On Horseback
Without question, Lockwood Forest is one of the nicest places in this area to ride a horse. There are long flat trails in the woods, perfect for a quiet walk, a brisk trot or a relaxing canter. There are hills to help you and your horse get in shape. There are small cross-country jumps to enjoy when the ground is dry and safe. And there's a lovely sandy circle in the field to work on dressage. Something for everyone!
Best of all, thanks to a hardworking group of volunteers, who put in hours every year clearing brush, picking rocks, raking and repairing the jumps, the footing is excellent. (Considering the rocks and roots we face on most New England trails, that's a great reason to think about volunteering yourself or making a donation to BTA/BOLT.)
The Lockwood Forest is accessible from Middleton Road, across from the entrance to Bald Hill Reservation, or from Lockwood Lane. If you ride to Lockwood Lane via the trail that runs in back of Dana Road and by the Lockwood-Moore field, where the BTA Horse Show is held each July, stay in the field right next to the tree line and take the second trail opening to Lockwood Lane. (Walkers follow the trail along Fish Brook, but the dam site is too fragile for horses.) — Joyce Copland