TV Series To Feature State Park Equestrian Trails

Tom Harvey, 512-389-4453, tom.harvey@tpwd.texas.gov

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AUSTIN, Texas – Texas horses and riders will make a television appearance in July, in a new television series featuring several of Texas’ equestrian trails and facilities.

The Texas Horse Council, based in Houston, invited producers for Best of America By Horseback to ride at private ranches and other sites across the state, including Hill Country State Natural Area in Bandera, Big Bend Ranch State Park in Presidio, Parrie Haynes Ranch in Killeen, Cooper Lake State Park in Sulphur Springs, Isle du Bois Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park in Pilot Point and Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon. *

Producers say the show, which began filming in February, will air on both Dish TV Network and DirecTV. The weekly series will feature trail ride destinations from across America, as well as stabling locations and area attractions.

The Texas trails being filmed for the series offer diverse surroundings and amenities.

The Panhandle-area Palo Duro Canyon State Park is home to red, gold and lavender geologic formations, as well as an abundance of plants and wildlife.

Approximately 20 miles of trails run along the river’s edge and through the canyon land. There are primitive equestrian sites and four pens for stabling horses. The park’s Old West Stables provides guided horseback rides in the canyon and to the park’s world famous “Lighthouse” formation.

At the Isle du Bois Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park north of Dallas, there are more than 26 miles of sandy-surfaced trails through wildflower-covered prairies and scenic lake views. Fourteen overnight campsites are available, complete with picnic table, lantern hanger, fire ring with grill and hitching posts.

Lovers of more southern parts of Texas can find plenty of horse-back riding adventure in Hill Country State Natural Area west of San Antonio, where approximately 40 miles of multi-use trails wind up grassy valleys, cross spring-fed streams and climb limestone hills. Primitive and backcountry campsites are available to equestrian and non-equestrian campers.

The Parrie Haynes Ranch near Temple, managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, functions as a conference, environmental and equestrian center, particularly focusing on providing opportunities to the youth of Texas.

Big Bend Ranch State Park offers daily horseback rides at the Sauceda Ranch Headquarters with park staff guiding visitors through some of park’s canyon trails.

The Buggy Whip Equestrian Trail at Cooper Lake State Park covers more than 10 miles, with panoramic lake views and rides through forest shade.

For more information about horseback opportunities in state parks, call (800) 792-1112.

* Correction, April 11, 2005: The original version of this news release incorrectly referred to Best of America By Horseback as Best of American Horseback. (Return to corrected item.)

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