: The event is free to all who attend. All attendees must register to join us.
Bring: See what to bring that's outlined in the event description