When you think of Denton, its university-town atmosphere or live-music scene probably come to mind—not horses. Yet Denton is the center of “Horse Country, North Texas” and an international hub of horse breeding and training.

Attracted by mild winters and ideal soil conditions, horse breeders have flocked to North Texas since the 1970s. Today, Denton County is home to more than 300 ranches housing an estimated 25,000 horses.

Denton’s horsy side has been largely unknown outside the horse community—until now. Denton residents and visitors can now take the Horse Country Driving Tour to explore the world of Andalusians and Arabians, quarter horses and thoroughbreds, and halter horses and cutting horses.

The tour begins in Fort Worth, home of many horse associations and events and co-sponsor of the tour, then winds north through the Denton County countryside and ends at the town of Pilot Point, another co-sponsor. Visitors can either drive the route on their own or sign up for a guided bus tour.

The route passes barns and fields busy with breeding and training activities. Many ranches welcome visitors—check the signs at individual locations for more information. Unique sites along the way include Riding Unlimited, Inc., which offers therapeutic horseback riding for physically, mentally, and emotionally disabled individuals, and Chapel Creek Ranch, which breeds and trains Andalusians for jousting tournaments at Medieval Times Tournament restaurants.

To get your Horse Country map or to sign up for a guided tour, contact the Denton Convention & Visitor Bureau by phone, online, or in person and start exploring “Horse Country, North Texas.”

By Elizabeth Lunday